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Perez-Rando M, Castillo-Gomez E, Bueno-Fernandez C, Nacher J. The TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone changes the structural dynamics of neocortical pyramidal neurons and improves object recognition in mice. Brain Struct Funct 2018; 223:2393-2408. [PMID: 29500536 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-018-1637-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BDNF and its receptor TrkB have important roles in neurodevelopment, neural plasticity, learning, and memory. Alterations in TrkB expression have been described in different CNS disorders. Therefore, drugs interacting with TrkB, specially agonists, are promising therapeutic tools. Among them, the recently described 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (DHF), an orally bioactive compound, has been successfully tested in animal models of these diseases. Recent studies have shown the influence of this drug on the structure of pyramidal neurons, specifically on dendritic spine density. However, there is no information yet on how DHF may alter the structural dynamics of these neurons (i.e., real-time study of the addition/elimination of dendritic spines and axonal boutons). To gain knowledge on these effects of DHF, we have performed a real-time analysis of spine and axonal dynamics in pyramidal neurons of barrel cortex, using cranial windows and 2-photon microscopy during a chronic oral treatment with this drug. After confirming TrkB expression in these neurons, we found that DHF increased the gain rates of spines and axonal boutons, as well as improved object recognition memory. These results help to understand how the activation of the BDNF-TrkB system can improve basic behavioral tasks through changes in the structural dynamics of pyramidal neurons. Moreover, they highlight DHF as a promising therapeutic vector for certain brain disorders in which this system is altered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Perez-Rando
- Neurobiology Unit, Cell Biology Department, Program in Neurosciences and Interdisciplinary Research Structure for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Dr. Moliner, 50, Burjassot, 46100, Spain
| | - Esther Castillo-Gomez
- Neurobiology Unit, Cell Biology Department, Program in Neurosciences and Interdisciplinary Research Structure for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Dr. Moliner, 50, Burjassot, 46100, Spain. .,CIBERSAM: Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health, Valencia, Spain. .,Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universitat Jaume I, Vicente Sos Banyat s/n, 12071, Castellón de la Plana, Spain.
| | - Clara Bueno-Fernandez
- Neurobiology Unit, Cell Biology Department, Program in Neurosciences and Interdisciplinary Research Structure for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Dr. Moliner, 50, Burjassot, 46100, Spain
| | - Juan Nacher
- Neurobiology Unit, Cell Biology Department, Program in Neurosciences and Interdisciplinary Research Structure for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Dr. Moliner, 50, Burjassot, 46100, Spain. .,CIBERSAM: Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health, Valencia, Spain. .,Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia, INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.
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Alkam D, Feldman EZ, Singh A, Kiaei M. Profilin1 biology and its mutation, actin(g) in disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:967-81. [PMID: 27669692 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2372-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Profilins were discovered in the 1970s and were extensively studied for their significant physiological roles. Profilin1 is the most prominent isoform and has drawn special attention due to its role in the cytoskeleton, cell signaling, and its link to conditions such as cancer and vascular hypertrophy. Recently, multiple mutations in the profilin1 gene were linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this review, we will discuss the physiological and pathological roles of profilin1. We will further highlight the cytoskeletal function and dysfunction caused by profilin1 dysregulation. Finally, we will discuss the implications of mutant profilin1 in various diseases with an emphasis on its contribution to the pathogenesis of ALS.
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