Project description:How the nervous system regulates bone remodeling is an exciting area of emerging research in bone biology. Accumulating evidence suggest that neurotransmitter-mediated inputs from neurons may act directly on osteoclasts. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that can be released by hypothalamic neurons to regulate bone metabolism through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Dopamine is also present in sympathetic nerves that penetrate skeletal structures throughout the body. It has been shown that dopamine suppresses osteoclast differentiation via a D2-like receptors (D2R)-dependent manner, but the intracellular secondary signaling pathway has not been elucidated. In this study, we found that cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) activity responds to dopamine treatment during osteoclastogenesis. Considering the critical role of CREB in osteoclastogenesis, we hypothesize that CREB may be a critical target in dopamine's regulation of osteoclast differentiation. We confirmed that D2R is also present in RAW cells and activated by dopamine. Binding of dopamine to D2R inhibits the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway which ultimately decreases CREB phosphorylation during osteoclastogenesis. This was also associated with diminished expression of osteoclast markers that are downstream of CREB. Pharmacological activation of adenylate cyclase (to increase cAMP production) and PKA reverses the effect of dopamine on CREB activity and osteoclastogenesis. Therefore, we have identified D2R/cAMP/PKA/CREB as a candidate pathway that mediates dopamine's inhibition of osteoclast differentiation. These findings will contribute to our understanding of how the nervous and skeletal systems interact to regulate bone remodeling. This will enable future work toward elucidating the role of the nervous system in bone development, repair, aging, and degenerative disease.
Project description:Progressive dopaminergic neurodegeneration is responsible for the canonical motor deficits in Parkinson's disease (PD). The widely prescribed anti-diabetic medicine metformin is effective in preventing neurodegeneration in animal models; however, despite the significant potential of metformin for treating PD, the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuroprotection by metformin are largely unknown.In this study, we found that metformin induced substantial proteomic changes, especially in metabolic and mitochondrial pathways in the substantia nigra (SN). Consistent with this data, metformin increased mitochondrial marker proteins in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Mitochondrial protein expression by metformin was found to be brain region specific, with metformin increasing mitochondrial proteins in the SN and the striatum, but not the cortex. As a potential upstream regulator of mitochondria gene transcription by metformin, PGC-1α promoter activity was stimulated by metformin via CREB and ATF2 pathways. PGC-1α and phosphorylation of ATF2 and CREB by metformin were selectively increased in the SN and the striatum, but not the cortex. Finally, we showed that metformin protected dopaminergic neurons and improved dopamine-sensitive motor performance in an MPTP-induced PD animal model. Together these results suggest that the metformin-ATF2/CREB-PGC-1α pathway might be promising therapeutic target for PD.
Project description:Neuroinflammation is one of the important factors aggravating brain injury after ischemic stroke. We aimed to investigate the effects of cerebrolysin (CBL) on neuroinflammation in vivo and in vitro and the underlying mechanisms. The gene expressions of pro-inflammatory factors and anti-inflammatory factors were analyzed by real time PCR in rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model, lipopolysaccharides-induced neuroinflammatory mice model and LPS-treated mouse primary microglia cells. The neuroprotective effects of CBL were evaluated by infarct size, Longa test and Rotarod test for long-term functional recovery in rats subjected to ischemia. The role of CREB/PGC-1α pathway in anti-neuroinflammatory effect of CBL was also determined by real time PCR and Western blotting. In the tMCAO model, administration of CBL at 3 h post-ischemia reduced infarct volume, promoted long-term functional recovery, decreased the gene expression of pro-inflammatory factors and increased the gene expression of anti-inflammatory factors. Correspondingly, in LPS-induced neuroinflammatory mice model, CBL treatment attenuated sickness behavior, decreased the gene expression of pro-inflammatory factors, and increased the gene expression of anti-inflammatory factors. In in vitro and in vivo experiments, CBL increased the protein expression levels of PGC-1α and phosphorylated CREB to play anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, the application of the specific CREB inhibitor, 666-15 compound could effectively reverse the anti-inflammatory effect of CBL in primary mouse microglia cells and anti-ischemic brain injury of CBL in rats subjected to tMCAO. In conclusion, CBL ameliorated cerebral ischemia injury through reducing neuroinflammation partly via the activation of CREB/PGC-1α pathway and may play a therapeutic role as anti-neuroinflammatory agents in the brain disorders associated with neuroinflammation.
Project description:Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is a long non-coding RNA contributing to protect the blood-brain barrier (BBB) after stroke. We searched for small molecules that may up-regulate MALAT1 and focused on polydatin (PD), a natural product, as a possible candidate. PD enhanced MALAT1 gene expression in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells, reducing cell toxicity and apoptosis after oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). These effects correlated with reduction of inflammatory factors and enhancement of expression of BBB markers. We found opposite changes after MALAT1 silencing. We determined that C/EBPβ is a key transcription factor for PD-mediated MALAT1 expression. PPARγ activity is involved in MALAT1 protective effects through its coactivator PGC-1α and the transcription factor CREB. This suggests that PD activates the MALAT1/CREB/PGC-1α/PPARγ signaling pathway to protect endothelial cells against ischemia. PD administration to rats subjected to brain ischemia by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) reduced cerebral infarct volume and brain inflammation, protected cerebrovascular endothelial cells and BBB integrity. These effects correlated with increased expression of MALAT1, C/EBPβ, and PGC-1α. Our results strongly suggest that the beneficial effects of PD involve the C/EBPβ/MALAT1/CREB/PGC-1α/PPARγ pathway, which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for brain ischemic stroke.
Project description:In order to investigate the mechanism of glucagon regulation of gluconeogenesis, primary hepatocytes of the Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) were incubated with synthesized glucagon, and methods based on inhibitors and gene overexpression were employed. The results indicated that glucagon promoted glucose production and increased the mRNA levels of glucagon receptor (gcgr), guanine nucleotide-binding protein Gs α subunit (gnas), adenylate cyclase 2 (adcy2), protein kinase A (pka), cAMP response element-binding protein 1 (creb1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (pgc-1α), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (pck1), and glucose-6-phosphatase (g6pc) in the hepatocytes. An inhibitor of GCGR decreased the mRNA expression of gcgr, gnas, adcy2, pka, creb1, pgc-1α, pck1, g6pc, the protein expression of phosphorylated CREB and PGC-1α, and glucose production. The overexpression of gcgr caused the opposite results. An inhibitor of PKA decreased the mRNA expression of pgc-1α, pck1, g6pc, the protein expression of phosphorylated-CREB, and glucose production in hepatocytes. A CREB-targeted inhibitor significantly decreased the stimulation by glucagon of the mRNA expression of creb1, pgc-1α, and gluconeogenic genes, and glucose production decreased accordingly. After incubating the hepatocytes with an inhibitor of PGC-1α, the glucagon-activated mRNA expression of pck1 and g6pc was significantly down-regulated. Together, these results demonstrate that glucagon promotes gluconeogenesis through the GCGR/PKA/CREB/PGC-1α pathway in the Japanese flounder.
Project description:AimsParkinson's disease (PD) heavily affects humans and little is known about its cause and pathogenesis. Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) plays a key role in regulating mitochondrial dysfunction, which is the main cause of DAergic neuronal loss in PD. We investigated the mechanisms of neuroprotective role of Sirt3 in DAergic neuronal survival.ResultsSirt3 was reduced in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6 tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated neurons with its overexpression being neuroprotective. We identified that Sirt3 interacted with manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase β and modulated their activities by deacetylating SOD2 (K130) and ATP synthase β (K485) to prevent reactive oxygen species accumulation and ATP depletion, and to alleviate DAergic neuronal death upon MPTP treatment. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) interacted with estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) that bound to the Sirt3 promoter as its transcription factor to regulate Sirt3 expression and DAergic neuronal death. In the mouse midbrain, MPTP administration led to the loss of PGC-1α and Sirt3, high acetylation level of SOD2 and ATP synthase β, and the specific loss of DAergic neurons, while Sirt3 overexpression could protect against DAergic neuronal loss. Sirt3 knockout mice exhibited more sensitive and more DAergic neuronal loss to MPTP treatment.InnovationThe study provides new insights into a critical PGC-1α/ERRα-Sirt3 pathway, linking regulation of mitochondrial protein acetylation and DAergic neuronal death in PD pathogenesis, which provide a potential therapeutic strategy and target in PD treatment.ConclusionThese results provide a vital PGC-1α/ERRα-Sirt3 pathway that protects against DAergic neuronal death by directly deacetylating SOD2 (K130) and ATP synthase β (K485) in PD.
Project description:Abnormal mitochondrial biogenesis and function has been linked to multiple diseases including diabetes. Recently, we demonstrated the role of renal (Pro)renin receptor (PRR) in the dysregulation of mitochondria. We hypothesized that PRR contributes to the reduction of mitochondrial biogenesis and function in diabetic kidney via PGC-1α/AMPK/SIRT-1 signaling pathway. In vivo and in vitro studies were conducted in C57BL/6 mouse and mouse renal mesangial cells (mRMCs). Control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were injected with scramble or PRR shRNA and followed for a period of eight weeks. PRR mRNA and protein expression increased by 44% and 39% respectively (P<0.05) in kidneys of diabetic mice, and in mRMCs exposed to high glucose by 43 and 61% respectively compared to their respective controls. These results were accompanied by reduced mRNA and protein expressions of PGC-1α (67% and 75%), nuclear respiratory factors (NRF-1, 48% and 53%), mitochondrial transcriptional factor A (mtTFA, 56% and 40%), mitochondrial DNA copy number by 75% (all, P<0.05), and ATP production by 54%, respectively in diabetic kidneys and in mRMCs exposed to high glucose. Compared to non-diabetic control mice, PRR knockdown in diabetic mice and in mRMCs, not only attenuated the PRR mRNA and protein expression but also normalized mRNA and protein expressions of PGC-1α, NRF-1, mtTFA, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and ATP production. Treatment with AMPK inhibitor, Compound C, or SIRT-1 inhibitor, EX-527, alone, or combined with PRR siRNA caused marked reduction of mRNA expression of PGC-1α, NRF-1 and mtTFA, and ATP production in mRMCs exposed to high glucose. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the contribution of the PRR to the reduction of mitochondrial biogenesis and function in diabetic kidney disease via decreasing AMPK/SIRT-1/ PGC-1α signaling pathway.
Project description:Background: Insufficient neuronal mitochondrial bioenergetics supply occurs after spinal cord injury (SCI), leading to neuronal apoptosis and impaired motor function. Previous reports have shown that photobiomodulation (PBM) could reduce neuronal apoptosis and promote functional recovery, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether PBM improved prognosis by promoting neuronal mitochondrial bioenergetics after SCI. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: a Sham group, an SCI group, an SCI + PBM group and an SCI + PBM + Compound C group. After SCI model was established, PBM and Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) injection were carried out. The level of neuron apoptosis, the recovery of motor function and mitochondrial function were observed at different times (7, 14, and 28 days). The AMPK/PGC-1α/TFAM pathway was hypothesized to be a potential target through which PBM could affect neuronal mitochondrial bioenergetics. In vitro, ventral spinal cord 4.1 (VSC4.1) cells were irradiated with PBM and cotreated with Compound C after oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). Results: PBM promoted the recovery of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity, increased ATP production, alleviated neuronal apoptosis and reversed motor dysfunction after SCI. The activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/TFAM pathway after SCI were facilitated by PBM but inhibited by Compound C. Equally important, PBM could inhibit OGD-induced VSC4.1 cell apoptosis by increasing ATP production whereas these changes could be abolished by Compound C. Conclusion: PBM activated AMPK/PGC-1α/TFAM pathway to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics and exerted neuroprotective effects after SCI.
Project description:Hesperidin (Hes) protects different organs from damage by acting as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This study aims to evaluate the gastroprotective effects of free hesperidin and its chitosan nanoparticles (HNPs) against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats, hypothesizing that HNPs will enhance bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy due to improved solubility and targeted delivery. HNPs were synthesized via ion gelation and characterized using TEM, SEM, and zeta potential analyses. Key assessments included gastric acidity, histological analysis, and markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. HNPs significantly decreased gastric acidity, reduced inflammatory and apoptotic markers, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities compared to free hesperidin and esomeprazole. Furthermore, Sirt-1, PGC-1α, HO-1, and FOXO1 gene expression were also evaluated. HNPs raised Sirt-1, PGC-1α, HO-1, and downregulated FOXO1, and they suppressed the activities of NF-κB p65, COX-2, IL-1β, CD86, FOXO1 P53, and caspase-3 and increased Sirt-1 activity. HNPs treatment notably restored antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, and improved histological outcomes more effectively than free hesperidin and esomeprazole. These results indicate that chitosan nanoparticles significantly enhance the gastroprotective effects of hesperidin against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers, potentially offering a more effective therapeutic strategy. Further research should explore the clinical applications of HNPs in human subjects.
Project description:Mitochondria are considered to be the powerhouses of cells. They are the most commonly damaged organelles within dopaminergic neurons in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite the importance of protecting neuronal mitochondria in PD patients, the detailed mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction during pathogenesis and pathophysiological progression of PD have not yet been elucidated. We investigated the protective action of fucoidan against the detrimental action of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium (MPP+), a neurotoxin used to model PD, in the mitochondria of SH-SY5Y neural cells. Fucoidan increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) and protected the cells from MPP+-induced apoptosis by upregulating the 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-PGC-1α axis. These effects were blocked by the silencing of the PGC-1α axis. These results indicated that fucoidan protects SH-SY5Y cells from mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death caused by MPP+ treatment, via the AMPK-PGC-1α axis. These findings also suggest that fucoidan could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for PD.