scholarly journals SREBP-1c Deficiency Affects Hippocampal Micromorphometry and Hippocampus-Dependent Memory Ability in Mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. 6103
Author(s):  
Mary Jasmin Ang ◽  
Sueun Lee ◽  
Mai Wada ◽  
Poornima D. E. Weerasinghe-Mudiyanselage ◽  
Sung-Ho Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Regulatory Element ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Branch Points ◽  
Behavioral Alterations ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Functional Neuroplasticity ◽  
Hippocampus Dependent Memory

Changes in structural and functional neuroplasticity have been implicated in various neurological disorders. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c is a critical regulatory molecule of lipid homeostasis in the brain. Recently, our findings have shown the potential involvement of SREBP-1c deficiency in the alteration of novel modulatory molecules in the hippocampus and occurrence of schizophrenia-like behaviors in mice. However, the possible underlying mechanisms, related to neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus, are yet to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the hippocampus-dependent memory function and neuronal architecture of hippocampal neurons in SREBP-1c knockout (KO) mice. During the passive avoidance test, SREBP-1c KO mice showed memory impairment. Based on Golgi staining, the dendritic complexity, length, and branch points were significantly decreased in the apical cornu ammonis (CA) 1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) subregions of the hippocampi of SREBP-1c KO mice, compared with those of wild-type (WT) mice. Additionally, significant decreases in the dendritic diameters were detected in the CA3 and DG subregions, and spine density was also significantly decreased in the apical CA3 subregion of the hippocampi of KO mice, compared with that of WT mice. Alterations in the proportions of stubby and thin-shaped dendritic spines were observed in the apical subcompartments of CA1 and CA3 in the hippocampi of KO mice. Furthermore, the corresponding differential decreases in the levels of SREBP-1 expression in the hippocampal subregions (particularly, a significant decrease in the level in the CA3) were detected by immunofluorescence. This study suggests that the contributions of SREBP-1c to the structural plasticity of the mouse hippocampus may have underlain the behavioral alterations. These findings offer insights into the critical role of SREBP-1c in hippocampal functioning in mice.

scholarly journals TheGαoActivator Mastoparan-7 Promotes Dendritic Spine Formation in Hippocampal Neurons

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie T. Ramírez ◽  
Eva Ramos-Fernández ◽  
Nibaldo C. Inestrosa
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Dendritic Spine ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Head Width ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Dendritic Spine Density

Mastoparan-7 (Mas-7), an analogue of the peptide mastoparan, which is derived from wasp venom, is a direct activator ofPertussis toxin-(PTX-) sensitive G proteins. Mas-7 produces several biological effects in different cell types; however, little is known about how Mas-7 influences mature hippocampal neurons. We examined the specific role of Mas-7 in the development of dendritic spines, the sites of excitatory synaptic contact that are crucial for synaptic plasticity. We report here that exposure of hippocampal neurons to a low dose of Mas-7 increases dendritic spine density and spine head width in a time-dependent manner. Additionally, Mas-7 enhances postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) clustering in neurites and activatesGαosignaling, increasing the intracellular Ca2+concentration. To define the role of signaling intermediates, we measured the levels of phosphorylated protein kinase C (PKC), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and calcium-calmodulin dependent protein kinase IIα(CaMKIIα) after Mas-7 treatment and determined that CaMKII activation is necessary for the Mas-7-dependent increase in dendritic spine density. Our results demonstrate a critical role forGαosubunit signaling in the regulation of synapse formation.

scholarly journals Acute MPTP Treatment Impairs Dendritic Spine Density in the Mouse Hippocampus

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 833
Author(s):  
Poornima D. E. Weerasinghe-Mudiyanselage ◽  
Mary Jasmin Ang ◽  
Mai Wada ◽  
Sung-Ho Kim ◽  
Taekyun Shin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Late Phase ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Branch Points ◽  
Synaptic Structure ◽  
Mouse Hippocampus ◽  
Cornu Ammonis ◽  
Mptp Treatment ◽  
Dendritic Complexity

Among the animal models of Parkinson’s disease (PD), the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-lesioned mouse model has shown both dopaminergic (DA) damage and related motor control defects, as observed in patients with PD. Recent studies have suggested that the DA system interacts with the synaptic plasticity of the hippocampus in PD. However, little is known about how alterations in the hippocampal structural plasticity are affected by the DA damage in MPTP-lesioned models. In the present study, we investigated alterations in dendritic complexity and spine density in the mouse hippocampus following acute MPTP treatment (22 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, four times/day, 2-h intervals). We confirmed that acute MPTP treatment significantly decreased initial motor function and persistently reduced the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive DA neurons in the substantia nigra. Golgi staining showed that acute MPTP treatment significantly reduced the spine density of neuronal dendrites in the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) apical/basal and dentate gyrus (DG) subregions of the mouse hippocampus at 8 and 16 days after treatment, although it did not affect dendritic complexity (e.g., number of crossing dendrites, total dendritic length, and branch points per neuron) in both CA1 and DG subregions at all time points after treatment. Therefore, the present study provides anatomical evidence that acute MPTP treatment affects synaptic structure in the hippocampus during the late phase after acute MPTP treatment in mice, independent of any changes in the dendritic arborization of hippocampal neurons. These findings offer data for the ability of the acute MPTP-lesioned mouse model to replicate the non-nigrostriatal lesions of clinical PD.

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.

scholarly journals Congenital hypothyroidism impairs spine growth of dentate granule cells by downregulation of CaMKIV

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qingying Tang ◽  
Shuxia Chen ◽  
Hui Wu ◽  
Honghua Song ◽  
Yongjun Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Congenital Hypothyroidism ◽  
Granule Cells ◽  
Spine Density ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Distinct Cell Type ◽  
Cognitive Behaviors ◽  
Dentate Granule Cells ◽  
Rat Pups ◽  
Cognitive Deficiency ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

AbstractCongenital hypothyroidism (CH), a common neonatal endocrine disorder, can result in cognitive deficits if delay in diagnose and treatment. Dentate gyrus (DG) is the severely affected subregion of the hippocampus by the CH, where the dentate granule cells (DGCs) reside in. However, how CH impairs the cognitive function via affecting DGCs and the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In the present study, the CH model of rat pups was successfully established, and the aberrant dendrite growth of the DGCs and the impaired cognitive behaviors were observed in the offspring. Transcriptome analysis of hippocampal tissues following rat CH successfully identified that calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) was the prominent regulator involved in mediating deficient growth of DGC dendrites. CaMKIV was shown to be dynamically regulated in the DG subregion of the rats following drug-induced CH. Interference of CaMKIV expression in the primary DGCs significantly reduced the spine density of dendrites, while addition of T3 to the primary DGCs isolated from CH pups could facilitate the spine growth of dendrites. Insights into relevant mechanisms revealed that CH-mediated CaMKIV deficiency resulted in the significant decrease of phosphorylated CREB in DGCs, in association with the abnormality of dendrites. Our results have provided a distinct cell type in hippocampus that is affected by CH, which would be beneficial for the treatment of CH-induced cognitive deficiency.

scholarly journals Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Human Embryo Implantation: Clinical Implications

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 253
Author(s):  
Xi Guo ◽  
Hong Yi ◽  
Tin Chiu Li ◽  
Yu Wang ◽  
Huilin Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Recurrent Miscarriage ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Angiogenic Factor ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known angiogenic factor that plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes. VEGF also contributes to the process of embryo implantation by enhancing embryo development, improving endometrial receptivity, and facilitating the interactions between the developing embryo and the endometrium. There is a correlation between the alteration of VEGF expression and reproductive failure, including recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent miscarriage (RM). In order to clarify the role of VEGF in embryo implantation, we reviewed recent literature concerning the expression and function of VEGF in the reproductive system around the time of embryo implantation and we provide a summary of the findings reported so far. We also explored the effects and the possible underlying mechanisms of action of VEGF in embryo implantation.

Abstract MP216: Identification Of Novel Phosphoprotein Signaling Pathways In Human Dilated Cardiomyopathy By Integrative Proteomic And Phosphoproteomic Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 129 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristine J Reitz ◽  
Marjan Tavassoli ◽  
Da Hye Kim ◽  
Sina Hadipour-Lakmehsari ◽  
Saumya Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dilated Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Cardiac Tissue ◽  
Regulatory Element ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Confocal Imaging ◽  
Intercalated Disc ◽  
Bioinformatics Analyses ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
And Function

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most common causes of heart failure, yet the majority of the underlying signaling mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Protein phosphorylation is a key regulatory element with profound effects on the activity and function of signaling networks; however, there is a lack of comprehensive phosphoproteomic studies in human DCM patients. We assessed the hypothesis that an integrative phosphoproteomics analysis of human DCM would reveal novel phosphoprotein candidates involved in disease pathophysiology. Combined proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of explanted left ventricular tissue samples from DCM patients ( n =4) and non-failing controls ( n =4) identified 5,570 unique proteins with 13,624 corresponding phosphorylation sites. From these analyses, we identified αT-catenin as a unique candidate protein with a cluster of 4 significantly hyperphosphorylated sites in DCM hearts ( P <0.0001), with no change in total αT-catenin expression at the protein level. Bioinformatics analyses of human datasets and confocal imaging of human and mouse cardiac tissue show highly cardiac-enriched expression of αT-catenin, localized to the cardiomyocyte intercalated disc. High resolution 3-dimensional reconstruction shows elongated intercalated disc morphology in DCM hearts (10.07±0.76 μm in controls vs. 17.20±1.87 μm in DCM, P <0.05, n =3/group), with significantly increased colocalization of αT-catenin with the intercalated disc membrane protein N-cadherin (Pearson’s coefficient 0.55±0.04 in controls vs. 0.71±0.02 in DCM, P <0.05, n =3/group). To investigate the functional role of cardiac αT-catenin phosphorylation, we overexpressed WT protein vs. non-phosphorylatable forms based on the loci identified in DCM hearts, in adult mouse cardiomyocytes using lentiviral transduction. Confocal imaging revealed significant internalization of the phospho-null form, as compared to the prominent intercalated disc staining of the WT protein (17.78±0.79% of WT vs. 9.25±0.49% of 4A mutant, P <0.0001, n =50 cells/group). Together, these findings suggest a critical role for αT-catenin phosphorylation in maintaining cardiac intercalated disc organization in human DCM.

Blockage of IL-17 Ameliorates Aβ-Induced Neurotoxicity and Cognitive Decline

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yulan Liu ◽  
Yang Meng ◽  
Chenliang Zhou ◽  
Wenfang Xia ◽  
Lu Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Lateral Ventricle ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Synaptic Dysfunction ◽  
Neural Damage ◽  
Primary Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Aβ Production

Abstract BackgroundNeuroinflammation plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), particularly in amyloid-β (Aβ) production. But the impact of the cytokine, interleukin-17A (IL-17) on the course of AD has not been well defined. The goal was to determine the effect of IL-17 on neural damage and whether IL-17 inhibitor (Y-320) could ameliorate Aβ-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive decline.MethodsThe expression level of IL-17 was analyzed in APP/PS1 mice. Then IL-17 was injected into the lateral ventricle of C57BL WT mice and roles on synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairments were examined. Aβ42 was injected into the lateral ventricle of to mimic Aβ42 model mice. The effects of IL-17 inhibitor by oral gavage on Aβ42-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive decline were examined. ResultsWe found that IL-17 was increased in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 transgenic mouse, which has a fundamental role in mediating brain damage in neuroinflammatory processes. Furthermore, we reported that IL-17 was administrated in primary hippocampal neurons, leading to neural damage and synaptic dysfunction. At the same time, IL-17 caused synaptic dysfunction and cognitive impairments accompanying with increased of Aβ levels in mice. In addition, we found that Y-320 could rescue Aβ42–induced neural damage in primary hippocampal neurons, and ameliorate neuronal damage and cognitive impairments in Aβ42 model mice. Interestingly, we observed that IL-17 upregulated the production of soluble amyloid precursor protein β (sAPPβ) and phosphorylation of APP at T668 (pT668), moreover, Y-320 inhibited the Aβ production by down-regulation the sAPPβ and pT668. Conclusions Blockage of IL-17 might ameliorate Aβ-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive decline. These results strongly demonstrate a potential therapeutic role for IL-17 inhibitor in AD.

scholarly journals Calcium Signaling in Vertebrate Development and Its Role in Disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 3390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudip Paudel ◽  
Regan Sindelar ◽  
Margaret Saha
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Signaling ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Vertebrate Development ◽  
Developmental Defects ◽  
Calcium Activity ◽  
Human Genes ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Accumulating evidence over the past three decades suggests that altered calcium signaling during development may be a major driving force for adult pathophysiological events. Well over a hundred human genes encode proteins that are specifically dedicated to calcium homeostasis and calcium signaling, and the majority of these are expressed during embryonic development. Recent advances in molecular techniques have identified impaired calcium signaling during development due to either mutations or dysregulation of these proteins. This impaired signaling has been implicated in various human diseases ranging from cardiac malformations to epilepsy. Although the molecular basis of these and other diseases have been well studied in adult systems, the potential developmental origins of such diseases are less well characterized. In this review, we will discuss the recent evidence that examines different patterns of calcium activity during early development, as well as potential medical conditions associated with its dysregulation. Studies performed using various model organisms, including zebrafish, Xenopus, and mouse, have underscored the critical role of calcium activity in infertility, abortive pregnancy, developmental defects, and a range of diseases which manifest later in life. Understanding the underlying mechanisms by which calcium regulates these diverse developmental processes remains a challenge; however, this knowledge will potentially enable calcium signaling to be used as a therapeutic target in regenerative and personalized medicine.

Na-K-Cl cotransport regulates intracellular volume and monolayer permeability of trabecular meshwork cells

1995 ◽  
Vol 268 (4) ◽  
pp. C1067-C1074 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. E. O'Donnell ◽  
J. D. Brandt ◽  
F. R. Curry
Keyword(s):  
Trabecular Meshwork ◽  
Ethacrynic Acid ◽  
Vascular Endothelial Cells ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cell Monolayers ◽  
Aqueous Humor Outflow ◽  
Trabecular Meshwork Cells ◽  
Intracellular Volume ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

The trabecular meshwork (TM) of the eye plays a critical role in modulating intraocular pressure (IOP) through regulation of aqueous humor outflow, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Ethacrynic acid, an agent known to inhibit Na-K-Cl cotransport of a number of cell types, recently has been reported to increase aqueous outflow and lower IOP through an unknown effect on the TM. In vascular endothelial cells and a variety of other cell types, the Na-K-Cl cotransporter functions to regulate intracellular volume. The present study was conducted to evaluate TM cells for the presence of Na-K-Cl cotransport activity and to test the hypothesis that modulation of cotransport activity alters intracellular volume and, consequently, permeability of the TM. We demonstrate here that bovine and human TM cells exhibit robust Na-K-Cl cotransport activity that is inhibited by bumetanide and by ethacrynic acid. Our studies also show that TM cell Na-K-Cl cotransport is modulated by a variety of hormones and neurotransmitters. Inhibition of the cotransporter either by bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, or inhibitory hormones reduces TM intracellular volume, whereas stimulatory hormones increase cell volume. In addition, shrinkage of the cells by hypertonic media stimulates cotransport activity and initiates a subsequent regulatory volume increase. Permeability of TM cell monolayers, assessed as transmonolayer flux of [14C]sucrose, is increased by hypertonicity-induced cell shrinkage and by bumetanide. These findings suggest that Na-K-Cl cotransport of TM cells is of central importance to regulation of intracellular volume and TM permeability. Defects of Na-K-Cl cotransport may underlie the pathophysiology of glaucoma.

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