scholarly journals α-Synuclein–induced Kv4 channelopathy in mouse vagal motoneurons drives nonmotor parkinsonian symptoms

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. eabd3994
Author(s):  
Wei-Hua Chiu ◽  
Lora Kovacheva ◽  
Ruth E. Musgrove ◽  
Hadar Arien-Zakay ◽  
James B. Koprich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rational Design ◽  
Neuronal Population ◽  
Prodromal Symptom ◽  
Motor Nucleus ◽  
Prodromal Phase ◽  
Clinical Biomarkers ◽  
Dorsal Motor Nucleus ◽  
A Chain

No disease-modifying therapy is currently available for Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease. The long nonmotor prodromal phase of PD is a window of opportunity for early detection and intervention. However, we lack the pathophysiological understanding to develop selective biomarkers and interventions. By using a mutant α-synuclein selective-overexpression mouse model of prodromal PD, we identified a cell-autonomous selective Kv4 channelopathy in dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons. This functional remodeling of intact DMV neurons leads to impaired pacemaker function in vitro and in vivo, which, in turn, reduces gastrointestinal motility, a common early symptom of prodromal PD. We identify a chain of events from α-synuclein via a biophysical dysfunction of a specific neuronal population to a clinically relevant prodromal symptom. These findings will facilitate the rational design of clinical biomarkers to identify people at risk for developing PD.

scholarly journals α-Synuclein-induced Kv4 channelopathy in mouse vagal motoneurons causes non-motor parkinsonian symptoms

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Hua Chiu ◽  
Lora Kovacheva ◽  
Ruth E. Musgrove ◽  
Hadar Arien-Zakay ◽  
James B. Koprich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rational Design ◽  
Causal Chain ◽  
Prodromal Symptom ◽  
Motor Nucleus ◽  
Prodromal Phase ◽  
Neuronal Populations ◽  
Clinical Biomarkers ◽  
Dorsal Motor Nucleus

AbstractNo disease modifying therapy is currently available for Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease. The long non-motor prodromal phase of PD is a window of opportunity for early detection and intervention. However, we lack the pathophysiological understanding to develop selective biomarkers and interventions. By developing a mutant α-synuclein selective-overexpression mouse model of prodromal PD, we identified a cell-autonomous selective Kv4 channelopathy in dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons. This functional remodeling of intact DMV neurons leads to impaired pacemaker function in vitro and in vivo, which in turn reduces gastrointestinal motility which is a common, very early symptom of prodromal PD. We show for the first time a causal chain of events from α-synuclein via a biophysical dysfunction of specific neuronal populations to a clinically relevant prodromal symptom. These findings can facilitate the rational design of clinical biomarkers to identify people at risk for PD.

Galanin Inhibits Gut-Related Vagal Neurons in Rats

2004 ◽  
Vol 91 (5) ◽  
pp. 2330-2343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenjun Tan ◽  
Ronald Fogel ◽  
Chunhui Jiang ◽  
Xueguo Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Potassium Channel ◽  
Reversal Potential ◽  
Outward Current ◽  
Motor Nucleus ◽  
Dorsal Vagal Complex ◽  
Solitary Tract ◽  
Membrane Hyperpolarization ◽  
Dorsal Motor Nucleus

Galanin plays an important role in the regulation of food intake, energy balance, and body weight. Many galanin-positive fibers as well as galanin-positive neurons were seen in the dorsal vagal complex, suggesting that galanin produces its effects by actions involving vagal neurons. In the present experiment, we used tract-tracing and neurophysiological techniques to evaluate the origin of the galaninergic fibers and the effect of galanin on neurons in the dorsal vagal complex. Our results reveal that the nucleus of the solitary tract is the major source of the galanin terminals in the dorsal vagal complex. In vivo experiments demonstrated that galanin inhibited the majority of gut-related neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. In vitro experiments demonstrated that galanin inhibited the majority of stomach-projecting neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus by suppressing spontaneous activity and/or producing a fully reversible dose-dependent membrane hyperpolarization and outward current. The galanin-induced hyperpolarization and outward current persisted after synaptic input was blocked, suggesting that galanin acts directly on receptors of neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. The reversal potential induced by galanin was close to the potassium ion potentials of the Nernst equation and was prevented by the potassium channel blocker tetraethylammonium, indicating that the inhibitory effect of galanin was mediated by a potassium channel. These results indicate that the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus is inhibited by galanin derived predominantly from neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract projecting to the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve. Galanin is one of the neurotransmitters involved in the vago-vagal reflex.

Peptide YY and the Y2 agonist PYY-(13-36) inhibit neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus

1997 ◽  
Vol 273 (1) ◽  
pp. R213-R218 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. H. Chen ◽  
R. C. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Peptide Yy ◽  
Direct Action ◽  
Intestinal Lumen ◽  
Motor Nucleus ◽  
Dorsal Motor Nucleus ◽  
Efferent Neurons ◽  
Vagal Reflex ◽  
Type Receptor

Peptide YY (PYY) is released by endocrine cells in the ileum in response to the presence of fatty acids in the intestinal lumen. Circulating PYY suppresses vagally mediated digestive functions as a consequence of direct action on neurons in the dorsal medulla. Recent evidence from our laboratory suggests that this PYY-mediated inhibition of digestion occurs because of peptide action at the Y2-type receptor in the dorsal medullary region encompassing vago-vagal reflex circuitry. The present study describes the effects of PYY and the specific Y2 agonist peptide PYY-(13-36) on neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMN) in both the 1) intact in vivo and 2) in vitro brain stem slice preparation. Our results show that 50% of DMN neurons recorded under in vivo or in vitro conditions, including synaptic blockade, are inhibited by the application of PYY or PYY-(13-36). Approximately 45% are not affected, and only approximately 5% are activated. These results suggest that one of the principal means by which PYY suppresses digestive functions is by the direct inhibition of cholinergic vagal efferent neurons of the DMN via action at a Y2 receptor.

scholarly journals 99mTc Labelling Strategies for the Development of Potential Nitroimidazolic Hypoxia Imaging Agents

Inorganics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giglio ◽  
Rey
Keyword(s):  
Rational Design ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Oxidation States ◽  
Hypoxia Imaging ◽  
Biological Target ◽  
99Mtc Radiopharmaceuticals ◽  
99Mtc Labelling

Technetium-99m has a rich coordination chemistry that offers many possibilities in terms of oxidation states and donor atom sets. Modifications in the structure of the technetium complexes could be very useful for fine tuning the physicochemical and biological properties of potential 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals. However, systematic study of the influence of the labelling strategy on the “in vitro” and “in vivo” behaviour is necessary for a rational design of radiopharmaceuticals. Herein we present a review of the influence of the Tc complexes’ molecular structure on the biodistribution and the interaction with the biological target of potential nitroimidazolic hypoxia imaging radiopharmaceuticals presented in the literature from 2010 to the present. Comparison with the gold standard [18F]Fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) is also presented.

scholarly journals High-throughput screening and rational design of biofunctionalized surfaces with optimized biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhou Fang ◽  
Junjian Chen ◽  
Ye Zhu ◽  
Guansong Hu ◽  
Haoqian Xin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
High Throughput Screening ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Click Reaction ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Biomaterial Surfaces

AbstractPeptides are widely used for surface modification to develop improved implants, such as cell adhesion RGD peptide and antimicrobial peptide (AMP). However, it is a daunting challenge to identify an optimized condition with the two peptides showing their intended activities and the parameters for reaching such a condition. Herein, we develop a high-throughput strategy, preparing titanium (Ti) surfaces with a gradient in peptide density by click reaction as a platform, to screen the positions with desired functions. Such positions are corresponding to optimized molecular parameters (peptide densities/ratios) and associated preparation parameters (reaction times/reactant concentrations). These parameters are then extracted to prepare nongradient mono- and dual-peptide functionalized Ti surfaces with desired biocompatibility or/and antimicrobial activity in vitro and in vivo. We also demonstrate this strategy could be extended to other materials. Here, we show that the high-throughput versatile strategy holds great promise for rational design and preparation of functional biomaterial surfaces.

scholarly journals Experimental and theoretical explorations of nanocarriers’ multistep delivery performance for rational design and anticancer prediction

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. eaba2458
Author(s):  
Weier Bao ◽  
Falin Tian ◽  
Chengliang Lyu ◽  
Bin Liu ◽  
Bin Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Cell Uptake ◽  
Anticancer Efficacy ◽  
Delivery Performance ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Multistep Process

The poor understanding of the complex multistep process taken by nanocarriers during the delivery process limits the delivery efficiencies and further hinders the translation of these systems into medicine. Here, we describe a series of six self-assembled nanocarrier types with systematically altered physical properties including size, shape, and rigidity, as well as both in vitro and in vivo analyses of their performance in blood circulation, tumor penetration, cancer cell uptake, and anticancer efficacy. We also developed both data and simulation-based models for understanding the influence of physical properties, both individually and considered together, on each delivery step and overall delivery process. Thus, beyond finding that nanocarriers that are simultaneously endowed with tubular shape, short length, and low rigidity outperformed the other types, we now have a suit of theoretical models that can predict how nanocarrier properties will individually and collectively perform in the multistep delivery of anticancer therapies.

scholarly journals Streptococcal Adhesion and Colonization

1997 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.F. Jenkinson ◽  
RJ Lamont
Keyword(s):  
Immune Modulation ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Repeated Sequence ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Mammalian Host ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Bacterial Populations ◽  
Acellular Vaccines

Streptococci express arrays of adhesins on their cell surfaces that facilitate adherence to substrates present in their natural environment within the mammalian host. A consequence of such promiscuous binding ability is that streptococcal cells may adhere simultaneously to a spectrum of substrates, including salivary glycoproteins, extracellular matrix and serum components, host cells, and other microbial cells. The multiplicity of streptococcal adherence interactions accounts, at least in part, for their success in colonizing the oral and epithelial surfaces of humans. Adhesion facilitates colonization and may be a precursor to tissue invasion and immune modulation, events that presage the development of disease. Many of the streptococcal adhesins and virulence-related factors are cell-wall-associated proteins containing repeated sequence blocks of amino acids. Linear sequences, both within the blocks and within non-repetitive regions of the proteins, have been implicated in substrate binding. Sequences and functions of these proteins among the streptococci have become assorted through gene duplication and horizontal transfer between bacterial populations. Several adhesins identified and characterized through in vitro binding assays have been analyzed for in vivo expression and function by means of animal models used for colonization and virulence. Information on the molecular structure of adhesins as related to their in vivo function will allow for the rational design of novel acellular vaccines, recombinant antibodies, and adhesion agonists for the future control or prevention of streptococcal colonization and streptococcal diseases.

scholarly journals Intravenous Delivery of piggyBac Transposons as a Useful Tool for Liver-Specific Gene-Switching

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 3452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shingo Nakamura ◽  
Masayuki Ishihara ◽  
Satoshi Watanabe ◽  
Naoko Ando ◽  
Masato Ohtsuka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmid Dna ◽  
Chain Gene ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Chromosomal Integration ◽  
Hepatic Disorder ◽  
Murine Liver ◽  
A Chain ◽  
Gene Switching

Hydrodynamics-based gene delivery (HGD) is an efficient method for transfecting plasmid DNA into hepatocytes in vivo. However, the resulting gene expression is transient, and occurs in a non-tissue specific manner. The piggyBac (PB) transposon system allows chromosomal integration of a transgene in vitro. This study aimed to achieve long-term in vivo expression of a transgene by performing hepatocyte-specific chromosomal integration of the transgene using PB and HGD. Using this approach, we generated a novel mouse model for a hepatic disorder. A distinct signal from the reporter plasmid DNA was discernible in the murine liver approximately two months after the administration of PB transposons carrying a reporter gene. Then, to induce the hepatic disorder, we first administered mice with a PB transposon carrying a CETD unit (loxP-flanked stop cassette, diphtheria toxin-A chain gene, and poly(A) sites), and then with a plasmid expressing the Cre recombinase under the control of a liver-specific promoter. We showed that this system can be used for in situ manipulation and analysis of hepatocyte function in vivo in non-transgenic (Tg) animals.

scholarly journals TRPM7 and CaV3.2 channels mediate Ca2+ influx required for egg activation at fertilization

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (44) ◽  
pp. E10370-E10378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miranda L. Bernhardt ◽  
Paula Stein ◽  
Ingrid Carvacho ◽  
Christopher Krapp ◽  
Goli Ardestani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rational Design ◽  
Culture Media ◽  
Mammalian Development ◽  
Developmental Potential ◽  
Store Depletion ◽  
Offspring Growth ◽  
Mechanistic Basis ◽  
Genetic Mouse Models

The success of mammalian development following fertilization depends on a series of transient increases in egg cytoplasmic Ca2+, referred to as Ca2+ oscillations. Maintenance of these oscillations requires Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane, which is mediated in part by T-type, CaV3.2 channels. Here we show using genetic mouse models that TRPM7 channels are required to support this Ca2+ influx. Eggs lacking both TRPM7 and CaV3.2 stop oscillating prematurely, indicating that together they are responsible for the majority of Ca2+ influx immediately following fertilization. Fertilized eggs lacking both channels also frequently display delayed resumption of Ca2+ oscillations, which appears to require sperm–egg fusion. TRPM7 and CaV3.2 channels almost completely account for Ca2+ influx observed following store depletion, a process previously attributed to canonical store-operated Ca2+ entry mediated by STIM/ORAI interactions. TRPM7 serves as a membrane sensor of extracellular Mg2+ and Ca2+ concentrations and mediates the effects of these ions on Ca2+ oscillation frequency. When bred to wild-type males, female mice carrying eggs lacking TRPM7 and CaV3.2 are subfertile, and their offspring have increased variance in postnatal weight. These in vivo findings confirm previous observations linking in vitro experimental alterations in Ca2+ oscillatory patterns with developmental potential and offspring growth. The identification of TRPM7 and CaV3.2 as key mediators of Ca2+ influx following fertilization provides a mechanistic basis for the rational design of culture media that optimize developmental potential in research animals, domestic animals, and humans.

scholarly journals Rational design of protein-specific folding modifiers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anirban Das ◽  
Anju Yadav ◽  
Mona Gupta ◽  
R Purushotham ◽  
Vishram L. Terse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Rational Design ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Force Measurements ◽  
Folding Nucleus ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
General Method

AbstractProtein folding can go wrong in vivo and in vitro, with significant consequences for the living cell and the pharmaceutical industry, respectively. Here we propose a general design principle for constructing small peptide-based protein-specific folding modifiers. We construct a ‘xenonucleus’, which is a pre-folded peptide that resembles the folding nucleus of a protein, and demonstrate its activity on the folding of ubiquitin. Using stopped-flow kinetics, NMR spectroscopy, Förster Resonance Energy transfer, single-molecule force measurements, and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the ubiquitin xenonucleus can act as an effective decoy for the native folding nucleus. It can make the refolding faster by 33 ± 5% at 3 M GdnHCl. In principle, our approach provides a general method for constructing specific, genetically encodable, folding modifiers for any protein which has a well-defined contiguous folding nucleus.

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