A Critical Temporal Requirement for the Retinoblastoma Protein Family During Neuronal Determination

In this report, we have examined the requirement for the retinoblastoma (Rb) gene family in neuronal determination with a focus on the developing neocortex. To determine whether pRb is required for neuronal determination in vivo, we crossed the Rb−/− mice with transgenic mice expressing β-galactosidase from the early, panneuronal Tα1 α-tubulin promoter (Tα1:nlacZ). In E12.5 Rb−/− embryos, the Tα1:nlacZ transgene was robustly expressed throughout the developing nervous system. However, by E14.5, there were perturbations in Tα1:nlacZ expression throughout the nervous system, including deficits in the forebrain and retina. To more precisely define the temporal requirement for pRb in neuronal determination, we functionally ablated the pRb family in wild-type cortical progenitor cells that undergo the transition to postmitotic neurons in vitro by expression of a mutant adenovirus E1A protein. These studies revealed that induction of Tα1:nlacZ did not require proteins of the pRb family. However, in their absence, determined, Tα1:nlacZ-positive cortical neurons underwent apoptosis, presumably as a consequence of “mixed signals” deriving from their inability to undergo terminal mitosis. In contrast, when the pRb family was ablated in postmitotic cortical neurons, there was no effect on neuronal survival, nor did it cause the postmitotic neurons to reenter the cell cycle. Together, these studies define a critical temporal window of requirement for the pRb family; these proteins are not required for induction of neuronal gene expression or for the maintenance of postmitotic neurons, but are essential for determined neurons to exit the cell cycle and survive.

Download Full-text

Developmental programmes of growth and survival in early sensory neurons

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rstb.1991.0014 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 331 (1261) ◽

pp. 259-262

Keyword(s):

Nervous System ◽

Sensory Neurons ◽

Neurotrophic Factor ◽

Target Distance ◽

Trophic Factor ◽

Growth And Survival ◽

Target Field ◽

Developing Nervous System

In the developing vertebrate nervous system the survival of neurons becomes dependent on the supply of a neurotrophic factor from their targets when their axons reach these targets. To determine how the onset of neurotrophic factor dependency is coordinated with the arrival of axons in the target field, we have studied the growth and survival of four populations of cranial sensory neurons whose axons have markedly different distances to grow to reach their targets. Axonal growth rate both in vivo and in vitro is related to target distance; neurons with more distant targets grow faster. The onset trophic factor dependency in culture is also related to target distance; neurons with more distant targets survive longer before becoming trophic factor dependent. These data suggest that programmes of growth and survival in early neurons play an important role in coordinating the timing of trophic interactions in the developing nervous system.

Download Full-text

KBP interacts with SCG10, linking Goldberg–Shprintzen syndrome to microtubule dynamics and neuronal differentiation

Human Molecular Genetics ◽

10.1093/hmg/ddq280 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 19 (18) ◽

pp. 3642-3651 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

Maria M. Alves ◽

Grzegorz Burzynski ◽

Jean-Marie Delalande ◽

Jan Osinga ◽

Annemieke van der Goot ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nervous System ◽

Enteric Nervous System ◽

Neuronal Differentiation ◽

Cortical Neurons ◽

Neuronal Development ◽

Direct Interaction ◽

Clinical Disorder ◽

Neurite Development

Abstract Goldberg–Shprintzen syndrome (GOSHS) is a rare clinical disorder characterized by central and enteric nervous system defects. This syndrome is caused by inactivating mutations in the Kinesin Binding Protein (KBP) gene, which encodes a protein of which the precise function is largely unclear. We show that KBP expression is up-regulated during neuronal development in mouse cortical neurons. Moreover, KBP-depleted PC12 cells were defective in nerve growth factor-induced differentiation and neurite outgrowth, suggesting that KBP is required for cell differentiation and neurite development. To identify KBP interacting proteins, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen and found that KBP binds almost exclusively to microtubule associated or related proteins, specifically SCG10 and several kinesins. We confirmed these results by validating KBP interaction with one of these proteins: SCG10, a microtubule destabilizing protein. Zebrafish studies further demonstrated an epistatic interaction between KBP and SCG10 in vivo . To investigate the possibility of direct interaction between KBP and microtubules, we undertook co-localization and in vitro binding assays, but found no evidence of direct binding. Thus, our data indicate that KBP is involved in neuronal differentiation and that the central and enteric nervous system defects seen in GOSHS are likely caused by microtubule-related defects.

Download Full-text

Oligodendrocyte precursor (O-2A progenitor cell) migration; a model system for the study of cell migration in the developing central nervous system

Development ◽

10.1242/dev.119.supplement.219 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 119 (Supplement) ◽

pp. 219-225 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

B. W. Kiernan ◽

Charles ffrench-Constant

Keyword(s):

Nervous System ◽

Cell Migration ◽

Progenitor Cell ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Cultured Cells ◽

Large Numbers ◽

Multicellular Organisms ◽

Developing Nervous System

Cell migration plays an important role in the development of complex multicellular organisms. The molecular mechanisms that regulate this migration arc therefore of great interest. Unfortunately, however, analysis of cell migration in vertebrates is hampered by the inaccessability of the cells and the difficulty of manipulating their environment within the embryo. This review focusses on one particular migratory cell population, the oligodendrocyte p1ecursor cell or O-2A progenitor cell, that gives rise to the myelin-forming oligodendrocytes within the CNS. These cells mi grate extensively during normal development. They can be purified and grown in large numbers in cell culture, so allowing the use of reductionist approaches using cell and molecular biology techniques. Moreover, cultured cells will migrate within the CNS following transplantation. As a result, the migration of these cells in vivo can be analysed following manipulation in vitro. Taken together, we believe that the different properties of these cells makes them excellent candidates for studies addressing the control of cell migration in the developing nervous system.

Download Full-text

Identification of MoKA, a Novel F-Box Protein That Modulates Krüppel-Like Transcription Factor 7 Activity

Molecular and Cellular Biology ◽

10.1128/mcb.24.3.1058-1069.2004 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 1058-1069 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Silvia Smaldone ◽

Friedrich Laub ◽

Cindy Else ◽

Cecilia Dragomir ◽

Francesco Ramirez

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Nervous System ◽

Transcription Factor ◽

Mammalian Cells ◽

Cell Cycle Progression ◽

Direct Interaction ◽

Proximal Promoter ◽

F Box Protein ◽

Developing Nervous System

ABSTRACT KLF7, a member of the Krüppel-like transcription factor family, is believed to regulate neurogenesis and cell cycle progression. Here, a yeast two-hybrid screen for KLF7 cofactors in the developing nervous system identified a novel 140-kDa protein named MoKA, for modulator of KLF7 activity. Interaction between MoKA and KLF7 was confirmed by the in vitro glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay and by coimmunoprecipitation of the proteins overexpressed in mammalian cells. Functional assays documented that MoKA is a KLF7 coactivator, and in situ hybridizations identified the developing nervous system and the adult testes as two sites of MoKA and Klf7 coexpression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated KLF7 binding to the p21WAF1/Cip1 gene while transient transfection assays documented KLF7 stimulation of the p21WAF1/Cip1 proximal promoter. Additional tests revealed that distinct structural motifs of MoKA direct interaction with KLF7 and shuttling between the nucleus and cytoplasm of asynchronously cycling cells. Altogether, our results strongly suggest that MoKA and KLF7 interact functionally to regulate gene expression during cell differentiation and identify the cell cycle regulator p21WAF1/Cip1 as one of the targeted genes.

Download Full-text

Protrudin functions as a scaffold in the endoplasmic reticulum to support axon regeneration in the adult central nervous system

10.1101/2020.01.15.907550 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Veselina Petrova ◽

Craig S. Pearson ◽

James R. Tribble ◽

Andrea G. Solano ◽

Evan Reid ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Central Nervous System ◽

Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽

Nervous System ◽

Cortical Neurons ◽

Binding Properties ◽

Adult Central Nervous System ◽

Low Levels ◽

Cellular Components

SummaryAdult mammalian central nervous system axons have intrinsically poor regenerative capacity, so axonal injury has permanent consequences. One approach to enhancing regeneration is to increase the axonal supply of growth molecules and organelles. We achieved this by expressing the adaptor molecule Protrudin which is normally found at low levels in non-regenerative neurons. Elevated Protrudin expression enabled robust central nervous system regeneration both in vitro in primary cortical neurons and in vivo in the injured adult optic nerve. Protrudin overexpression facilitated the accumulation of endoplasmic reticulum, integrins and Rab11 endosomes in the distal axon, whilst removing Protrudin’s endoplasmic reticulum localization, kinesin-binding or phosphoinositide-binding properties abrogated the regenerative effects. These results demonstrate that Protrudin promotes regeneration by functioning as a scaffold to link axonal organelles, motors and membranes, establishing important roles for these cellular components in mediating regeneration in the adult central nervous system.

Download Full-text

Protrudin functions from the endoplasmic reticulum to support axon regeneration in the adult CNS

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/s41467-020-19436-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Veselina Petrova ◽

Craig S. Pearson ◽

Jared Ching ◽

James R. Tribble ◽

Andrea G. Solano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Central Nervous System ◽

Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽

Nervous System ◽

Cortical Neurons ◽

Binding Properties ◽

Adaptor Molecule ◽

Low Levels ◽

Cellular Components

Abstract Adult mammalian central nervous system axons have intrinsically poor regenerative capacity, so axonal injury has permanent consequences. One approach to enhancing regeneration is to increase the axonal supply of growth molecules and organelles. We achieved this by expressing the adaptor molecule Protrudin which is normally found at low levels in non-regenerative neurons. Elevated Protrudin expression enabled robust central nervous system regeneration both in vitro in primary cortical neurons and in vivo in the injured adult optic nerve. Protrudin overexpression facilitated the accumulation of endoplasmic reticulum, integrins and Rab11 endosomes in the distal axon, whilst removing Protrudin’s endoplasmic reticulum localization, kinesin-binding or phosphoinositide-binding properties abrogated the regenerative effects. These results demonstrate that Protrudin promotes regeneration by functioning as a scaffold to link axonal organelles, motors and membranes, establishing important roles for these cellular components in mediating regeneration in the adult central nervous system.

Download Full-text

The +TIP Navigator-1 is an actin–microtubule crosslinker that regulates axonal growth cone motility

The Journal of Cell Biology ◽

10.1083/jcb.201905199 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 219 (9) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Carlos Sánchez-Huertas ◽

Marion Bonhomme ◽

Amandine Falco ◽

Christine Fagotto-Kaufmann ◽

Jeffrey van Haren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cortical Neurons ◽

Actin Filaments ◽

Projection Neurons ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Cortical Projection ◽

Axonal Growth Cone ◽

Neuronal Functions ◽

Developing Nervous System

Microtubule (MT) plus-end tracking proteins (+TIPs) are central players in the coordination between the MT and actin cytoskeletons in growth cones (GCs) during axon guidance. The +TIP Navigator-1 (NAV1) is expressed in the developing nervous system, yet its neuronal functions remain poorly elucidated. Here, we report that NAV1 controls the dynamics and motility of the axonal GCs of cortical neurons in an EB1-dependent manner and is required for axon turning toward a gradient of netrin-1. NAV1 accumulates in F-actin–rich domains of GCs and binds actin filaments in vitro. NAV1 can also bind MTs independently of EB1 in vitro and crosslinks nonpolymerizing MT plus ends to actin filaments in axonal GCs, preventing MT depolymerization in F-actin–rich areas. Together, our findings pinpoint NAV1 as a key player in the actin–MT crosstalk that promotes MT persistence at the GC periphery and regulates GC steering. Additionally, we present data assigning to NAV1 an important role in the radial migration of cortical projection neurons in vivo.

Download Full-text

A Novel Camptothecin Derivative 3j Inhibits Nsclc Proliferation Via Induction of Cell Cycle Arrest By Topo I-Mediated DNA Damage

Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/1871520619666181207102037 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 365-374 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yang Liu ◽

Jingyin Zhang ◽

Shuyun Feng ◽

Tingli Zhao ◽

Zhengzheng Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Flow Cytometry ◽

Dna Damage ◽

Cyclin D ◽

Dna Relaxation ◽

Cycle Arrest ◽

H460 Cell ◽

H1975 Cell

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of camptothecin derivative 3j on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLCs) cells and the potential anti-tumor mechanisms. Background: Camptothecin compounds are considered as the third largest natural drugs which are widely investigated in the world and they suffered restriction because of serious toxicity, such as hemorrhagic cystitis and bone marrow suppression. Methods: Using cell proliferation assay and S180 tumor mice model, a series of 20(S)-O-substituted benzoyl 7- ethylcamptothecin compounds were screened and evaluated the antitumor activities in vitro and in vivo. Camptothecin derivative 3j was selected for further study using flow cytometry in NSCLCs cells. Cell cycle related protein cyclin A2, CDK2, cyclin D and cyclin E were detected by Western Blot. Then, computer molecular docking was used to confirm the interaction between 3j and Topo I. Also, DNA relaxation assay and alkaline comet assay were used to investigate the mechanism of 3j on DNA damage. Results: Our results demonstrated that camptothecin derivative 3j showed a greater antitumor effect in eleven 20(S)-O-substituted benzoyl 7-ethylcamptothecin compounds in vitro and in vivo. The IC50 of 3j was 1.54± 0.41 µM lower than irinotecan with an IC50 of 13.86±0.80 µM in NCI-H460 cell, which was reduced by 8 fold. In NCI-H1975 cell, the IC50 of 3j was 1.87±0.23 µM lower than irinotecan (IC50±SD, 5.35±0.38 µM), dropped by 1.8 fold. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that 3j induced significant accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. After 24h of 3j (10 µM) treatment, the percentage of NCI-H460 cell in S-phase significantly increased (to 93.54 ± 4.4%) compared with control cells (31.67 ± 3.4%). Similarly, the percentage of NCI-H1975 cell in Sphase significantly increased (to 83.99 ± 2.4%) compared with control cells (34.45 ± 3.9%) after treatment with 10µM of 3j. Moreover, increased levels of cyclin A2, CDK2, and decreased levels of cyclin D, cyclin E further confirmed that cell cycle arrest was induced by 3j. Furthermore, molecular docking studies suggested that 3j interacted with Topo I-DNA and DNA-relaxation assay simultaneously confirmed that 3j suppressed the activity of Topo I. Research on the mechanism showed that 3j exhibited anti-tumour activity via activating the DNA damage response pathway and suppressing the repair pathway in NSCLC cells. Conclusion: Novel camptothecin derivative 3j has been demonstrated as a promising antitumor agent and remains to be assessed in further studies.

Download Full-text

BRD4 PROTAC degrader ARV-825 inhibits T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by targeting 'Undruggable' Myc-pathway genes

Cancer Cell International ◽

10.1186/s12935-021-01908-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Shuiyan Wu ◽

You Jiang ◽

Yi Hong ◽

Xinran Chu ◽

Zimu Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Cell Proliferation ◽

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽

Caspase 3 ◽

Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽

Rna Seq ◽

Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽

Bet Protein

Abstract Background T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive disease with a high risk of induction failure and poor outcomes, with relapse due to drug resistance. Recent studies show that bromodomains and extra-terminal (BET) protein inhibitors are promising anti-cancer agents. ARV-825, comprising a BET inhibitor conjugated with cereblon ligand, was recently developed to attenuate the growth of multiple tumors in vitro and in vivo. However, the functional and molecular mechanisms of ARV-825 in T-ALL remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanism of ARV-825 in T-ALL. Methods Expression of the BRD4 were determined in pediatric T-ALL samples and differential gene expression after ARV-825 treatment was explored by RNA-seq and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. T-ALL cell viability was measured by CCK8 assay after ARV-825 administration. Cell cycle was analyzed by propidium iodide (PI) staining and apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V/PI staining. BRD4, BRD3 and BRD2 proteins were detected by western blot in cells treated with ARV-825. The effect of ARV-825 on T-ALL cells was analyzed in vivo. The functional and molecular pathways involved in ARV-825 treatment of T-ALL were verified by western blot and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Results BRD4 expression was higher in pediatric T-ALL samples compared with T-cells from healthy donors. High BRD4 expression indicated a poor outcome. ARV-825 suppressed cell proliferation in vitro by arresting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis, with elevated poly-ADP ribose polymerase and cleaved caspase 3. BRD4, BRD3, and BRD2 were degraded in line with reduced cereblon expression in T-ALL cells. ARV-825 had a lower IC50 in T-ALL cells compared with JQ1, dBET1 and OTX015. ARV-825 perturbed the H3K27Ac-Myc pathway and reduced c-Myc protein levels in T-ALL cells according to RNA-seq and ChIP. In the T-ALL xenograft model, ARV-825 significantly reduced tumor growth and led to the dysregulation of Ki67 and cleaved caspase 3. Moreover, ARV-825 inhibited cell proliferation by depleting BET and c-Myc proteins in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions BRD4 indicates a poor prognosis in T-ALL. The BRD4 degrader ARV-825 can effectively suppress the proliferation and promote apoptosis of T-ALL cells via BET protein depletion and c-Myc inhibition, thus providing a new strategy for the treatment of T-ALL.

Download Full-text

TRAF3 mediates neuronal apoptosis in early brain injury following subarachnoid hemorrhage via targeting TAK1-dependent MAPKs and NF-κB pathways

Cell Death and Disease ◽

10.1038/s41419-020-03278-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yan Zhou ◽

Tao Tao ◽

Guangjie Liu ◽

Xuan Gao ◽

Yongyue Gao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Therapeutic Target ◽

Cortical Neurons ◽

Neuronal Apoptosis ◽

Early Brain Injury ◽

Neurological Deficits ◽

Human Brain Tissue

AbstractNeuronal apoptosis has an important role in early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). TRAF3 was reported as a promising therapeutic target for stroke management, which covered several neuronal apoptosis signaling cascades. Hence, the present study is aimed to determine whether downregulation of TRAF3 could be neuroprotective in SAH-induced EBI. An in vivo SAH model in mice was established by endovascular perforation. Meanwhile, primary cultured cortical neurons of mice treated with oxygen hemoglobin were applied to mimic SAH in vitro. Our results demonstrated that TRAF3 protein expression increased and expressed in neurons both in vivo and in vitro SAH models. TRAF3 siRNA reversed neuronal loss and improved neurological deficits in SAH mice, and reduced cell death in SAH primary neurons. Mechanistically, we found that TRAF3 directly binds to TAK1 and potentiates phosphorylation and activation of TAK1, which further enhances the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs pathways to induce neuronal apoptosis. Importantly, TRAF3 expression was elevated following SAH in human brain tissue and was mainly expressed in neurons. Taken together, our study demonstrates that TRAF3 is an upstream regulator of MAPKs and NF-κB pathways in SAH-induced EBI via its interaction with and activation of TAK1. Furthermore, the TRAF3 may serve as a novel therapeutic target in SAH-induced EBI.

Download Full-text