scholarly journals Thiamine pyrophosphokinase deficiency induces Alzheimer’s pathology

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaoming Sang ◽  
Ting Qian ◽  
Fang Cai ◽  
Hongyan Qiu ◽  
Yangqi Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Gene Knockout ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Conditional Knockout ◽  
Gene Profiling ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Glucose Hypometabolism

AbstractBackgroundThiamine diphosphate (TDP) reduction plays an important role in cerebral glucose hypometabolism, the neurodegenerative indicator, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The mechanism underlying TDP reduction remains elusive. Thus, it is critical to define the mechanism and its effect on neurodegeneration, the pathological basis of the disease occurrence and progression.MethodsThe mRNA levels of all known genes associated with thiamine metabolism, including thiamine pyrophosphokinase (TPK), Solute Carrier Family 19 Member 2 (SLC19A2), SLC19A3, and SLC25A19, in brain samples of patients with AD and other neurodegenerative disorders in multiple independent datasets were analyzed. TPK protein levels were further examined in the brain tissues of AD patients and control subjects. A mouse model with conditional knockout (cKO) of TPK gene in the excitatory neurons of adult brain was established.ResultsThe brain TPK mRNA level was markedly lower in AD patients, but not in other neurodegenerative disorders. The brain TPK protein level was also significantly decreased in AD patients. TPK gene knockout in the mice caused cerebral glucose hypometabolism, β-amyloid deposition, Tau hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and neuronal loss and brain atrophy. Cross-species correlation analysis revealed the similar changes of gene profiling between the cKO mice and AD patients.ConclusionsThe deficiency of brain TPK, a key enzyme for TDP synthesis, is specific to AD. The cKO mice show AD-associated phenotypes and could serve as a new mouse model for AD studies. Our study provides a novel insight into the critical role of TPK in AD pathogenesis and its potential for the disease treatment.

scholarly journals Brain-Specific SNAP-25 Deletion Leads to Elevated Extracellular Glutamate Level and Schizophrenia-Like Behavior in Mice

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Yang ◽  
Mengjie Zhang ◽  
Jiahao Shi ◽  
Yunhe Zhou ◽  
Zhipeng Wan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Cortex ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Glutamate Release ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Conditional Knockout ◽  
Snare Complex ◽  
Extracellular Glutamate ◽  
Glutamate Level

Several studies have associated reduced expression of synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) with schizophrenia, yet little is known about its role in the illness. In this paper, a forebrain glutamatergic neuron-specific SNAP-25 knockout mouse model was constructed and studied to explore the possible pathogenetic role of SNAP-25 in schizophrenia. We showed that SNAP-25 conditional knockout (cKO) mice exhibited typical schizophrenia-like phenotype. A significantly elevated extracellular glutamate level was detected in the cerebral cortex of the mouse model. Compared with Ctrls, SNAP-25 was dramatically reduced by about 60% both in cytoplasm and in membrane fractions of cerebral cortex of cKOs, while the other two core members of SNARE complex: Syntaxin-1 (increased ~80%) and Vamp2 (increased ~96%) were significantly increased in cell membrane part. Riluzole, a glutamate release inhibitor, significantly attenuated the locomotor hyperactivity deficits in cKO mice. Our findings provide in vivo functional evidence showing a critical role of SNAP-25 dysfunction on synaptic transmission, which contributes to the developmental of schizophrenia. It is suggested that a SNAP-25 cKO mouse, a valuable model for schizophrenia, could address questions regarding presynaptic alterations that contribute to the etiopathophysiology of SZ and help to consummate the pre- and postsynaptic glutamatergic pathogenesis of the illness.

scholarly journals Ackr3-Venus knock-in mouse lights up brain vasculature

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aliza T. Ehrlich ◽  
Meriem Semache ◽  
Pierre Couvineau ◽  
Stefan Wojcik ◽  
Hiroyuki Kobayashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Membrane Expression ◽  
Hek 293 ◽  
Brain Vasculature ◽  
Intact Gene ◽  
The Brain

AbstractThe atypical chemokine receptor 3, ACKR3, is a G protein-coupled receptor, which does not couple to G proteins but recruits βarrestins. At present, ACKR3 is considered a target for cancer and cardiovascular disorders, but less is known about the potential of ACKR3 as a target for brain disease. Further, mouse lines have been created to identify cells expressing the receptor, but there is no tool to visualize and study the receptor itself under physiological conditions. Here, we engineered a knock-in (KI) mouse expressing a functional ACKR3-Venus fusion protein to directly detect the receptor, particularly in the adult brain. In HEK-293 cells, native and fused receptors showed similar membrane expression, ligand induced trafficking and signaling profiles, indicating that the Venus fusion does not alter receptor signaling. We also found that ACKR3-Venus enables direct real-time monitoring of receptor trafficking using resonance energy transfer. In ACKR3-Venus knock-in mice, we found normal ACKR3 mRNA levels in the brain, suggesting intact gene transcription. We fully mapped receptor expression across 14 peripheral organs and 112 brain areas and found that ACKR3 is primarily localized to the vasculature in these tissues. In the periphery, receptor distribution aligns with previous reports. In the brain there is notable ACKR3 expression in endothelial vascular cells, hippocampal GABAergic interneurons and neuroblast neighboring cells. In conclusion, we have generated Ackr3-Venus knock-in mice with a traceable ACKR3 receptor, which will be a useful tool to the research community for interrogations about ACKR3 biology and related diseases.

scholarly journals The Excitatory Effects of GABA within the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus: Regulation of Na-K-2Cl Cotransporters (NKCCs) by Environmental Lighting Conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
John K. McNeill ◽  
James C. Walton ◽  
Vitaly Ryu ◽  
H. Elliott Albers
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Constant Darkness ◽  
Inhibitory Neurotransmitter ◽  
Lighting Conditions ◽  
Environmental Lighting ◽  
The Brain

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) contains a pacemaker that generates circadian rhythms and entrains them with the 24-h light-dark cycle (LD). The SCN is composed of 16,000 to 20,000 heterogeneous neurons in bilaterally paired nuclei. γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) is the primary neurochemical signal within the SCN and plays a key role in regulating circadian function. While GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, there is now evidence that GABA can also exert excitatory effects in the adult brain. Cation chloride cotransporters determine the effects of GABA on chloride equilibrium, thereby determining whether GABA produces hyperpolarizing or depolarizing actions following activation of GABAA receptors. The activity of Na-K-2Cl cotransporter1 (NKCC1), the most prevalent chloride influx cotransporter isoform in the brain, plays a critical role in determining whether GABA has depolarizing effects. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that NKCC1 protein expression in the SCN is regulated by environmental lighting and displays daily and circadian changes in the intact circadian system of the Syrian hamster. In hamsters housed in constant light (LL), the overall NKCC1 immunoreactivity (NKCC1-ir) in the SCN was significantly greater than in hamsters housed in LD or constant darkness (DD), although NKCC1 protein levels in the SCN were not different between hamsters housed in LD and DD. In hamsters housed in LD cycles, no differences in NKCC1-ir within the SCN were observed over the 24-h cycle. NKCC1 protein in the SCN was found to vary significantly over the circadian cycle in hamsters housed in free-running conditions. Overall, NKCC1 protein was greater in the ventral SCN than in the dorsal SCN, although no significant differences were observed across lighting conditions or time of day in either subregion. These data support the hypothesis that NKCC1 protein expression can be regulated by environmental lighting and circadian mechanisms within the SCN.

scholarly journals Reactive Oxygen Species in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Implications in Pathogenesis and Treatment Strategies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johnson Olaleye Oladele ◽  
Adenike T. Oladiji ◽  
Oluwaseun Titilope Oladele ◽  
Oyedotun M. Oyeleke
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Reactive Oxygen Species ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Protein Misfolding ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Reactive Oxygen ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
The Brain

Neurodegenerative diseases are debilitating disorders which compromise motor or cognitive functions and are rapidly becoming a global communal disorder with over 46.8 million people suffering dementia worldwide. Aetiological studies have showed that people who are exposed to agricultural, occupational and environmental toxic chemicals that can interfere and degenerate dopaminergic neurons are prone to developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson Disease. The complex pathogenesis of the neurodegenerative diseases remains largely unknown; however, mounting evidence suggests that oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, protein misfolding, and apoptosis are the hallmarks of the diseases. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are chemically reactive molecules that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. ROS play a critical role as high levels of oxidative stress are commonly observed in the brain of patients with neurodegenerative disorders. This chapter focus on the sources of ROS in the brain, its involvement in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and possible ways to mitigate its damaging effects in the affected brain.

scholarly journals Recruitment of MLL1 Complex Is Essential for SETBP1 to Induce Myeloid Transformation

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 1147-1147
Author(s):  
Nhu Nguyen ◽  
Kristbjorn Orri Gudmundsson ◽  
Anthony R. Soltis ◽  
Kevin Oakley ◽  
Yufen Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Conditional Knockout ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Missense Mutations ◽  
Ribosomal Protein Genes ◽  
Myeloid Neoplasms ◽  
Myeloid Progenitors

Abstract Abnormal activation of SETBP1 due to overexpression or missense mutations occurs frequently in various myeloid neoplasms and associates with poor prognosis. Direct activation of Hoxa9/Hoxa10/Myb transcription by SETBP1 and its missense mutants is essential for their transforming capability; however, the underlying mechanisms for such activation remain elusive. We found that knockdown of Mll1 in mouse myeloid progenitors immortalized by SETBP1 or its missense mutant SETBP1(D/N) caused significant reduction in the mRNA levels of Hoxa9/Hoxa10/Myb, suggesting that Mll1 is critical for their transcriptional activation induced by SETBP1 and its missense mutants. Physical association of MLL1 with SETBP1/SETBP1(D/N) was readily detected by co-immunoprecipitation in nuclear extracts of these cells, further suggesting that they may form a complex in myeloid cells to activate transcription. This complex formation is likely mediated by direct interactions between SETBP1/SETBP1(D/N) and MLL1 as both SETBP1 and SETBP1(D/N) are capable of interacting with multiple regions of MLL1 in binding assays using proteins synthesized by in vitro transcription and translation. To better understand the extent of SETBP1/SETBP1(D/N)-MLL1 interaction in regulating gene transcription, we carried out both ChIP-seq and RNA-seq analysis in mouse Lin -Sca-1 +c-Kit + (LSK) cells transduced by pMYs retrovirus expressing SETBP1 or SETBP1(D/N) or empty pMYs virus. These analyses revealed extensive overlap in genomic occupancy for MLL1 and SETBP1/SETBP1(D/N) and their cooperation in activating many oncogenic transcription factor genes in addition to Hoxa9/Hoxa10/Myb, including additional HoxA genes (Hoxa1, Hoxa3, Hoxa5, Hoxa6, and Hoxa7), Myc, Eya1, Mef2c, Meis1, Sox4, Mecom, and Lmo2. A large group of ribosomal protein genes were also found to be directly activated by MLL1 and SETBP1/SETBP1(D/N), identifying ribosomal biogenesis as another significant pathway induced by their cooperation. To further assess the requirement for MLL1 in SETBP1-induced transformation using a genetic approach, we also generated SETBP1/SETBP1(D/N)-induced immortalized myeloid progenitors and AMLs using LSK cells from Mll1 conditional knockout mice. Mll1 deletion in immortalized progenitors significantly decreased SETBP1/SETBP1(D/N)-induced transcriptional activation and their colony-forming potential. More importantly, Mll1 deletion significantly extended the survival of mice transplanted with SETBP1/SETBP1(D/N)-induced AMLs, indicating that Mll1 is essential for the maintenance of such leukemias in vivo. We further found that pharmacological inhibition of MLL1 complex using a WDR5 inhibitor OICR-9429 efficiently abrogated SETBP1/SETBP1(D/N)-induced transcriptional activation and transformation. Thus, MLL1 complex plays a critical role in Setbp1-induced transcriptional activation and transformation and represents a promising target for treating myeloid neoplasms with SETBP1 activation. Disclosures Maciejewski: Novartis: Consultancy; Regeneron: Consultancy; Alexion: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb/Celgene: Consultancy.

scholarly journals AANAT1 functions in astrocytes to regulate sleep homeostasis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sejal Davla ◽  
Gregory Artiushin ◽  
Daryan Chitsaz ◽  
Sally Li ◽  
Amita Sehgal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Deprivation ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cholinergic Neurons ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
List Type ◽  
Sleep Regulation ◽  
Control Functions ◽  
The Brain

SummaryCharacteristic features of sleep are conserved among species [1], and from humans to insects sleep is influenced by neural circuits involving monoamines such as serotonin and dopamine [2]. Glial cells have been increasingly implicated in mechanisms of baseline and homeostatic sleep regulation in mammals and flies [3–11], but it remains unknown whether and how glia might influence monoaminergic control of sleep. Sleep is regulated by circadian rhythms and a homeostatic drive to compensate for prolonged wakefulness, and growing evidence suggests that neural mechanisms controlling homeostatic sleep can be discriminated from those controlling baseline sleep [12–15]. In Drosophila, mutants of arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (AANAT1lo) have normal baseline amounts of sleep and motor activity, but increased rebound sleep following deprivation [16]. AANAT1 can acetylate and inactivate monoamines in vitro [17], but the role of AANAT1 in vivo remains poorly understood. We find AANAT1 to be expressed in astrocytes and subsets of neurons in the adult Drosophila brain, with levels in astrocytes declining markedly overnight. In sleep-deprived AANAT1 mutant flies, heightened rebound sleep is accompanied by increased serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. In neurons, AANAT1 functions to limit the quantity and consolidation of nighttime sleep, but in astrocytes AANAT1 constrains the amount of rebound sleep that flies take in response to sleep deprivation. These findings distinguish sleep-control functions of AANAT1 in neurons and astrocytes, and identify a critical role for astrocytes in the regulation of monoamine bioavailability and calibration of the response to sleep need.HighlightsThe monoamine catabolic enzyme arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase 1 (AANAT1) is expressed by astrocytes and subsets of serotonergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic and cholinergic neurons in the adult brain of Drosophila.AANAT1 limits accumulation of serotonin and dopamine in the brain upon sleep deprivation.Loss of AANAT1 from astrocytes, but not from neurons, causes flies to increase their daytime rebound sleep in response to overnight sleep deprivation.

scholarly journals Intravenous infusion of iPSC-derived neural precursor cells increases acid β-glucosidase function in the brain and lessens the neuronopathic phenotype in a mouse model of Gaucher disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (20) ◽  
pp. 3406-3421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanyan Peng ◽  
Benjamin Liou ◽  
Venette Inskeep ◽  
Rachel Blackwood ◽  
Christopher N Mayhew ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Gaucher Disease ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Wild Type Mouse ◽  
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell ◽  
Precursor Cells ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Green Fluorescent ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by GBA1 mutations leading to functional deficiency of acid-β-glucosidase (GCase). No effective treatment is available for neuronopathic GD (nGD). A subclass of neural stem and precursor cells (NPCs) expresses VLA4 (integrin α4β1, very late antigen-4) that facilitates NPC entry into the brain following intravenous (IV) infusion. Here, the therapeutic potential of IV VLA4+NPCs was assessed for nGD using wild-type mouse green fluorescent protein (GFP)-positive multipotent induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived VLA4+NPCs. VLA4+NPCs successfully engrafted in the nGD (4L;C*) mouse brain. GFP-positive cells differentiated into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the brainstem, midbrain and thalamus of the transplanted mice and significantly improved sensorimotor function and prolonged life span compared to vehicle-treated 4L;C* mice. VLA4+NPC transplantation significantly decreased levels of CD68 and glial fibrillary acidic protein, as well as TNFα mRNA levels in the brain, indicating reduced neuroinflammation. Furthermore, decreased Fluoro-Jade C and NeuroSilver staining suggested inhibition of neurodegeneration. VLA4+NPC-engrafted 4L;C* midbrains showed 35% increased GCase activity, reduced substrate [glucosylceramide (GC, −34%) and glucosylsphingosine (GS, −11%)] levels and improved mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates in comparison to vehicle-4L;C* mice. VLA4+NPC engraftment in 4L;C* brain also led to enhanced expression of neurotrophic factors that have roles in neuronal survival and the promotion of neurogenesis. This study provides evidence that iPSC-derived NPC transplantation has efficacy in an nGD mouse model and provides proof of concept for autologous NPC therapy in nGD.

scholarly journals Host Immune Response to ZIKV in an Immunocompetent Embryonic Mouse Model of Intravaginal Infection

Viruses ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svetlana F. Khaiboullina ◽  
Priscila Lopes ◽  
Toniana G. de Carvalho ◽  
Ana Luiza C. V. Real ◽  
Danielle G. Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Host Immune Response ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Embryonic Mouse ◽  
Human Pathology ◽  
Congenital Zika Syndrome ◽  
The Brain

Zika virus (ZIKV) only induces mild symptoms in adults; however, it can cause congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), including microcephaly. Most of the knowledge on ZIKV pathogenesis was gained using immunocompromised mouse models, which do not fully recapitulate human pathology. Moreover, the study of the host immune response to ZIKV becomes challenging in these animals. Thus, the main goal of this study was to develop an immunocompetent mouse model to study the ZIKV spread and teratogeny. FVB/NJ immune competent dams were infected intravaginally with ZIKV during the early stage of pregnancy. We found that the placentae of most fetuses were positive for ZIKV, while the virus was detected in the brain of only about 42% of the embryos. To investigate the host immune response, we measured the expression of several inflammatory factors. Embryos from ZIKV-infected dams had an increased level of inflammatory factors, as compared to Mock. Next, we compared the gene expression levels in embryos from ZIKV-infected dams that were either negative or positive for ZIKV in the brain. The mRNA levels of viral response genes and cytokines were increased in both ZIKV-positive and negative brains. Interestingly, the levels of chemokines associated with microcephaly in humans, including CCL2 and CXCL10, specifically increased in embryos harboring ZIKV in the embryo brains.

Autophagy Modulators and Neuroinflammation

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 955-982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoung Sang Cho ◽  
Jang Ho Lee ◽  
Jeiwon Cho ◽  
Guang-Ho Cha ◽  
Gyun Jee Song
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Scientific Interest ◽  
Therapeutic Tools ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Background: Neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the development and progression of various neurological disorders. Therefore, various studies have focused on the development of neuroinflammation inhibitors as potential therapeutic tools. Recently, the involvement of autophagy in the regulation of neuroinflammation has drawn substantial scientific interest, and a growing number of studies support the role of impaired autophagy in the pathogenesis of common neurodegenerative disorders. Objective: The purpose of this article is to review recent research on the role of autophagy in controlling neuroinflammation. We focus on studies employing both mammalian cells and animal models to evaluate the ability of different autophagic modulators to regulate neuroinflammation. Methods: We have mostly reviewed recent studies reporting anti-neuroinflammatory properties of autophagy. We also briefly discussed a few studies showing that autophagy modulators activate neuroinflammation in certain conditions. Results: Recent studies report neuroprotective as well as anti-neuroinflammatory effects of autophagic modulators. We discuss the possible underlying mechanisms of action of these drugs and their potential limitations as therapeutic agents against neurological disorders. Conclusion: Autophagy activators are promising compounds for the treatment of neurological disorders involving neuroinflammation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document