scholarly journals Roles of Transcription Factors in the Development and Reprogramming of the Dopaminergic Neurons

2022 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 845
Author(s):  
Lulu Tian ◽  
Murad Al-Nusaif ◽  
Xi Chen ◽  
Song Li ◽  
Weidong Le
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Dopaminergic Neurons ◽  
Neuronal Loss ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Dopamine Synthesis ◽  
Acid Decarboxylase ◽  
Wide Range

The meso-diencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons regulate various critical processes in the mammalian nervous system, including voluntary movement and a wide range of behaviors such as mood, reward, addiction, and stress. mdDA neuronal loss is linked with one of the most prominent human movement neurological disorders, Parkinson’s disease (PD). How these cells die and regenerate are two of the most hotly debated PD research topics. As for the latter, it has been long known that a series of transcription factors (TFs) involves the development of mdDA neurons, specifying cell types and controlling developmental patterns. In vitro and in vivo, TFs regulate the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, a dopamine transporter, vesicular monoamine transporter 2, and L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, all of which are critical for dopamine synthesis and transport in dopaminergic neurons (DA neurons). In this review, we encapsulate the molecular mechanism of TFs underlying embryonic growth and maturation of mdDA neurons and update achievements on dopaminergic cell therapy dependent on knowledge of TFs in mdDA neuronal development. We believe that a deeper understanding of the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that influence DA neurons’ fate and development in the midbrain could lead to a better strategy for PD cell therapy.

The Localization and Functional Contribution of Striatal Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase to L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine Decarboxylation in Rodent Parkinsonian Models

2000 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 567-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken Nakamura ◽  
Maqbool Ahmed ◽  
Eliav Barr ◽  
Jeffrey M. Leiden ◽  
Un Jung Kang
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Dopaminergic Neurons ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Acid Decarboxylase ◽  
Striatal Neurons ◽  
Amino Acid Decarboxylase ◽  
Cellular Transplantation

L-3,4-Dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-dopa) is the mainstay of therapy for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and mediates its primary effects through conversion into dopamine by aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). Given the loss of AADC-containing nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in PD, however, the location of residual AADC that converts L-dopa into dopamine remains controversial. The first objective of this study was to establish the presence of AADC expression in striatal neurons and glia using reverse transcriptase and PCR. Transcripts for the neuronal but not nonneuronal forms of AADC were detected in striatal tissue, cultured striatal neurons, and glia. We then examined whether this striatal AADC expression represents a physiologically significant source of dopamine production. No dopamine release was detected following incubation of striatal cultures with L-dopa or transduction with adenovirus expressing tyrosine hydroxylase. Our data establish the presence of AADC expression in the striatum both in vivo and in vitro, but suggest that striatal components do not represent a primary source of L-dopa decarboxylation following nigrostriatal denervation in rats. Understanding the source and localization of AADC is important in understanding the complications of L-dopa therapy and in designing rational therapeutic strategies for PD, including cellular transplantation and gene therapy.

scholarly journals In vivo complex haploinsufficiency-based genetic analysis identifies a transcription factor circuit regulating Candida albicans oropharyngeal infection and epithelial cell endocytosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norma V Solis ◽  
Rohan S Wakade ◽  
Tomye L Ollinger ◽  
Melanie Wellington ◽  
Aaron P Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Epithelial Cell ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Genetic Interaction ◽  
Abiotic Surfaces ◽  
Oropharyngeal Infection ◽  
Wide Range

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is a common infection that complicates a wide range of medical conditions which can cause either mild or severe disease depending on the patient. The pathobiology of OPC shares many features with candidal biofilms of abiotic surfaces. The transcriptional regulation of C. albicans formation of biofilms on abiotic surfaces has been extensively characterized and involves six key transcription factors (Efg1, Ndt80, Rob1, Bcr1, Brg1, and Tec1). To determine whether this same in vitro biofilm transcriptional regulatory network played a role in OPC, we have carried out the first systematic genetic interaction analysis in a mouse model of C. albicans infection. Whereas all six transcription factors are required for in vitro biofilm formation, only three homozygous deletion mutants ( tec1 ??, bcr1 ??, and rob1 ??) and one heterozygous mutant ( tec1 ?/ TEC1 ) have reduced infectivity in a mouse model of OPC, indicating the network is more robust in vivo than in vitro. Although single mutants (heterozygous or homozygous) of BRG1 and EFG1 have no effect on fungal burden, the double heterozygous and homozygous mutants have dramatically reduced infectivity, indicating a critical genetic interaction between these two transcription factors. Using epistasis analysis, we have formulated a genetic circuit [ EFG1 + BRG1 ]→ TEC1 → BCR1 that is required for OPC infectivity and oral epithelial cell endocytosis. Surprisingly, we also found transcription factor mutants with in vitro defects in filamentation such as efg1 ?? and brg1 ?? filament during oral infection and that decreased filamentation did not correlate with decreased infectivity. Taken together, these data indicate that key in vitro biofilm transcription factors are involved in OPC but that the network characteristics and functional connections are remodeled significantly during interactions with tissues.

scholarly journals β-synuclein promotes synaptic vesicle dopamine uptake and rescues dopaminergic neurons from MPTP-induced death

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Ninkina ◽  
Steven J. Millership ◽  
Owen M. Peters ◽  
Natalie Connor-Robson ◽  
Kirill Chaprov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dopaminergic Neurons ◽  
Synaptic Vesicles ◽  
Dopamine Uptake ◽  
Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta ◽  
Dopamine Synthesis ◽  
Acid Decarboxylase ◽  
Toxic Metabolite ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Mptp Toxicity

Abstract Background. Previous studies demonstrated that dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) of mice with null mutations for genes encoding α-synuclein and/or γ-synuclein are resistant to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) toxicity. An original straightforward interpretation of these results was that these proteins are directly involved in the mechanism of MPTP-induced degeneration and this view has become commonly accepted. Here we provide evidence that a plausible alternative explanation of this resistance is not the absence of these synucleins per se but their substitution on the membrane of synaptic vesicles by the third member of the family, β-synuclein. Methods. An effect of sub-chronic MPTP regimen on dopaminergic neurons of SNpc was studied in mice lacking members of the synuclein family in all possible combinations. Dopamine uptake was assessed in synaptic vesicles isolated from synuclein null mutant mice. Protein composition of synaptic vesicles was studied by mass spectrometry. Results. Dopaminergic neurons of mice lacking β-synuclein singularly or in combination with the loss of other synucleins, were sensitive to the toxic effect of MPTP. Dopamine uptake by synaptic vesicles isolated from the striatum of triple α/β/γ-synuclein deficient mice was significantly reduced, while reintroduction of β-synuclein either in vivo or in vitro reversed this effect. Proteomic analysis of complexes formed on the surface of synuclein-free synaptic vesicles after addition of recombinant β-synuclein identified multiple integral constituents of these vesicles as well as typically cytosolic proteins, including key enzymes involved in dopamine synthesis, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). Conclusions. Of the three members of the synuclein family, only β-synuclein can play a scaffolding role for the assembly of molecular complexes that potentiate the ability of synaptic vesicles to uptake and sequester dopamine and other structurally similar molecules, including 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), a toxic metabolite of MPTP. The increased presence and activity of β-synuclein at the synaptic vesicles, and not the absence of other synucleins per se, explains the decreased sensitivity to MPTP toxicity of SNpc dopaminergic neurons in mice lacking α-synuclein and/or γ-synuclein.

scholarly journals Mulberry fruit protects dopaminergic neurons in toxin-induced Parkinson's disease models

2010 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyo Geun Kim ◽  
Mi Sun Ju ◽  
Jin Sup Shim ◽  
Min Cheol Kim ◽  
Sang-Hun Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Dopaminergic Neurons ◽  
Dopamine Neurons ◽  
Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Mulberry Fruit ◽  
Wide Range

Parkinson's disease (PD), one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, is characterised by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) to the striatum (ST), and involves oxidative stress. Mulberry fruit fromMorus albaL. (Moraceae) is commonly eaten, and has long been used in traditional oriental medicine. It contains well-known antioxidant agents such as anthocyanins. The present study examined the protective effects of 70 % ethanol extract of mulberry fruit (ME) against neurotoxicity inin vitroandin vivoPD models. In SH-SY5Y cells stressed with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), ME significantly protected the cells from neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Other assays demonstrated that the protective effect of ME was mediated by its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, regulating reactive oxygen species and NO generation, Bcl-2 and Bax proteins, mitochondrial membrane depolarisation and caspase-3 activation. In mesencephalic primary cells stressed with 6-OHDA or 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), pre-treatment with ME also protected dopamine neurons, showing a wide range of effective concentrations in MPP+-induced toxicity. In the sub-acute mouse PD model induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), ME showed a preventative effect against PD-like symptoms (bradykinesia) in the behavioural test and prevented MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage in an immunocytochemical analysis of the SNpc and ST. These results indicate that ME has neuroprotective effects inin vitroandin vivoPD models, and that it may be useful in preventing or treating PD.

scholarly journals NKG2D-CAR-transduced natural killer cells efficiently target multiple myeloma

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandra Leivas ◽  
Antonio Valeri ◽  
Laura Córdoba ◽  
Almudena García-Ortiz ◽  
Alejandra Ortiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
In Vitro Cytotoxicity ◽  
T Cell Therapy ◽  
Car T Cell Therapy ◽  
Wide Range

AbstractCAR-T-cell therapy against MM currently shows promising results, but usually with serious toxicities. CAR-NK cells may exert less toxicity when redirected against resistant myeloma cells. CARs can be designed through the use of receptors, such as NKG2D, which recognizes a wide range of ligands to provide broad target specificity. Here, we test this approach by analyzing the antitumor activity of activated and expanded NK cells (NKAE) and CD45RA− T cells from MM patients that were engineered to express an NKG2D-based CAR. NKAE cells were cultured with irradiated Clone9.mbIL21 cells. Then, cells were transduced with an NKG2D-4-1BB-CD3z-CAR. CAR-NKAE cells exhibited no evidence of genetic abnormalities. Although memory T cells were more stably transduced, CAR-NKAE cells exhibited greater in vitro cytotoxicity against MM cells, while showing minimal activity against healthy cells. In vivo, CAR-NKAE cells mediated highly efficient abrogation of MM growth, and 25% of the treated mice remained disease free. Overall, these results demonstrate that it is feasible to modify autologous NKAE cells from MM patients to safely express a NKG2D-CAR. Additionally, autologous CAR-NKAE cells display enhanced antimyeloma activity demonstrating that they could be an effective strategy against MM supporting the development of NKG2D-CAR-NK-cell therapy for MM.

Evaluation of 99mTc-Label led Vitamin K4 as an Agent for Testicular Imaging

1991 ◽  
Vol 30 (01) ◽  
pp. 35-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. S. Durak ◽  
M. Kitapgi ◽  
B. E. Caner ◽  
R. Senekowitsch ◽  
M. T. Ercan
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Left Testis ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Activity Ratios ◽  
The Right ◽  
Radioactivity Levels

Vitamin K4 was labelled with 99mTc with an efficiency higher than 97%. The compound was stable up to 24 h at room temperature, and its biodistribution in NMRI mice indicated its in vivo stability. Blood radioactivity levels were high over a wide range. 10% of the injected activity remained in blood after 24 h. Excretion was mostly via kidneys. Only the liver and kidneys concentrated appreciable amounts of radioactivity. Testis/soft tissue ratios were 1.4 and 1.57 at 6 and 24 h, respectively. Testis/blood ratios were lower than 1. In vitro studies with mouse blood indicated that 33.9 ±9.6% of the radioactivity was associated with RBCs; it was washed out almost completely with saline. Protein binding was 28.7 ±6.3% as determined by TCA precipitation. Blood clearance of 99mTc-l<4 in normal subjects showed a slow decrease of radioactivity, reaching a plateau after 16 h at 20% of the injected activity. In scintigraphic images in men the testes could be well visualized. The right/left testis ratio was 1.08 ±0.13. Testis/soft tissue and testis/blood activity ratios were highest at 3 h. These ratios were higher than those obtained with pertechnetate at 20 min post injection.99mTc-l<4 appears to be a promising radiopharmaceutical for the scintigraphic visualization of testes.

Autologous transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells into the portal vein of the miniature pig; a preliminary experiment for NOTES approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 98 (9) ◽  
pp. 350-355
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Portal Vein ◽  
Liver Parenchyma ◽  
Miniature Pig ◽  
Hepatic Diseases ◽  
Study Results

Introduction: There is evidence that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could trans-differentiate into the liver cells in vitro and in vivo and thus may be used as an unfailing source for stem cell therapy of liver disease. Combination of MSCs (with or without their differentiation in vitro) and minimally invasive procedures as laparoscopy or Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) represents a chance for many patients waiting for liver transplantation in vain. Methods: Over 30 millions of autologous MSCs at passage 3 were transplanted via the portal vein in an eight months old miniature pig. The deposition of transplanted cells in liver parenchyma was evaluated histologically and the trans-differential potential of CM-DiI labeled cells was assessed by expression of pig albumin using immunofluorescence. Results: Three weeks after transplantation we detected the labeled cells (solitary, small clusters) in all 10 samples (2 samples from each lobe) but no diffuse distribution in the samples. The localization of CM-DiI+ cells was predominantly observed around the portal triads. We also detected the localization of albumin signal in CM-DiI labeled cells. Conclusion: The study results showed that the autologous MSCs (without additional hepatic differentiation in vitro) transplantation through the portal vein led to successful infiltration of intact miniature pig liver parenchyma with detectable in vivo trans-differentiation. NOTES as well as other newly developed surgical approaches in combination with cell therapy seem to be very promising for the treatment of hepatic diseases in near future.

Ethnomedicinal uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Aspects of the Genus Berberis Linn: A Comprehensive Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roohi Mohi-ud-din ◽  
Reyaz Hassan Mir ◽  
Prince Ahad Mir ◽  
Saeema Farooq ◽  
Syed Naiem Raza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Pharmacological Activities ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Comprehensive Survey ◽  
Ethnomedicinal Uses

Background: Genus Berberis (family Berberidaceae), which contains about 650 species and 17 genera worldwide, has been used in folklore and various traditional medicine systems. Berberis Linn. is the most established group among genera with around 450-500 species across the world. This comprehensive review will not only help researchers for further evaluation but also provide substantial information for future exploitation of species to develop novel herbal formulations. Objective: The present review is focussed to summarize and collect the updated review of information of Genus Berberis species reported to date regarding their ethnomedicinal information, chemical constituents, traditional/folklore use, and reported pharmacological activities on more than 40 species of Berberis. Conclusion: A comprehensive survey of the literature reveals that various species of the genus possess various phytoconstituents mainly alkaloids, flavonoid based compounds isolated from different parts of a plant with a wide range of pharmacological activities. So far, many pharmacological activities like anti-cancer, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory both in vitro & in vivo and clinical study of different extracts/isolated compounds of different species of Berberis have been reported, proving their importance as a medicinal plant and claiming their traditional use.

Current Status and Future Perspective for Research on Medicinal Plants with Anticancerous Activity and Minimum Cytotoxic Value

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. 1227-1243
Author(s):  
Hina Qamar ◽  
Sumbul Rehman ◽  
D.K. Chauhan
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Psidium Guajava ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Future Perspective ◽  
Wide Range

Cancer is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although chemotherapy and radiotherapy enhance the survival rate of cancerous patients but they have several acute toxic effects. Therefore, there is a need to search for new anticancer agents having better efficacy and lesser side effects. In this regard, herbal treatment is found to be a safe method for treating and preventing cancer. Here, an attempt has been made to screen some less explored medicinal plants like Ammania baccifera, Asclepias curassavica, Azadarichta indica, Butea monosperma, Croton tiglium, Hedera nepalensis, Jatropha curcas, Momordica charantia, Moringa oleifera, Psidium guajava, etc. having potent anticancer activity with minimum cytotoxic value (IC50 >3μM) and lesser or negligible toxicity. They are rich in active phytochemicals with a wide range of drug targets. In this study, these medicinal plants were evaluated for dose-dependent cytotoxicological studies via in vitro MTT assay and in vivo tumor models along with some more plants which are reported to have IC50 value in the range of 0.019-0.528 mg/ml. The findings indicate that these plants inhibit tumor growth by their antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic molecular targets. They are widely used because of their easy availability, affordable price and having no or sometimes minimal side effects. This review provides a baseline for the discovery of anticancer drugs from medicinal plants having minimum cytotoxic value with minimal side effects and establishment of their analogues for the welfare of mankind.

Approach in improving potency and selectivity of kinase inhibitors: Allosteric kinase inhibitors

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shangfei Wei ◽  
Tianming Zhao ◽  
Jie Wang ◽  
Xin Zhai
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Binding Modes ◽  
Allosteric Inhibitors ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Allosteric Sites ◽  
Protein Functions ◽  
Regulate Protein

: Allostery is an efficient and particular regulatory mechanism to regulate protein functions. Different from conserved orthosteric sites, allosteric sites have distinctive functional mechanism to form the complex regulatory network. In drug discovery, kinase inhibitors targeting the allosteric pockets have received extensive attention for the advantages of high selectivity and low toxicity. The approval of trametinib as the first allosteric inhibitor validated that allosteric inhibitors could be used as effective therapeutic drugs for treatment of diseases. To date, a wide range of allosteric inhibitors have been identified. In this perspective, we outline different binding modes and potential advantages of allosteric inhibitors. In the meantime, the research processes of typical and novel allosteric inhibitors are described briefly in terms of structureactivity relationships, ligand-protein interactions and in vitro and in vivo activity. Additionally, challenges as well as opportunities are presented.

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