A Comparative Investigation of Axon-Blood Vessel Growth Interaction in the Regenerating Sciatic and Optic Nerves in Adult Mice

The vascular and the nervous systems share similarities in addition to their complex role in providing oxygen and nutrients to all cells. Both are highly branched networks that frequently grow close to one another during development. Vascular patterning and neural wiring share families of guidance cues and receptors. Most recently, this relationship has been investigated in terms of peripheral nervous system (PNS) regeneration, where nerves and blood vessels often run in parallel so endothelial cells guide the formation of the Büngner bands which support axonal regeneration. Here, we characterized the vascular response in regenerative models of the central and peripheral nervous system. After sciatic nerve crush, followed by axon regeneration, there was a significant increase in the blood vessel density 7 days after injury. In addition, the optic nerve crush model was used to evaluate intrinsic regenerative potential activated with a combined treatment that stimulated retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) regrowth. We observed that a 2-fold change in the total number of blood vessels occurred 7 days after optic nerve crush compared to the uncrushed nerve. The difference increased up to a 2.7-fold change 2 weeks after the crush. Interestingly, we did not observe differences in the total number of blood vessels 2 weeks after crush, compared to animals that had received combined treatment for regeneration and controls. Therefore, the vascular characterization showed that the increase in vascular density was not related to the efficiency of both peripheral and central axonal regeneration.

olf413 an octopamine biogenesis pathway gene is required for axon growth and pathfinding during embryonic nervous system development in Drosophila melanogaster

OBJECTIVE

Neurotransmitters have been extensively studied as neural communication molecules. Genetic associations discovered, and indirect intervention studies in Humans and mammals have led to a general proposition that neurotransmitters have a role in structuring of neuronal network during development. olf413 is a Drosophila gene annotated as coding for dopamine beta-monooxygenase enzyme with a predicted function in octopaminergic pathway. The biological function of this gene is very little worked out. In this study we investigate the requirement of olf413 gene function for octopamine biogenesis and developmental patterning of embryonic nervous system.

RESULT

In our study we have used the newly characterized neuronal specific allele olf413SG1.1, and the gene disruption strain olf413MI02014 to dissect out the function of olf413. olf413 has an enhancer activity as depicted by reporter GFP expression, in the embryonic ventral nerve cord, peripheral nervous system and the somatic muscle bundles. Homozygous loss of function mutants show reduced levels of octopamine, and this finding supports the proposed function of the gene in octopamine biogenesis. Further, loss of function of olf413 causes embryonic lethality. FasII staining of these embryos reveal a range of phenotypes in the central and peripheral motor nerves, featuring axonal growth, pathfinding, branching and misrouting defects. Our findings are important as they implicate a key functional requirement of this gene in precise axonal patterning events, a novel developmental role imparted for an octopamine biosynthesis pathway gene in structuring of embryonic nervous system.

The Transcription Factor Ets1 Influences Axonal Growth via Regulation of Lcn2

Transcription factors are essential for the development and regeneration of the nervous system. The current study investigated key regulatory transcription factors in rat spinal cord development via RNA sequencing. The hub gene Ets1 was highly expressed in the spinal cord during the embryonic period, and then its expression decreased during spinal cord development. Knockdown of Ets1 significantly increased the axonal growth of cultured spinal cord neurons. Luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that Ets1 could directly bind to the Lcn2 promoter and positively regulate Lcn2 transcription. In conclusion, these findings provide the first direct evidence that Ets1 regulates axon growth by controlling Lcn2 expression, and Ets1 may be a novel therapeutic target for axon regeneration in the central nervous system.

Activation of the mTOR pathway promotes neurite growth through upregulation of CD44 expression

OBJECTIVE

To explore the intrinsic mechanism of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activation and promotion of neuronal axon growth.

METHODS

Human neuroblastoma cells, SH-SY5Y, were induced with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA; 10 μM for three days) which differentiated the cell line into a neuronal-like state. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the differentiation status of the neuronal-like cells. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) RNA interference (RNAi) experiments were performed on the differentiated cells; reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detected transcriptional levels of PTEN following 24 h of interference. After 36 h, western blot assay was used to detect expression levels of ribosomal protein S6 kinase (pS6k) and mTOR. To downregulate the expression of PTEN and cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44), a cell-surface glycoprotein, simultaneously, PTEN siRNA and CD44 siRNA sequences were mixed in equal proportions in co-interference experiments. RT-PCR detected the transcription level of CD44, and the relationship between the CD44 and axonal growth was observed after 48 h of interference.

RESULTS

Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) expression was enhanced after three days of induction in SH-SY5Y cells. RT-PCR showed the transcription level of PTEN was significantly downregulated after 24 h of PTEN knockdown. mTOR and pS6k protein expression levels were significantly upregulated after 36 h of interference. CD44 transcription levels were upregulated after PTEN gene interference. The neurite length of the cells in the experimental interference group was significantly longer than that in the control group, and the expression level of CD44 was positively correlated with neurite growth. The neurite length of the PTEN-only interference group was significantly greater than that of the co-interference and ATRA groups.

CONCLUSION

Activation of the mTOR pathway promoted neurite growth through upregulation of CD44 expression, thus promoting neuronal regeneration.

Phosphorylated proteomics-based analysis of the effects of semaglutide on hippocampi of high-fat diet-induced-obese mice

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of semaglutide on phosphorylated protein expression, and its neuroprotective mechanism in hippocampi of high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. In total, 16 obese mice were randomly divided into model group (H group) and semaglutide group (S group), with 8 mice in each group. In addition, a control group (C group) was set up comprising 8 C57BL/6J male normal mice. The Morris water maze assay was conducted to detect cognitive function changes in the mice, and to observe and compare body weight and expression levels of serological indicators between groups after the intervention. Phosphorylated proteomic analysis was performed to detect the hippocampal protein profile in mice. Proteins up-regulated twofold or down-regulated 0.5-fold in each group and with t-test p < 0.05 were defined as differentially phosphorylated proteins and were analyzed bioinformatically. The results showed that the high-fat diet-induced obese mice had reduced body weight, improved oxidative stress indexes, significantly increased the percentage of water maze trips and the number of platform crossings, and significantly shortened the water maze platform latency after semaglutide intervention. The phosphorylated proteomics results identified that 44 overlapping proteins among the three experimental groups. Most of the phosphorylated proteins identified were closely associated with pathways of neurodegeneration-multiple diseases. In addition, we identified Huntington, Neurofilament light chain, Neurofilament heavy chain as drug targets. This study demonstrates for the first time that semaglutide exerts neuroprotective effects by reducing HTT Ser1843, NEFH Ser 661 phosphorylation and increasing NEFL Ser 473 phosphorylation in hippocampal tissue of obese mice.

Nerve Growth Factor in Breast Cancer Cells Promotes Axonal Growth and Expression of Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide in a Rat Model of Spinal Metastasis

BACKGROUND/AIM

Bone metastasis commonly causes severe pain. Nerve growth factor (NGF) contributes to pain, and promotes the production of pain-associated neuropeptides, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), from sensory nerve endings. We hypothesized that breast cancer cells have NGF levels that promote axonal growth from dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) neurons, and increase their CGRP production associated with pain from spinal metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Expression of NGF by the cultured rat breast adenocarcinoma cell line CRL-1666 was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We constructed a rat model of spinal metastasis by implanting CRL-1666 into L6 vertebrae and determined the change in CGRP expression in DRG neurons innervating vertebrae immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

NGF was expressed by CRL-1666. When DRG cells were co-cultured with CRL-1666, there were more CGRP-ir neurons and with a greater average length of axon growth than in cultures without CRL-1666 (p<0.05). In the rat model of metastasis, there were more CGRP-ir DRG neurons innervating vertebra treated with CRL-1666 than in vertebrae from sham surgery control rats (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

NGF from breast cancer may mediate spinal bone pain from metastasis via axonal growth and up-regulation of pain-associated neuropeptides.

Studying the Role of P2X7 Receptor in Axonal Growth Using In Utero Electroporation Technique

The nervous system is formed by a complex network of neuronal connections. During development, neurons elongate their axons through highly stereotyped anatomical pathways to form precise connections. Defects in these mechanisms are related with neurological disorders. Previous studies have reported that inhibition of the P2X7 receptor, an ionotropic purinergic receptor, promotes axonal growth and branching in cultured neurons. However, little is known about the in vivo mechanism of axonal elongation regulated by P2X7. Here, we detailed a step-by-step method to perform in utero cortical electroporation and quantified the electroporated axons employing accessible and open-source image processing software. This effective surgical procedure manipulates in vivo the gene expression in a discrete population of callosal projection neuron. Thus, a better understanding of the involvement of P2X7 in the in vivo establishment of neuronal circuits might help to clarify the basic biology of several neurodevelopmental disorders and axonal regenerative processes.

CircRNA_01477 influences axonal growth via regulating miR-3075/FosB/Stat3 axis

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important for the development and regeneration of the nervous system. We investigated the differential expression profiles of circRNA induced by spinal cord injury and reported that circRNA_01477 facilitates spinal astrocyte proliferation and migration after injury in rats. In this study, we further clarified the function and possible mechanism of action of circRNA_01477 in neurons. Fluorescence in situ hybridization assay revealed that circRNA_01477 is mainly localized in the neuronal cytoplasm. Knockdown of circRNA_01477 significantly increased axonal length. The circRNA_01477/microRNAs (miRNA)/messenger RNA (mRNA) interaction network was investigated using RNA sequencing. miRNA-3075 showed a remarkable increase after circRNA_01477 depletion, and either overexpression of miRNA-3075 or downregulation of its target gene FosB significantly promoted axonal growth. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miRNA-3075 could directly bind to the 3'UTR of FosB and negatively regulated FosB transcription. Dual silencing of circRNA_01477 and miR-3075 revealed that miR-3075 inhibition rescued the increased axon length caused by siCircRNA_01477. Finally, we verified that the Stat3 pathway was activated after FosB protein depletion in rat spinal neurons, while the NF-κB pathway was not altered. In summary, our study is the first to report that circRNA_01477 contributes to axon growth by functioning as miRNA sponge by regulating the miRNA-3075/FosB/Stat3 axis.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticle affects motor behavior, neurodevelopment and axonal growth in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae

More attention has been recently paid to the ecotoxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO₂) owing to its common use in many fields. Although previous studies have shown that nano-TiO₂ is neurotoxic, the mechanism is still largely unknown. In the present study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/L nano-TiO₂ and 1.0 mg/L micro-TiO₂ for up to 6 days post-fertilization (dpf). Exposure to 1.0 mg/L nano-TiO₂ significantly decreased the body length and weight of zebrafish larvae; however, the hatching and mortality rate of zebrafish embryos did not change. Behavioral tests showed that nano-TiO₂ exposure significantly reduced the swimming speed and clockwise rotation times of the larvae. The results revealed that nano-TiO₂ treatment adversely affected motor neuron axon length in Tg (hb9-GFP) zebrafish and decreased central nervous system (CNS) neurogenesis in Tg (HuC-GFP) zebrafish. Additionally, real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that genes associated with neurogenesis (nrd and elavl3) and axonal growth (α1-tubulin, mbp, and gap43) were significantly affected by nano-TiO₂ exposure. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that early-life stage exposure of zebrafish to nano-TiO₂ causes adverse neural outcomes through the inhibition of neurodevelopment and motor neuron axonal growth.

Quantitative Assessment of Neurite Outgrowth Over Growth Promoting or Inhibitory Substrates

The use of sensory neurons and assessment of neurite outgrowth in vitro is an important part of understanding neuronal development and plasticity. Cultures of rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons provide quantitative results very quickly and, when grown on growth promoting or inhibitory substrates, can be utilized to study axonal growth, neurotrophic dependence, and structure and function of growth cones. Since we are interested in axon regeneration and targeting, we have sought to promote neurite outgrowth by refining the techniques of growing DRG neurons in culture. This chapter describes detailed methods for the dissection and purification of DRG neurons and quantitative assessment of neurite on promoting or inhibitory substrates.

Role of the Sec22b-E-Syt complex in neurite growth and ramification

Axons and dendrites are long and often ramified neurites that need particularly intense plasma membrane (PM) expansion during the development of the nervous system. Neurite growth depends on non-fusogenic Sec22b-Stx1 SNARE complexes at endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-PM contacts. Here, we show that Sec22b interacts with members of the extended synaptotagmin (E-Syt) family of ER lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), and this interaction depends on the longin domain of Sec22b. Overexpression of E-Syts stabilizes Sec22b-Stx1 association, whereas silencing of E-Syts has the opposite effect. Overexpression of wild-type E-Syt2, but not mutants unable to transfer lipids or attach to the ER, increase the formation of axonal filopodia and ramification of neurites in developing neurons. This effect is inhibited by a clostridial neurotoxin cleaving Stx1, and expression of the Sec22b longin domain and a Sec22b mutant with an extended linker between the SNARE and transmembrane domains. We conclude that Sec22b-Stx1 ER-PM contact sites contribute to PM expansion by interacting with LTPs, such as E-Syts.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Growth hormone (GH) and synaptogenesis

Growth hormone (GH) is known to exert several roles during development and function of the nervous system. Initially, GH was exclusively considered a pituitary hormone that regulates body growth and metabolism, but now its alternative extrapituitary production and pleiotropic functions are widely accepted. Through excess and deficit models, the critical role of GH in nervous system development and adult brain function has been extensively demonstrated. Moreover, neurotrophic actions of GH in neural tissues include pro-survival effects, neuroprotection, axonal growth, synaptogenesis, neurogenesis and neuroregeneration. The positive effects of GH upon memory, behavior, mood, sensorimotor function and quality of life, clearly implicate a beneficial action in synaptic physiology. Experimental and clinical evidence about GH actions in synaptic function modulation, protection and restoration are revised in this chapter.

Superior Synaptogenic Effect of Electrospun PLGA-PEG Nanofibers Versus PLGA Nanofibers on Human Neural SH-SY5Y Cells in a Three-Dimensional Culture System

Synapses are touted as the main structural and functional components of neural cells within in the nervous system, providing tissue connectivity and integration via the formation of perineuronal nets. In the present study, we evaluated the synaptogenic activity of electrospun PLGA and PLGA-PEG nanofibers on human SH-SY5Y cells after 14 days in vitro. Electrospun PLGA and PLGA-PEG nanofibers were fabricated and physicochemical properties were examined using the HNMR technique. The cells were classified into three random groups, i.e., control (laminin-coated surface), PLGA, and PLGA-PEG. Scaffolds' features, cell morphology, attachment, and alignment were monitored by SEM imaging. We performed MTT assay to measure cell survival rate. To evaluate neurite formation and axonal outgrowth, cells were stained with an antibody against β-tubulin III using immunofluorescence imaging. Antibodies against synapsin-1 and synaptophysin were used to explore the impact of PLGA and PLGA-PEG scaffolds on synaptogenesis and functional activity of synapses. According to SEM analysis, the PLGA-PEG scaffold had less thick nanofibers compared with the PLGA scaffold. Cell attachment, expansion, neurite outgrowth, and orientation were promoted in the PLGA-PEG group in comparison with the PLGA substrate (p < 0.05). MTT assay revealed that both scaffolds did not exert any neurotoxic effects on cell viability. Notably, PLGA-PEG surface increased cell viability compared to PLGA by time (p < 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining indicated an increased β-tubulin III level in the PLGA-PEG group days coincided with axonal outgrowth and immature neuron marker after seven compared with the PLGA and control groups (p < 0.05). Based on our data, both synaptogenesis and functional connectivity were induced in cells plated on the PLGA-PEG surface that coincide with the increase of synapsin-1 and synaptophysin in comparsion with the PLGA and control groups (p < 0.05). Taken together, our results imply that the PLGA-PEG nanofibers could provide the desirable microenvironment to develop perineuronal net formation, contributing to efficient synaptogenesis and neuron-to-neuron crosstalk.

Kinesin-1-mediated axonal transport of CB1 receptors is required for cannabinoid-dependent axonal growth and guidance

Endocannabinoids (eCB) modulate growth cone dynamics and axonal pathfinding through the stimulation of cannabinoid type-1 receptors (CB1R), the function of which depends on their delivery and precise presentation at the growth cone surface. However, the mechanism involved in the axonal transport of CB1R and its transport role in eCB signaling remains elusive. As mutations in the kinesin-1 molecular motor have been identified in patients with abnormal cortical development and impaired white matter integrity, we studied the defects in axonal pathfinding and fasciculation in mice lacking the kinesin light chain 1 (Klc1-/-) subunit of kinesin-1. Reduced levels of CB1R were found in corticofugal projections and axonal growth cones in Klc1-/- mice. By live-cell imaging of CB1R-eGFP we characterized the axonal transport of CB1R vesicles and described the defects in transport that arise after KLC1 deletion. Cofilin activation, which is necessary for actin dynamics during growth cone remodeling, is impaired in the Klc1-/- cerebral cortex. In addition, Klc1-/- neurons showed expanded growth cones that were unresponsive to CB1R-induced axonal elongation. Together, our data reveal the relevance of kinesin-1 in CB1R axonal transport and in eCB signaling during brain wiring.

Design and fabrication of a nerve-stretching device for in vivo mechanotransduction of peripheral nerve fibers

The potential of peripheral nerves to regenerate under the effect of axial tensile forces was not previously extensively explored due to the lack of capabilities of translating ex vivo axonal stretch-growth to in vivo studies, until the development of a nerve stretcher. The nerve stretcher, which we have designed and manufactured recently, is a device that uses a controlled amount of axial tensile force (vacuum/negative gauge pressure) applied directly to a sectioned peripheral nerve in vivo to expedite nerve regrowth rate. Using this platform, a series of experiments was carried out to observe the effect of in vivo axial stretch on axonal lengthening. During these experiments, a few challenges necessitated redesigning the device like a sudden loss of stretching force due to vacuum leakage, erroneous feedback from vacuum sensor due to sensor drift, and inability to control and operate the device remotely. Here we present an improved design of the nerve stretcher along with its integration with a state-of-the-art online vacuum monitoring facility to control, collect, process, and visualize negative gauge pressure data in real-time.

A role for α-Synuclein in axon growth and its implications in corticostriatal glutamatergic plasticity in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

α-Synuclein (α-Syn) is a protein implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). α-Syn has been shown to associate with membranes and bind acidic phospholipids. However, the physiological importance of these associations to the integrity of axons is not fully clear.

METHODS

Biochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analyses in cultured neurons, transgenic mouse brains, PD and control human brains.

RESULTS

We analyzed the ultrastructure of cross-sectioned axons localized to white matter tracts (WMTs), within the dorsal striatum of old and symptomatic α-Syn transgenic mouse brains. The analysis indicated a higher density of axons of thinner diameter. Our findings in cultured cortical neurons indicate a role for α-Syn in elongation of the main axon and its collaterals, resulting in enhanced axonal arborization. We show that α-Syn effect to enhance axonal outgrowth is mediated through its activity to regulate membrane levels of the acidic phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI4,5P2). Moreover, our findings link α-Syn- enhanced axonal growth with evidence for axonal injury. In relevance to disease mechanisms, we detect in human brains evidence for a higher degree of corticostriatal glutamatergic plasticity within WMTs at early stages of PD. However, at later PD stages, the respective WMTs in the caudate are degenerated with accumulation of Lewy pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that through regulating PI4,5P2 levels, α-Syn acts to elongate the main axon and collaterals, resulting in a higher density of axons in the striatal WMTs. Based on these results we suggest a role for α-Syn in compensating mechanisms, involving corticostriatal glutamatergic plasticity, taking place early in PD.

The effect of a nanofiber-hydrogel composite on neural tissue repair and regeneration in the contused spinal cord

An injury to the spinal cord causes long-lasting loss of nervous tissue because endogenous nervous tissue repair and regeneration at the site of injury is limited. We engineered an injectable nanofiber-hydrogel composite (NHC) with interfacial bonding to provide mechanical strength and porosity and examined its effect on repair and neural tissue regeneration in an adult rat model of spinal cord contusion. At 28 days after treatment with NHC, the width of the contused spinal cord segment was 2-fold larger than in controls. With NHC treatment, tissue in the injury had a 2-fold higher M2/M1 macrophage ratio, 5-fold higher blood vessel density, 2.6-fold higher immature neuron presence, 2.4-fold higher axon density, and a similar glial scar presence compared with controls. Spared nervous tissue volume in the contused segment and hind limb function was similar between groups. Our findings indicated that NHC provided mechanical support to the contused spinal cord and supported pro-regenerative macrophage polarization, angiogenesis, axon growth, and neurogenesis in the injured tissue without any exogenous factors or cells. These results motivate further optimization of the NHC and delivery protocol to fully translate the potential of the unique properties of the NHC for treating spinal cord injury.

Stem Cell Transplantation for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuronal degeneration disease, in which the death of motor neurons causes lost control of voluntary muscles. The consequence is weakness of muscles with a wide range of disabilities and eventually death. Most patients died within 5 years after diagnosis, and there is no cure for this devastating neurodegenerative disease up to date. Stem cells, including non-neural stem cells and neural stem cells (NSCs) or neural progenitor cells (NPCs), are very attractive cell sources for potential neuroprotection and motor neuron replacement therapy which bases on the idea that transplant-derived and newly differentiated motor neurons can replace lost motor neurons to re-establish voluntary motor control of muscles in ALS. Our recent studies show that transplanted NSCs or NPCs not only survive well in injured spinal cord, but also function as neuronal relays to receive regenerated host axonal connection and extend their own axons to host for connectivity, including motor axons in ventral root. This reciprocal connection between host neurons and transplanted neurons provides a strong rationale for neuronal replacement therapy for ALS to re-establish voluntary motor control of muscles. In addition, a variety of new stem cell resources and the new methodologies to generate NSCs or motor neuron-specific progenitor cells have been discovered and developed. Together, it provides the basis for motor neuron replacement therapy with NSCs or NPCs in ALS.

BDNF and NGF signals originating from sensory ganglia promote cranial motor axon growth

After exiting the hindbrain, branchial motor axons reach their targets in association with sensory ganglia. The trigeminal ganglion has been shown to promote motor axon growth from rhombomeres 2/3 and 4/5, but it is unknown whether this effect is ganglion specific and through which signals it is mediated. Here, we addressed these questions by co-cultures of ventral rhombomere 8 explants with cranial and spinal sensory ganglia in a collagen gel matrix. Our results show that all cranial sensory ganglia and even a trunk dorsal root ganglion can promote motor axon growth and that ganglia isolated from older embryos had a stronger effect on the axonal growth than younger ones. We found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are necessary and sufficient for this effect. Altogether, our results demonstrate that the promoting effect of sensory ganglia on cranial motor axon growth is stage dependent, but not ganglion specific and is mediated by BDNF and NGF signals.

Response of mechanically-created neurites to extension

We use micromanipulation techniques and real-time particle tracking to develop an approach to study specific attributes of neuron mechanics. We use a mechanical probe composed of a hollow micropipette with its tip fixed to a functionalized bead to induce the formation of a neurite in a sample of rat hippocampal neurons. We then move the sample relative to the pipette tip, elongating the neurite while simultaneously measuring its tension by optically tracking the deflection of the beaded tip. By calibrating the spring constant of the pipette, we can convert this deflection to a force. We use this technique to obtain uniaxial strain measurements of induced neurites and investigate the dependence of the force-extension relationship on mechanical pull speed. We show that in the range of pull speeds studied (0.05-1.8 μm/s), the variation in the work to extend a neurite 10 μm is consistent across pull speeds. We do not observe statistically significant rate-dependent effects in the force-extension profiles; instead we find the same quadratic behaviour (with parameters drawn from the same distributions) at each pull speed.

Inhibitor of DNA binding 2 promotes axonal growth through upregulation of Neurogenin2

Manipulation of developmentally regulated genes presents a promising strategy to enhance the intrinsic growth capability of adult neurons. Inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (Id2), a negative regulator of bHLH transcriptional factors, promotes axonal growth after its forced expression in post-mitotic neurons. Neurogenin2 (Ngn2) is a neural specific bHLH factor which controls neuronal fate and drives neuronal differentiation during development. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of Id2 in promoting axonal growth and revealed that Ngn2 contributed to the growth-activating role of Id2 in neurons. Ngn2 expression was upregulated with increased Id2 activity by assessing RNA and protein levels. Forced expression of Id2 or Ngn2 in cortical neurons significantly promoted axonal growth with little effect on dendrites. Furthermore, knockdown of Ngn2 impaired the axonal growth promoting effect of Id2, implying that the effect of Id2 on axonal growth depends on Ngn2. These findings suggest that elevation of neuronal Ngn2 may be a new therapeutic strategy to stimulate axonal regeneration.

Micro-RNAs secreted through astrocyte-derived extracellular vesicles cause neuronal network degeneration in C9orf72 ALS

Background

Astrocytes regulate neuronal function, synaptic formation and maintenance partly through secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) astrocytes display a toxic phenotype that contributes to motor neuron (MN) degeneration.

Methods

We used human induced astrocytes (iAstrocytes) from 3 ALS patients carrying C9orf72 mutations and 3 non-affected donors to investigate the role of astrocyte-derived EVs (ADEVs) in ALS astrocyte toxicity. ADEVs were isolated from iAstrocyte conditioned medium via ultracentrifugation and resuspended in fresh astrocyte medium before testing ADEV impact on HB9-GFP⁺ mouse motor neurons (Hb9-GFP⁺ MN). We used post-mortem brain and spinal cord tissue from 3 sporadic ALS and 3 non-ALS cases for PCR analysis.

Findings

We report that EV formation and miRNA cargo are dysregulated in C9ORF72-ALS iAstrocytes and this affects neurite network maintenance and MN survival in vitro. In particular, we have identified downregulation of miR-494-3p, a negative regulator of semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) and other targets involved in axonal maintenance. We show here that by restoring miR-494-3p levels through expression of an engineered miRNA mimic we can downregulate Sema3A levels in MNs and increases MN survival in vitro. Consistently, we also report lower levels of mir-494-3p in cortico-spinal tract tissue isolated from sporadic ALS donors, thus supporting the pathological importance of this pathway in MNs and its therapeutic potential.

Interpretation

ALS ADEVs and their miRNA cargo are involved in MN death in ALS and we have identified miR-494-3p as a potential therapeutic target.

Funding: Thierry Latran Fondation and Academy of Medical Sciences.

Influence of passage number on the impact of the secretome of adipose tissue stem cells on neural survival, neurodifferentiation and axonal growth

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and within them adipose tissue derived stem cells (ASCs), have been shown to have therapeutic effects on central nervous system (CNS) cell populations. Such effects have been mostly attributed to soluble factors, as well as vesicles, present in their secretome. Yet, little is known about the impact that MSC passaging might have in the secretion therapeutic profile. Our aim was to show how human ASCs (hASCs) passage number influences the effect of their secretome in neuronal survival, differentiation and axonal growth. For this purpose, post-natal rat hippocampal primary cultures, human neural progenitor cell (hNPCs) cultures and dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) explants were incubated with secretome, collected as conditioned media (CM), obtained from hASCs in P3, P6, P9 and P12. Results showed no differences when comparing percentages of MAP-2 positive cells (a mature neuronal marker) in neuronal cultures or hNPCs, after incubation with hASCs secretome from different passages. The same was observed regarding DRG neurite outgrowth. In order to characterize the secretomes obtained from different passages, a proteomic analysis was performed, revealing that its composition did not vary significantly with passage number P3 to P12. Results allowed us to identify several key proteins, such as pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF), DJ-1, interleucin-6 (IL-6) and galectin, all of which have already proven to play neuroprotective and neurodifferentiating roles. Proteins that promote neurite outgrowth were also found present, such as semaphorin 7A and glypican-1. We conclude that cellular passaging does not influence significantly hASCs's secretome properties especially their ability to support post-natal neuronal survival, induce neurodifferentiation and promote axonal growth.

Reconstruction of directed neuronal networks in a microfluidic device with asymmetric microchannels

Microfluidic devices for controlling neuronal connectivity in vitro are extremely useful tools for deciphering pathological and physiological processes occurring in neuronal networks. These devices allow the connection between different neuronal populations located into separate culture chambers through axon-selective microchannels. In order to implement specific features of brain connectivity such as directionality, it is necessary to control axonal growth orientation in these devices. Among the various strategies proposed to achieve this goal, one of the most promising and easily reproducible is the use of asymmetric microchannels. We present here a general protocol and several guidelines for the design, production and testing of a new paradigm of asymmetric microchannels geometries based on a "return to sender" strategy. In this method, axons are either allowed to travel between the emitting and receiving chambers within straight microchannels (forward direction), or are rerouted toward their initial location through curved microchannels (reverse direction). We introduce variations of these "arches" microchannels and evaluate their respective axonal filtering capacities. Importantly, one of these variants presents an almost complete filtration of axonal growth in the non-permissive direction while allowing robust axonal invasion in the other one, with a selectivity ratio as high as 99.7%.

Distal Axonal Proteins and Their Related MiRNAs in Cultured Cortical Neurons

Proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs) within the axon locally regulate axonal development. However, protein profiles of distal axons of cortical neurons have not been fully investigated. In particular, networks of genes encoding axonal proteins and their related miRNAs in sub compartments of neurons such as axons remain unknown. Using embryonic cortical neurons cultured in a microfluidic device and proteomic approaches, we found that distal axons contain 883 proteins. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that 94 out of these 883 proteins are related to regulating axonal growth. Of the 94 genes encoding these proteins, there were 56 candidate genes that can be putatively targeted by axon-enriched 62 miRNAs with 8mer sites that exactly match these target genes. Among them, we validated 11 proteins and 11 miRNAs, by means of western blot and RT-PCR, respectively. Treatment of distal axons with chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) that inhibit axonal growth elevated miR-133b, -203a, -29a, and -92a, which were associated with reduced protein level of AKT, MTOR, PI3K, DPYSL2, MAP1B, and PPP2CA. In contrast, reduction of miR-128, -15b, -195, -26b, -34b, -376b, and -381 by CSPGs was accompanied by increased EZR, KIF5A, DCX, GSK3B, and ROCK2 proteins. In silico pathway analysis revealed an interconnected network of these miRNAs and protein coding genes that is highly related to regulating axonal growth. Our data provide new insights into networks of miRNAs and their related proteins in distal axons in mediating axonal growth.

Tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate affects motor behavior and axonal growth in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae

Tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) is an environmental contaminant that poses serious risks to aquatic organisms and their associated ecosystem. Recently, the reproductive and developmental toxicology of TBOEP has been reported. However, fewer studies have assessed the neurotoxic effects in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. In this study, zebrafish embryos were subjected to waterborne exposure of TBOEP at 0, 50, 500, 1500 and 2500 μg/L from 2 to 144-h post-fertilization (hpf). Behavioral measurements showed that TBOEP exposure reduced embryonic spontaneous movement and decreased swimming speed of larvae in response to dark stimulation. In accordance with these motor effects, TBOEP treatment reduced neuron-specific GFP expression in transgenic Tg (HuC-GFP) zebrafish larvae and inhibited the growth of secondary motoneurons, as well as decreased expression of marker genes related to central nervous system development in TBOEP treated group. Furthermore, increased concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as reduction of SOD activity were detected in TBOEP exposure group. The present results showed that the alteration in motor neuron and oxidative stress could together lead to the motor behavior alterations induced by TBOEP.

MiR-29c/PRKCI Regulates Axonal Growth of Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons Under Hyperglycemia

Diabetes initially induces distal axonal damage of peripheral nerves, but molecular mechanisms that mediate axonal injury are not fully understood. MircoRNAs (miRNAs) regulate axonal growth. We found that diabetic db/db mice exhibited substantial upregulation of miR-29c in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, sciatic nerve, and foot pad tissues. Bioinformatic analysis revealed PRKCI, a gene that encodes a member of the protein kinase C (PKC) iota, as a putative target for miR-29c. Western blot analysis showed that diabetic mice exhibited a considerable reduction of PRKCI protein levels in sciatic nerve tissues and DRG neurons. Using dual-luciferase assay, we found that co-transfection of a plasmid containing miR-29c binding site at 3' UTR of PRKCI gene and miR-29c mimics effectively reduced luminescence activity, which was abolished when miR-29c seed sequences at 3' UTR of PRKCI gene were mutated. In vitro, high glucose substantially upregulated and reduced miR-29c and PRKCI protein levels, respectively, in DRG neurons, which were associated with significant reduction of axonal growth. Knockdown of endogenous miR-29c in DRG neurons by siRNAs overcame reduced PRKCI protein and axonal growth under high glucose condition. Moreover, knockdown of PRKCI in DRG neurons by siRNAs under regular glucose condition considerably inhibited axonal growth. Together, these findings suggest that miR-29c is a negative regulator of axonal growth of DRG neurons by targeting PRKCI under hyperglycemia.

In Vitro Analysis of the Role of Schwann Cells on Axonal Degeneration and Regeneration Using Sensory Neurons from Dorsal Root Ganglia

Sensory neurons from dorsal root ganglion efficiently regenerate after peripheral nerve injuries. These neurons are widely used as a model system to study degenerative mechanisms of the soma and axons, as well as regenerative axonal growth in the peripheral nervous system. This chapter describes techniques associated to the study of axonal degeneration and regeneration using explant cultures of dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons in vitro in the presence or absence of Schwann cells. Schwann cells are extremely important due to their involvement in tissue clearance during axonal degeneration as well as their known pro-regenerative effect during regeneration in the peripheral nervous system. We describe methods to induce and study axonal degeneration triggered by axotomy (mechanical separation of the axon from its soma) and treatment with vinblastine (which blocks axonal transport), which constitute clinically relevant mechanical and toxic models of axonal degeneration. In addition, we describe three different methods to evaluate axonal regeneration using quantitative methods. These protocols constitute a valuable tool to analyze in vitro mechanisms associated to axonal degeneration and regeneration of sensory neurons and the role of Schwann cells in these processes.

Drebrin in Neuronal Migration and Axonal Growth

During development, production of neurons from neural stem cells, migration of neurons from their birthplace to their final location, and extension of neurites, axons, and dendrites are important for the formation of functional neuronal circuits. The actin cytoskeleton has major roles in the morphological development of neurons. In this chapter, we focused on the distribution and function of the actin-binding protein, drebrin, to elucidate the importance of drebrin-bound F-actin in neurons during early developmental stages of neurons in embryonic, postnatal, and adult brains. There are three major isoforms of drebrin in the chicken brain (E1, E2, and A) and two major isoforms in the mammalian brain (E and A). Among these drebrin isoforms, drebrin E1 and E2 in chicken and drebrin E in the mammalian brain are involved in these neuronal stages. In migrating neurons of the developing and adult brain, drebrin is localized at the base of filopodia of leading processes, to regulate neuronal migration. In axonal growth cones, drebrin is localized in the transitional zone to regulate axonal growth by inhibiting actomyosin interactions and mediating the interactions between F-actin and microtubules. For axonal collateral branching, drebrin is localized at axonal actin patches and the base of filopodia, to accelerate the transition from actin patches to filopodia and stabilize the filopodia.

Extracellular cathepsin L stimulates axonal growth in neurons

Objective

Cathepsin L, a lysosomal endopeptidase expressed in most eukaryotic cells, is a member of the papain-like family of cysteine proteases. Although commonly recognized as a lysosomal protease, cathepsin L is also secreted and involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins. Previous studies demonstrated that the secretion of cathepsin L was stimulated by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and bFGF-enhanced axonal terminal sprouting of motor neurons. Based on these results, although it has never been directly investigated, we hypothesized that extracellular cathepsin L may induce axonal growth.

Results

To confirm the hypothesis, the axonal growth activity of recombinant cathepsin L was evaluated in cultured cortical and spinal cord neurons. Treatment with recombinant cathepsin L significantly enhanced axonal growth, but not dendritic growth. This result indicated that extracellular cathepsin L may act as a new neuronal network modulator.

Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate disrupts axonal growth, cholinergic system and motor behavior in early life zebrafish

Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) could have neurotoxic effects and alter motor behaviors in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae, however, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. In this study, zebrafish embryos were subjected to waterborne exposure of TDCIPP at 100, 300, 600, 900μg/L from 2 to 120-h post-fertilization (hpf). Behavioral measurements indicate that TDCIPP exposure significantly elevated spontaneous movement, and altered swimming behavior response of larvae to both light and dark stimulation. Interestingly, in accordance with these motor effects, TDCIPP significantly decreased expression of the neuron-specific GFP in transgenic (HuC-GFP) zebrafish larvae as well as decreased expression of the neural marker genes elavl3 and ngn1, inhibited the axonal growth of the secondary motoneurons and altered the expressions of axon-related genes (α1-tubulin, shha and netrin2) in zebrafish larvae. Furthermore, TDCIPP exposure at 900μg/L significantly increased the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme, and decreased the total acetylcholine (ACh) concentration. Our data indicate that the alteration in motor neuron and inhibition of cholinergic system could together lead to the TDCIPP induced motor behavior alterations in zebrafish larvae.

Stimulation Effect of Low Level Laser Therapy on Sciatic Nerve Regeneration in Rat

Introduction: Recent studies showed that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) accelerates the regeneration process of injured peripheral nerve tissue. The objective of this study was investigate the effect of LLLT (780 nm) on regeneration of injured right sciatic nerve of male Wistar rat. Methods: In this research work, the effect of LLLT (780 nm) on the regeneration process and reconstruction of injured peripheral right side sciatic nerve was investigated. Twelve adult male Wistar rats underwent surgery in aseptic conditions under general anesthesia to induce a lesion to their right side sciatic nerve according to standard protocol. Before suturing the location, only the experimental group was treated by laser. The damaged nerve was directly irradiated with (2 J, 100 mW, 40 seconds). The irradiation procedure was terminated in 21 days with little improvement (4 J, 200 mW, 40 seconds) across the skin surface of experimental group. Rats were selected randomly from each group to be sacrificed on different periods and histopathological examination was carried out on the extracted nerves. Results: Significant acceleration of revascularization and angiogenesis of the injury site was observed in the experimental group. Furthermore, a reduction of hemorrhages and increase in blood supply was observed. Also, Wallerian degeneration decreased while higher axonal density compared to the control rats was observed. Moreover, the cross-section analysis of the injured area on the 14th and 21st days as post-surgery showed that the nerve sheath diameter in the lesion area of the experimental group was reduced. While the ratio between thicknesses increased in the control group. Conclusion: The results of the current study suggest that laser phototherapy at 780 nm exactly could accelerate the regeneration process of injured peripheral nerves tissue.

Extracellular Cytosolic Aspartate Aminotransferase Promotes Axonal Growth and Object Recognition Memory

Previous proteome analysis studies from other groups have shown that cAST might be secreted from neurons and that cAST was detected in human cerebrospinal fluid. However, none of these studies focused on its role or significance. We therefore investigated the role of extracellular cAST for neurons. cAST was detected in conditioned medium from cultured cortical neurons, but not in fresh medium. Recombinant cAST treatment of cortical neurons significantly extended axonal length. Continuous intracerebroventricular administration of recombinant cAST in normal mice for 14 days significantly enhanced object recognition ability. In the brains of those mice, axonal densities and c-Fos expression levels were enhanced, especially in the perirhinal cortex, which mainly relates to object recognition memory. The present study found, for the first time, that extracellular cAST promoted axonal growth function in neurons and activated memory function. These findings indicate a new function of extracellular cAST and may drive the establishment of new therapeutic strategies for cognitive dysfunction. The present study found, for the first time, that extracellular cAST promotes axonal growth in neurons.

Tale of the Good and the Bad Cdk5: Remodeling of the Actin Cytoskeleton in the Brain

Cdk5 kinase, a cyclin-dependent kinase family member, is a key regulator of cytoskeletal remodeling in the brain. Cdk5 is essential for brain development during embryogenesis. After birth, it is essential for numerous neuronal processes such as learning and memory formation, drug addiction, pain signaling, and long-term behavior changes, all of which rely on rapid alterations in the cytoskeleton. Cdk5 activity is deregulated in various brain disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and ischemic stroke, resulting in profound remodeling of the neuronal cytoskeleton, loss of synapses, and ultimately neurodegeneration. This review focuses on the "good and bad" Cdk5 in the brain and its pleiotropic contribution in regulating neuronal actin cytoskeletal remodeling. A vast majority of physiological and pathological Cdk5 substrates are associated with the actin cytoskeleton. Thus, our special emphasis is on the numerous Cdk5 substrates identified in the past two decades such as ephexin1, p27, Mst3, CaMKv, kalirin-7, RasGRF2, Pak1, WAVE1, neurabin-1, TrkB, 5-HT6R, talin, drebrin, synapsin I, synapsin III, CRMP1, GKAP, SPAR, PSD-95, and LRRK2. These substrates have unraveled the molecular mechanisms by which Cdk5 plays divergent roles in regulating neuronal actin cytoskeletal dynamics both in healthy and diseased states.

Neuronal polarization: From spatiotemporal signaling to cytoskeletal dynamics

Neuronal polarization establishes distinct molecular structures to generate a single axon and multiple dendrites. Studies over the past years indicate that this efficient separation is brought about by a network of feedback loops. Axonal growth seems to play a major role in fueling those feedback loops and thereby stabilizing neuronal polarity. Indeed, various effectors involved in feedback loops are pivotal for axonal growth by ultimately acting on the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton. These effectors have key roles in interconnecting actin and microtubule dynamics - a mechanism crucial to commanding the growth of axons. We propose a model connecting signaling with cytoskeletal dynamics and neurite growth to better describe the underlying processes involved in neuronal polarization. We will discuss the current views on feedback loops and highlight the current limits of our understanding.

Stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injury repair

Stem cells, especially neural stem cells (NSCs), are a very attractive cell source for potential reconstruction of injured spinal cord though either neuroprotection, neural regeneration, remyelination, replacement of lost neural cells, or reconnection of disrupted axons. The later have great potential since recent studies demonstrate long-distance growth and connectivity of axons derived from transplanted NSCs after spinal cord injury (SCI). In addition, transplanted NSCs constitute a permissive environment for host axonal regeneration and serve as new targets for host axonal connection. This reciprocal connection between grafted neurons and host neurons constitutes a neuronal relay formation that could restore functional connectivity after SCI.

Characterizing Semaphorin Signaling Using Isolated Neurons in Culture

Semaphorin guidance molecules act through different receptor complexes to activate multiple signaling cascades leading to changes in axonal growth cone behavior and morphology. We describe here approaches for studying the effect of individual Semaphorins on isolated forebrain neurons from mouse embryos and dissecting downstream signaling pathways. These approaches include the production of recombinant Semaphorin ligands, the culture of dissociated primary neurons, the manipulation of gene expression by electroporation in primary neurons, and functional assays to assess axon outgrowth and growth cone collapse.

Aberrant Axonal Arborization of PDF Neurons Induced by Aβ42-Mediated JNK Activation Underlies Sleep Disturbance in an Alzheimer's Model

Impaired sleep patterns are common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cellular mechanisms underlying sleep disturbance in AD remain largely unknown. Here, using a Drosophila Aβ42 AD model, we show that Aβ42 markedly decreases sleep in a large population, which is accompanied with postdevelopmental axonal arborization of wake-promoting pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) neurons. The arborization is mediated in part via JNK activation and can be reversed by decreasing JNK signaling activity. Axonal arborization and impaired sleep are correlated in Aβ42 and JNK kinase hemipterous mutant flies. Image reconstruction revealed that these aberrant fibers preferentially project to pars intercerebralis (PI), a fly brain region analogous to the mammalian hypothalamus. Moreover, PDF signaling in PI neurons was found to modulate sleep/wake activities, suggesting that excessive release of PDF by these aberrant fibers may lead to the impaired sleep in Aβ42 flies. Finally, inhibition of JNK activation in Aβ42 flies restores nighttime sleep loss, decreases Aβ42 accumulation, and attenuates neurodegeneration. These data provide a new mechanism by which sleep disturbance could be induced by Aβ42 burden, a key initiator of a complex pathogenic cascade in AD.

The Drosophila neurogenin Tap functionally interacts with the Wnt-PCP pathway to regulate neuronal extension and guidance

The neurogenin (Ngn) transcription factors control early neurogenesis and neurite outgrowth in mammalian cortex. In contrast to their proneural activity, their function in neurite growth is poorly understood. Drosophila has a single predicted Ngn homolog, Tap, of unknown function. Here we show that Tap is not a proneural protein in Drosophila but is required for proper axonal growth and guidance of neurons of the mushroom body, a neuropile required for associative learning and memory. Genetic and expression analyses suggest that Tap inhibits excessive axonal growth by fine regulation of the levels of the Wnt signaling adaptor protein Dishevelled.

Summary: Mammalian neurogenins are proneural factors, but the Drosophila homolog Tap is not, instead acting to prevent axonal outgrowth, likely by regulating the planar cell polarity pathway via Dishevelled.

Ligand-mediated Galectin-1 endocytosis prevents intraneural H2O2 production promoting F-actin dynamics reactivation and axonal re-growth

Axonal growth cone collapse following spinal cord injury (SCI) is promoted by semaphorin3A (Sema3A) signaling via PlexinA4 surface receptor. This interaction triggers intracellular signaling events leading to increased hydrogen peroxide levels which in turn promote filamentous actin (F-actin) destabilization and subsequent inhibition of axonal re-growth. In the current study, we demonstrated that treatment with galectin-1 (Gal-1), in its dimeric form, promotes a decrease in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels and F-actin repolimerization in the growth cone and in the filopodium of neuron surfaces. This effect was dependent on the carbohydrate recognition activity of Gal-1, as it was prevented using a Gal-1 mutant lacking carbohydrate-binding activity. Furthermore, Gal-1 promoted its own active ligand-mediated endocytosis together with the PlexinA4 receptor, through mechanisms involving complex branched N-glycans. In summary, our results suggest that Gal-1, mainly in its dimeric form, promotes re-activation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics via internalization of the PlexinA4/Gal-1 complex. This mechanism could explain, at least in part, critical events in axonal regeneration including the full axonal re-growth process, de novo formation of synapse clustering, axonal re-myelination and functional recovery of coordinated locomotor activities in an in vivo acute and chronic SCI model.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Axonal regeneration is a response of injured nerve cells critical for nerve repair in human spinal cord injury. Understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling nerve repair by Galectin-1, may be critical for therapeutic intervention. Our results show that Galectin-1; in its dimeric form, interferes with hydrogen peroxide production triggered by Semaphorin3A. The high levels of this reactive oxygen species (ROS) seem to be the main factor preventing axonal regeneration due to promotion of actin depolymerization at the axonal growth cone. Thus, Galectin-1 administration emerges as a novel therapeutic modality for promoting nerve repair and preventing axonal loss.

Forced limb-use enhances brain plasticity through the cAMP/PKA/CREB signal transduction pathway after stroke in adult rats

PURPOSE

The mechanism underlying forced limb-use -induced structural plasticity remains to be studied. We examined whether the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated signal transduction pathway was involved in brain plasticity and promoted behavioral recovery induced by forced limb-use after stroke.

METHODS

Adult rats were divided into a sham group, an ischemia group, an ischemia group with forced limb-use, and an ischemia group with forced limb-use and infusion of N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinoline-sulfonamide (H89). Forced limb-use began on post-stroke day 7. Biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) was injected into the sensorimotor cortex on post-stroke day 14. Behavioral recovery was evaluated on post-stroke days 29 to 32, and the levels of cAMP, PKA C-α, phosphorylated CREB (pCREB), synaptophysin, PSD-95, BDA, and BrdU/NeuN were measured.

RESULTS

The number of midline-crossing axons and the expression levels of synaptophysin and PSD-95 were increased after forced limb-use. Forced limb-use enhanced the survival of the newborn neurons and increased the levels of cAMP, PKA C-α and pCREB. These were significantly suppressed by H89. Behavioral performance improved with forced limb-use and was reversed with H89.

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced structural plasticity and the behavioral recovery promoted by post-stroke forced limb-use are suggested to be mediated through the cAMP/PKA/CREB signal transduction pathway.

Cdk5 activity in the brain - multiple paths of regulation

Cyclin dependent kinase-5 (Cdk5), a family member of the cyclin-dependent kinases, plays a pivotal role in the central nervous system. During embryogenesis, Cdk5 is indispensable for brain development and, in the adult brain, it is essential for numerous neuronal processes, including higher cognitive functions such as learning and memory formation. However, Cdk5 activity becomes deregulated in several neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, which leads to neurotoxicity. Therefore, precise control over Cdk5 activity is essential for its physiological functions. This Commentary covers the various mechanisms of Cdk5 regulation, including several recently identified protein activators and inhibitors of Cdk5 that control its activity in normal and diseased brains. We also discuss the autoregulatory activity of Cdk5 and its regulation at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational levels. We finally highlight physiological and pathological roles of Cdk5 in the brain. Specific modulation of these protein regulators is expected to provide alternative strategies for the development of effective therapeutic interventions that are triggered by deregulation of Cdk5.

Neurite outgrowth in normal and injured primary sensory neurons reveals different regulation by nerve growth factor (NGF) and artemin

Neurotrophic factors have been intensively studied as potential therapeutic agents for promoting neural regeneration and functional recovery after nerve injury. Artemin is a member of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family of ligands (GFLs) that forms a signalling complex with GFRα3 and the tyrosine kinase Ret. Systemic administration of artemin in rodents is reported to facilitate regeneration of primary sensory neurons following axotomy, improve recovery of sensory function, and reduce sensory hypersensitivity that is a cause of pain. However, the biological mechanisms that underlie these effects are mostly unknown. This study has investigated the biological significance of the colocalisation of GFRα3 with TrkA (neurotrophin receptor for nerve growth factor [NGF]) in the peptidergic type of unmyelinated (C-fibre) sensory neurons in rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG). In vitro neurite outgrowth assays were used to study the effects of artemin and NGF by comparing DRG neurons that were previously uninjured, or were axotomised in vivo by transecting a visceral or somatic peripheral nerve. We found that artemin could facilitate neurite initiation but in comparison to NGF had low efficacy for facilitating neurite elongation and branching. This low efficacy was not increased when a preconditioning in vivo nerve injury was used to induce a pro-regenerative state. Neurite initiation was unaffected by artemin when PI3 kinase and Src family kinase signalling were blocked, but NGF had a reduced effect.

Conditional genetic deletion of PTEN after a spinal cord injury enhances regenerative growth of CST axons and motor function recovery in mice

Previous studies indicate that conditional genetic deletion of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in neonatal mice enhances the ability of axons to regenerate following spinal cord injury (SCI) in adults. Here, we assessed whether deleting PTEN in adult neurons post-SCI is also effective, and whether enhanced regenerative growth is accompanied by enhanced recovery of voluntary motor function. PTEN(loxP/loxP) mice received moderate contusion injuries at cervical level 5 (C5). One group received unilateral injections of adeno-associated virus expressing CRE (AAV-CRE) into the sensorimotor cortex; controls received a vector expressing green fluorescent protein (AAV-GFP) or injuries only (no vector injections). Forelimb function was tested for 14weeks post-SCI using a grip strength meter (GSM) and a hanging task. The corticospinal tract (CST) was traced by injecting mini-ruby BDA into the sensorimotor cortex. Forelimb gripping ability was severely impaired immediately post-SCI but recovered slowly over time. The extent of recovery was significantly greater in PTEN-deleted mice in comparison to either the AAV-GFP group or the injury only group. BDA tract tracing revealed significantly higher numbers of BDA-labeled axons in caudal segments in the PTEN-deleted group compared to control groups. In addition, in the PTEN-deleted group, there were exuberant collaterals extending from the main tract rostral to the lesion and into and around the scar tissue at the injury site. These results indicate that PTEN deletion in adult mice shortly post-SCI can enhance regenerative growth of CST axons and forelimb motor function recovery.

The neurite growth inhibitory effects of soluble TNFα on developing sympathetic neurons are dependent on developmental age

During development, the growth of neural processes is regulated by an array of cellular and molecular mechanisms which influence growth rate, direction and branching. Recently, many members of the TNF superfamily have been shown to be key regulators of neurite growth during development. The founder member of this family, TNFα can both promote and inhibit neurite growth depending on the cellular context. Specifically, transmembrane TNFα promotes neurite growth, while soluble TNFα inhibits it. While the growth promoting effects of TNFα are restricted to a defined developmental window of early postnatal development, whether the growth inhibitory effects of soluble TNFα occur throughout development is unknown. In this study we used the extensively studied, well characterised neurons of the superior cervical ganglion to show that the growth inhibitory effects of soluble TNFα are restricted to a specific period of late embryonic and early postnatal development. Furthermore, we show that this growth inhibitory effect of soluble TNFα requires NF-κB signalling at all developmental stages at which soluble TNFα inhibits neurite growth. These findings raise the possibility that increases in the amount of soluble TNFα in vivo, for example as a result of maternal inflammation, could negatively affect neurite growth in developing neurons at specific stages of development.

Hematogenous macrophage depletion reduces the fibrotic scar and increases axonal growth after spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to formation of a fibrotic scar that is inhibitory to axon regeneration. Recent evidence indicates that the fibrotic scar is formed by perivascular fibroblasts, but the mechanism by which they are recruited to the injury site is unknown. Using bone marrow transplantation in mouse model of spinal cord injury, we show that fibroblasts in the fibrotic scar are associated with hematogenous macrophages rather than microglia, which are limited to the surrounding astroglial scar. Depletion of hematogenous macrophages results in reduced fibroblast density and basal lamina formation that is associated with increased axonal growth in the fibrotic scar. Cytokine gene expression analysis after macrophage depletion indicates that decreased Tnfsf8, Tnfsf13 (tumor necrosis factor superfamily members) and increased BMP1-7 (bone morphogenetic proteins) expression may serve as anti-fibrotic mechanisms. Our study demonstrates that hematogenous macrophages are necessary for fibrotic scar formation and macrophage depletion results in changes in multiple cytokines that make the injury site less fibrotic and more conducive to axonal growth.

Proteomic identification of the molecular basis of mammalian CNS growth cones

The growth cone, which is a unique structure with high motility that forms at the tips of extending axons and dendrites, is crucial to neuronal network formation. Axonal growth of the mammalian CNS is most likely achieved by the complicated coordination of cytoskeletal rearrangement and vesicular trafficking via many proteins. Before recent advances, no methods to identify numerous proteins existed; however, proteomics revolutionarily resolved such problems. In this review, I summarize the profiles of the mammalian growth cone proteins revealed by proteomics as the molecular basis of the growth cone functions, with molecular mapping. These results should be used as a basis for understanding the mechanisms of the complex mammalian CNS developmental process.

In vitro growth conditions and development affect differential distributions of RNA in axonal growth cones and shafts of cultured rat hippocampal neurons

Local synthesis of proteins in the axons participates in axonogenesis and axon guidance to establish appropriate synaptic connections and confer plasticity. To study the transcripts present in the growth cones and axonal shafts of cultured rat hippocampal neurons, two chip devices, differing in their abilities to support axonal growth and branching, are designed and employed here to isolate large quantities of axonal materials. Cone-, shaft- and axon-residing transcripts with amounts higher than that of a somatodendritic transcript, Actg1 (γ-actin), are selected and classified. Since the chips are optically transparent, distribution of transcripts over axons can be studied by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Three transcripts, Cadm1 (cell adhesion molecule 1), Nefl (neurofilament light polypeptide), and Cfl1 (non-muscle cofilin) are confirmed to be preferentially localized to the growth cones, while Pfn2 (profilin2) is preferentially localized to the shafts of those axons growing on the chip that restricts axonal growth. The different growing conditions of axons on chips and on conventional coverslips do not affect the cone-preferred localization of Cadm1 and shaft-preferred localization of Pfn2, but affect the distributions of Nefl and Cfl1 over the axons at 14th day in vitro. Furthermore, the distributions of Cadm1 and Nefl over the axons growing on conventional coverslips undergo changes during in vitro development. Our results suggest a dynamic nature of the mechanisms regulating the distributions of transcripts in axonal substructures in a manner dependent upon both growth conditions and neuronal maturation.

A re-assessment of long distance growth and connectivity of neural stem cells after severe spinal cord injury

As part of the NIH "Facilities of Research Excellence-Spinal Cord Injury" project to support independent replication, we repeated key parts of a study reporting robust engraftment of neural stem cells (NSCs) treated with growth factors after complete spinal cord transection in rats. Rats (n=20) received complete transections at thoracic level 3 (T3) and 2weeks later received NSC transplants in a fibrin matrix with a growth factor cocktail using 2 different transplantation methods (with and without removal of scar tissue). Control rats (n=9) received transections only. Hindlimb locomotor function was assessed with the BBB scale. Nine weeks post injury, reticulospinal tract axons were traced in 6 rats by injecting BDA into the reticular formation. Transplants grew to fill the lesion cavity in most rats although grafts made with scar tissue removal had large central cavities. Grafts blended extensively with host tissue obliterating the astroglial boundary at the cut ends, but in most cases there was a well-defined partition within the graft that separated rostral and caudal parts of the graft. In some cases, the partition contained non-neuronal scar tissue. There was extensive outgrowth of GFP labeled axons from the graft, but there was minimal ingrowth of host axons into the graft revealed by tract tracing and immunocytochemistry for 5HT. There were no statistically significant differences between transplant and control groups in the degree of locomotor recovery. Our results confirm the previous report that NSC transplants can fill lesion cavities and robustly extend axons, but reveal that most grafts do not create a continuous bridge of neural tissue between rostral and caudal segments.

Bisphenol A affects axonal growth, musculature and motor behavior in developing zebrafish

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous contaminant in environment and human body. The reproductive and developmental effects of BPA exposure in aquatic and laboratory animals have been extensively studied. However, BPA exposure on the nervous system and motor behavior development are not well understood. In this study, we utilized zebrafish embryo as a model system to investigate the effect of developmental BPA exposure on larval teratology, motor behaviors, axonal growth of spinal motoneurons and muscle structure at various developmental stages. Our findings revealed that BPA exposure altered spontaneous movement, significantly decreased touch response and swimming speed in response to light stimulation in developing zebrafish. These effects were observed at the concentrations that did not yield any significant teratogenic effects. Correlated with those changes in swimming activity, BPA-induced axial muscle damage occurred at the same concentration range (1-15 μM), but disruption of axonal growth of primary and secondary motoneuron occurred only at higher concentration (15 μM). BPA-induced apoptotic cell death subsequent to initial ROS formation and oxidative DNA damage may be the underlying mechanism for axial muscle damage, suggesting the functional relevance of muscle structural changes and the observed deficits in swimming activity.