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Ntoulas G, Brakatselos C, Nakas G, Asprogerakas MZ, Delis F, Leontiadis LJ, Trompoukis G, Papatheodoropoulos C, Gkikas D, Valakos D, Vatsellas G, Politis PK, Polissidis A, Antoniou K. Multi-level profiling of the Fmr1 KO rat unveils altered behavioral traits along with aberrant glutamatergic function. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:104. [PMID: 38378836 PMCID: PMC10879511 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02815-0] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disabilities and the most prevalent monogenic cause of autism. Although the knockout (KO) of the Fmr1 gene homolog in mice is primarily used for elucidating the neurobiological substrate of FXS, there is limited association of the experimental data with the pathophysiological condition in humans. The use of Fmr1 KO rats offers additional translational validity in this regard. Therefore, we employed a multi-level approach to study the behavioral profile and the glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission status in pathophysiology-associated brain structures of Fmr1 KO rats, including the recordings of evoked and spontaneous field potentials from hippocampal slices, paralleled with next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). We found that these rats exhibit hyperactivity and cognitive deficits, along with characteristic bidirectional glutamatergic and GABAergic alterations in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus. These results are coupled to affected excitability and local inhibitory processes in the hippocampus, along with a specific transcriptional profile, highlighting dysregulated hippocampal network activity in KO rats. Overall, our data provide novel insights concerning the biobehavioral profile of FmR1 KO rats and translationally upscales our understanding on pathophysiology and symptomatology of FXS syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Ntoulas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charalampos Brakatselos
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Nakas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Michail-Zois Asprogerakas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Leonidas J Leontiadis
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Rion, Greece
| | - George Trompoukis
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Rion, Greece
| | | | - Dimitrios Gkikas
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Valakos
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Giannis Vatsellas
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexia Polissidis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
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2
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Kokkorakis N, Douka K, Nalmpanti A, Politis PK, Zagoraiou L, Matsas R, Gaitanou M. Mirk/Dyrk1B controls ventral spinal cord development via Shh pathway. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:70. [PMID: 38294527 PMCID: PMC10830675 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05097-9] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Cross-talk between Mirk/Dyrk1B kinase and Sonic hedgehog (Shh)/Gli pathway affects physiology and pathology. Here, we reveal a novel role for Dyrk1B in regulating ventral progenitor and neuron subtypes in the embryonic chick spinal cord (SC) via the Shh pathway. Using in ovo gain-and-loss-of-function approaches at E2, we report that Dyrk1B affects the proliferation and differentiation of neuronal progenitors at E4 and impacts on apoptosis specifically in the motor neuron (MN) domain. Especially, Dyrk1B overexpression decreases the numbers of ventral progenitors, MNs, and V2a interneurons, while the pharmacological inhibition of endogenous Dyrk1B kinase activity by AZ191 administration increases the numbers of ventral progenitors and MNs. Mechanistically, Dyrk1B overexpression suppresses Shh, Gli2 and Gli3 mRNA levels, while conversely, Shh, Gli2 and Gli3 transcription is increased in the presence of Dyrk1B inhibitor AZ191 or Smoothened agonist SAG. Most importantly, in phenotype rescue experiments, SAG restores the Dyrk1B-mediated dysregulation of ventral progenitors. Further at E6, Dyrk1B affects selectively the medial lateral motor neuron column (LMCm), consistent with the expression of Shh in this region. Collectively, these observations reveal a novel regulatory function of Dyrk1B kinase in suppressing the Shh/Gli pathway and thus affecting ventral subtypes in the developing spinal cord. These data render Dyrk1B a possible therapeutic target for motor neuron diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kokkorakis
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology-Stem Cells, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- Division of Animal and Human Physiology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - K Douka
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology-Stem Cells, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - A Nalmpanti
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology-Stem Cells, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- Athens International Master's Programme in Neurosciences, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - P K Politis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - L Zagoraiou
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - R Matsas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology-Stem Cells, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - M Gaitanou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology-Stem Cells, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece.
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Mountanea OG, Mantzourani C, Gkikas D, Politis PK, Kokotos G. Asymmetric Synthesis of Saturated and Unsaturated Hydroxy Fatty Acids (HFAs) and Study of Their Antiproliferative Activity. Biomolecules 2024; 14:110. [PMID: 38254710 PMCID: PMC10813182 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010110] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) constitute a class of lipids, distinguished by the presence of a hydroxyl on a long aliphatic chain. This study aims to expand our insights into HFA bioactivities, while also introducing new methods for asymmetrically synthesizing unsaturated and saturated HFAs. Simultaneously, a procedure previously established by us was adapted to generate new HFA regioisomers. An organocatalytic step was employed for the synthesis of chiral terminal epoxides, which either by alkynylation or by Grignard reagents resulted in unsaturated or saturated chiral secondary alcohols and, ultimately, HFAs. 7-(S)-Hydroxyoleic acid (7SHOA), 7-(S)-hydroxypalmitoleic acid (7SHPOA) and 7-(R)- and (S)-hydroxymargaric acids (7HMAs) were synthesized for the first time and, together with regioisomers of (R)- and (S)-hydroxypalmitic acids (HPAs) and hydroxystearic acids (HSAs), whose biological activity has not been tested so far, were studied for their antiproliferative activities. The unsaturation of the long chain, as well as an odd-numbered (C17) fatty acid chain, led to reduced activity, while the new 6-(S)-HPA regioisomer was identified as exhibiting potent antiproliferative activity in A549 cells. 6SHPA induced acetylation of histone 3 in A549 cells, without affecting acetylated α-tubulin levels, suggesting the selective inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) class I enzymes, and was found to inhibit signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga G. Mountanea
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece; (O.G.M.); (C.M.)
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Christiana Mantzourani
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece; (O.G.M.); (C.M.)
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Gkikas
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.G.); (P.K.P.)
| | - Panagiotis K. Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.G.); (P.K.P.)
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - George Kokotos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece; (O.G.M.); (C.M.)
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
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4
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Gerokonstantis DT, Mantzourani C, Gkikas D, Wu KC, Hoang HN, Triandafillidi I, Barbayianni I, Kanellopoulou P, Kokotos AC, Moutevelis-Minakakis P, Aidinis V, Politis PK, Fairlie DP, Kokotos G. N-(2-Aminophenyl)-benzamide Inhibitors of Class I HDAC Enzymes with Antiproliferative and Antifibrotic Activity. J Med Chem 2023; 66:14357-14376. [PMID: 37795958 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACs) have received special attention as novel anticancer agents. Among various types of synthetic inhibitors, benzamides constitute an important class, and one is an approved drug (chidamide). Here, we present a novel class of HDAC inhibitors containing the N-(2-aminophenyl)-benzamide functionality as the zinc-binding group linked to various cap groups, including the amino acids pyroglutamic acid and proline. We have identified benzamides that inhibit HADC1 and HDAC2 at nanomolar concentrations, with antiproliferative activity at micromolar concentrations against A549 and SF268 cancer cell lines. Docking studies shed light on the mode of binding of benzamide inhibitors to HDAC1, whereas cellular analysis revealed downregulated expression of EGFR mRNA and protein. Two benzamides were investigated in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and both showed efficacy on a preventative dosing schedule. N-(2-Aminophenyl)-benzamide inhibitors of class I HDACs might lead to new approaches for treating fibrotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Triantafyllos Gerokonstantis
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Christiana Mantzourani
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Gkikas
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Kai-Chen Wu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Huy N Hoang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Ierasia Triandafillidi
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Ilianna Barbayianni
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Athens 16672, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Kanellopoulou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Athens 16672, Greece
| | - Alexandros C Kokotos
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Panagiota Moutevelis-Minakakis
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Vassilis Aidinis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", Athens 16672, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
| | - David P Fairlie
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - George Kokotos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
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Michail A, Gkikas D, Stellas D, Kaltezioti V, Politis PK. Prox1 Suppresses the Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cells via Direct Inhibition of c-Myc Gene Expression. Cells 2023; 12:1869. [PMID: 37508533 PMCID: PMC10377922 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies in women worldwide and is characterized by rapid growth and low survival rates, despite advances in tumor biology and therapies. Novel therapeutic approaches require new insights into the molecular mechanisms of malignant transformation and progression. To this end, here, we identified Prox1 as a negative regulator of proliferation and tumor-related metabolism in breast cancer. In particular, we showed that breast tumors from human patients exhibited reduced levels of Prox1 expression, while high expression levels of Prox1 were associated with a favorable prognosis in breast cancer patients. Moreover, we experimentally demonstrated that Prox1 was sufficient to strongly suppress proliferation, migration, and the Warburg effect in human breast cancer cells without inducing apoptosis. Most importantly, over-expression of Prox1 inhibited breast tumor growth in vivo in both heterotopic and orthotopic xenograft mouse models. The anti-tumorigenic effect of Prox1 was mediated by the direct repression of c-Myc transcription and its downstream target genes. Consistently, c-Myc over-expression from an artificial promoter that was not targeted by Prox1 reversed Prox1's anti-tumor effects. These findings suggest that Prox1 has a tumor suppressive role via direct transcriptional regulation of c-Myc, making it a promising therapeutic gene for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artemis Michail
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Patras, 265 04 Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Gkikas
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Stellas
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., 116 35 Athens, Greece
| | - Valeria Kaltezioti
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
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Manolakou T, Kaltezioti V, Prakoura N, Kavvadas P, Reichelt-Wurm S, Gakiopoulou H, Banas M, Banas B, Lindenmeyer MT, Cohen CD, Boor P, Djudjaj S, Boumpas DT, Chatziantoniou C, Charonis A, Politis PK. Down-regulation of human long non-coding RNA LINC01187 is associated with nephropathies. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:1192-1205. [PMID: 37056054 PMCID: PMC10148052 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17014] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney diseases affect a substantial percentage of the adult population worldwide. This observation emphasizes the need for novel insights into the molecular mechanisms that control the onset and progression of renal diseases. Recent advances in genomics have uncovered a previously unanticipated link between the non-coding genome and human kidney diseases. Here we screened and analysed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) previously identified in mouse kidneys by genome-wide transcriptomic analysis, for conservation in humans and differential expression in renal tissue from healthy and diseased individuals. Our data suggest that LINC01187 is strongly down-regulated in human kidney tissues of patients with diabetic nephropathy and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, as well as in murine models of kidney diseases, including unilateral ureteral obstruction, nephrotoxic serum-induced glomerulonephritis and ischemia/reperfusion. Interestingly, LINC01187 overexpression in human kidney cells in vitro inhibits cell death indicating an anti-apoptotic function. Collectively, these data suggest a negative association of LINC01187 expression with renal diseases implying a potential protective role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Manolakou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Valeria Kaltezioti
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Harikleia Gakiopoulou
- 1st Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Miriam Banas
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Banas
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maja T Lindenmeyer
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Clemens D Cohen
- Nephrological Center, Medical Clinic and Policlinic IV, University Hospital of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Boor
- Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Nephrology and Immunology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sonja Djudjaj
- Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Chatziantoniou
- Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité Mixte de Recherche Scientifique 1155, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Aristidis Charonis
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Politis PK, Charonis AS. Calreticulin in renal fibrosis: A short review. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:5949-5954. [PMID: 36440574 PMCID: PMC9753439 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17627] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common denominator of several pathological conditions. Over the last decade, Calreticulin has emerged as a critical player in the fibrotic processes in many tissues and organs. Here we review the recent advances in our understanding of the regulatory roles of Calreticulin in renal fibrosis. In particular, a proteomic screen that we performed more than 15 years ago, for the identification of novel components involved in the mechanisms of renal fibrosis, led to the observation that Calreticulin is associated with the initiation and progression of kidney fibrosis in a rodent model. We also showed that altered expression levels of Calreticulin in vitro and in vivo are significantly affecting the fibrotic phenotype in cellular systems and animal models, respectively. We also identified an upstream regulatory mechanism that mediates the transcriptional control of Calreticulin expression during the progression of renal fibrosis, by showing that the druggable orphan nuclear receptor NR5A2 and its SUMOylation is involved in this action. These data provide novel targets for future pharmacological interventions against fibrosis. In addition, further proteomic analysis uncovered a correlation between the up-regulation of Calreticulin and that of 14-3-3σ protein. Collectively, our previous observations suggest that Calreticulin is a central node in a regulatory axis that controls the initiation and progression of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis K. Politis
- Center for Basic ResearchBiomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Aristidis S. Charonis
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational ResearchBiomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of AthensAthensGreece,University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision MedicineAthensGreece
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Tsampoula M, Tarampoulous I, Manolakou T, Ninou E, Politis PK. The neurodevelopmental disorders associated gene Rnf113a regulates survival and differentiation properties of neural stem cells. Stem Cells 2022; 40:678-690. [DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
RNF113A (Ring Finger Protein 113A) is genetically associated with autism spectrum disorders and X-linked trichothiodystrophy (TTD) syndrome. Loss-of-function mutations in human RNF113A are causally linked to TTD, which is characterized by abnormal development of central nervous system (CNS) and mental retardation. How loss of RNF113A activity affects brain development is not known. Here we identify Rnf113a1 as a critical regulator of cell death and neurogenesis during mouse brain development. Rnf113a1 gene exhibits widespread expression in the embryonic CNS. Knockdown studies in embryonic cortical neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) and the mouse cortex suggest that Rnf113a1 controls survival, proliferation and differentiation properties of progenitor cells. Importantly, Rnf113a1 deficiency triggers cell apoptosis via a combined action on essential regulators of cell survival, including p53, Nupr1 and Rad51. Collectively, these observations establish Rnf113a1 as a regulatory factor in CNS development and provide insights for its role in neurodevelopmental defects associated with TTD and autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matina Tsampoula
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Isaak Tarampoulous
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Manolakou
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elpinickie Ninou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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9
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Nikas I, Giaginis C, Petrouska K, Alexandrou P, Michail A, Sarantis P, Tsourouflis G, Danas E, Pergaris A, Politis PK, Nakopoulou L, Theocharis S. EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020366. [PMID: 35204461 PMCID: PMC8871500 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing research continues to elucidate the complex role of ephrin receptors (EPHs) and their ligands (ephrins) in breast cancer pathogenesis, with their varying expression patterns implied to have an important impact on patients’ outcome. The current study aims to investigate the clinical significance of EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 expression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cases. EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 protein expression was assessed immunohistochemically on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) TNBC tissue sections from 52 TNBC patients and correlated with key clinicopathologic parameters and patients’ survival data (overall survival (OS); disease-free survival (DFS)). EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 expression was further examined in TNBC cell lines. EPHA2 overexpression was observed in 26 (50%) of the TNBC cases, who exhibited a shorter OS and DFS than their low-expression counterparts, with EPHA2 representing an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS (p = 0.0041 and p = 0.0232, respectively). EPHA4 overexpression was associated with lymph node metastasis in TNBC patients (p = 0.0546). Alterations in EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 expression levels were also noted in the examined TNBC cell lines. Our study stresses that EPHA2 expression constitutes a potential prognostic factor for TNBC patients. Given the limited treatment options and poorer outcome that accompany the TNBC subtype, EPHA2 could also pose as a target for novel, more personalized, and effective therapeutic approaches for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Nikas
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, Myrina, 811 00 Lemnos, Greece;
| | - Kalliopi Petrouska
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Paraskevi Alexandrou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Artemis Michail
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece; (A.M.); (P.K.P.)
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Gerasimos Tsourouflis
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Eugene Danas
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Panagiotis K. Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece; (A.M.); (P.K.P.)
| | - Lydia Nakopoulou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: + 30-210-7462178; Fax: + 30-210-7456259
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10
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Ninou E, Michail A, Politis PK. Long Non-Coding RNA Lacuna Regulates Neuronal Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells During Brain Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:726857. [PMID: 34900989 PMCID: PMC8653915 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.726857] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Although long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is one of the most abundant classes of RNAs encoded within the mammalian genome and are highly expressed in the adult brain, they remain poorly characterized and their roles in the brain development are not well understood. Here we identify the lncRNA Lacuna (also catalogued as NONMMUT071331.2 in NONCODE database) as a negative regulator of neuronal differentiation in the neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) during mouse brain development. In particular, we show that Lacuna is transcribed from a genomic locus near to the Tbr2/Eomes gene, a key player in the transition of intermediate progenitor cells towards the induction of neuronal differentiation. Lacuna RNA expression peaks at the developmental time window between E14.5 and E16.5, consistent with a role in neural differentiation. Overexpression experiments in ex vivo cultured NSCs from murine cortex suggest that Lacuna is sufficient to inhibit neuronal differentiation, induce the number of Nestin+ and Olig2+ cells, without affecting proliferation or apoptosis of NSCs. CRISPR/dCas9-KRAB mediated knockdown of Lacuna gene expression leads to the opposite phenotype by inducing neuronal differentiation and suppressing Nestin+ and Olig2+ cells, again without any effect on proliferation or apoptosis of NSCs. Interestingly, despite the negative action of Lacuna on neurogenesis, its knockdown inhibits Eomes transcription, implying a simultaneous, but opposite, role in facilitating the Eomes gene expression. Collectively, our observations indicate a critical function of Lacuna in the gene regulation networks that fine tune the neuronal differentiation in the mammalian NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elpinickie Ninou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Artemis Michail
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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11
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Gkikas D, Stellas D, Polissidis A, Manolakou T, Kokotou MG, Kokotos G, Politis PK. Nuclear receptor NR5A2 negatively regulates cell proliferation and tumor growth in nervous system malignancies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2015243118. [PMID: 34561301 PMCID: PMC8488649 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2015243118] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nervous system malignancies are characterized by rapid progression and poor survival rates. These clinical observations underscore the need for novel therapeutic insights and pharmacological targets. To this end, here, we identify the orphan nuclear receptor NR5A2/LRH1 as a negative regulator of cancer cell proliferation and promising pharmacological target for nervous system-related tumors. In particular, clinical data from publicly available databases suggest that high expression levels of NR5A2 are associated with favorable prognosis in patients with glioblastoma and neuroblastoma tumors. Consistently, we experimentally show that NR5A2 is sufficient to strongly suppress proliferation of both human and mouse glioblastoma and neuroblastoma cells without inducing apoptosis. Moreover, short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of the basal expression levels of NR5A2 in glioblastoma cells promotes their cell cycle progression. The antiproliferative effect of NR5A2 is mediated by the transcriptional induction of negative regulators of the cell cycle, CDKN1A (encoding for p21cip1), CDKN1B (encoding for p27kip1) and Prox1 Interestingly, two well-established agonists of NR5A2, dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine (DLPC) and diundecanoyl phosphatidylcholine, are able to mimic the antiproliferative action of NR5A2 in human glioblastoma cells via the induction of the same critical genes. Most importantly, treatment with DLPC inhibits glioblastoma tumor growth in vivo in heterotopic and orthotopic xenograft mouse models. These data indicate a tumor suppressor role of NR5A2 in the nervous system and render this nuclear receptor a potential pharmacological target for the treatment of nervous tissue-related tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Gkikas
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Patras, 265 04, Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitris Stellas
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 116 35, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexia Polissidis
- Centre for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Manolakou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Maroula G Kokotou
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - George Kokotos
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 115 27, Athens, Greece;
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12
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Mantzourani C, Gkikas D, Kokotos A, Nummela P, Theodoropoulou MA, Wu KC, Fairlie DP, Politis PK, Ristimäki A, Kokotos G. Synthesis of benzoxazole-based vorinostat analogs and their antiproliferative activity. Bioorg Chem 2021; 114:105132. [PMID: 34229198 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105132] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Hydroxamic acid derivatives constitute an interesting novel class of antitumor agents. Three of them, including vorinostat, are approved drugs for the treatment of malignancies, while several others are currently under clinical trials. In this work, we present new vorinostat analogs containing the benzoxazole ring as the cap group and various linkers. The benzoxazole-based analogs were synthesized starting either from 2-aminobenzoxazole, through conventional coupling, or from benzoxazole, through a metal-free oxidative amination. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative activity on three diverse human cancer cell lines (A549, Caco-2 and SF268), in comparison to vorinostat. Compound 12 (GK601), carrying a benzoxazole ring replacement for the phenyl ring of vorinostat, was the most potent inhibitor of the growth of three cell lines (IC50 1.2-2.1 μΜ), similar in potency to vorinostat. Compound 12 also inhibited human HDAC1, HDAC2 and HDAC6 like vorinostat. This new analog also showed antiproliferative activity against two colon cancer cell lines genetically resembling pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP), namely HCT116 GNAS R201C/+ and LS174T (IC50 0.6 and 1.4 μΜ, respectively) with potency comparable to vorinostat (IC50 1.1 and 2.1 μΜ, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana Mantzourani
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece; Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Gkikas
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Alexandros Kokotos
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Pirjo Nummela
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria A Theodoropoulou
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece; Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Kai-Chen Wu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - David P Fairlie
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Ari Ristimäki
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - George Kokotos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece; Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece.
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13
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Batsika CS, Mantzourani C, Gkikas D, Kokotou MG, Mountanea OG, Kokotos CG, Politis PK, Kokotos G. Saturated Oxo Fatty Acids (SOFAs): A Previously Unrecognized Class of Endogenous Bioactive Lipids Exhibiting a Cell Growth Inhibitory Activity. J Med Chem 2021; 64:5654-5666. [PMID: 33881857 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of novel bioactive lipids that promote human health is of great importance. Combining "suspect" and targeted lipidomic liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) approaches, a previously unrecognized class of oxidized fatty acids, the saturated oxo fatty acids (SOFAs), which carry the oxo functionality at various positions of the long chain, was identified in human plasma. A library of SOFAs was constructed, applying a simple green photochemical hydroacylation reaction as the key synthetic step. The synthesized SOFAs were studied for their ability to inhibit in vitro the cell growth of three human cancer cell lines. Four oxostearic acids (OSAs) were identified to inhibit the cell growth of human lung carcinoma A549 cells. 6OSA and 7OSA exhibited the highest cell growth inhibitory potency, suppressing the expression of both STAT3 and c-myc, which are critical regulators of cell growth and proliferation. Thus, naturally occurring SOFAs may play a role in the protection of human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charikleia S Batsika
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Christiana Mantzourani
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Gkikas
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece.,Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Maroula G Kokotou
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Olga G Mountanea
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Christoforos G Kokotos
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - George Kokotos
- Center of Excellence for Drug Design and Discovery, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
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14
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Kaltezioti V, Foskolou IP, Lavigne MD, Ninou E, Tsampoula M, Fousteri M, Margarity M, Politis PK. Prox1 inhibits neurite outgrowth during central nervous system development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:3443-3465. [PMID: 33247761 PMCID: PMC11072475 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03709-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
During central nervous system (CNS) development, proper and timely induction of neurite elongation is critical for generating functional, mature neurons, and neuronal networks. Despite the wealth of information on the action of extracellular cues, little is known about the intrinsic gene regulatory factors that control this developmental decision. Here, we report the identification of Prox1, a homeobox transcription factor, as a key player in inhibiting neurite elongation. Although Prox1 promotes acquisition of early neuronal identity and is expressed in nascent post-mitotic neurons, it is heavily down-regulated in the majority of terminally differentiated neurons, indicating a regulatory role in delaying neurite outgrowth in newly formed neurons. Consistently, we show that Prox1 is sufficient to inhibit neurite extension in mouse and human neuroblastoma cell lines. More importantly, Prox1 overexpression suppresses neurite elongation in primary neuronal cultures as well as in the developing mouse brain, while Prox1 knock-down promotes neurite outgrowth. Mechanistically, RNA-Seq analysis reveals that Prox1 affects critical pathways for neuronal maturation and neurite extension. Interestingly, Prox1 strongly inhibits many components of Ca2+ signaling pathway, an important mediator of neurite extension and neuronal maturation. In accordance, Prox1 represses Ca2+ entry upon KCl-mediated depolarization and reduces CREB phosphorylation. These observations suggest that Prox1 acts as a potent suppressor of neurite outgrowth by inhibiting Ca2+ signaling pathway. This action may provide the appropriate time window for nascent neurons to find the correct position in the CNS prior to initiation of neurites and axon elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Kaltezioti
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Iosifina P Foskolou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Matthieu D Lavigne
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, BSRC 'Alexander Fleming', 34 Fleming Street, Vari, 16672, Athens, Greece
| | - Elpinickie Ninou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Matina Tsampoula
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Fousteri
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, BSRC 'Alexander Fleming', 34 Fleming Street, Vari, 16672, Athens, Greece
| | - Marigoula Margarity
- Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, 26500, Rio Achaias, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
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15
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Poulia N, Delis F, Brakatselos C, Polissidis A, Koutmani Y, Kokras N, Dalla C, Politis PK, Antoniou K. Detrimental effects of adolescent escalating low-dose Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol leads to a specific bio-behavioural profile in adult male rats. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:1722-1736. [PMID: 33496341 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Adolescent cannabis use is associated with adult psychopathology. When Δ9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), mainly in high doses, is administered to adolescence rats there are also long lasting effects in adults. This study aims to determine the specific adult bio-behavioural profile after adolescent low-dose THC, which better mirrors adolescent recreational cannabis use. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Adolescent male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with escalating low-dose of THC. In adulthood, they were evaluated for their spontaneous locomotion, sensorimotor gating, higher order and spatial cognitive functions. Dopaminergic activity and cannabinoid receptor expression were measured in distinct brain regions. Hippocampal neurogenic activity of neural stem cells was determined and protein levels of neuroplasticity-related biomarkers were quantified. Adolescent low-dose THC exposure increased spontaneous open-field activity, without affecting prepulse inhibition and attentional set-shifting performance. Region-specific dopaminergic alterations and CB1 receptor up-regulation in the prefrontal cortex were observed. Impaired spatial memory, as assessed with the object location task and Morris water maze test, was associated with significantly decreased proliferative activity (SOX2-positive cells), neurogenic potential (decreased doublecortin-positive cells) in the adult hippocampus and defective neuroplasticity, including reduced BDNF expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. KEY RESULTS Our findings reveal the adverse impact of adolescent low-dose THC on the psychomotor profile, dopaminergic neurotransmission, compensatory cannabinoid receptor response, cognition-related neurobiological and behavioural functions. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our adolescent low-dose THC animal model does not induce tangible psychotic-like effects, such as those reported in high-dose THC studies, but it impairs cognitive functions and points to hippocampal vulnerability and disrupted neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafsika Poulia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charalampos Brakatselos
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexia Polissidis
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Yassemi Koutmani
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,First Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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16
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Tsampoula M, Tarampoulous I, Antoniadou I, Koutmani Y, Gkikas D, Vekrellis K, Politis PK. Nuclear Receptor NR5A2 Promotes Neuronal Identity in the Adult Hippocampus. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:1952-1962. [PMID: 33411242 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02222-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the adult hippocampus is actively involved in brain homeostasis. Thus, identification of novel regulators in adult neurogenesis could significantly contribute to new therapies. We have recently unraveled the regulatory role of NR5A2 (also known as LRH1), a druggable orphan nuclear receptor, in embryonic neurogenesis. However, its involvement in adult neurogenesis is still an open question. Here we show that NR5A2 is differentially expressed in the DG of the adult hippocampus with neurons exhibiting higher levels of expression than adult neural stem/progenitor cells (aNSCs), suggesting a correlation with neuronal differentiation. Notably, NR5A2 overexpression in ex vivo cultured aNSCs induces expression of Prox1, a critical regulator of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. In agreement, NR5A2 is sufficient to reduce proliferation, increase neuronal differentiation, and promote axon outgrowth. Moreover, depletion of NR5A2 in DG cells in vivo caused a decrease in the number of NeuN as well as Calbindin-positive neurons, indicating its necessity for the maintenance of neuronal identity. Our data propose a regulatory role of NR5A2 in neuronal differentiation and fate specification of adult hippocampal NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matina Tsampoula
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Isaak Tarampoulous
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Ivi Antoniadou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Yassemi Koutmani
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Gkikas
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Kostas Vekrellis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
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17
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Kokotou MG, Kokotos AC, Gkikas D, Mountanea OG, Mantzourani C, Almutairi A, Lei X, Ramanadham S, Politis PK, Kokotos G. Saturated Hydroxy Fatty Acids Exhibit a Cell Growth Inhibitory Activity and Suppress the Cytokine-Induced β-Cell Apoptosis. J Med Chem 2020; 63:12666-12681. [PMID: 33124824 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The field of bioactive lipids is ever expanding with discoveries of novel lipid molecules that promote human health. Adopting a lipidomic-assisted approach, two new families of previously unrecognized saturated hydroxy fatty acids (SHFAs), namely, hydroxystearic and hydroxypalmitic acids, consisting of isomers with the hydroxyl group at different positions, were identified in milk. Among the various regio-isomers synthesized, those carrying the hydroxyl at the 7- and 9-positions presented growth inhibitory activities against various human cancer cell lines, including A549, Caco-2, and SF268 cells. In addition, 7- and 9-hydroxystearic acids were able to suppress β-cell apoptosis induced by proinflammatory cytokines, increasing the possibility that they can be beneficial in countering autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes. 7-(R)-Hydroxystearic acid exhibited the highest potency both in cell growth inhibition and in suppressing β-cell death. We propose that such naturally occurring SHFAs may play a role in the promotion and protection of human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroula G Kokotou
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Alexandros C Kokotos
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Gkikas
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Olga G Mountanea
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Christiana Mantzourani
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Abdulaziz Almutairi
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States.,Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Xiaoyong Lei
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States.,Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Sasanka Ramanadham
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States.,Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - George Kokotos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens 15771, Greece
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18
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Malissovas N, Ninou E, Michail A, Politis PK. Targeting Long Non-Coding RNAs in Nervous System Cancers: New Insights in Prognosis, Diagnosis and Therapy. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:5649-5663. [PMID: 30182849 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180831170227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute one of the most broad and diverse classes of cellular transcripts, playing key roles as regulatory molecules in many biological processes. Although the biology of lncRNAs is a new and emerging field of research, several studies have already shown that alterations in the expression of lncRNAs are associated with the development and progression of cancer in different organs and tissues, including central and peripheral nervous system. In this review, we summarize the oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles of lncRNAs in malignant tumors of the nervous system, such as glioma and neuroblastoma, focusing on their functional interactions with DNA, other RNA and protein molecules. We further discuss the potential use of lncRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and tumor treatment. Gaining insight into the functional association between nervous system malignancies and lncRNAs could offer new perspectives to the development of promising therapeutic tools against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Malissovas
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Elpinickie Ninou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Artemis Michail
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
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19
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Lalioti ME, Arbi M, Loukas I, Kaplani K, Kalogeropoulou A, Lokka G, Kyrousi C, Mizi A, Georgomanolis T, Josipovic N, Gkikas D, Benes V, Politis PK, Papantonis A, Lygerou Z, Taraviras S. GemC1 governs multiciliogenesis through direct interaction with and transcriptional regulation of p73. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.228684. [PMID: 31028178 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.228684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A distinct combination of transcription factors elicits the acquisition of a specific fate and the initiation of a differentiation program. Multiciliated cells (MCCs) are a specialized type of epithelial cells that possess dozens of motile cilia on their apical surface. Defects in cilia function have been associated with ciliopathies that affect many organs, including brain and airway epithelium. Here we show that the geminin coiled-coil domain-containing protein 1 GemC1 (also known as Lynkeas) regulates the transcriptional activation of p73, a transcription factor central to multiciliogenesis. Moreover, we show that GemC1 acts in a trimeric complex with transcription factor E2F5 and tumor protein p73 (officially known as TP73), and that this complex is important for the activation of the p73 promoter. We also provide in vivo evidence that GemC1 is necessary for p73 expression in different multiciliated epithelia. We further show that GemC1 regulates multiciliogenesis through the control of chromatin organization, and the epigenetic marks/tags of p73 and Foxj 1. Our results highlight novel signaling cues involved in the commitment program of MCCs across species and tissues.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Eleni Lalioti
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Marina Arbi
- Department of General Biology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Ioannis Loukas
- Department of General Biology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Konstantina Kaplani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Argyro Kalogeropoulou
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Georgia Lokka
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Christina Kyrousi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Athanasia Mizi
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Theodore Georgomanolis
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Natasa Josipovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Gkikas
- Department of Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Vladimir Benes
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Core Facilities and Services, Meyerhofstraße 1, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Department of Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Street, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Argyris Papantonis
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany.,Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Zoi Lygerou
- Department of General Biology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Stavros Taraviras
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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20
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Elkouris M, Kouroupi G, Vourvoukelis A, Papagiannakis N, Kaltezioti V, Matsas R, Stefanis L, Xilouri M, Politis PK. Long Non-coding RNAs Associated With Neurodegeneration-Linked Genes Are Reduced in Parkinson's Disease Patients. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:58. [PMID: 30853899 PMCID: PMC6396023 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptome analysis has identified a plethora of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) expressed in the human brain and associated with neurological diseases. However, whether lncRNAs expression levels correlate with Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis remains unknown. Herein, we show that a number of lncRNA genes encompassing transcriptional units in close proximity to PD-linked protein-coding genes, including SNCA, LRRK2, PINK1, DJ-1, UCH-L1, MAPT and GBA1, are expressed in human dopaminergic cells and post-mortem material, such as cortex, Substantia Nigra and cerebellum. Interestingly, these lncRNAs are upregulated during neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells and of dopaminergic neurons generated from human fibroblast-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. Importantly, six lncRNAs are found under-expressed in the nigra and three in the cerebellum of PD patients compared to controls. Simultaneously, SNCA mRNA levels are increased in the nigra, while LRRK2 and PINK1 mRNA levels are decreased both in the nigra and the cerebellum of PD subjects compared to controls, indicating a possible correlation between the expression profile of the respective lncRNAs with their adjacent coding genes. Interestingly, all dysregulated lncRNAs are also detected in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and four of them in exosomes derived from human cerebrospinal fluid, providing initial evidence for their potential use as diagnostic tools for PD. Our data raise the intriguing possibility that these lncRNAs may be involved in disease pathogenesis by regulating their neighboring PD-associated genes and may thus represent novel targets for the diagnosis and/or treatment of PD or related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilianos Elkouris
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Kouroupi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur InstituteAthens, Greece
| | - Alexios Vourvoukelis
- Center of Clinical Research, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Papagiannakis
- Center of Clinical Research, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Valeria Kaltezioti
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Rebecca Matsas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur InstituteAthens, Greece
| | - Leonidas Stefanis
- Center of Clinical Research, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Xilouri
- Center of Clinical Research, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K. Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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21
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Gkikas D, Tsampoula M, Politis PK. Nuclear receptors in neural stem/progenitor cell homeostasis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:4097-4120. [PMID: 28638936 PMCID: PMC11107725 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2571-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the central nervous system, embryonic and adult neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) generate the enormous variety and huge numbers of neuronal and glial cells that provide structural and functional support in the brain and spinal cord. Over the last decades, nuclear receptors and their natural ligands have emerged as critical regulators of NSC homeostasis during embryonic development and adult life. Furthermore, substantial progress has been achieved towards elucidating the molecular mechanisms of nuclear receptors action in proliferative and differentiation capacities of NSCs. Aberrant expression or function of nuclear receptors in NSCs also contributes to the pathogenesis of various nervous system diseases. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the regulatory roles of steroid, non-steroid, and orphan nuclear receptors in NSC fate decisions. These studies establish nuclear receptors as key therapeutic targets in brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Gkikas
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Matina Tsampoula
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
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22
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Arvaniti E, Moulos P, Vakrakou A, Chatziantoniou C, Chadjichristos C, Kavvadas P, Charonis A, Politis PK. Whole-transcriptome analysis of UUO mouse model of renal fibrosis reveals new molecular players in kidney diseases. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26235. [PMID: 27189340 PMCID: PMC4870569 DOI: 10.1038/srep26235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptome analysis by RNA-seq technology allows novel insights into gene expression and regulatory networks in health and disease. To better understand the molecular basis of renal fibrosis, we performed RNA-seq analysis in the Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction (UUO) mouse model. We analysed sham operated, 2- and 8-day post-ligation renal tissues. Thousands of genes with statistical significant changes in their expression were identified and classified into cellular processes and molecular pathways. Many novel protein-coding genes were identified, including critical transcription factors with important regulatory roles in other tissues and diseases. Emphasis was placed on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of molecular regulators of multiple and diverse cellular functions. Selected lncRNA genes were further studied and their transcriptional activity was confirmed. For three of them, their transcripts were also examined in other mouse models of nephropathies and their up- or down-regulation was found similar to the UUO model. In vitro experiments confirmed that one selected lncRNA is independent of TGFβ or IL1b stimulation but can influence the expression of fibrosis-related proteins and the cellular phenotype. These data provide new information about the involvement of protein-coding and lncRNA genes in nephropathies, which can become novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Arvaniti
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Athina Vakrakou
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Aristidis Charonis
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K. Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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23
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Bunk EC, Ertaylan G, Ortega F, Pavlou MA, Gonzalez Cano L, Stergiopoulos A, Safaiyan S, Völs S, van Cann M, Politis PK, Simons M, Berninger B, Del Sol A, Schwamborn JC. Prox1 Is Required for Oligodendrocyte Cell Identity in Adult Neural Stem Cells of the Subventricular Zone. Stem Cells 2016; 34:2115-29. [PMID: 27068685 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Adult neural stem cells with the ability to generate neurons and glia cells are active throughout life in both the dentate gyrus (DG) and the subventricular zone (SVZ). Differentiation of adult neural stem cells is induced by cell fate determinants like the transcription factor Prox1. Evidence has been provided for a function of Prox1 as an inducer of neuronal differentiation within the DG. We now show that within the SVZ Prox1 induces differentiation into oligodendrocytes. Moreover, we find that loss of Prox1 expression in vivo reduces cell migration into the corpus callosum, where the few Prox1 deficient SVZ-derived remaining cells fail to differentiate into oligodendrocytes. Thus, our work uncovers a novel function of Prox1 as a fate determinant for oligodendrocytes in the adult mammalian brain. These data indicate that the neurogenic and oligodendrogliogenic lineages in the two adult neurogenic niches exhibit a distinct requirement for Prox1, being important for neurogenesis in the DG but being indispensable for oligodendrogliogenesis in the SVZ. Stem Cells 2016;34:2115-2129.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva C Bunk
- Institute of Cell Biology, ZMBE, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Gökhan Ertaylan
- Computational Biology, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.,Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology (MaCSBio), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Felipe Ortega
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and the Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria A Pavlou
- Institute of Cell Biology, ZMBE, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Developmental and Cellular Biology, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Laura Gonzalez Cano
- Computational Biology, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | | | - Shima Safaiyan
- Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sandra Völs
- Institute of Cell Biology, ZMBE, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Marianne van Cann
- Institute of Cell Biology, ZMBE, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Greece
| | - Mikael Simons
- Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Benedikt Berninger
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and the Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Antonio Del Sol
- Computational Biology, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Jens C Schwamborn
- Institute of Cell Biology, ZMBE, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Developmental and Cellular Biology, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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24
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Dermentzaki G, Paschalidis N, Politis PK, Stefanis L. Complex Effects of the ZSCAN21 Transcription Factor on Transcriptional Regulation of α-Synuclein in Primary Neuronal Cultures and in Vivo. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:8756-72. [PMID: 26907683 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.704973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein, a presynaptic neuronal protein encoded by the SNCA gene, is strongly implicated in Parkinson disease (PD). PD pathogenesis is linked to increased SNCA levels; however, the transcriptional elements that control SNCA expression are still elusive. Previous experiments in PC12 cells demonstrated that the transcription factor zinc finger and SCAN domain containing 21 (ZSCAN21) plays an important regulatory role in SNCA transcription. Currently, we characterized the role of ZSCAN21 in SNCA transcription in primary neuronal cultures and in vivo We found that ZSCAN21 is developmentally expressed in neurons in different rat brain regions. We confirmed its binding in the intron 1 region of SNCA in rat cortical cultures. Lentivirus-mediated silencing of ZSCAN21 increased significantly SNCA promoter activity, mRNA, and protein levels in such cultures. In contrast, ZSCAN21 silencing reduced SNCA in neurosphere cultures. Interestingly, ZSCAN21 overexpression in cortical neurons led to robust mRNA but negligible protein expression, suggesting that ZSCAN21 protein levels are tightly regulated post-transcriptionally and/or post-translationally in primary neurons. Efficient adeno-associated virus-mediated knockdown of ZSCAN21 in the postnatal and adult hippocampus, an area linked with non-motor PD symptoms, revealed no significant alterations in SNCA levels. Overall, our study demonstrates that ZSCAN21 is involved in the transcriptional regulation of SNCA in primary neuronal cultures, but the direction of the effect is variable, likely depending on neuronal maturation. However, the unaltered SNCA levels observed following ZSCAN21 down-regulation in the rat brain, possibly due to compensatory mechanisms, imply that ZSCAN21 is not a master regulator of SNCA in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Dermentzaki
- From the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527 and
| | - Nikolaos Paschalidis
- From the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527 and
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- From the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527 and
| | - Leonidas Stefanis
- From the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527 and the Second Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Hospital Attikon, Athens 12462, Greece,
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25
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Aravantinou-Fatorou K, Ortega F, Chroni-Tzartou D, Antoniou N, Poulopoulou C, Politis PK, Berninger B, Matsas R, Thomaidou D. CEND1 and NEUROGENIN2 Reprogram Mouse Astrocytes and Embryonic Fibroblasts to Induced Neural Precursors and Differentiated Neurons. Stem Cell Reports 2015; 5:405-18. [PMID: 26321141 PMCID: PMC4618597 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrate that astroglia from non-neurogenic brain regions can be reprogrammed into functional neurons through forced expression of neurogenic factors. Here we explored the effect of CEND1 and NEUROG2 on reprogramming of mouse cortical astrocytes and embryonic fibroblasts. Forced expression of CEND1, NEUROG2, or both resulted in acquisition of induced neuronal cells expressing subtype-specific markers, while long-term live-cell imaging highlighted the existence of two different modes of neuronal trans-differentiation. Of note, a subpopulation of CEND1 and NEUROG2 double-transduced astrocytes formed spheres exhibiting neural stem cell properties. mRNA and protein expression studies revealed a reciprocal feedback loop existing between the two molecules, while knockdown of endogenous CEND1 demonstrated that it is a key mediator of NEUROG2-driven neuronal reprogramming. Our data suggest that common reprogramming mechanisms exist driving the conversion of lineage-distant somatic cell types to neurons and reveal a critical role for CEND1 in NEUROG2-driven astrocytic reprogramming. CEND1 reprograms astrocytes and fibroblasts to GABAergic neurons Neurospheres are formed from CEND1+ and NEUROG2+ cells through the β-catenin pathway CEND1 and NEUROG2 participate in a reciprocal feedback loop leading to neurogenesis CEND1 is a key mediator of NEUROG2 reprogramming function
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Felipe Ortega
- Research Group Adult Neurogenesis and Cellular Reprogramming, Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Dafni Chroni-Tzartou
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens 11521, Greece; Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Experimental Neurophysiology, University of Athens Medical School, Eginition Hospital, 72-74 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens 11521, Greece
| | - Nasia Antoniou
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens 11521, Greece
| | - Cornelia Poulopoulou
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Experimental Neurophysiology, University of Athens Medical School, Eginition Hospital, 72-74 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens 11521, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efessiou Street, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Benedikt Berninger
- Research Group Adult Neurogenesis and Cellular Reprogramming, Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Rebecca Matsas
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens 11521, Greece
| | - Dimitra Thomaidou
- Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens 11521, Greece.
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26
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Fouka P, Alexopoulos H, Akrivou S, Trohatou O, Politis PK, Dalakas MC. GAD65 epitope mapping and search for novel autoantibodies in GAD-associated neurological disorders. J Neuroimmunol 2015; 281:73-7. [PMID: 25867471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies against Glutamic-acid-decarboxylase (GAD65) are seen in various CNS excitability disorders including stiff-person syndrome, cerebellar ataxia, encephalitis and epilepsy. To explore pathogenicity, we examined whether distinct epitope specificities or other co-existing antibodies may account for each disorder. The epitope recognized by all 27 tested patients, irrespective of clinical phenotype, corresponded to the catalytic core of GAD. No autoantibodies against known GABAergic antigens were found. In a screen for novel specificities using live hippocampal neurons, three epilepsy patients, but no other, were positive. We conclude that no GAD-specific epitope defines any neurological syndrome but other antibody specificities may account for certain phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Fouka
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece
| | - H Alexopoulos
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - S Akrivou
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - O Trohatou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece
| | - P K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece
| | - M C Dalakas
- Neuroimmunology Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
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27
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Stergiopoulos A, Elkouris M, Politis PK. Prospero-related homeobox 1 (Prox1) at the crossroads of diverse pathways during adult neural fate specification. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 8:454. [PMID: 25674048 PMCID: PMC4306308 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, adult neurogenesis in the central nervous system (CNS) has emerged as a fundamental process underlying physiology and disease. Recent evidence indicates that the homeobox transcription factor Prox1 is a critical intrinsic regulator of neurogenesis in the embryonic CNS and adult dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus, acting in multiple ways and instructed by extrinsic cues and intrinsic factors. In the embryonic CNS, Prox1 is mechanistically involved in the regulation of proliferation vs. differentiation decisions of neural stem cells (NSCs), promoting cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation, while inhibiting astrogliogenesis. During the complex differentiation events in adult hippocampal neurogenesis, Prox1 is required for maintenance of intermediate progenitors (IPs), differentiation and maturation of glutamatergic interneurons, as well as specification of DG cell identity over CA3 pyramidal fate. The mechanism by which Prox1 exerts multiple functions involves distinct signaling pathways currently not fully highlighted. In this mini-review, we thoroughly discuss the Prox1-dependent phenotypes and molecular pathways in adult neurogenesis in relation to different upstream signaling cues and cell fate determinants. In addition, we discuss the possibility that Prox1 may act as a cross-talk point between diverse signaling cascades to achieve specific outcomes during adult neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Stergiopoulos
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Athens, Greece
| | - Maximilianos Elkouris
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Athens, Greece
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28
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Antoniou D, Stergiopoulos A, Politis PK. Recent advances in the involvement of long non-coding RNAs in neural stem cell biology and brain pathophysiology. Front Physiol 2014; 5:155. [PMID: 24795650 PMCID: PMC4001054 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Exploration of non-coding genome has recently uncovered a growing list of formerly unknown regulatory long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with important functions in stem cell pluripotency, development and homeostasis of several tissues. Although thousands of lncRNAs are expressed in mammalian brain in a highly patterned manner, their roles in brain development have just begun to emerge. Recent data suggest key roles for these molecules in gene regulatory networks controlling neuronal and glial cell differentiation. Analysis of the genomic distribution of genes encoding for lncRNAs indicates a physical association of these regulatory RNAs with transcription factors (TFs) with well-established roles in neural differentiation, suggesting that lncRNAs and TFs may form coherent regulatory networks with important functions in neural stem cells (NSCs). Additionally, many studies show that lncRNAs are involved in the pathophysiology of brain-related diseases/disorders. Here we discuss these observations and investigate the links between lncRNAs, brain development and brain-related diseases. Understanding the functions of lncRNAs in NSCs and brain organogenesis could revolutionize the basic principles of developmental biology and neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Antoniou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Stergiopoulos
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Athens, Greece
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Tsioras K, Papastefanaki F, Politis PK, Matsas R, Gaitanou M. Functional Interactions between BM88/Cend1, Ran-binding protein M and Dyrk1B kinase affect cyclin D1 levels and cell cycle progression/exit in mouse neuroblastoma cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82172. [PMID: 24312406 PMCID: PMC3842983 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BM88/Cend1 is a neuronal-lineage specific modulator with a pivotal role in coordination of cell cycle exit and differentiation of neuronal precursors. In the current study we identified the signal transduction scaffolding protein Ran-binding protein M (RanBPM) as a BM88/Cend1 binding partner and showed that BM88/Cend1, RanBPM and the dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation regulated kinase 1B (Dyrk1B) are expressed in mouse brain as well as in cultured embryonic cortical neurons while RanBPM can form complexes with either of the two other proteins. To elucidate a potential mechanism involving BM88/Cend1, RanBPM and Dyrk1B in cell cycle progression/exit, we transiently co-expressed these proteins in mouse neuroblastoma Neuro 2a cells. We found that the BM88/Cend1-dependent or Dyrk1B-dependent down-regulation of cyclin D1 is reversed following their functional interaction with RanBPM. More specifically, functional interaction of RanBPM with either BM88/Cend1 or Dyrk1B stabilizes cyclin D1 in the nucleus and promotes 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation as a measure of enhanced cell proliferation. However, the RanBPM-dependent Dyrk1B cytosolic retention and degradation is reverted in the presence of Cend1 resulting in cyclin D1 destabilization. Co-expression of RanBPM with either BM88/Cend1 or Dyrk1B also had a negative effect on Neuro 2a cell differentiation. Our results suggest that functional interactions between BM88/Cend1, RanBPM and Dyrk1B affect the balance between cellular proliferation and differentiation in Neuro 2a cells and indicate that a potentially similar mechanism may influence cell cycle progression/exit and differentiation of neuronal precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Tsioras
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Florentia Papastefanaki
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K. Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Rebecca Matsas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gaitanou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
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Prakoura N, Politis PK, Ihara Y, Michalak M, Charonis AS. Epithelial calreticulin up-regulation promotes profibrotic responses and tubulointerstitial fibrosis development. Am J Pathol 2013; 183:1474-1487. [PMID: 24035512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the common anatomical feature underlying the progression of chronic kidney disease, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In a previous study, we demonstrated that during development of renal fibrosis in a rat model of unilateral ureteric obstruction, calreticulin (CRT) is up-regulated in tubular epithelial cells (TECs). In the present study, we used in vitro and in vivo approaches to examine the role of CRT in TECs and its contribution to the progression of fibrosis. In cultured renal TECs, CRT overexpression induced acquisition of an altered, profibrotic cellular phenotype. Consistently, the opposite effects were observed for CRT knockdown. Subsequently, we confirmed that critical changes observed in vitro were also apparent in tubular cells in vivo in the animal model of unilateral ureteric obstruction. In agreement with these results, we demonstrate that substantial (50%) reduction in the expression of CRT reduced the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis at a comparable level through regulation of inflammation, transcriptional activation, transforming growth factor β1-associated effects, and apoptosis. In summary, our findings establish that CRT is critically involved in the molecular mechanisms that drive renal fibrosis progression and indicate that inhibition of CRT expression might be a therapeutic target for reduction of fibrosis and chronic kidney disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Prakoura
- Section of Histology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Section of Histology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Yoshito Ihara
- Department of Biochemistry, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Marek Michalak
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Aristidis S Charonis
- Section of Histology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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31
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Holzmann J, Politis PK, Rohrer H. Neurogenesis in Sympathetic Ganglia: Expression and Function of Prox1. Auton Neurosci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2013.05.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Stergiopoulos A, Politis PK. The role of nuclear receptors in controlling the fine balance between proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells. Arch Biochem Biophys 2013; 534:27-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2012.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Foskolou IP, Stellas D, Rozani I, Lavigne MD, Politis PK. Prox1 suppresses the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells via a dual action in p27-Kip1 and Cdc25A. Oncogene 2012; 32:947-60. [PMID: 22508481 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a pediatric tumor that originates from precursor cells of the sympathetic nervous system with less than 40% long-term survival in children diagnosed with high-risk disease. These clinical observations underscore the need for novel insights in the mechanisms of malignant transformation and progression. Accordingly, it was recently reported that Prox1, a homeobox transcription regulator, is expressed in higher levels in human neuroblastoma with favorable prognosis. Consistently, we have recently shown that Prox1 exerts a strong antiproliferative effect on neural precursor cells during embryonic development. Thus, Prox1 is a candidate gene with a critical role in suppressing malignant neuroblastoma transformation. Here, we provide evidence that Prox1 strongly suppresses the proliferation of mouse and human neuroblastoma cell lines and blocks the growth of neuroblastoma tumors in SCID mice. Conversely, short hairpin RNA (shRNA) -mediated knockdown of basal Prox1 expression significantly induces proliferation, genomic instability and the ability of neuroblastoma cells to form tumors. Mechanistically, analysis of an inducible Prox1-overexpressing Neuro2A cell line indicates that Prox1 is sufficient to suppress CyclinD1, CyclinA and CyclinB1, consistent with a role in cell cycle arrest. Surprisingly, Prox1 strongly induces CyclinE1 expression in the same system despite its action on blocking cell cycle progression, which could account for the context dependent oncogenic function of Prox1. Most importantly, Prox1 was sufficient to decrease Cdc25A and induce p27-Kip1, but not p21-Cip1 or p53. By alleviating the Prox1 action in Cdc25A and p27-Kip1 expression, we were able to rescue its effect on cell cycle arrest. Together these data suggest that Prox1 negatively regulates neuroblastoma carcinogenesis through suppression of Cdc25A and induction of p27-Kip1 to counteract CyclinE1 overexpression and block cell cycle progression. Furthermore, these observations render Prox1 a candidate target for the treatment of neuroblastoma tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- I P Foskolou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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34
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Elkouris M, Balaskas N, Poulou M, Politis PK, Panayiotou E, Malas S, Thomaidou D, Remboutsika E. Sox1 Maintains the Undifferentiated State of Cortical Neural Progenitor Cells via the Suppression of Prox1-Mediated Cell Cycle Exit and Neurogenesis. Stem Cells 2011; 29:89-98. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Kaltezioti V, Kouroupi G, Oikonomaki M, Mantouvalou E, Stergiopoulos A, Charonis A, Rohrer H, Matsas R, Politis PK. Prox1 regulates the notch1-mediated inhibition of neurogenesis. PLoS Biol 2010; 8:e1000565. [PMID: 21203589 PMCID: PMC3006385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1000565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During development of the spinal cord, Prox1 controls the balance between proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells via suppression of Notch1 gene expression. Activation of Notch1 signaling in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) induces self-renewal and inhibits neurogenesis. Upon neuronal differentiation, NPCs overcome this inhibition, express proneural genes to induce Notch ligands, and activate Notch1 in neighboring NPCs. The molecular mechanism that coordinates Notch1 inactivation with initiation of neurogenesis remains elusive. Here, we provide evidence that Prox1, a transcription repressor and downstream target of proneural genes, counteracts Notch1 signaling via direct suppression of Notch1 gene expression. By expression studies in the developing spinal cord of chick and mouse embryo, we showed that Prox1 is limited to neuronal precursors residing between the Notch1+ NPCs and post-mitotic neurons. Physiological levels of Prox1 in this tissue are sufficient to allow binding at Notch1 promoter and they are critical for proper Notch1 transcriptional regulation in vivo. Gain-of-function studies in the chick neural tube and mouse NPCs suggest that Prox1-mediated suppression of Notch1 relieves its inhibition on neurogenesis and allows NPCs to exit the cell cycle and differentiate. Moreover, loss-of-function in the chick neural tube shows that Prox1 is necessary for suppression of Notch1 outside the ventricular zone, inhibition of active Notch signaling, down-regulation of NPC markers, and completion of neuronal differentiation program. Together these data suggest that Prox1 inhibits Notch1 gene expression to control the balance between NPC self-renewal and neuronal differentiation. Early during development, neural progenitor cells (NPCs) can either proliferate or differentiate into neurons. Thus, generation of the correct number of neurons is governed by a tightly regulated balance between proliferation and differentiation, and disruption of this balance can result in severe developmental deficits, malformations, or cancers. Notch1 is a member of the Notch family of receptors, which make up a highly conserved cell signaling system. Notch1 signaling has been shown to inhibit NPC differentiation and to promote self-renewal, thereby allowing NPCs to divide and progressively generate the enormous number of neurons present in the central nervous system. The molecular mechanism by which NPCs overcome Notch1-mediated inhibition in order to differentiate into neurons, however, is not completely understood. In this study, we show that Prox1, a homeobox transcriptional repressor, plays a fundamental role in the switch to differentiation by suppressing the expression of Notch1 receptor, thereby preventing newly produced neuronal precursors from receiving inhibitory signals from Notch ligands present in neighboring cells. This transcriptional repression may regulate cell cycle exit and differentiation of NPCs as they migrate towards different regions and adopt their final cell fates. We suggest that Prox1 may exert its known influence on embryonic development, organ morphogenesis, and cancer through its ability to counteract Notch1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Kaltezioti
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Kouroupi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Oikonomaki
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Mantouvalou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Stergiopoulos
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aristidis Charonis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Hermann Rohrer
- Department of Neurochemistry, Max-Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Rebecca Matsas
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K. Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- * E-mail:
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36
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Alberti A, Karamessinis P, Peroulis M, Kypreou K, Kavvadas P, Pagakis S, Politis PK, Charonis A. ERp46 is reduced by high glucose and regulates insulin content in pancreatic beta-cells. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2009; 297:E812-21. [PMID: 19622788 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00053.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Our studies focus on ERp46, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) component, and analyze its involvement in glucose toxicity and in insulin production. Differences in pancreatic beta-TC-6 cell proteome under conditions of low vs. high glucose were examined by proteomic approaches, including two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, image analysis, and mass spectrometry. Among differentially expressed proteins, ERp46, a novel endoplasmic reticulum component, was examined further. The expression of ERp46 in pancreatic sections was analyzed by immunocytochemistry, and high glucose-induced alterations of expression were evaluated in cultured beta-cells, in isolated pancreatic islets, and in the pancreas of db/db diabetic animals. Inhibition of ERp46 expression by siRNA was performed to study its role in insulin production, in secretion, and in ER stress. Proteomic analysis led to identification of 46 differentially expressed spots corresponding to 23 proteins. Since ERp46 is a novel protein with a possible crucial role in secretory cells, we further analyzed its role in beta-cell function. ERp46 expression is reduced in high glucose concentration in beta-TC-6 cells and in isolated murine islets. Further analysis revealed high expression of ERp46 in pancreatic islets compared with exocrine tissue. Interestingly, a marked decrease in ERp46 expression was found in the pancreatic islets of db/db mice. Most importantly, siRNA-mediated knockdown of ERp46 in cultured beta-cells led to a significant decrease in the insulin content; however, no alterations in insulin mRNA levels were observed under these conditions. In addition, reduced expression of ERp46 by siRNA increased the expression of CHOP and peIF2a, indicating development of ER stress. We conclude that ERp46 may be an important component in the phenomenon of "glucose toxicity" involved in insulin production at the posttranslational level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avra Alberti
- Division of Histology, Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4, Soranou Efessiou St., Athens 115 27, Greece
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37
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Kypreou KP, Kavvadas P, Karamessinis P, Peroulis M, Alberti A, Sideras P, Psarras S, Capetanaki Y, Politis PK, Charonis AS. Altered expression of calreticulin during the development of fibrosis. Proteomics 2008; 8:2407-19. [PMID: 18563736 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200700831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Tissue damage following injury leads to inflammation and fibrosis. To understand the molecular mechanisms and the proteins involved in the fibrotic process, we used the well-established unilateral ureteric obstruction rat model and we analyzed the alterations at early and late time intervals using a classical proteomic approach. Data analysis demonstrates a correlation between calreticulin up-regulation and progression of fibrosis. Calreticulin is involved in Ca++ homeostasis but has not been previously implicated in animal models of fibrosis. Proteomic analysis consistently revealed up-regulation of calreticulin in both early and late time intervals. These findings were further confirmed by biochemical and morphological approaches. Next, animal models of lung fibrosis (bleomycin-induced) and heart fibrosis (desmin-null) were examined. In the lung model, calreticulin expression was up-regulated from early time intervals, whereas in the heart model no change in the expression of calreticulin was observed. In addition, TGF-beta, a well known major contributing factor in several fibrotic processes, was found to up-regulate calreticulin in cultured human proximal tubule epithelial cells. The above observations suggest that calreticulin might be involved in fibrotic processes; however the mechanism(s) underlying its possible involvement are yet unresolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina P Kypreou
- Department of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Abstract
During development, co-ordinate regulation of cell cycle exit and differentiation of neuronal precursors is essential for generation of appropriate number of neurons and proper wiring of neuronal circuits. Recent studies have identified some of the molecules implicated in the regulation of these cellular events, but the complex machinery that orchestrates these processes into a coherent developmental program remains unclear. BM88/Cend1 is a neuronal protein associated in vivo with terminal neuron-generating divisions, marking the exit of proliferative cells from the cell cycle. Genetic studies in neural cell lines, neural stem/progenitor cells using the neurosphere system and in the developing chicken neural tube in vivo have shown that BM88/Cend1 is a dual function molecule co-ordinating cell cycle exit and differentiation of neuronal progenitors. These studies have thus shed light on a molecular determinant that participates, along with other known and possibly still unknown regulators, in the complex processes by which a progenitor cell becomes a mature neuron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis K Politis
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Georgopoulou N, Hurel C, Politis PK, Gaitanou M, Matsas R, Thomaidou D. BM88 is a dual function molecule inducing cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation of neuroblastoma cells via cyclin D1 down-regulation and retinoblastoma protein hypophosphorylation. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:33606-20. [PMID: 16893893 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m602689200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of cell cycle progression/exit and differentiation of neuronal precursors is of paramount importance during brain development. BM88 is a neuronal protein associated with terminal neuron-generating divisions in vivo and is implicated in mechanisms underlying neuronal differentiation. Here we have used mouse neuroblastoma Neuro 2a cells as an in vitro model of neuronal differentiation to dissect the functional properties of BM88 by implementing gain- and loss-of-function approaches. We demonstrate that stably transfected cells overexpressing BM88 acquire a neuronal phenotype in the absence of external stimuli, as judged by enhanced expression of neuronal markers and neurite outgrowth-inducing signaling molecules. In addition, cell cycle measurements involving cell growth assays, BrdUrd incorporation, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis revealed that the BM88-transfected cells have a prolonged G(1) phase, most probably corresponding to cell cycle exit at the G(0) restriction point, as compared with controls. BM88 overexpression also results in increased levels of the cell cycle regulatory protein p53, and accumulation of the hypophosphorylated form of the retinoblastoma protein leading to cell cycle arrest, with concomitant decreased levels and, in many cells, cytoplasmic localization of cyclin D1. Conversely, BM88 gene silencing using RNA interference experiments resulted in acceleration of cell proliferation accompanied by impairment of retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiation of Neuro 2a cells. Taken together, our results suggest that BM88 plays an essential role in regulating cell cycle exit and differentiation of Neuro 2a cells toward a neuronal phenotype and further support its involvement in the proliferation/differentiation transition of neural stem/progenitor cells during embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Georgopoulou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, 115 21 Athens, Greece
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Politis PK, Rohrer H, Matsas R. Expression pattern of BM88 in the developing nervous system of the chick and mouse embryo. Gene Expr Patterns 2006; 7:165-77. [PMID: 16949349 DOI: 10.1016/j.modgep.2006.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2006] [Revised: 06/28/2006] [Accepted: 06/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We isolated a chick homologue of BM88 (cBM88), a cell-intrinsic nervous system-specific protein and examined the expression of BM88 mRNA and protein in the developing brain, spinal cord and peripheral nervous system of the chick embryo by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. cBM88 is widely expressed in the developing central nervous system, both in the ventricular and mantle zones where precursor and differentiated cells lie, respectively. In the spinal cord, particularly strong cBM88 expression is detected ventrally in the motor neuron area. cBM88 is also expressed in the dorsal root ganglia and sympathetic ganglia. In the early neural tube, cBM88 is first detected at HH stage 15 and its expression increases with embryonic age. At early stages, cBM88 expression is weaker in the ventricular zone (VZ) and higher in the mantle zone. At later stages, when gliogenesis persists instead of neurogenesis, BM88 expression is abolished in the VZ and cBM88 is restricted in the neuron-containing mantle zone of the neural tube. Association of cBM88 expression with cells of the neuronal lineage in the chick spinal cord was demonstrated using a combination of markers characteristic of neuronal or glial precursors, as well as markers of differentiated neuronal, oligodendroglial and astroglial cells. In addition to the spinal cord, cBM88 is expressed in the HH stage 45 (embryonic day 19) brain, including the telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon, optic tectum and cerebellum. BM88 is also widely expressed in the mouse embryonic CNS and PNS, in both nestin-positive neuroepithelial cells and post-mitotic betaIII-tubulin positive neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis K Politis
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 127 Vas. Sofias Avenue, Athens 11521, Greece
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Kozlov IA, Politis PK, Pitsch S, Herdewijn P, Orgel LE. A highly enantio-selective hexitol nucleic acid template for nonenzymatic oligoguanylate synthesis. J Am Chem Soc 2001; 121:1108-9. [PMID: 11541447 DOI: 10.1021/ja9836489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I A Kozlov
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego, California 92186, USA
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Abstract
Isw1p and Isw2p are budding yeast homologs of the Drosophila ISWI chromatin-remodeling ATPase. Using indirect-end-label and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, we show both independent and cooperative Isw1p- and Isw2p-mediated positioning of short nucleosome arrays in gene-regulatory elements at a variety of transcription units in vivo. We present evidence that both yeast ISWI complexes regulate developmental responses to starvation and that for Isw2p, recruitment by different DNA-binding proteins controls meiosis and haploid invasive growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Kent
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK.
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Kozlov IA, Politis PK, Van Aerschot A, Busson R, Herdewijn P, Orgel LE. Nonenzymatic synthesis of RNA and DNA oligomers on hexitol nucleic acid templates: the importance of the A structure. J Am Chem Soc 1999; 121:2653-6. [PMID: 11543583 DOI: 10.1021/ja983958r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hexitol nucleic acid (HNA) is an analogue of DNA containing the standard nucleoside bases, but with a phosphorylated 1,5-anhydrohexitol backbone. HNA oligomers form duplexes having the nucleic acid A structure with complementary DNA or RNA oligomers. The HNA decacytidylate oligomer is an efficient template for the oligomerization of the 5'-phosphoroimidazolides of guanosine or deoxyguanosine. Comparison of the oligomerization efficiencies on HNA, RNA, and DNA decacytidylate templates under various conditions suggests strongly that only nucleic acid double helices with the A structure support efficient template-directed synthesis when 5'-phosphoroimidazolides of nucleosides are used as substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Kozlov
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego, California 92186, USA
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