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Kinoshita K, Motomura K, Ushida K, Hirata Y, Konno A, Hirai H, Kotani S, Hitora-Imamura N, Kurauchi Y, Seki T, Katsuki H. Nurr1 overexpression in the primary motor cortex alleviates motor dysfunction induced by intracerebral hemorrhage in the striatum in mice. Neurotherapeutics 2024:e00370. [PMID: 38704311 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00370] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Hemorrhage-induced injury of the corticospinal tract (CST) in the internal capsule (IC) causes severe neurological dysfunction in both human patients and rodent models of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). A nuclear receptor Nurr1 (NR4A2) is known to exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in several neurological disorders. Previously we showed that Nurr1 ligands prevented CST injury and alleviated neurological deficits after ICH in mice. To prove direct effect of Nurr1 on CST integrity, we examined the effect of Nurr1 overexpression in neurons of the primary motor cortex on pathological consequences of ICH in mice. ICH was induced by intrastriatal injection of collagenase type VII, where hematoma invaded into IC. Neuron-specific overexpression of Nurr1 was induced by microinjection of synapsin I promoter-driven adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector into the primary motor cortex. Nurr1 overexpression significantly alleviated motor dysfunction but showed only modest effect on sensorimotor dysfunction after ICH. Nurr1 overexpression also preserved axonal structures in IC, while having no effect on hematoma-associated inflammatory events, oxidative stress, and neuronal death in the striatum after ICH. Immunostaining revealed that Nurr1 overexpression increased the expression of Ret tyrosine kinase and phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2 in neurons in the motor cortex. Moreover, administration of Nurr1 ligands 1,1-bis(3'-indolyl)-1-(p-chlorophenyl)methane or amodiaquine increased phosphorylation levels of Akt and ERK1/2 as well as expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and Ret genes in the cerebral cortex. These results suggest that the therapeutic effect of Nurr1 on striatal ICH is attributable to the preservation of CST by acting on cortical neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Kinoshita
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kensuke Motomura
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ushida
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuma Hirata
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ayumu Konno
- Department of Neurophysiology & Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology & Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Kotani
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Natsuko Hitora-Imamura
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Kurauchi
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takahiro Seki
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Himeji Dokkyo University, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Katsuki
- Department of Chemico-Pharmacological Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Pharmacy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
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Childs JE, Morabito S, Das S, Santelli C, Pham V, Kusche K, Vera VA, Reese F, Campbell RR, Matheos DP, Swarup V, Wood MA. Relapse to cocaine seeking is regulated by medial habenula NR4A2/ NURR1 in mice. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113956. [PMID: 38489267 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113956] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Drugs of abuse can persistently change the reward circuit in ways that contribute to relapse behavior, partly via mechanisms that regulate chromatin structure and function. Nuclear orphan receptor subfamily4 groupA member2 (NR4A2, also known as NURR1) is an important effector of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3)-dependent mechanisms in persistent memory processes and is highly expressed in the medial habenula (MHb), a region that regulates nicotine-associated behaviors. Here, expressing the Nr4a2 dominant negative (Nurr2c) in the MHb blocks reinstatement of cocaine seeking in mice. We use single-nucleus transcriptomics to characterize the molecular cascade following Nr4a2 manipulation, revealing changes in transcriptional networks related to addiction, neuroplasticity, and GABAergic and glutamatergic signaling. The network controlled by NR4A2 is characterized using a transcription factor regulatory network inference algorithm. These results identify the MHb as a pivotal regulator of relapse behavior and demonstrate the importance of NR4A2 as a key mechanism driving the MHb component of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Childs
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Samuel Morabito
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (MIND), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Mathematical, Computational, and Systems Biology (MCSB) Program, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Sudeshna Das
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (MIND), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Caterina Santelli
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Victoria Pham
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Kelly Kusche
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Vanessa Alizo Vera
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Fairlie Reese
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Rianne R Campbell
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Dina P Matheos
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Vivek Swarup
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (MIND), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| | - Marcelo A Wood
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (MIND), University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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Shaker T, Dagpa GJ, Cattaud V, Marriott BA, Sultan M, Almokdad M, Jackson J. A simple and reliable method for claustrum localization across age in mice. Mol Brain 2024; 17:10. [PMID: 38368400 PMCID: PMC10874566 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01082-w] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The anatomical organization of the rodent claustrum remains obscure due to lack of clear borders that distinguish it from neighboring forebrain structures. Defining what constitutes the claustrum is imperative for elucidating its functions. Methods based on gene/protein expression or transgenic mice have been used to spatially outline the claustrum but often report incomplete labeling and/or lack of specificity during certain neurodevelopmental timepoints. To reliably identify claustrum projection cells in mice, we propose a simple immunolabelling method that juxtaposes the expression pattern of claustrum-enriched and cortical-enriched markers. We determined that claustrum cells immunoreactive for the claustrum-enriched markers Nurr1 and Nr2f2 are devoid of the cortical marker Tle4, which allowed us to differentiate the claustrum from adjoining cortical cells. Using retrograde tracing, we verified that nearly all claustrum projection neurons lack Tle4 but expressed Nurr1/Nr2f2 markers to different degrees. At neonatal stages between 7 and 21 days, claustrum projection neurons were identified by their Nurr1-postive/Tle4-negative expression profile, a time-period when other immunolabelling techniques used to localize the claustrum in adult mice are ineffective. Finally, exposure to environmental novelty enhanced the expression of the neuronal activation marker c-Fos in the claustrum region. Notably, c-Fos labeling was mainly restricted to Nurr1-positive cells and nearly absent from Tle4-positive cells, thus corroborating previous work reporting novelty-induced claustrum activation. Taken together, this method will aid in studying the claustrum during postnatal development and may improve histological and functional studies where other approaches are not amenable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Shaker
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, 7-22 Medical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Gwyneth J Dagpa
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, 7-22 Medical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Vanessa Cattaud
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, 7-22 Medical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Brian A Marriott
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mariam Sultan
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, 7-22 Medical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Mohammed Almokdad
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jesse Jackson
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, 7-22 Medical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada.
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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Gamit N, Dharmarajan A, Sethi G, Warrier S. Want of Wnt in Parkinson's disease: Could sFRP disrupt interplay between Nurr1 and Wnt signaling? Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115566. [PMID: 37088155 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor related 1 (Nurr1) is a transcription factor known to regulate the development and maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons. Reports have confirmed that defect or obliteration of Nurr1 results in neurodegeneration and motor function impairment leading to Parkinson's disease (PD). Studies have also indicated that Nurr1 regulates the expression of alpha-synuclein (α-SYN) and mutations in Nurr1 cause α-SYN overexpression, thereby increasing the risk of PD. Nurr1 is modulated via various pathways including Wnt signaling pathway which is known to play an important role in neurogenesis and deregulation of it contributes to PD pathogenesis. Both Wnt/β-catenin dependent and independent pathways are implicated in the activation of Nurr1 and subsequent downregulation of α-SYN. This review highlights the interaction between Nurr1 and Wnt signaling pathways in mDA neuronal development. We further hypothesize how modulation of Wnt signaling pathway by its antagonist, secreted frizzled related proteins (sFRPs) could be a potential route to treat PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naisarg Gamit
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore 560 065, India
| | - Arun Dharmarajan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600 116, India; School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia; Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia; School of Human Sciences, Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore 117 600, Singapore
| | - Sudha Warrier
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore 560 065, India; Cuor Stem Cellutions Pvt Ltd, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore 560 065, India.
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Zhao M, Wang N, Guo Y, Li J, Yin Y, Dong Y, Zhu J, Peng C, Xu T, Liu J. Integrative analysis reveals structural basis for transcription activation of Nurr1 and Nurr1-RXRα heterodimer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2206737119. [PMID: 36442107 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206737119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 plays important roles in the progression of various diseases, including Parkinson's disease, neuroinflammation, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. It can recognize DNA as a monomer or heterodimer with retinoid X receptor α (RXRα). But the molecular mechanism of its transcriptional activity regulation is still largely unknown. Here we obtained a crystal structure of monomer Nurr1 (DNA- and ligand-binding domains, DBD and LBD) bound to NGFI-B response element. The structure exhibited two different forms with distinct DBD orientations, unveiling the conformational flexibility of nuclear receptor monomer. We then generated an integrative model of Nurr1-RXRα heterodimer. In the context of heterodimer, the structural flexibility of Nurr1 would contribute to its transcriptional activity modulation. We demonstrated that the DNA sequence may specifically modulate the transcriptional activity of Nurr1 in the absence of RXRα agonist, but the modulation can be superseded when the agonist binds to RXRα. Together, we propose a set of signaling pathways for the constitutive transcriptional activation of Nurr1 and provide molecular mechanisms for therapeutic discovery targeting Nurr1 and Nurr1-RXRα heterodimer.
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Su J, Yang P, Xing M, Chen B, Xie X, Ding J, Lu M, Liu Y, Guo Y, Hu G. Neuroprotective effects of a lead compound from coral via modulation of the orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 29:893-906. [PMID: 36419251 PMCID: PMC9928544 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To screen coral-derived compounds with neuroprotective activity and clarify the potential mechanism of lead compounds. METHODS The lead compounds with neuroprotective effects were screened by H2 O2 and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPP+ )-induced cell damage models in SH-SY5Y cells. CCK8 and LDH assays were used to detect cell viability. The anti-apoptosis of lead compounds was evaluated by flow cytometry. JC-1 and MitoSox assays were performed to examine the changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial ROS level. Survival of primary cortical and dopaminergic midbrain neurons was measured by MAP2 and TH immunoreactivities. The Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model was established to determine the effect of lead compounds on dopaminergic neurons and behavior changes. RESULTS Three compounds (No. 63, 68, and 74), derived from marine corals, could markedly alleviate the cell damage and notably reverse the loss of worm dopaminergic neurons. Further investigation indicated that compound 63 could promote the expression of Nurr1 and inhibit neuronal apoptosis signaling pathways. CONCLUSION Lead compounds from marine corals exerted significant neuroprotective effects, which indicated that coral might be a new and potential resource for screening and isolating novel natural compounds with neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, this study also provided a new strategy for the clinical treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian‐Wei Su
- Department of PharmacologySchool of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Pei Yang
- Department of PharmacologySchool of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Mei‐Mei Xing
- Department of PharmacologySchool of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Bao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug ResearchShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Xia‐Hong Xie
- Department of PharmacologySchool of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Jian‐Hua Ding
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of PharmacologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Ming Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of PharmacologyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of PharmacologySchool of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Yue‐Wei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Drug ResearchShanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Gang Hu
- Department of PharmacologySchool of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingJiangsuChina
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Han QW, Shao QH, Wang XT, Ma KL, Chen NH, Yuan YH. CB2 receptor activation inhibits the phagocytic function of microglia through activating ERK/AKT- Nurr1 signal pathways. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2253-2266. [PMID: 35132190 PMCID: PMC9433450 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00853-8] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is closely related to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Activation of microglia, the resident immune cells in CNS, induces inflammatory responses, resulting in the release of neurotoxic molecules, which favors neuronal death and neurodegeneration. Nuclear receptor-related 1 (Nurr1) protein, one of the orphan nuclear receptor superfamilies, is an emerging target for neuroprotective therapy. In addition, the anti-inflammatory function of cannabinoid (CB) receptors has attracted increasing interest. As both CB receptors (especially CB2 receptor) and Nurr1 exist in microglia, and regulate a number of same molecular points such as NF-κB, we herein explored the interplay between the CB2 receptor and Nurr1 as well as the regulatory mechanisms in microglial cells. We showed that the application of CB2 receptor agonists JWH015 (1, 10 μM) significantly increased the nuclear Nurr1 protein in BV-2 cells and primary midbrain microglia. Overexpression of Nurr1 or application of Nurr1 agonist C-DIM12 (10 μM) significantly increased the mRNA level of CB2 receptor in BV-2 cells, suggesting that positive expression feedback existing between the CB2 receptor and Nurr1. After 2-AG and JWH015 activated the CB2 receptors, the levels of p-ERK, p-AKT, p-GSK-3β in BV-2 cells were significantly increased. Using ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 and PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002, we revealed that the amount of Nurr1 in the nucleus was upregulated through β-arrestin2/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathways. With these inhibitors, we found a cross-talk interaction between the two pathways, and the ERK1/2 signaling pathway played a more dominant regulatory role. Furthermore, we demonstrated that when the CB2 receptor was activated, the phagocytic function of BV-2 cells was significantly weakened; the activation of Nurr1 also inhibited the phagocytic function of BV-2 cells. Pretreatment with the signaling pathway inhibitors, especially U0126, reversed the inhibitory effect of 2-AG on phagocytosis, suggesting that CB2 receptor may regulate the phagocytic function of microglia by activating Nurr1. In conclusion, CB2 receptor or/and Nurr1-mediated signal pathways play instrumental roles in the progress of phagocytosis, which are expected to open up new treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Wen Han
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Qian-Hang Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xiao-Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Kai-Li Ma
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Yu-He Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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8
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Rajan S, Toh HT, Ye H, Wang Z, Basil AH, Parnaik T, Yoo JY, Lim KL, Yoon HS. Prostaglandin A2 Interacts with Nurr1 and Ameliorates Behavioral Deficits in Parkinson's Disease Fly Model. Neuromolecular Med 2022. [PMID: 35482177 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-022-08712-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 is critical for the development, maintenance, and protection of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Recently, we demonstrated that prostaglandins E1 (PGE1) and PGA1 directly bind to the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of Nurr1 and stimulate its transcriptional activation function. In this direction, here we report the transcriptional activation of Nurr1 by PGA2, a dehydrated metabolite of PGE2, through physical binding ably supported by NMR titration and crystal structure. The co-crystal structure of Nurr1-LBD bound to PGA2 revealed the covalent coupling of PGA2 with Nurr1-LBD through Cys566. PGA2 binding also induces a 21° shift of the activation function 2 (AF-2) helix H12 away from the protein core, similar to that observed in the Nurr1-LBD-PGA1 complex. We also show that PGA2 can rescue the locomotor deficits and neuronal degeneration in LRRK2 G2019S transgenic fly models.
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Abdollahzadeh R, Azarnezhad A, Paknahad S, Mansoori Y, Pirhoushiaran M, Kanaani K, Bafandeh N, Jafari D, Tavakkoly-Bazzaz J. A Proposed TUSC7/miR-211/ Nurr1 ceRNET Might Potentially be Disturbed by a cer-SNP rs2615499 in Breast Cancer. Biochem Genet 2022; 60:2200-2225. [PMID: 35296964 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-022-10216-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Evidence and in silico analyses showed that TUSC7, miR-211, and Nurr1 may be involved in BC pathogenesis by ceRNET signaling axis. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of TUSC7/miR-211/Nurr1 ceRNET and rs2615499 variant as a novel cer-SNP in BC subjects. The expression assays were conducted by qPCR on tumor tissues (n = 50), tumor-adjacent normal tissues (TANTs) (n = 50), and clinically healthy control tissues (n = 50). The expression of TUSC7 and Nurr1 significantly decreased, but the level of miR-211 significantly increased in tumor tissues compared to TANTs and healthy normal tissues. Altered expression of TUSC7 and miR-211 was associated with poor prognosis of patients. The Nurr1 exhibited a double-edged sword-like activity in BC. In addition, TUSC7, Nurr1, and miR-211 expressions were significantly related to a novel BC-associated rs2615499 (A > C) located in the miR-211 binding site on Nurr1 3'-UTR. In the second part of the study, a case-control study was performed on BC patients (n = 100) and matched healthy controls (n = 100). The genomic DNA was isolated and genotyping was performed using Tetra-Primer ARMS PCR. The CC and AC genotypes were associated with higher expression levels of Nurr1 and worse outcomes of the disease. Our findings revealed that TUSC7 functions as a tumor suppressor in BC potentially via miR-211/Nurr1, which might be disturbed by the cer-SNP rs2615499. However, functional studies are needed to validate these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Abdollahzadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Asaad Azarnezhad
- Liver and Digestive Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Sahereh Paknahad
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yaser Mansoori
- Department of Medical Genetics, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Maryam Pirhoushiaran
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khaled Kanaani
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Kowsar Hospital, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Neda Bafandeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Jafari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Tavakkoly-Bazzaz
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Kim J, Park I, Jang S, Choi M, Kim D, Sun W, Choe Y, Choi JW, Moon C, Park SH, Choe HK, Kim K. Pharmacological Rescue with SR8278, a Circadian Nuclear Receptor REV-ERBα Antagonist as a Therapy for Mood Disorders in Parkinson's Disease. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:592-607. [PMID: 35322351 PMCID: PMC9226214 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01215-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive dopaminergic neuronal loss. Motor deficits experienced by patients with Parkinson's disease are well documented, but non-motor symptoms, including mood disorders associated with circadian disturbances, are also frequent features. One common phenomenon is "sundowning syndrome," which is characterized by the occurrence of neuropsychiatric symptoms at a specific time (dusk), causing severe quality of life challenges. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of sundowning syndrome in Parkinson's disease and their molecular links with the circadian clock. We demonstrated that 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned mice, as Parkinson's disease mouse model, exhibit increased depression- and anxiety-like behaviors only at dawn (the equivalent of dusk in human). Administration of REV-ERBα antagonist, SR8278, exerted antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in a circadian time-dependent manner in 6-OHDA-lesioned mice and restored the circadian rhythm of mood-related behaviors. 6-OHDA-lesion altered DAergic-specific Rev-erbα and Nurr1 transcription, and atypical binding activities of REV-ERBα and NURR1, which are upstream nuclear receptors for the discrete tyrosine hydroxylase promoter region. SR8278 treatment restored the binding activities of REV-ERBα and NURR1 to the tyrosine hydroxylase promoter and the induction of enrichment of the R/N motif, recognized by REV-ERBα and NURR1, as revealed by ATAC-sequencing; therefore, tyrosine hydroxylase expression was elevated in the ventral tegmental area of 6-OHDA-injected mice, especially at dawn. These results indicate that REV-ERBα is a potential therapeutic target, and its antagonist, SR8278, is a potential drug for mood disorders related to circadian disturbances, namely sundowning syndrome, in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongah Kim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Inah Park
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
| | - Sangwon Jang
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
| | - Mijung Choi
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
| | - Doyeon Kim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Woong Sun
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Ji-Woong Choi
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, DGIST, Daegu, Korea
| | - Cheil Moon
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
- Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction, DGIST, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sung Ho Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Korea
| | - Han Kyoung Choe
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
| | - Kyungjin Kim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea.
- Convergence Research Advanced Centre for Olfaction, DGIST, Daegu, Korea.
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11
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Sadeghi-Zadeh M, Homayouni Moghadam F, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Ferulic Acid Induces NURR1 Expression and Promotes Dopaminergic Differentiation in Neural Precursor Cells. Int J Mol Cell Med 2022; 11:78-87. [PMID: 36397809 PMCID: PMC9653552 DOI: 10.22088/ijmcm.bums.11.1.78] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra is known as the main cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). Preventing the loss of DA neurons alongside the cell-replacement therapy have brought tremendous hope for the treatment of PD. For this purpose, various studies have been done to find the specific DA neuro-protective compounds or progressing DA-differentiation methods. Ferulic acid (FA) has strong neuro-protective effects, but at this point its role on protection and differentiation of DA neurons is not well-defined. Mouse neural stem cells (mNSCs) were treated with FA and expressions of TH (tyrosine hydroxylase) and NURR1 as the DA neuron specific markers were determined using real time qRT-PCR and immunostaining assays . Finally, efficacy of FA on DA differentiation was evaluated in comparison with other methods using fibroblast growth factor 8b (FGF8b) and sonic hedgehog (SHH). Treatment with FA could increase the Th and Nurr1 gene expressions in mNSCs. Also, it enhanced β - tubullin - III expression and increased the neurite length in treated groups. Real time qRT-PCR and immunostaining assays showed that FA could increase DA differentiation in mNSCs effectively. Also, gene expression profile in some groups showed that FA can raise the differentiation rate of other neuronal subtypes such as cholinergic neurons. FA effectively induces the DA differentiation in neural precursor cells by its ability to increase the expression of the NURR1 transcription factor, which is a known transcription factor for differentiation of midbrain DA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Sadeghi-Zadeh
- Department of Biology, ACECR Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Farshad Homayouni Moghadam
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Corresponding Author: Farshad Homayouni Moghadam Address: Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran. E-mail:
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
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12
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Ramachandra VH, Sivanesan S, Koppal A, Anandakumar S, Howell MD, Sukumar E, Vijayaraghavan R. Embelin and levodopa combination therapy for improved Parkinson's disease treatment. Transl Neurosci 2022; 13:145-162. [PMID: 35855085 PMCID: PMC9245559 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0224] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, affects dopaminergic neurons. Oxidative stress and gut damage play critical roles in PD pathogenesis. Inhibition of oxidative stress and gut damage can prevent neuronal death and delay PD progression. The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of embelin or the combination with levodopa (LD) in a rotenone-induced PD mouse model. At the end of experimentation, the mice were sacrificed and the midbrain was used to evaluate various biochemical parameters, such as nitric oxide, peroxynitrite, urea, and lipid peroxidation. In the substantia nigra (midbrain), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression was examined by immunohistochemistry, and Nurr1 expression was evaluated by western blotting. Gut histopathology was evaluated on tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin. In silico molecular docking studies of embelin and α-synuclein (α-syn) fibrils were also performed. Embelin alone or in combination with LD ameliorated oxidative stress and gut damage. TH and Nurr1 protein levels were also significantly restored. Docking studies confirmed the affinity of embelin toward α-syn. Taken together, embelin could be a promising drug for the treatment of PD, especially when combined with LD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vagdevi Hangarakatte Ramachandra
- Department of Research and Development, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 602105, Tamilnadu, India.,Department of Pharmacology, Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Shivamogga 577222, Karnataka, India
| | - Senthilkumar Sivanesan
- Department of Research and Development, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 602105, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Anand Koppal
- Department of Research and Development, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 602105, Tamilnadu, India.,Department of Pharmacology, Subbaiah Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Shivamogga 577222, Karnataka, India
| | - Shanmugam Anandakumar
- Department of Phytoinformatics, Yukai Care Solutions LLP, Chennai 600011, Tamilnadu, India.,Department of Research and Development, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 602105, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Matthew D Howell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, United States of America
| | - Ethirajan Sukumar
- Department of Research and Development, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 602105, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Rajagopalan Vijayaraghavan
- Department of Research and Development, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 602105, Tamilnadu, India
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13
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Fang C, Wang H, Naumann RK. Developmental Patterning and Neurogenetic Gradients of Nurr1 Positive Neurons in the Rat Claustrum and Lateral Cortex. Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:786329. [PMID: 34924965 PMCID: PMC8675902 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.786329] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The claustrum is an enigmatic brain structure thought to be important for conscious sensations. Recent studies have focused on gene expression patterns, connectivity, and function of the claustrum, but relatively little is known about its development. Interestingly, claustrum-enriched genes, including the previously identified marker Nurr1, are not only expressed in the classical claustrum complex, but also embedded within lateral neocortical regions in rodents. Recent studies suggest that Nurr1 positive neurons in the lateral cortex share a highly conserved genetic expression pattern with claustrum neurons. Thus, we focus on the developmental progression and birth dating pattern of the claustrum and Nurr1 positive neurons in the lateral cortex. We comprehensively investigate the expression of Nurr1 at various stages of development in the rat and find that Nurr1 expression first appears as an elongated line along the anterior-posterior axis on embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5) and then gradually differentiates into multiple sub-regions during prenatal development. Previous birth dating studies of the claustrum have led to conflicting results, therefore, we combine 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) labeling with in situ hybridization for Nurr1 to study birth dating patterns. We find that most dorsal endopiriform (DEn) neurons are born on E13.5 to E14.5. Ventral claustrum (vCL) and dorsal claustrum (dCL) are mainly born on E14.5 to E15.5. Nurr1 positive cortical deep layer neurons (dLn) and superficial layer neurons (sLn) are mainly born on E14.5 to E15.5 and E15.5 to E17.5, respectively. Finally, we identify ventral to dorsal and posterior to anterior neurogenetic gradients within vCL and DEn. Thus, our findings suggest that claustrum and Nurr1 positive neurons in the lateral cortex are born sequentially over several days of embryonic development and contribute toward charting the complex developmental pattern of the claustrum in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert Konrad Naumann
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
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14
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Ruiz-Sánchez E, López-Ramírez AM, Ruiz-Chow Á, Calvillo M, Reséndiz-Albor AA, Anguiano B, Rojas P. Variability in Behavioral Phenotypes after Forced Swimming-Induced Stress in Rats Is Associated with Expression of the Glucocorticoid Receptor, Nurr1, and IL-1β in the Hippocampus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12700. [PMID: 34884503 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual differences in coping with stress may determine either a vulnerable or resilient phenotype. Therefore, it is important to better understand the biology underlying the behavioral phenotype. We assessed whether individual behavioral phenotype to acute stress is related with the hippocampal expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), Nurr1, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Wistar male rats were exposed to forced swimming for 15 min and sacrificed at different times. Behavioral response was analyzed, and it was compared with the gene and protein expression of GR, Nurr1, IL-1β and BDNF in the hippocampus for each time point. Behavioral phenotyping showed a group with high immobility (vulnerable) while another had low immobility (resilient). No significant differences were found in the Nurr1, IL-1β and BDNF mRNA levels between resilient and vulnerable rats at different recovery times except for Nr3c1 (gene for GR). However, exposure to stress caused significantly higher levels of GR, Nurr1 and IL-1β proteins of vulnerable compared to resilient rats. This variability of behavioral phenotypes is associated with a differential molecular response to stress that involves GR, Nurr1, and IL-1β as mediators in coping with stress. This contributes to identifying biomarkers of susceptibility to stress.
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15
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Wang Y, Li C, Zhang Y, Zha X, Zhang H, Hu Z, Wu C. Aberrant mTOR/autophagy/ Nurr1 signaling is critical for TSC-associated tumor development. Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 99:570-577. [PMID: 34463540 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2021-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), an inherited neurocutaneous disease, is caused by mutations in either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene. This genetic disorder is characterized by the growth of benign tumors in the brain, kidneys, and other organs. As a member of the orphan nuclear receptor family, nuclear receptor related 1 (Nurr1) plays a vital role in some neuropathological diseases and several types of benign or malignant tumors. Here, we explored the potential regulatory role of TSC1/2 signaling in Nurr1 and the effect of Nurr1 in TSC-related tumors. We found that Nurr1 expression was drastically decreased by the disruption of the TSC1/2 complex in Tsc2-null cells, genetically modified mouse models of TSC, cortical tubers of TSC patients, and kidney tumor tissue obtained from a TSC patient. Deficient TSC1/2 complex downregulated Nurr1 expression in an mTOR-dependent manner. Moreover, hyperactivation of mTOR reduced Nurr1 expression via suppression of autophagy. In addition, Nurr1 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and suppressed cell cycle progression. Therefore, TSC/mTOR/autophagy/Nurr1 signaling is partially responsible for the tumorigenesis of TSC. Taken together, Nurr1 may be a novel therapeutic target for TSC-associated tumors, and Nurr1 agonists or reagents that induce Nurr1 expression may be used for the treatment of TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Molecular Orthopaedics, Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing 100035, China
| | - Chunjia Li
- Department of Rheumatology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yanzhuo Zhang
- Department of Molecular Orthopaedics, Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing 100035, China
| | - Xiaojun Zha
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Hongbing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Zhongdong Hu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Chengai Wu
- Department of Molecular Orthopaedics, Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing 100035, China
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16
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Abstract
In two recent postmortem studies, Jeffrey Kordower and colleagues report new findings that open up for an interesting discussion on the status of GDNF/NRTN signaling in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), adding an interesting perspective on the, admittedly very limited, signs of restorative effects previously seen in GDNF/NRTN-treated patients. Their new findings show that the level of the GDNF signaling receptor Ret is overall markedly reduced relative to the non-PD controls, and most severely, up to 80%, in nigral neurons containing α-synuclein inclusions, accompanied by impaired signaling downstream of the Ret receptor. Notably, however, the vast majority of the remaining nigral neurons retained a low level of Ret expression, and hence a threshold level of signaling. Further observations made in two patients who had received AAV-NRTN gene therapy 8-10 years earlier suggest the intriguing possibility that NRTN is able to restore Ret expression and upregulate its own signaling pathway. This "wind-up" mechanism, which is likely to depend on an interaction with dopaminergic transcription factor Nurr1, has therapeutic potential and should encourage renewed efforts to turn GDNF/NRTN therapy into success, once the recurring problem of under-dosing is resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Björklund
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden,Correspondence to: Anders Björklund, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, BMCA11, 22184 Lund, Sweden. Tel.: +46703146761; E-mail:
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17
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Cui X, Pertile RAN, Du Z, Wei W, Sun Z, Eyles DW, Kesby JP. Developmental Inhibition of Long Intergenic Non-Coding RNA, HOTAIRM1, Impairs Dopamine Neuron Differentiation and Maturation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147268. [PMID: 34298885 PMCID: PMC8306845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147268] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The dopaminergic (DA) system is important for a range of brain functions and subcortical DA development precedes many cortical maturational processes. The dysfunction of DA systems has been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, and addiction. DA neuron cell fate is controlled by a complex web of transcriptional factors that dictate DA neuron specification, differentiation, and maturation. A growing body of evidence suggests that these transcriptional factors are under the regulation of newly discovered non-coding RNAs. However, with regard to DA neuron development, little is known of the roles of non-coding RNAs. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOX-antisense intergenic RNA myeloid 1 (HOTAIRM1) is present in adult DA neurons, suggesting it may have a modulatory role in DA systems. Moreover, HOTAIRM1 is involved in the neuronal differentiation in human stem cells suggesting it may also play a role in early DA neuron development. To determine its role in early DA neuron development, we knocked down HOTAIRM1 using RNAi in vitro in a human neuroblastoma cell line, and in vivo in mouse DA progenitors using a novel in utero electroporation technique. HOTAIRM1 inhibition decreased the expression of a range of key DA neuron specification factors and impaired DA neuron differentiation and maturation. These results provide evidence of a functional role for HOTAIRM1 in DA neuron development and differentiation. Understanding of the role of lncRNAs in the development of DA systems may have broader implications for brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Cui
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia; (X.C.); (D.W.E.)
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.A.N.P.); (Z.D.); (W.W.); (Z.S.)
| | - Renata Ap. Nedel Pertile
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.A.N.P.); (Z.D.); (W.W.); (Z.S.)
| | - Zilong Du
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.A.N.P.); (Z.D.); (W.W.); (Z.S.)
| | - Wei Wei
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.A.N.P.); (Z.D.); (W.W.); (Z.S.)
| | - Zichun Sun
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.A.N.P.); (Z.D.); (W.W.); (Z.S.)
| | - Darryl W. Eyles
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia; (X.C.); (D.W.E.)
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.A.N.P.); (Z.D.); (W.W.); (Z.S.)
| | - James P. Kesby
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.A.N.P.); (Z.D.); (W.W.); (Z.S.)
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-3346-6363; Fax: +61-7-3346-6301
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18
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Jiang L, Wei ZC, Xu LL, Yu SY, Li C. Inhibition of miR-145-5p Reduces Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Responses via Affecting Nurr1-TNF-α Signaling Axis. Cell Biochem Biophys 2021; 79:791-799. [PMID: 34133012 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-021-00992-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation and oxidative stress feature prominently in the secondary spinal cord injury (SCI). The present work is targeted at deciphering miR-145-5p's role and underlying mechanism in SCI. We randomly divided Sprague-Dawley rats into SCI group and control group. Microglial BV2 cells were separated into control group and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was carried out for determining the concentrations of interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The expressions of malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and reactive oxygen species were also detected. TNF-α, miR-145-5p, and Nurr1 expressions were examined by western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay were conducted to examine the regulating impact that miR-145-5p had on Nurr1 and TNF-α. MiR-145-5p was remarkably upregulated in the SCI rat model's spinal cord tissues and BV2 cells treated with LPS, and Nurr1 expression was dramatically lowered. Furthermore, miR-145-5p inhibition markedly repressed inflammatory and oxidative stress responses. Moreover, it was proved that Nurr1 was a direct miR-145-5p target. The inhibition of miR-145-5p helped promote Nurr1 expression to block TNF-α signaling. MiR-145-5p inhibition mitigates inflammation and oxidative stress via targeting Nurr1 to regulate TNF-α signaling, which ameliorates SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rizhao Central Hospital, Rizhao, 276800, Shandong, China.
| | - Zeng-Chun Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, Rizhao Central Hospital, Rizhao, 276800, Shandong, China
| | - Li-Li Xu
- Department of ICU, Rizhao Central Hospital, Rizhao, 276800, Shandong, China
| | - Shan-Ying Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rizhao Central Hospital, Rizhao, 276800, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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19
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Xu X, He X, Ma S, Li M, Huang Q. Nurr1 downregulation is caused by CREB inactivation in a Parkinson's disease mouse model. Neurosci Lett 2021; 759:136045. [PMID: 34119603 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Nurr1 (NR4A2), a nuclear receptor essential for the maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, is transcriptionally downregulated in both patients with PD and animal models and has been considered as a promising therapeutic target for neuroprotection in PD. However, the mechanism underlying Nurr1 downregulation during dopaminergic degeneration has not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that the pro-survival transcription factor CREB is constitutively bound to the Nurr1 promoter in the mouse SN. CREB inactivation by dephosphorylation at Ser133 occurred in parallel with Nurr1 downregulation in the MPTP mouse model of PD. Forced expression of VP16-CREB, a constitutively active mutant, rescued Nurr1 expression and showed prominent neuroprotection in MPTP-intoxicated mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate that Nurr1 downregulation in the MPTP-induced PD mouse model is caused by CREB inactivation, which may provide a new target for neuroprotective therapy in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xin He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shanshan Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Mingtao Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Qiaoying Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease and Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 74 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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20
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Partington HS, Nutter JM, Eells JB. Nurr1 deficiency shortens free running period, enhances photoentrainment to phase advance, and disrupts circadian cycling of the dopamine neuron phenotype. Behav Brain Res 2021; 411:113347. [PMID: 33991560 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including addiction, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease (PD), involve dysfunction in midbrain dopamine (DA) neurotransmission with severity of disease symptoms and progression associated with disrupted circadian rhythms. The nuclear transcription factor Nurr1, essential for DA neuron (DAN) development, survival, and maintenance, is also known to interact with circadian rhythm regulating clock proteins. In the Nurr1-null heterozygous (+/-) mice, a Nurr1 deficient model which reproduces some of the alterations in DA function found in schizophrenia and PD, we measured, using wheel-running activity, the free running period (tau) and photoperiod entrainment. Because Nurr1 has a role in regulating the DA phenotype, we also measured the circadian fluctuations in the number of DANs using tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunofluorescence. In Nurr1 +/- mice, tau was significantly shorter and entrainment to a 6 h earlier shift in the dark cycle was accelerated. The Nurr1 wild-type (+/+) mice cycled DAN numbers across time, with a significantly greater number (∼2-fold increase) of DANs at zeitgeber time (ZT) 0 than ZT12. The +/- mice, however, did not cycle the DA phenotype, as no differences in DAN numbers were observed between ZT0 and ZT12. Additionally, the +/- mice had significantly fewer DANs at ZT0 but not at ZT12 as compared to +/+ mice. Based these data, circadian rhythms and fluctuations in the DA phenotype requires normal Nurr1 function. A better understanding is needed of the mechanisms regulating the DA phenotype and subsequent neurotransmission across the circadian cycle and how this is altered in circadian rhythm and DA neurotransmission-associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heath S Partington
- East Carolina University, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer Makenzie Nutter
- East Carolina University, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Eells
- East Carolina University, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA.
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21
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Gao H, Wang D, Wang YL, Mao JP, Jiang S, Yang XL. Pramipexole attenuates 6-OHDA-induced Parkinson's disease by mediating the Nurr1/NF-κB pathway. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:3079-3087. [PMID: 33891271 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06343-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is the key factor associated with the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Pramipexole (PPX) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study explored the effects of PPX on PD and its related mechanisms. A PD rat model was established using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Thirty rats were divided into the following three groups: control, PD, and PD + PPX. The rats in the PD and PD + PPX groups were first administered 6-OHDA and then respectively treated with saline and PPX. Afterward, rotational behavior tests were performed to evaluate the efficiency of PPX. The level of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was measured using immunohistochemical staining. Subsequently, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot were used to determine the expression of α-synuclein (α-syn), nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 2 (Nurr1), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). PPX improved the motor behavior of PD rats caused by 6-OHDA. The number of TH-positive neurons in the PD group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05), while PPX could rescue 6-OHDA-induced TH loss. RT-qPCR and western blot showed that Nurr1 expression was significantly downregulated in the PD group compared to that of the control group (P < 0.05), while after PPX treatment, its expression was significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). For α-syn and NF-κB, 6-OHDA significantly upregulated their expressions (P < 0.05), whereas PPX reversed them. PPX improved the motor behavior of PD through mediating the inflammatory response and regulating the Nurr1/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Gao
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital Affiliated of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 38, South Lake Road, Ürümqi, 830063, Xinjiang, China.,Department of Neurology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital Affiliated of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 38, South Lake Road, Ürümqi, 830063, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yu-Ling Wang
- Cadre Health Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, 830054, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jie-Ping Mao
- Department of Neurology, Urumqi Friendship Hospital, Ürümqi, 830049, Xinjiang, China
| | - Sen Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital Affiliated of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 38, South Lake Road, Ürümqi, 830063, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xin-Ling Yang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital Affiliated of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 38, South Lake Road, Ürümqi, 830063, Xinjiang, China.
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22
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Mallick S, Marshall PA, Wagner CE, Heck MC, Sabir ZL, Sabir MS, Dussik CM, Grozic A, Kaneko I, Jurutka PW. Evaluating Novel RXR Agonists That Induce ApoE and Tyrosine Hydroxylase in Cultured Human Glioblastoma Cells. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:857-871. [PMID: 33570383 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00707] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There is considerable interest in identifying effective and safe drugs for neurodegenerative disorders. Cell culture and animal model work have demonstrated that modulating gene expression through RXR-mediated pathways may mitigate or reverse cognitive decline. However, because RXR is a dimeric partner for several transcription factors, activating off-target transcription is a concern with RXR ligands (rexinoids). This off-target gene modulation leads to unwanted side effects that can include low thyroid function and significant hyperlipidemia. There is a need to develop rexinoids that have binding specificity for subsets of RXR heterodimers, to drive desired gene modulation, but that do not induce spurious effects. Herein, we describe experiments in which we analyze a series of novel and previously reported rexinoids for their ability to modulate specific gene pathways implicated in neurodegenerative disorders employing a U87 cell culture model. We demonstrate that, compared to the FDA-approved rexinoid bexarotene (1), several of these compounds are equally or more effective at stimulating gene expression via LXREs or Nurr1/NBREs and are superior at inducing ApoE and/or tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene and protein expression, including analogs 8, 9, 13, 14, 20, 23, and 24, suggesting a possible therapeutic role for these compounds in Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease (PD). A subset of these potent RXR agonists can synergize with a presumed Nurr1 ligand and antimalarial drug (amodiaquine) to further enhance Nurr1/NBREs-directed transcription. This novel discovery has potential clinical implications for treatment of PD since it suggests that the combination of an RXR agonist and a Nurr1 ligand can significantly enhance RXR-Nurr1 heterodimer activity and drive enhanced therapeutic expression of the TH gene to increase endogenous synthesis of dopamine. These data indicate that is it possible and prudent to develop novel rexinoids for testing of gene expression and side effect profiles for use in potential treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, as individual rexinoids can have markedly different gene expression profiles but similar structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchita Mallick
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Pamela A. Marshall
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Carl E. Wagner
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Michael C. Heck
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Zhela L. Sabir
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Marya S. Sabir
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Christoper M. Dussik
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Aleksandra Grozic
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Ichiro Kaneko
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
| | - Peter W. Jurutka
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona 85306, United States
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23
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Yu S, Doycheva DM, Gamdzyk M, Yang Y, Lenahan C, Li G, Li D, Lian L, Tang J, Lu J, Zhang JH. Activation of MC1R with BMS-470539 attenuates neuroinflammation via cAMP/PKA/ Nurr1 pathway after neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in rats. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:26. [PMID: 33468172 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02078-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of hypoxic-ischemic (HI)-induced brain injury. Activation of melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in several neurological diseases. In the present study, we have explored the role of MC1R activation on neuroinflammation and the potential underlying mechanisms after neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in rats. Methods A total of 169 post-natal day 10 unsexed rat pups were used. HI was induced by right common carotid artery ligation followed by 2.5 h of hypoxia. BMS-470539, a specific selective MC1R agonist, was administered intranasally at 1 h after HI induction. To elucidate the potential underlying mechanism, MC1R CRISPR KO plasmid or Nurr1 CRISPR KO plasmid was administered via intracerebroventricular injection at 48 h before HI induction. Percent brain infarct area, short- and long-term neurobehavioral tests, Nissl staining, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot were conducted. Results The expression levels of MC1R and Nurr1 increased over time post-HI. MC1R and Nurr1 were expressed on microglia at 48 h post-HI. Activation of MC1R with BMS-470539 significantly reduced the percent infarct area, brain atrophy, and inflammation, and improved short- and long-term neurological deficits at 48 h and 28 days post-HI. MC1R activation increased the expression of CD206 (a microglial M2 marker) and reduced the expression of MPO. Moreover, activation of MC1R with BMS-470539 significantly increased the expression levels of MC1R, cAMP, p-PKA, and Nurr1, while downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, and IL-1β) at 48 h post-HI. However, knockout of MC1R or Nurr1 by specific CRISPR reversed the neuroprotective effects of MC1R activation post-HI. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that activation of MC1R with BMS-470539 attenuated neuroinflammation, and improved neurological deficits after neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in rats. Such anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects were mediated, at least in part, via the cAMP/PKA/Nurr1 signaling pathway. Therefore, MC1R activation might be a promising therapeutic target for infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02078-2.
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24
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Dodat F, Cotnoir-White D, Dianati E, Vallet A, Mader S, Lévesque D. Complex regulation of orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 (Nr4a1) transcriptional activity by SUMO2 and PIASγ. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2020; 1868:118908. [PMID: 33189785 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118908] [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] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Nur77 (NGFI-B) is a nuclear receptor that belongs to the Nr4a family of orphan nuclear receptors (Nr4a1). This transcription factor has been implicated in the regulation of multiple functions, such as cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, inflammation, glucose and lipid metabolism, and brain function. However, the mechanisms involved in its different regulatory properties remain unclear. In search for regulatory mechanisms of Nur77 function, we identified that Protein Inhibitor of Activated STAT gamma (PIASγ), an E3 SUMO-protein ligase, potently repressed Nur77 transcriptional activity in HEK-293T cells. This PIASγ activity was sensitive to Sentrin SUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1). Substitution of two putative phylogenetically well-conserved small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) acceptor sites, lysine 102 (K102) and 577 (K577) by arginine residues (R) modulated Nur77 transcriptional activity. In particular, Nur77-K102R and Nur77-K102R/K577R mutants strongly decreased the transcriptional activity of Nur77, whereas single K577R substitution increased transcriptional activity of Nur77. Repression of Nur77 transcriptional activity by SUMO2 and PIASγ was reduced by the K577R mutation, whereas the K102R mutant remained insensitive to SUMO2. Interestingly, the roles of these SUMO acceptor sites in Nur77 are distinct from previously observed activities on its close homolog Nurr1. Thus, the present study identified SUMO2 and PIASγ as important transcriptional co-regulators of Nur77.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatéma Dodat
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - David Cotnoir-White
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et Cancérologie (IRIC), Université de Montréal et Département de biochimie et médecine moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Elham Dianati
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et Cancérologie (IRIC), Université de Montréal et Département de biochimie et médecine moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Amandine Vallet
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et Cancérologie (IRIC), Université de Montréal et Département de biochimie et médecine moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Mader
- Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et Cancérologie (IRIC), Université de Montréal et Département de biochimie et médecine moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Lévesque
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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25
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Abstract
The Nuclear receptor 4A (NR4A) subfamily, which belongs to the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily, has three members: NR4A1 (Nur77), NR4A2 (Nurr1) and NR4A3 (Nor1). They are gene regulators with broad involvement in various signaling pathways and human disease responses, including autophagy. Here, we provide a concise overview of the current understanding of the role of the NR4A subfamily members in human diseases and review the research into their regulation of cell autophagy. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms has potential to improve drug development processes and disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Chen
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
- Institute of Apply Genomics, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
| | - Fengtian Fan
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
- Institute of Apply Genomics, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Lingjuan Wu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
- Institute of Apply Genomics, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Yiyi Zhao
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
- Institute of Apply Genomics, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
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26
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Wan PK, Siu MK, Leung TH, Mo XT, Chan KK, Ngan HY. Role of Nurr1 in Carcinogenesis and Tumor Immunology: A State of the Art Review. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3044. [PMID: 33086676 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Nuclear receptor related-1 protein (Nurr1) emerges as a therapeutic target in multiple malignancies and immunotherapies. Previous studies have highlighted its association with clinicopathological parameters, tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance in cancers. In addition, recent studies unraveled its contribution to the suppression of antitumor immunity, suggesting that inhibition of Nurr1 is a potential method to repress cancer aggressiveness and disrupt tumor immune tolerance. In line with this evidence, the present review provides the roles of Nurr1 in tumor progression and the associated underlying molecular mechanisms. Moreover, the significance of Nurr1 in promoting immune tolerance and potential strategies for Nurr1 inhibition are highlighted. Abstract Nuclear receptor related-1 protein (Nurr1), coded by an early response gene, is involved in multiple cellular and physiological functions, including proliferation, survival, and self-renewal. Dysregulation of Nurr1 has been frequently observed in many cancers and is attributed to multiple transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Besides, Nurr1 exhibits extensive crosstalk with many oncogenic and tumor suppressor molecules, which contribute to its potential pro-malignant behaviors. Furthermore, Nurr1 is a key player in attenuating antitumor immune responses. It not only potentiates immunosuppressive functions of regulatory T cells but also dampens the activity of cytotoxic T cells. The selective accessibility of chromatin by Nurr1 in T cells is closely associated with cell exhaustion and poor efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the reported findings of Nurr1 in different malignancies, the mechanisms that regulate Nurr1 expression, and the downstream signaling pathways that Nurr1 employs to promote a wide range of malignant phenotypes. We also give an overview of the association between Nurr1 and antitumor immunity and discuss the inhibition of Nurr1 as a potential immunotherapeutic strategy.
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27
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Wan PKT, Leung THY, Siu MKY, Mo XT, Tang HWM, Chan KKL, Cheung ANY, Ngan HYS. HPV-induced Nurr1 promotes cancer aggressiveness, self-renewal, and radioresistance via ERK and AKT signaling in cervical cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 497:14-27. [PMID: 33010383 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.09.025] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the etiological agent of cervical cancer; however, the mechanisms underlying HPV-mediated carcinogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we showed that nuclear receptor related-1 protein (Nurr1) was upregulated in primary cervical cancer tissue-derived spheroid cells and HPV-positive cell lines, and Nurr1 upregulation was correlated with cancer grade. Nurr1 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent cell growth. In addition to its effect on cancer aggressiveness, Nurr1 enhanced the self-renewal ability of cells in vitro and in vivo, underscoring the importance of Nurr1 in maintaining the stemness of cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs). Mechanistically, Nurr1 independently activated the MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascades. The MEK inhibitor trametinib (GSK) and PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor dactolisib (BEZ) were shown to abrogate Nurr1-augmented tumorigenesis by upregulating p21 and p27 expression and by suppressing MMP9 and KLF4 expression. We provided further evidence that BEZ, but not GSK, could abolish Nurr1-enhanced radioresistance, suggesting its potential value for radiosensitizing CSLCs in the clinical setting. This study highlights the unprecedented roles of Nurr1 and elucidates mechanisms by which Nurr1 promotes tumor progression and radioresistance, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kok-Ting Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Thomas Ho-Yin Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Michelle Kwan-Yee Siu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Xue-Tang Mo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Hermit Wai-Man Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Karen Kar-Loen Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Annie Nga-Yin Cheung
- Department of Pathology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Hextan Yuen-Sheung Ngan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
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Meng Y, Ding J, Li C, Fan H, He Y, Qiu P. Transfer of pathological α-synuclein from neurons to astrocytes via exosomes causes inflammatory responses after METH exposure. Toxicol Lett 2020; 331:188-99. [PMID: 32569805 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive psychostimulant drug whose abuse can cause many health complications. Our previous studies have shown that METH exposure increases α-synuclein (α-syn) expression. Recently, it was shown that α-syn could be transferred from neurons to astrocytes via exosomes. However, the specific role of astrocytes in α-syn pathology involved in METH neurotoxicity remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine whether exosomes derived from METH-treated neurons contain pathological α-syn and test the hypothesis that exosomes can transfer pathological α-syn from neurons to astrocytes. To this end, using animal and cell line coculture models, we show that exosomes isolated from METH-treated SH-SY5Y cells contained pathological α-syn. Furthermore, the addition of METH exosomes to the medium of primary cultured astrocytes induced α-syn aggregation and inflammatory responses in astrocytes. Then, we evaluated changes in nuclear receptor related 1 protein (Nurr1) expression and the levels of inflammatory cytokines in primary cultured astrocytes exposed to METH or α-syn. We found that METH or α-syn exposure decreased Nurr1 expression and increased proinflammatory cytokine expression in astrocytes. Our results indicate that α-syn can be transferred from neuronal cells to astrocytes through exosomes. When internalized α-syn accumulated in astrocytes, the cells produced inflammatory responses. Nurr1 may play a crucial role in this process and could be a therapeutic target for inflammatory damage caused by METH.
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29
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Valsecchi V, Boido M, Montarolo F, Guglielmotto M, Perga S, Martire S, Cutrupi S, Iannello A, Gionchiglia N, Signorino E, Calvo A, Fuda G, Chiò A, Bertolotto A, Vercelli A. The transcription factor Nurr1 is upregulated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and SOD1-G93A mice. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm043513. [PMID: 32188741 PMCID: PMC7240304 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.043513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects both lower and upper motor neurons (MNs) in the central nervous system. ALS etiology is highly multifactorial and multifarious, and an effective treatment is still lacking. Neuroinflammation is a hallmark of ALS and could be targeted to develop new therapeutic approaches. Interestingly, the transcription factor Nurr1 has been demonstrated to have an important role in the inflammatory process in several neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. In the present paper, we demonstrate for the first time that Nurr1 expression levels are upregulated in the peripheral blood of ALS patients. Moreover, we investigated Nurr1 function in the SOD1-G93A mouse model of ALS. Nurr1 was strongly upregulated in the spinal cord during the asymptomatic and early symptomatic phases of the disease, where it promoted the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA and the repression of NFκB pro-inflammatory targets, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase. Therefore, we hypothesize that Nurr1 is activated in an early phase of the disease as a protective endogenous anti-inflammatory mechanism, although not sufficient to reverse disease progression. On the basis of these observations, Nurr1 could represent a potential biomarker for ALS and a promising target for future therapies.
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MESH Headings
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/blood
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/genetics
- Animals
- Astrocytes/metabolism
- Astrocytes/pathology
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Middle Aged
- Motor Neurons/metabolism
- Motor Neurons/pathology
- NF-kappa B/genetics
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/genetics
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 2/blood
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 2/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 2/metabolism
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Spinal Cord/metabolism
- Spinal Cord/pathology
- Superoxide Dismutase-1/genetics
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transcriptional Activation/genetics
- Up-Regulation/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Valsecchi
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Montarolo
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Neurobiology Unit, Neurology - CReSM (Regional Referring Center of Multiple Sclerosis), AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Michela Guglielmotto
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Simona Perga
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Neurobiology Unit, Neurology - CReSM (Regional Referring Center of Multiple Sclerosis), AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Serena Martire
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Neurobiology Unit, Neurology - CReSM (Regional Referring Center of Multiple Sclerosis), AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Santina Cutrupi
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Iannello
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Nadia Gionchiglia
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Signorino
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Calvo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Expert Center (CRESLA), University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
- University Hospital Città della Scienza e della Salute, corso Bramante 88, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fuda
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Expert Center (CRESLA), University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
- University Hospital Città della Scienza e della Salute, corso Bramante 88, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Expert Center (CRESLA), University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
- University Hospital Città della Scienza e della Salute, corso Bramante 88, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Bertolotto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Neurobiology Unit, Neurology - CReSM (Regional Referring Center of Multiple Sclerosis), AOU San Luigi Gonzaga, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Turin, via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
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Lee CH. Change of Nurr1 expression in mouse hippocampal CA3 region following excitotoxic neuronal damage. Iran J Basic Med Sci 2020; 23:202-205. [PMID: 32405363 PMCID: PMC7211359 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2019.38712.9177] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective(s): Nuclear receptor-related protein 1 (Nurr1), one of immediate-early genes, is a member of orphan nuclear receptor family. The aim of this study was to investigate the time-dependent change of Nurr1 protein expression in the mouse hippocampal CA3 region following kainic acid (KA)-induced excitotoxic neuronal damage. Materials and Methods: Male ICR mice were used as experimental animals, and 30 mg/kg KA was administered intraperitoneally. To confirm the KA-induced neuronal damage in the hippocampal CA3 region, Fluoro-Jade B histofluorescence staining was performed. In addition, the time-dependent change of Nurr1 protein expression was also examined using immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Results: Marked neuronal damage was observed in the hippocampal CA3 region at 24 hr after KA injection. In addition, both Nurr1 immunoreactivity and protein level were significantly increased at 6 hr and 12 hr after KA injection, and then decreased at 24 hr after KA injection. Conclusion: This result indicates that KA-induced alteration of Nurr1 protein expression may be associated with the neuronal degeneration in the hippocampal CA3 region after KA injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choong-Hyun Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
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31
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Jeon SG, Yoo A, Chun DW, Hong SB, Chung H, Kim JI, Moon M. The Critical Role of Nurr1 as a Mediator and Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer's Disease-related Pathogenesis. Aging Dis 2020; 11:705-724. [PMID: 32489714 PMCID: PMC7220289 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2019.0718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have revealed that the transcription factor nuclear receptor related 1 (Nurr1) plays several roles not only in the regulation of gene expression related to dopamine synthesis, but also in alternative splicing, and miRNA targeting. Moreover, it regulates cognitive functions and protects against inflammation-induced neuronal death. In particular, the role of Nurr1 in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been well investigated; for example, it has been shown that it restores behavioral and histological impairments in PD models. Although many studies have evaluated the connection between Nurr1 and PD pathogenesis, the role of Nurr1 in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remain to be studied. There have been several studies describing Nurr1 protein expression in the AD brain. However, only a few studies have examined the role of Nurr1 in the context of AD. Therefore, in this review, we highlight the overall effects of Nurr1 under the neuropathologic conditions related to AD. Furthermore, we suggest the possibility of using Nurr1 as a therapeutic target for AD or other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Gak Jeon
- 1Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Anji Yoo
- 1Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Wook Chun
- 1Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Bum Hong
- 1Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunju Chung
- 2Department of Core Research Laboratory, Clinical Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 05278, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Il Kim
- 3Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Jeju National University, Jeju-si 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Minho Moon
- 1Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, 35365, Republic of Korea
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Steece-Collier K, Collier TJ, Lipton JW, Stancati JA, Winn ME, Cole-Strauss A, Sellnow R, Conti MM, Mercado NM, Nillni EA, Sortwell CE, Manfredsson FP, Bishop C. Striatal Nurr1, but not FosB expression links a levodopa-induced dyskinesia phenotype to genotype in Fisher 344 vs. Lewis hemiparkinsonian rats. Exp Neurol 2020; 330:113327. [PMID: 32387398 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Numerous genes, and alterations in their expression, have been identified as risk factors for developing levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). However, our understanding of the complexities of molecular changes remains insufficient for development of clinical treatment. In the current study we used gene array, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and microdialysis to provide a unique compare and contrast assessment of the relationship of four candidate genes to LID, employing three genetically distinct rat strains (Sprague-Dawley (SD), Fischer-344 (F344) and Lewis-RT.1) showing differences in dyskinesia susceptibility and 'first-ever LID' versus 'chronic LID' expression in subjects displaying equal dyskinesia severity. In these studies, rat strains were easily distinguishable for their LID propensity with: 1) a majority of SD rats expressing LID (LID+) and a subset being resistant (LID-); 2) all F344 rats readily developing (LID+); and 3) all Lewis rats being LID-resistant (LID-). Following chronic levodopa, LID+ SD rats showed significant increases in candidate gene expression: Nr4a2/(Nurr1) > > Trh > Inhba = Fosb. However, SD rats with long-standing striatal dopamine (DA) depletion treated with first-ever versus chronic high-dose levodopa revealed that despite identical levels of LID severity: 1) Fosb and Nurr1 transcripts but not protein were elevated with acute LID expression; 2) FOSB/ΔFOSB and NURR1 proteins were elevated only with chronic LID; and 3) Trh transcript and protein were elevated only with chronic LID. Strikingly, despite similar levodopa-induced striatal DA release in both LID-expressing F344 and LID-resistant Lewis rats, Fosb, Trh, Inhba transcripts were significantly elevated in both strains; however, Nurr1 mRNA was significantly increased only in LID+ F344 rats. These findings suggest a need to reevaluate currently accepted genotype-to-phenotype relationships in the expression of LID, specifically that of Fosb, a transcription factor generally assumed to play a causal role, and Nurr1, a transcription factor that has received significant attention in PD research linked to its critical role in the survival and function of midbrain DA neurons but who's striatal expression, generally below levels of detection, has remained largely unexplored as a regulator of LID. Finally these studies introduce a novel 'model' (inbred F344 vs inbred Lewis) that may provide a powerful tool for investigating the role for 'dyskinesia-resistance' genes downstream of 'dyskinesia-susceptibility' genes in modulating LID expression, a concept that has received considerably less attention and offers a new ways of thinking about antidyskinetic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Steece-Collier
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
| | - Timothy J Collier
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jack W Lipton
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jennifer A Stancati
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Mary E Winn
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Allyson Cole-Strauss
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Rhyomi Sellnow
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Melissa M Conti
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA
| | - Natosha M Mercado
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Eduardo A Nillni
- Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Caryl E Sortwell
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Fredric P Manfredsson
- Parkinson's Disease Research Unit, Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Christopher Bishop
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA
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Dong J, Liu X, Wang Y, Cai H, Le W. Nurr1Cd11bcre conditional knockout mice display inflammatory injury to nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Glia 2020; 68:2057-2069. [PMID: 32181533 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor-related 1 protein (NURR1) is essential for the development and maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons. NURR1 also protects DAergic neurons against neuroinflammation. However, it remains to be determined to what extent does NURR1 exerts its protective function through acting autonomously in the microglia. Using Cre/lox gene targeting system, we deleted Nurr1 in the microglia of Nurr1Cd11bcre conditional knockout (cKO) mice. The Nurr1Cd11bcre cKO mice displayed age-dependent motor abnormalities and increased microglial activation, but with no obvious DAergic neurodegeneration. To boost the inflammatory injury, we systemically administered endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to Nurr1Cd11bcre mice. As expected, LPS treatment exacerbated the motor phenotypes and inflammatory reactions in Nurr1Cd11bcre cKO mice. More importantly, LPS administration caused DAergic neuron loss and α-synuclein aggregation, two pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, our findings provide in vivo evidence supporting a critical protective role of NURR1 in the microglia against inflammation-induced degeneration of DAergic neurons in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Dong
- Liaoning Provincial Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases and Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Transgenic Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xinyao Liu
- Liaoning Provincial Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases and Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Liaoning Provincial Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases and Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Huaibin Cai
- Transgenic Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Weidong Le
- Liaoning Provincial Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases and Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Institute of Neurology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science, Sichuan Provincial Hospital, Medical School of UESTC, China
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Kocovic DM, Limaye PV, Colburn LCH, Singh MB, Milosevic MM, Tadic J, Petronijevic M, Vrzic-Petronijevic S, Andjus PR, Antic SD. Cadmium versus Lanthanum Effects on Spontaneous Electrical Activity and Expression of Connexin Isoforms Cx26, Cx36, and Cx45 in the Human Fetal Cortex. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:1244-1259. [PMID: 31408166 PMCID: PMC7132928 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrical activity is important for brain development. In brain slices, human subplate neurons exhibit spontaneous electrical activity that is highly sensitive to lanthanum. Based on the results of pharmacological experiments in human fetal tissue, we hypothesized that hemichannel-forming connexin (Cx) isoforms 26, 36, and 45 would be expressed on neurons in the subplate (SP) zone. RNA sequencing of dissected human cortical mantles at ages of 17-23 gestational weeks revealed that Cx45 has the highest expression, followed by Cx36 and Cx26. The levels of Cx and pannexin expression between male and female fetal cortices were not significantly different. Immunohistochemical analysis detected Cx45- and Cx26-expressing neurons in the upper segment of the SP zone. Cx45 was present on the cell bodies of human SP neurons, while Cx26 was found on both cell bodies and dendrites. Cx45, Cx36, and Cx26 were strongly expressed in the cortical plate, where newborn migrating neurons line up to form cortical layers. New information about the expression of 3 "neuronal" Cx isoforms in each cortical layer/zone (e.g., SP, cortical plate) and pharmacological data with cadmium and lanthanum may improve our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying neuronal development in human fetuses and potential vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dusica M Kocovic
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Pallavi V Limaye
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Lauren C H Colburn
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Mandakini B Singh
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Milena M Milosevic
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Jasmina Tadic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | | | | | - Pavle R Andjus
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Srdjan D Antic
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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35
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Abstract
The nuclear orphan receptors NR4A1, NR4A2, and NR4A3 are immediate early genes that are induced by various signals. They act as transcription factors and their activity is not regulated by ligand binding and are thus regulated via their expression levels. Their expression is transiently induced in T cells by triggering of the T cell receptor following antigen recognition during both thymic differentiation and peripheral T cell responses. In this review, we will discuss how NR4A family members impact different aspects of the life of a T cell from thymic differentiation to peripheral response against infections and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Odagiu
- Laboratory of Immunology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julia May
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Salix Boulet
- Laboratory of Immunology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Troy A. Baldwin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Troy A. Baldwin, ; Nathalie Labrecque,
| | - Nathalie Labrecque
- Laboratory of Immunology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Troy A. Baldwin, ; Nathalie Labrecque,
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Moon H, Jeon SG, Kim JI, Kim HS, Lee S, Kim D, Park S, Moon M, Chung H. Pharmacological Stimulation of Nurr1 Promotes Cell Cycle Progression in Adult Hippocampal Neural Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:E4. [PMID: 31861329 PMCID: PMC6982043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor related-1 (Nurr1) protein performs a crucial role in hippocampal neural stem cell (hNSC) development as well as cognitive functions. We previously demonstrated that the pharmacological stimulation of Nurr1 by amodiaquine (AQ) promotes spatial memory by enhancing adult hippocampal neurogenesis. However, the role of Nurr1 in the cell cycle regulation of the adult hippocampus has not been investigated. This study aimed to examine changes in the cell cycle-related molecules involved in adult hippocampal neurogenesis induced by Nurr1 pharmacological stimulation. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis showed that AQ improved the progression of cell cycle from G0/G1 to S phase in a dose-dependent manner, and MEK1 or PI3K inhibitors attenuated this progression. In addition, AQ treatment increased the expression of cell proliferation markers MCM5 and PCNA, and transcription factor E2F1. Furthermore, pharmacological stimulation of Nurr1 by AQ increased the expression levels of positive cell cycle regulators such as cyclin A and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 2. In contrast, levels of CDK inhibitors p27KIP1 and p57KIP2 were reduced upon treatment with AQ. Similar to the in vitro results, RT-qPCR analysis of AQ-administered mice brains revealed an increase in the levels of markers of cell cycle progression, PCNA, MCM5, and Cdc25a. Finally, AQ administration resulted in decreased p27KIP1 and increased CDK2 levels in the dentate gyrus of the mouse hippocampus, as quantified immunohistochemically. Our results demonstrate that the pharmacological stimulation of Nurr1 in adult hNSCs by AQ promotes the cell cycle by modulating cell cycle-related molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haena Moon
- Department of Core Research Laboratory, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 134-727, Korea; (H.M.); (S.L.); (D.K.)
| | - Seong Gak Jeon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea; (S.G.J.); (H.s.K.)
| | - Jin-il Kim
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea;
| | - Hyeon soo Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea; (S.G.J.); (H.s.K.)
| | - Sangho Lee
- Department of Core Research Laboratory, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 134-727, Korea; (H.M.); (S.L.); (D.K.)
| | - Dongok Kim
- Department of Core Research Laboratory, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 134-727, Korea; (H.M.); (S.L.); (D.K.)
| | - Seungjoon Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea;
| | - Minho Moon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Korea; (S.G.J.); (H.s.K.)
| | - Hyunju Chung
- Department of Core Research Laboratory, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul 134-727, Korea; (H.M.); (S.L.); (D.K.)
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Dumas S, Wallén-Mackenzie Å. Developmental Co-expression of Vglut2 and Nurr1 in a Mes-Di-Encephalic Continuum Preceeds Dopamine and Glutamate Neuron Specification. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:307. [PMID: 31850343 PMCID: PMC6892754 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons exist as several subtypes and are found in a heterogeneous environment including GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons as well as various types of co-releasing neurons. Developmental programs underlying this heterogeneity have remained elusive. In this study, combinatorial mRNA analysis was performed at stages when neuronal phenotypes are first specified. Vesicular transporters for dopamine and other monoamines (VMAT2), GABA (VIAAT), and glutamate (VGLUT2) were assessed by systematically applying fluorescent in situ hybridization through the mes-di-encephalon of the mouse embryo at embryonal days (E) 9.5–14.5. The results show that early differentiating dopamine neurons express the gene encoding VGLUT2 before onset of any dopaminergic markers. Prior to its down-regulation in maturing dopamine neurons, Vglut2 mRNA co-localizes extensively with Tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) and Nurr1, commonly used as markers for DA neurons. Further, Vglut2 and Nurr1 mRNAs are shown to overlap substantially in diencephalic neurons that maintain a glutamatergic phenotype. The results suggest that Vglut2/Nurr1-double positive cells give rise both to dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurons within the mes-di-encephalic area. Finally, analysis of markers representing subtypes of dopamine neurons, including the newly described NeuroD6 subtype, shows that certain subtype specifications arise early. Histological findings are outlined in the context of neuroanatomical concepts and the prosomeric model of brain development. The study contributes to the current decoding of the recently discovered heterogeneity among neurons residing along the cephalic flexure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Åsa Wallén-Mackenzie
- Department of Organismal Biology, Unit of Comparative Physiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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38
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Green AL, Eid A, Zhan L, Zarbl H, Guo GL, Richardson JR. Epigenetic Regulation of the Ontogenic Expression of the Dopamine Transporter. Front Genet 2019; 10:1099. [PMID: 31749842 PMCID: PMC6844290 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The dopamine transporter (DAT) is a plasma membrane transport protein responsible for regulating the duration and intensity of dopaminergic signaling. Altered expression of DAT is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, and is shown to contribute to the response of psychotropic drugs and neurotoxicants. Although the postnatal levels of DAT have been characterized, there are few data regarding the mechanisms that regulate postnatal DAT expression. Here, we examine the ontogeny of DAT mRNA from postnatal days 0 to 182 in the rat brain and define a role for epigenetic mechanisms regulating DAT expression. DAT mRNA and protein significantly increased between PND 0 and 6 months in rat midbrain and striatum, respectively. The epigenetic modifiers Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b, and Hdac2 demonstrated age associated decreases in mRNA expression whereas Hdac5 and Hdac8 showed increased mRNA expression with age. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies revealed increased protein enrichment of acetylated histone 3 at lysines 9 and 14 and the dopaminergic transcription factors Nurr1 and Pitx3 within the DAT promoter in an age-related manner. Together these studies provide evidence for the role of epigenetic modifications in the regulation of DAT during development. The identification of these mechanisms may contribute to potential therapeutic interventions aimed at neurodevelopmental disorders of the dopaminergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L. Green
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute and Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Aseel Eid
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel School of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Le Zhan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Helmut Zarbl
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute and Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Grace L. Guo
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute and Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, United States,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Jason R. Richardson
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute and Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, United States,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel School of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States,*Correspondence: Jason R. Richardson,
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Blanco-Lezcano L, Alberti-Amador E, González-Fraguela ME, Zaldívar-Lelo de Larrea G, Pérez-Serrano RM, Jiménez-Luna NA, Serrano-Sánchez T, Francis-Turner L, Camejo-Rodriguez D, Vega-Hurtado Y. Nurr1, Pitx3, and α7 nAChRs mRNA Expression in Nigral Tissue of Rats with Pedunculopontine Neurotoxic Lesion. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55100616. [PMID: 31547185 PMCID: PMC6843810 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55100616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The knowledge that the cholinergic neurons from pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) are vulnerable to the degeneration in early stages of the Parkinson disease progression has opened new perspectives to the development of experimental model focused in pontine lesions that could increase the risk of nigral degeneration. In this context it is known that PPN lesioned rats exhibit early changes in the gene expression of proteins responsible for dopaminergic homeostasis. At the same time, it is known that nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs) mediate the excitatory influence of pontine-nigral projection. However, the effect of PPN injury on the expression of transcription factors that modulate dopaminergic neurotransmission in the adult brain as well as the α7 nAChRs gene expression has not been studied. The main objective of the present work was the study of the effects of the unilateral neurotoxic lesion of PPN in nuclear receptor-related factor 1 (Nurr1), paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 3 (Pitx3), and α7 nAChRs mRNA expression in nigral tissue. Materials and Methods: The molecular biology studies were performed by means of RT-PCR. The following experimental groups were organized: Non-treated rats, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-lesioned rats, and Sham operated rats. Experimental subjects were sacrificed 24 h, 48 h and seven days after PPN lesion. Results: Nurr1 mRNA expression, showed a significant increase both 24 h (p < 0.001) and 48 h (p < 0.01) after PPN injury. Pitx3 mRNA expression evidenced a significant increase 24 h (p < 0.001) followed by a significant decrease 48 h and seven days after PPN lesion (p < 0.01). Finally, the α7 nAChRs nigral mRNA expression remained significantly diminished 24 h, 48 h (p < 0.001), and 7 days (p < 0.01) after PPN neurotoxic injury. Conclusion: Taking together these modifications could represent early warning signals and could be the preamble to nigral neurodegeneration events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette Blanco-Lezcano
- International Center of Neurological Restoration (CIREN), Playa, Havana 10300, Cuba; (E.A.-A.); (M.E.G.-F.); (T.S.-S.); (D.C.-R.); (Y.V.-H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +53-7-271-6385 (ext. 219)
| | - Esteban Alberti-Amador
- International Center of Neurological Restoration (CIREN), Playa, Havana 10300, Cuba; (E.A.-A.); (M.E.G.-F.); (T.S.-S.); (D.C.-R.); (Y.V.-H.)
| | - María Elena González-Fraguela
- International Center of Neurological Restoration (CIREN), Playa, Havana 10300, Cuba; (E.A.-A.); (M.E.G.-F.); (T.S.-S.); (D.C.-R.); (Y.V.-H.)
| | | | - Rosa Martha Pérez-Serrano
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Querétaro 76176, Mexico; (G.Z.-L.d.L.); (R.M.P.-S.); (N.A.J.-L.)
| | - Nadia Angélica Jiménez-Luna
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Querétaro 76176, Mexico; (G.Z.-L.d.L.); (R.M.P.-S.); (N.A.J.-L.)
| | - Teresa Serrano-Sánchez
- International Center of Neurological Restoration (CIREN), Playa, Havana 10300, Cuba; (E.A.-A.); (M.E.G.-F.); (T.S.-S.); (D.C.-R.); (Y.V.-H.)
| | - Liliana Francis-Turner
- Experimental Group: “Experimental Models for Zoo-Human Sciences”, Faculty of Sciences, Tolima University, Ibagué 730001, Colombia;
| | - Dianet Camejo-Rodriguez
- International Center of Neurological Restoration (CIREN), Playa, Havana 10300, Cuba; (E.A.-A.); (M.E.G.-F.); (T.S.-S.); (D.C.-R.); (Y.V.-H.)
| | - Yamilé Vega-Hurtado
- International Center of Neurological Restoration (CIREN), Playa, Havana 10300, Cuba; (E.A.-A.); (M.E.G.-F.); (T.S.-S.); (D.C.-R.); (Y.V.-H.)
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Kandil EA, Sayed RH, Ahmed LA, Abd El Fattah MA, El-Sayeh BM. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha and nuclear-related receptor 1 as targets for neuroprotection by albendazole in a rat rotenone model of Parkinson's disease. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2019; 46:1141-1150. [PMID: 31408200 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [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: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and nuclear receptor related-1 (Nurr1) play pivotal roles in the development and survival of dopaminergic neurons, and deficiencies in these genes may be involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. Recently, anthelminthic benzimidazoles were shown to promote HIF-1α transcription in vitro and were proposed to activate Nurr1 via their benzimidazole group. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the neuroprotective effects of albendazole (ABZ), an anthelminthic benzimidazole, in a rotenone model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Rotenone (1.5 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected into rats every other day for a period of 21 days, resulting in the development of the essential features of PD. In addition to rotenone, ABZ (10 mg/kg) was administered orally starting from the 11th day. Treatment of rats with ABZ markedly mitigated rotenone-induced histological alterations in substantia nigra (SN), restored striatal dopamine (DA) level and motor functions and decreased the expression of α-synuclein (a disease marker protein). ABZ also enhanced expression of Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) in the SN along with its downstream target, vascular endothelial growth factor, promoting neuronal survival. Similarly, ABZ augmented nuclear receptor related-1 (Nurr1) expression in the SN and increased transcriptional activation of Nurr1-controlled genes, which are essential for regulation of DA synthesis; additionally, expression of neurotoxic proinflammatory cytokines that induce neuronal death was suppressed. In conclusion, the present study suggests that ABZ exerts a neuroprotective effect in a rotenone-induced PD model associated with HIF-1α and Nurr1 activation and thus may be a viable candidate for treating PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa A Kandil
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rabab H Sayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Lamiaa A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mai A Abd El Fattah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Bahia M El-Sayeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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41
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Raina A, Mahajani S, Bähr M, Kügler S. Neuronal Trans-differentiation by Transcription Factors Ascl1 and Nurr1: Induction of a Dopaminergic Neurotransmitter Phenotype in Cortical GABAergic Neurons. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:249-260. [PMID: 31317490 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01701-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neurons with a desired neurotransmitter phenotype can be differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells or from somatic cells only through tedious protocols with relatively low yield. Readily available cortical neurons isolated from embryonic rat brain, which have already undergone a complete neuronal differentiation process, might serve as alternative template source. These cultures consist of 85% glutamatergic and 15% GABAergic neurons, and we attempted to trans-differentiate them into dopaminergic neurons. Transcription factors Nurr1, Lmx1A and Pitx3, essential determinants of a dopaminergic cell fate during CNS development, were not sufficient to induce tyrosine hydroxylase expression in a significant number of cells. Combining Nurr1 with the generic neuronal differentiator and re-programming factor Ascl1, however, resulted in generation of neurons which express dopaminergic markers TH, AADC, VMAT2 and DAT. Only neurons of GABAergic phenotype could be trans-differentiated towards a dopaminergic neurotransmitter phenotype, while for glutamatergic neurons, this process proved to be neurotoxic. Intriguingly, GABAergic neurons isolated from embryonal midbrain could not be trans-differentiated into dopaminergic neurons by Ascl1 and Nurr1. Thus, in principle, post-mitotic embryonal neurons can serve as templates for neurons with a desired neurotransmitter phenotype. However, neurotransmitter phenotype plasticity critically depends on the differentiation history of the template neurons, which can result in relatively low yields of dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Raina
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sameehan Mahajani
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mathias Bähr
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kügler
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Waldweg 33, 37073, Göttingen, Germany. .,Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Göttingen, Germany.
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Gottschalk CG, Roy A, Jana M, Kundu M, Pahan K. Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-α Increases the Expression of Nuclear Receptor Related 1 Protein ( Nurr1) in Dopaminergic Neurons. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:7872-7887. [PMID: 31127527 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01649-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor related 1 protein (Nurr1) is an important transcription factor required for differentiation and maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Since decrease in Nurr1 function either due to diminished expression or rare mutation is associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), upregulation of Nurr1 may be beneficial for PD. However, such mechanisms are poorly understood. This study underlines the importance of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α in controlling the transcription of Nurr1. Our mRNA analyses followed by different immunoassays clearly indicated that PPARα agonist gemfibrozil strongly upregulated the expression of Nurr1 in wild-type, but not PPARα-/-, DA neurons. Moreover, identification of conserved PPRE in the promoter of Nurr1 gene followed by chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, PPRE luciferase assay, and manipulation of Nurr1 gene by viral transduction of different PPARα plasmids confirmed that PPARα was indeed involved in the expression of Nurr1. Finally, oral administration of gemfibrozil increased Nurr1 expression in vivo in nigra of wild-type, but not PPARα-/-, mice identifying PPARα as a novel regulator of Nurr1 expression and associated protection of DA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl G Gottschalk
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 West Harrison St, Suite Cohn 310, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Avik Roy
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 West Harrison St, Suite Cohn 310, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.,Division of Research and Development, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Malabendu Jana
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 West Harrison St, Suite Cohn 310, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.,Division of Research and Development, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Madhuchhanda Kundu
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 West Harrison St, Suite Cohn 310, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Kalipada Pahan
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1735 West Harrison St, Suite Cohn 310, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA. .,Division of Research and Development, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Bruning JM, Wang Y, Oltrabella F, Tian B, Kholodar SA, Liu H, Bhattacharya P, Guo S, Holton JM, Fletterick RJ, Jacobson MP, England PM. Covalent Modification and Regulation of the Nuclear Receptor Nurr1 by a Dopamine Metabolite. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 26:674-685.e6. [PMID: 30853418 PMCID: PMC7185887 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Nurr1, a nuclear receptor essential for the development, maintenance, and survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, is a potential therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder characterized by the degeneration of these same neurons. Efforts to identify Nurr1 agonists have been hampered by the recognition that it lacks several classic regulatory elements of nuclear receptor function, including the canonical ligand-binding pocket. Here we report that the dopamine metabolite 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI) binds directly to and modulates the activity of Nurr1. Using biophysical assays and X-ray crystallography, we show that DHI binds to the ligand-binding domain within a non-canonical pocket, forming a covalent adduct with Cys566. In cultured cells and zebrafish, DHI stimulates Nurr1 activity, including the transcription of target genes underlying dopamine homeostasis. These findings suggest avenues for developing synthetic Nurr1 ligands to ameliorate the symptoms and progression of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Bruning
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Francesca Oltrabella
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Boxue Tian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Svetlana A Kholodar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Harrison Liu
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Paulomi Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Su Guo
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - James M Holton
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Robert J Fletterick
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Matthew P Jacobson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Pamela M England
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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Yang Z, Li T, Li S, Wei M, Qi H, Shen B, Chang RCC, Le W, Piao F. Altered Expression Levels of MicroRNA-132 and Nurr1 in Peripheral Blood of Parkinson's Disease: Potential Disease Biomarkers. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:2243-2249. [PMID: 30817108 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small and evolutionary conserved noncoding RNAs that are involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Differential expression levels of miRNAs can be used as potential biomarkers of disease. Previous animal studies have indicated that the expression level of miR-132 is negatively correlated with its downstream molecule nuclear receptor related 1 protein (Nurr1), which is one of the key factors for the maintenance of dopaminergic function and is particularly vulnerable in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, this correlation has not been confirmed in human patients with PD. Moreover, the possible involvement of miR-132 during the pathogenesis and progression of PD is not fully investigated. Therefore, in the present study, we determined the peripheral circulation levels of miR-132 and Nurr1 in patients with PD, neurological disease controls (NDC) and healthy controls (HC) by reverse transcription real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Our data clearly demonstrated that the plasma miR-132 level in PD was significantly higher than those in HC (178%, p < 0.05) and NDC (188%, p < 0.001). When adjusted for gender and age, higher level of miR-132 expression was associated with the significantly increased risk for PD in males and was closely related with the disease stages and disease severity. Furthermore, peripheral Nurr1 was significantly decreased in PD compared with HC (56%, p < 0.001) and NDC (58%, p < 0.001). Much more interestingly, further analysis revealed a negative correlation between the decreased Nurr1 level and the elevated miR-132 level in PD. All these findings indicated that the combination of a high miR-132 level with the low level of its downstream Nurr1 might be a potential biomarker aiding in the diagnosis of PD and monitoring disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaofei Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
- Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116021, China
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116021, China
| | - Tianbai Li
- Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116021, China
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116021, China
| | - Song Li
- Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116021, China
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116021, China
| | - Min Wei
- Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116021, China
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116021, China
| | - Hongqian Qi
- Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116021, China
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116021, China
| | - Bairong Shen
- Institute for Systems Genetics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Raymond Chuen-Chung Chang
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, LKS Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weidong Le
- Center for Clinical Research on Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116021, China
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116021, China
| | - Fengyuan Piao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
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Hong F, Zhao M, Zhang L, Feng L. Inhibition of Ezh2 In Vitro and the Decline of Ezh2 in Developing Midbrain Promote Dopaminergic Neurons Differentiation Through Modifying H3K27me3. Stem Cells Dev 2019; 28:649-658. [PMID: 30887911 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications play an important role in neural development. Trimethylated histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) is a repressive epigenetic marker that mediates tissue development. In this study, we demonstrate that H3K27me3 and histone methyl transferase Ezh2 regulated the development of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in vitro and in vivo. We found that H3K27me3 increased during differentiation of ventral midbrain-derived neural stem cells (VM-NSCs). However, histone demethylase selective inhibitor GSK-J1 increased H3K27me3 level and decreased the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase. Treated with Ezh2-selective inhibitor EPZ005687 repressed the trimethylation of H3K27 and enhanced differentiation of DA neurons in VM-NSCs cultures. Furthermore, Ezh2 inhibition promoted the expression of DA neurons developmental-related factors by modifying H3K27 trimethylation on the relevant promoter regions. Moreover, the effect of Ezh2 inhibition-mediated DA neurons differentiation was blocked by the expression of shRNA specific for Nurr1. In vivo, Ezh2 decreased and resulted in a reduction of H3K27me3 in developing midbrain. Deletion of Ezh2 by RNA interference approach promoted differentiation of DA neurons during midbrain development. Overexpression of Ezh2 enhanced cell self-renewal and did not affect differentiation of DA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Hong
- 1 CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Department of Neuropharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,2 Department of Neuropharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengxue Zhao
- 1 CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Department of Neuropharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,2 Department of Neuropharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- 1 CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Department of Neuropharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Linyin Feng
- 1 CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Department of Neuropharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,2 Department of Neuropharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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46
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López AJ, Hemstedt TJ, Jia Y, Hwang PH, Campbell RR, Kwapis JL, White AO, Chitnis O, Scarfone VM, Matheos DP, Lynch G, Wood MA. Epigenetic regulation of immediate-early gene Nr4a2/ Nurr1 in the medial habenula during reinstatement of cocaine-associated behavior. Neuropharmacology 2019; 153:13-9. [PMID: 30998946 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Propensity to relapse following long periods of abstinence is a key feature of substance use disorder. Drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, cause long-term changes in the neural circuitry regulating reward, motivation, and memory processes through dysregulation of various molecular mechanisms, including epigenetic regulation of activity-dependent gene expression. Underlying drug-induced changes to neural circuit function are the molecular mechanisms regulating activity-dependent gene expression. Of note, histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases (HDACs), powerful epigenetic regulators of gene expression, are dysregulated following both acute and chronic cocaine exposure and are linked to cocaine-induced changes in neural circuit function. To better understand the effect of drug-induced changes on epigenetic function and behavior, we investigated HDAC3-mediated regulation of Nr4a2/Nurr1 in the medial habenula, an understudied pathway in cocaine-associated behaviors. Nr4a2, a transcription factor critical in cocaine-associated behaviors and necessary for MHb development, is enriched in the cholinergic cell-population of the MHb; yet, the role of NR4A2 within the MHb in the adult brain remains elusive. Here, we evaluated whether epigenetic regulation of Nr4a2 in the MHb has a role in reinstatement of cocaine-associated behaviors. We found that HDAC3 disengages from Nr4a2 in the MHb in response to cocaine-primed reinstatement. Whereas enhancing HDAC3 function in the MHb had no effect on reinstatement, we found, using a dominant-negative splice variant (NURR2C), that loss of NR4A2 function in the MHb blocked reinstatement behaviors. These results show for the first time that regulation of NR4A2 function in the MHb is critical in relapse-like behaviors.
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Hedya SA, Safar MM, Bahgat AK. Hydroxychloroquine antiparkinsonian potential: Nurr1 modulation versus autophagy inhibition. Behav Brain Res 2019; 365:82-88. [PMID: 30797853 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear orphan receptor (Nurr1) has recently received a perceivable solicitude as a target for the therapeutic intervention against PD. Meanwhile, the dysregulation of autophagy, along with other processes is believed to contribute massively to PD pathophysiology. Hydroxychloroquine, a hydroxy derivative of chloroquine, is an antimalarial agent which is also used as an anti-rheumatic drug. The neuroprotective potential of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine remained controversial until recently a study showed that chloroquine exhibited an antiparkinsonian activity through Nurr1 modulation. The aim of this work is to identify whether the less toxic derivative, hydroxychloroquine, could show a similar pattern. In rat rotenone model, hydroxychloroquine effectively boosted Nurr-1 expression, exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect as verified by hindering certain pro-inflammatory cytokines and successfully reduced GSK-3β activity. Consequently, an increase in the striatal tyrosine hydroxylase content, as well as improved locomotion and muscle coordination was shown. However, this improvement was opposed by hydroxychloroquine induced autophagic inhibition as manifested by enhancing both LC3-II and P62 levels possibly through the prominent decline in sirtuin 1 level and elevated apoptotic biomarkers. In conclusion, hydroxychloroquine successfully ameliorated PD motor dysfunction in spite of the fact that both autophagy and apoptosis were deregulated through Nurr1 modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shireen A Hedya
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Marwa M Safar
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Egypt.
| | - Ashraf K Bahgat
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt.
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48
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Moon M, Jung ES, Jeon SG, Cha MY, Jang Y, Kim W, Lopes C, Mook-Jung I, Kim KS. Nurr1 (NR4A2) regulates Alzheimer's disease-related pathogenesis and cognitive function in the 5XFAD mouse model. Aging Cell 2019; 18:e12866. [PMID: 30515963 PMCID: PMC6351845 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 (also known as NR4A2) is critical for the development and maintenance of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, and is associated with Parkinson's disease. However, an association between Nurr1 and Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐related pathology has not previously been reported. Here, we provide evidence that Nurr1 is expressed in a neuron‐specific manner in AD‐related brain regions; specifically, it is selectively expressed in glutamatergic neurons in the subiculum and the cortex of both normal and AD brains. Based on Nurr1’s expression patterns, we investigated potential functional roles of Nurr1 in AD pathology. Nurr1 expression was examined in the hippocampus and cortex of AD mouse model and postmortem human AD subjects. In addition, we performed both gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function studies of Nurr1 and its pharmacological activation in 5XFAD mice. We found that knockdown of Nurr1 significantly aggravated AD pathology while its overexpression alleviated it, including effects on Aβ accumulation, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Importantly, 5XFAD mice treated with amodiaquine, a highly selective synthetic Nurr1 agonist, showed robust reduction in typical AD features including deposition of Aβ plaques, neuronal loss, microgliosis, and impairment of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, leading to significant improvement of cognitive impairment. These in vivo and in vitro findings suggest that Nurr1 critically regulates AD‐related pathophysiology and identify Nurr1 as a novel AD therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minho Moon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine; Konyang University; Daejeon Korea
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry; McLean Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Belmont Massachusetts
| | - Eun Sun Jung
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul Korea
| | - Seong Gak Jeon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine; Konyang University; Daejeon Korea
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry; McLean Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Belmont Massachusetts
| | - Moon-Yong Cha
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul Korea
| | - Yongwoo Jang
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry; McLean Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Belmont Massachusetts
| | - Woori Kim
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry; McLean Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Belmont Massachusetts
| | - Claudia Lopes
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry; McLean Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Belmont Massachusetts
| | - Inhee Mook-Jung
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine; Seoul National University; Seoul Korea
| | - Kwang-Soo Kim
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry; McLean Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Belmont Massachusetts
- Program in Neuroscience; Harvard Medical School; Belmont Massachusetts
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49
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Abstract
The nuclear receptor Nurr1 (NR4A2) has been identified as a potential target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. In contrast to most other nuclear receptors, the X-ray crystal structure of the Nurr1 ligand-binding domain (LBD) lacks any ligand-binding pocket (LBP). However, NMR spectroscopy measurements have revealed that the known Nurr1 agonist docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) binds to a region within the LBD that corresponds to the classical NR ligand-binding pocket (LBP). In order to investigate the structural dynamics of the Nurr1 LBD and to study potential LBP formation, the conformational space of the receptor was sampled using a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Docking of DHA into 50,000 LBD structures extracted from the simulation revealed the existence of a transient LBP that is capable to fully harbor the compound. The location of the identified pocket overlaps with the ligand-binding site suggested by NMR experiments. Structural analysis of the protein-ligand complex showed that only modest structural rearrangements within the Nurr1 LBD are required for LBP formation. These findings may support structure-based drug discovery campaigns for the development of receptor-specific agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Windshügel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, ScreeningPort , Hamburg , Germany
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50
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Shi W, Zhang Y, Zhao G, Wang S, Zhang G, Ma C, Cong B, Li Y. Dysregulation of Dopaminergic Regulatory Factors TH, Nurr1, and Pitx3 in the Ventral Tegmental Area Associated with Neuronal Injury Induced by Chronic Morphine Dependence. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E250. [PMID: 30634592 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA), a critical portion of the mesencephalic dopamine system, is thought to be involved in the development and maintenance of addiction. It has been proposed that the dopaminergic regulatory factors TH, Nurr1, and Pitx3 are crucial for determining the survival and maintenance of dopaminergic neurons. Thus, the present study investigated whether abnormalities in these dopaminergic regulatory factors in the VTA were associated with neuronal injury induced by chronic morphine dependence. Rat models with different durations of morphine dependence were established. Thionine staining was used to observe morphological changes in the VTA neurons. Immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to observe changes in the expression of the dopaminergic regulatory proteins TH, Nurr1, and Pitx3. Thionine staining revealed that prolonged morphine dependence resulted in dopaminergic neurons with edema, a lack of Nissl bodies, and pyknosis. Immunohistochemistry showed that the number of TH⁺, Nurr1⁺, and Pitx3⁺ cells, and the number of TH⁺ cells expressing Nurr1 or Pitx3, significantly decreased in the VTA after a long period of morphine dependence. Western blot results were consistent with the immunohistochemistry findings. Chronic morphine exposure resulted in abnormalities in dopaminergic regulatory factors and pathological changes in dopaminergic neurons in the VTA. These results suggest that dysregulation of dopaminergic regulatory factors in the VTA are associated with neuronal injury induced by chronic morphine dependence.
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