Adult Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons Research Articles

Expressing Constitutively Active Rheb in Adult Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons Enhances the Integration of Sensory Axons that Regenerate Across a Chondroitinase-Treated Dorsal Root Entry Zone Following Dorsal Root Crush.

While the peripheral branch of dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRG) can successfully regenerate after injury, lesioned central branch axons fail to regrow across the dorsal root entry zone (DREZ), the interface between the dorsal root and the spinal cord. This lack of regeneration is due to the limited regenerative capacity of adult sensory axons and the growth-inhibitory environment at the DREZ, which is similar to that found in the glial scar after a central nervous system (CNS) injury. We hypothesized that transduction of adult DRG neurons using adeno-associated virus (AAV) to express a constitutively-active form of the GTPase Rheb (caRheb) will increase their intrinsic growth potential after a dorsal root crush. Additionally, we posited that if we combined that approach with digestion of upregulated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPG) at the DREZ with chondroitinase ABC (ChABC), we would promote regeneration of sensory axons across the DREZ into the spinal cord. We first assessed if this strategy promotes neuritic growth in an in vitro model of the glial scar containing CSPG. ChABC allowed for some regeneration across the once potently inhibitory substrate. Combining ChABC treatment with expression of caRheb in DRG significantly improved this growth. We then determined if this combination strategy also enhanced regeneration through the DREZ after dorsal root crush in adult rats in vivo. After unilaterally crushing C4-T1 dorsal roots, we injected AAV5-caRheb or AAV5-GFP into the ipsilateral C5-C8 DRGs. ChABC or PBS was injected into the ipsilateral dorsal horn at C5-C8 to digest CSPG, for a total of four animal groups (caRheb + ChABC, caRheb + PBS, GFP + ChABC, GFP + PBS). Regeneration was rarely observed in PBS-treated animals, whereas short-distance regrowth across the DREZ was observed in ChABC-treated animals. No difference in axon number or length between the ChABC groups was observed, which may be related to intraganglionic inflammation induced by the injection. ChABC-mediated regeneration is functional, as stimulation of ipsilateral median and ulnar nerves induced neuronal c-Fos expression in deafferented dorsal horn in both ChABC groups. Interestingly, caRheb + ChABC animals had significantly more c-Fos+ nuclei indicating that caRheb expression in DRGs promoted functional synaptogenesis of their axons that regenerated beyond a ChABC-treated DREZ.

Involvement of oxidative stress and impaired lysosomal degradation in amiodarone‐induced schwannopathy

Amiodarone hydrochloride (AMD), an anti-arrhythmic agent, has been shown to cause peripheral neuropathy; however, its pathogenesis remains unknown. We examined the toxic effects of AMD on an immortalized adult rat Schwann cell line, IFRS1, and cocultures of IFRS1 cells and adult rat dorsal root ganglion neurons or nerve growth factor-primed PC12 cells. Treatment with AMD (1, 5, and 10μm) induced time- and dose-dependent cell death, accumulation of phospholipids and neutral lipids, upregulation of the expression of gangliosides, and oxidative stress (increased nuclear factor E2-related factor in nuclear extracts and reduced GSH/GSSG ratios) in IFRS1 cells. It also induced the upregulation of LC3-II and p62 expression, with phosphorylation of p62, suggesting that deficient autolysosomal degradation is involved in AMD-induced IFRS1 cell death. Furthermore, treatment of the cocultures with AMD induced detachment of IFRS1 cells from neurite networks in a time- and dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that AMD-induced lysosomal storage accompanied by enhanced oxidative stress and impaired lysosomal degradation in Schwann cells might be a cause of demyelination in the peripheral nervous system.

Enhancement of T-type Ca2+ channel currents in dorsal root ganglia neurons by nesfatin-1 and possible mechanisms

Objective To investigate the effect of nesfatin-1(NSF-1) on T-type Ca2+ channel currents in adult mouse dorsal root ganglion(DRG) neurons and possible signal transduction mechanisms involved. Methods We measured the expression of melanocortin 4 receptors(MC4-R) in mouse DRG by using western blotting analysis. The whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to record the effects of NSF-1 on T-type Ca2+ channel currents in small DRG neurons and several ligands were experimented to further clarify relevant signaling pathways. Results MC4-Rs were abundantly expressed in DRG neurons. NSF-1 enhanced T-type calcium channel currents in a dose-dependent manner in small DRG neurons in mice. NSF-1-mediated increment of T-type calcium channel currents was blocked by the MC4-R antagonist HS024, phosphokinase C antagonists GF109203X, and chelerythrine chloride, while the blockade of phospohokinase A PKI 6-22 elicited no such effects. Conclusions NSF-1 can enhance T-type calcium channel currents in small DRG neurons through an MC4-R-dependent PKC signaling pathway. Key words: Melanocortins; Calcium channels, T-type; Ganglia, spinal

MicroRNA-210 promotes sensory axon regeneration of adult mice in vivo and in vitro

Axon regeneration as a critical step in nerve repairing and remodeling after peripheral nerve injury relies on regulation of gene expression. MicroRNAs are emerging to be important epigenetic regulators of gene expression to control axon regeneration. Here we used a novel in vivo electroporation approach to transfect microRNA-210 (miR-210) or siRNAs to adult mice dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, measured the axon length 3days after sciatic nerve crush or dissociated DRG cultures in vitro to detect the effect of miR-210 in sensory axon regeneration. Importantly, we found that miR-210 overexpression could promote sensory axon regeneration and inhibit apoptsosis by ephrin-A3 (EFNA3). In addition, inhibition of endogenous miR-210 in DRG neurons impaired axon regeneration in vitro and in vivo, the regulatory effect of miR-210 was mediated by increased expression of EFNA3 because downregulation of EFNA3 fully rescued axon regeneration. We thus demonstrate that miR-210 is a new physiological regulator of sensory axon regeneration, and EFNA3 may be the functional target of miR-210. We conclude that miR-210 may play an important role in sensory axon regeneration.

The GSK3-MAP1B pathway controls neurite branching and microtubule dynamics.

The microtubule-associated protein MAP1B plays a key role in axon regeneration. We investigated the role of GSK3-mediated MAP1B phosphorylation in local fine-tuning of neurite branching and the underlying microtubule (MT) dynamics. In wildtype adult dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, MAP1B phosphorylation is locally reduced at branching points, and branching dynamics from growth cones and distal neurite shafts is increased upon GSK3 inhibition. While map1b-/- neurites, that display increased branching, are not affected by GSK3 inhibition, transfection of map1b-/- neurons with full-length map1b-cDNA restores the wildtype branching phenotype, demonstrating that MAP1B is a key effector downstream of GSK3. Experiments in mutant mice lacking tyrosinated MTs indicate a preferential association of phospho-MAP1B with tyrosinated MTs. Interestingly, inhibition of GSK3-mediated MAP1B phosphorylation in map1b-cDNA-transfected fibroblasts protects both tyrosinated and acetylated MTs from nocodazole-induced depolymerization, while detyrosinated MTs are less abundant in the presence of MAP1B. Our data thus provide new insight into the molecular link between GSK3, MAP1B, neurite branching and MT stability regulation. We suggest that, at branching points, MAP1B undergoes a fine regulation of both its phosphorylation and sub-cellular amounts, in order to modulate the local balance between acetylated, detyrosinated, and tyrosinated microtubule pools.

Effects of peripheral nerve injury on parvalbumin expression in adult rat dorsal root ganglion neurons.

BackgroundParvalbumin (PV) is a calcium binding protein that identifies a subpopulation of proprioceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is also expressed in a high proportion of muscle afferents but its relationship to PV is unclear. Little is known of the phenotypic responses of muscle afferents to nerve injury. Sciatic nerve axotomy or L5 spinal nerve ligation and section (SNL) lesions were used to explore these issues in adult rats using immunocytochemistry.ResultsIn naive animals, the mean PV expression was 25 % of L4 or L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and this was unchanged 2 weeks after sciatic nerve axotomy. Colocalization studies with the injury marker activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) showed that approximately 24 % of PV neurons expressed ATF3 after sciatic nerve axotomy suggesting that PV may show a phenotypic switch from injured to uninjured neurons. This possibility was further assessed using the spinal nerve ligation (SNL) injury model where injured and uninjured neurons are located in different DRGs. Two weeks after L5 SNL there was no change in total PV staining and essentially all L5 PV neurons expressed ATF3. Additionally, there was no increase in PV-ir in the adjacent uninjured L4 DRG cells. Co-labelling of DRG neurons revealed that less than 2 % of PV neurons normally expressed CGRP and no colocalization was seen after injury.ConclusionThese experiments clearly show that axotomy does not produce down regulation of PV protein in the DRG. Moreover, this lack of change is not due to a phenotypic switch in PV immunoreactive (ir) neurons, or de novo expression of PV-ir in uninjured neurons after nerve injury. These results further illustrate differences that occur when muscle afferents are injured as compared to cutaneous afferents.

Intrinsic facilitation of adult peripheral nerve regeneration by the Sonic hedgehog morphogen

Intrinsic molecular determinants of neurodevelopmental outcomes assume new, albeit related roles during adult neural regeneration. Here we studied and identified a facilitatory role for Sonic hedgehog protein (Shh), a morphogen that influences motor neuron floor plate architecture, during adult peripheral neuron regeneration. Shh and its receptors were expressed in adult dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, axons and glia and trended toward higher levels following axotomy injury. Knockdown of Shh in adult sensory neurons resulted in decreased outgrowth and branching in vitro, identifying a role for Shh in facilitating outgrowth. The findings argued for an intrinsic action to support neuron regeneration. Support of advancement and turning however, were not identified in adult sensory neuron growth cones in response to local extrinsic gradients of Shh. That intrinsic Shh supported the regrowth of peripheral nerves after injury was confirmed by the analysis of axon regrowth from the proximal stumps of transected sciatic nerves. By exposing regenerating axons to local infusions of Shh siRNA in vivo within a conduit bridging the transected proximal and distal stumps, we achieved local knockdown of Shh. In response, there was attenuated axonal and Schwann cell outgrowth beyond the transection zone. Unlike its role during neurodevelopment, Shh facilitates but does not confer regenerative outgrowth properties to adult neurons alone. Exploring the differing properties of morphogens and related proteins in the adult nervous system identifies new and important roles for them.

Neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties of exendin-4 in adult rat dorsal root ganglion neurons: involvement of insulin and RhoA.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is thought to preserve neurons and glia following axonal injury and neurodegenerative disorders. We investigated the neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties of exendin (Ex)-4, a synthetic GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, on adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and PC12 cells. GLP-1R was predominantly localized on large and small peptidergic neurons in vivo and in vitro, suggesting the involvement of GLP-1 in both the large and small sensory fiber functions. Ex-4 dose-dependently (1 ≤ 10 ≤ 100 nM) promoted neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival at 2 and 7 days in culture, respectively. Treatment with 100 nM Ex-4 restored the reduced neurite outgrowth and viability of DRG neurons caused by the insulin removal from the medium and suppressed the activity of RhoA, an inhibitory regulator for peripheral nerve regeneration, in PC12 cells. Furthermore, these effects were attenuated by co-treatment with phosphatidylinositol-3'-phosphate kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, LY294002. These findings imply that Ex-4 enhances neurite outgrowth and neuronal survival through the activation of PI3K signaling pathway, which negatively regulates RhoA activity. Ex-4 and other GLP-1R agonists may compensate for the reduced insulin effects on neurons, thereby being beneficial for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Robust Axonal Regeneration Occurs in the Injured CAST/Ei Mouse CNS

Axon regeneration in the CNS requires reactivating injured neurons' intrinsic growth state and enabling growth in an inhibitory environment. Using an inbred mouse neuronal phenotypic screen, we find that CAST/Ei mouse adult dorsal root ganglion neurons extend axons more on CNS myelin than the other eight strains tested, especially when pre-injured. Injury-primed CAST/Ei neurons also regenerate markedly in the spinal cord and optic nerve more than those from C57BL/6 mice and show greater sprouting following ischemic stroke. Heritability estimates indicate that extended growth in CAST/Ei neurons on myelin is genetically determined, and two whole-genome expression screens yield the Activin transcript Inhba as most correlated with this ability. Inhibition of Activin signaling in CAST/Ei mice diminishes their CNS regenerative capacity, whereas its activation in C57BL/6 animals boosts regeneration. This screen demonstrates that mammalian CNS regeneration can occur and reveals a molecular pathway that contributes to this ability.

Lack of GDAP1 induces neuronal calcium and mitochondrial defects in a knockout mouse model of charcot-marie-tooth neuropathy.

Mutations in GDAP1, which encodes protein located in the mitochondrial outer membrane, cause axonal recessive (AR-CMT2), axonal dominant (CMT2K) and demyelinating recessive (CMT4A) forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuropathy. Loss of function recessive mutations in GDAP1 are associated with decreased mitochondrial fission activity, while dominant mutations result in impairment of mitochondrial fusion with increased production of reactive oxygen species and susceptibility to apoptotic stimuli. GDAP1 silencing in vitro reduces Ca2+ inflow through store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) upon mobilization of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+, likely in association with an abnormal distribution of the mitochondrial network. To investigate the functional consequences of lack of GDAP1 in vivo, we generated a Gdap1 knockout mouse. The affected animals presented abnormal motor behavior starting at the age of 3 months. Electrophysiological and biochemical studies confirmed the axonal nature of the neuropathy whereas histopathological studies over time showed progressive loss of motor neurons (MNs) in the anterior horn of the spinal cord and defects in neuromuscular junctions. Analyses of cultured embryonic MNs and adult dorsal root ganglia neurons from affected animals demonstrated large and defective mitochondria, changes in the ER cisternae, reduced acetylation of cytoskeletal α-tubulin and increased autophagy vesicles. Importantly, MNs showed reduced cytosolic calcium and SOCE response. The development and characterization of the GDAP1 neuropathy mice model thus revealed that some of the pathophysiological changes present in axonal recessive form of the GDAP1-related CMT might be the consequence of changes in the mitochondrial network biology and mitochondria–endoplasmic reticulum interaction leading to abnormalities in calcium homeostasis.

Retinal glia promote dorsal root ganglion axon regeneration.

Axon regeneration in the adult central nervous system (CNS) is limited by several factors including a lack of neurotrophic support. Recent studies have shown that glia from the adult rat CNS, specifically retinal astrocytes and Müller glia, can promote regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons. In the present study we investigated whether retinal glia also exert a growth promoting effect outside the visual system. We found that retinal glial conditioned medium significantly enhanced neurite growth and branching of adult rat dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRG) in culture. Furthermore, transplantation of retinal glia significantly enhanced regeneration of DRG axons past the dorsal root entry zone after root crush in adult rats. To identify the factors that mediate the growth promoting effects of retinal glia, mass spectrometric analysis of retinal glial conditioned medium was performed. Apolipoprotein E and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) were found to be present in high abundance, a finding further confirmed by western blotting. Inhibition of Apolipoprotein E and SPARC significantly reduced the neuritogenic effects of retinal glial conditioned medium on DRG in culture, suggesting that Apolipoprotein E and SPARC are the major mediators of this regenerative response.

Effects of proinflammatory cytokines on axonal outgrowth from adult rat lumbar dorsal root ganglia using a novel three-dimensional culture system

Background contextDegeneration of the intervertebral disc is often associated with low back pain and increased infiltration of nerve fibers originating from dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The degenerated disc is also characterized by the presence of proinflammatory cytokines, which may influence axonal outgrowth. Toward an improved understanding of the growth of DRG neurons into compliant extracellular matrices, we developed a novel experimental system to measure axonal outgrowth of adult rat lumbar DRG neurons within three-dimensional (3D) collagen hydrogels and used this system to examine the effects of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α treatment. PurposeThe aim was to investigate the effects of proinflammatory cytokines on 3D neuronal growth into collagen matrices. Study designThis was an in vitro study of neurite outgrowth from adult rat lumbar DRG into collagen gels in response to IL-1β and TNF-α. MethodsLumbar DRG were obtained from adult Sprague Dawley rats, bisected to expose cell bodies and placed onto collagen gel constructs prepared in 24-well Transwell inserts. Dorsal root ganglia were then treated with nerve growth factor (NGF)–free Neurobasal media (negative control) or NGF-supplemented media containing 0, 1, and 10 ng/mL of IL-1β and TNF-α. After 7 days, collagen gel–DRG constructs were immunostained for phosphorylated neurofilament, an axonal marker. Simple Neurite Tracer (Fiji/ImageJ) was used to quantify 3D axonal outgrowth from confocal image stacks. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, with Tukey HSD post hoc correction at a level of p<.05. ResultsImmunostaining showed robust axonal outgrowth into collagen gels from all NGF-treated DRG. The negative control demonstrated very few and short neurites. Tumor necrosis factor-α (1 and 10 ng/mL) significantly inhibited axonal outgrowth compared with NGF-only media (p<.026 and p<.02, respectively). After IL-1β treatment, average axon length was 10% lower at 1 ng/mL and 7.5% higher at 10 ng/mL, but these differences were not statistically significant. Among cytokine treatments, however, average axon length in the IL-1β (10 ng/mL) group was significantly higher than that in the other groups (p<.05). ConclusionsA novel 3D collagen gel culture system was used to investigate factors modulating neuronal ingrowth. Our results showed that NGF was necessary to promote neurite growth into collagen gels. In the presence of proinflammatory cytokines, high concentrations of IL-1β induced significantly higher axonal outgrowth than TNF-α and low levels of IL-1β.

Full length talin stimulates integrin activation and axon regeneration.

Integrin function is regulated by activation involving conformational changes that modulate ligand-binding affinity and downstream signaling. Activation is regulated through inside-out signaling which is controlled by many signaling pathways via a final common pathway through kindlin and talin, which bind to the intracellular tail of beta integrins. Previous studies have shown that the axon growth inhibitory molecules NogoA and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) inactivate integrins. Overexpressing kindlin-1 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons activates integrins, enabling their axons to overcome inhibitory molecules in the environment, and promoting regeneration in vivo following dorsal root crush. Other studies have indicated that expression of the talin head alone or with kindlin can enhance integrin activation. Here, using adult rat DRG neurons, we investigate the effects of overexpressing various forms of talin on axon growth and integrin signaling. We found that overexpression of the talin head activated axonal integrins but inhibited downstream signaling via FAK, and did not promote axon growth. Similarly, co-expression of the talin head and kindlin-1 prevented the growth-promoting effect of kindlin-1, suggesting that the talin head acts as a form of dominant negative for integrin function. Using full-length talin constructs in PC12 cells we observed that neurite growth was enhanced by the expression of wild-type talin and more so by two ‘activated’ forms of talin produced by point mutation (on laminin and aggrecan–laminin substrates). Nevertheless, co-expression of full-length talin with kindlin did not promote neurite growth more than either molecule alone. In vivo, we find that talin is present in PNS axons (sciatic nerve), and also in CNS axons of the corticospinal tract.

Histone acetylation inhibitors promote axon growth in adult dorsal root ganglia neurons.

Intrinsic mechanisms that guide damaged axons to regenerate following spinal cord injury remain poorly understood. Manipulation of posttranslational modifications of key proteins in mature neurons could reinvigorate growth machinery after injury. One such modification is acetylation, a reversible process controlled by two enzyme families, the histone deacetylases (HDACs) and the histone acetyl transferases (HATs), acting in opposition. Whereas acetylated histones in the nucleus are associated with upregulation of growth-promoting genes, deacetylated tubulin in the axoplasm is associated with more labile microtubules, conducive to axon growth. This study investigates the effects of HAT and HDAC inhibitors on cultured adult dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and shows that inhibition of HATs by anacardic acid or CPTH2 improves axon outgrowth, whereas inhibition of HDACs by TSA or tubacin inhibits axon growth. Anacardic acid increased the number of axons able to cross an inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan border. Histone acetylation but not tubulin acetylation level was affected by HAT inhibitors, whereas tubulin acetylation levels were increased in the presence of the HDAC inhibitor tubacin. Although the microtubule-stabilizing drug taxol did not have an effect on the lengths of DRG axons, nocodazole decreased axon lengths. Determining the mechanistic basis will require future studies, but this study shows that inhibitors of HAT can augment axon growth in adult DRG neurons, with the potential of aiding axon growth over inhibitory substrates produced by the glial scar.

Rabies virus phosphoprotein interacts with mitochondrial Complex I and induces mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Our previous studies in an experimental model of rabies showed neuronal process degeneration in association with severe clinical disease. Cultured adult rodent dorsal root ganglion neurons infected with challenge virus standard (CVS)-11 strain of rabies virus (RABV) showed axonal swellings and reduced axonal growth with evidence of oxidative stress. We have shown that CVS infection alters a variety of mitochondrial parameters and increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial Complex I activity vs. mock infection. We have hypothesized that a RABV protein targets mitochondria and triggers dysfunction. Mitochondrial extracts of mouse neuroblastoma cells were analyzed with a proteomics approach. We have identified peptides belonging to the RABV nucleocapsid protein (N), phosphoprotein (P), and glycoprotein (G), and our data indicate that the extract was most highly enriched with P. P was also detected by immunoblotting in RABV-infected purified mitochondrial extracts and also in Complex I immunoprecipitates from the extracts but not in mock-infected extracts. A plasmid expressing P in cells increased Complex I activity and increased ROS generation, whereas expression of other RABV proteins did not. We have analyzed recombinant plasmids encoding various P gene segments. Expression of a peptide from amino acid 139-172 increased Complex I activity and ROS generation similar to expression of the entire P protein, whereas peptides that did not contain this region did not increase Complex I activity or induce ROS generation. These results indicate that a region of the RABV P interacts with Complex I in mitochondria causing mitochondrial dysfunction, increased generation of ROS, and oxidative stress.

An efficient strategy for heterologous expression and purification of active peptide hainantoxin-IV.

Hainantoxin-IV (HNTX-IV) from the venom of the spider Selenocosmia hainana is a potent antagonist that specifically inhibits the tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) sodium channels. The toxin peptide consists of 35 amino acids and adopts a typical inhibitory cystine knot (ICK) motif. To obtain adequate HNTX-IV peptides for further insight into the structure-activity relationships of the toxin, a novel strategy including cloning, expression and purification was developed in an E. coli expression system. For this purpose, a seamless restriction-free (RF) cloning method was employed for the construction of an expression vector to avoid introducing unwanted sequences into the target gene. Furthermore, the solubility of recombinant HNTX-IV could be promoted efficiently by the combination of a glutathione S-transferase (GST) tag and a small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) tag. Finally, an affinity-chromatography-free purification strategy was developed by cut-off dialysis tubing combined with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) extraction. Further HPLC purification yielded recombinant, tag-free HNTX-IV with high yield and purity. The molecular weight of recombinant HNTX-IV (rHNTX-IV) is identical to its theoretical value according to Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption / Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis. The recombinant toxin has similar activity (IC50 value of 120 nM) on the tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) sodium channels in adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to native toxins. In the report, an efficient and cost-effective strategy for producing rHNTX-IV was developed, which paved the way for the further study of structure-activity relationships of rHNTX-IV and its pharmaceutical applications.

Soluble expression and sodium channel activity of lt16a, a novel framework XVI conotoxin from the M-superfamily.

A peptide toxin, lt16a, from the venom of the worm-hunting Conus litteratus, shares the typical signal peptide sequences of M-superfamily conotoxins, which usually contain six cysteine residues that are arranged in a CC-C-C-CC pattern. Interestingly, lt16a comprises 21 amino acid residues in its mature region and has a cysteine framework XVI, which is arranged in a C-C-CC pattern. The coding region of lt16a was cloned into the pTRX vector and the fusion protein was overexpressed in Escherichia coli. After cleaving the fusion protein and purifying the protein lt16a using chromatography, the mass of lt16a was found by mass spectrometry to be consistent with the expected mass of 2357.7 Da. Whole-cell patch clamp experiments demonstrated that lt16a could inhibit both the TTX-sensitive and TTX-resistant sodium currents in adult rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. The inhibition of lt16a on TTX-resistant sodium currents was stronger than on TTX-sensitive sodium currents. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a framework XVI conotoxin that can inhibit voltage-gated sodium channel currents in mammalian sensory neurons. This report helps facilitates an understanding of the sequence diversity of conotoxins.

Efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 mimetics for neural regeneration.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is secreted from enteroendocrine L cells in response to nutrient ingestion and exhibits insulinotropic properties by stimulating specific G protein-linked receptors (GLP-1Rs) on pancreatic β cells. Several GLP-1 mimetics, such as exenatide (exendin-4 (Ex-4)), liraglutide, and lixisenatide, have been developed and approved as treatments for patients with type 2 diabetes. These peptides show bioactivities almost identical to those of GLP-1 and have a substantially longer plasma half-life than GLP-1 because of their resistance to dipeptidyl peptidase-4, a GLP-1 degrading enzyme. GLP-1Rs are found in not only the pancreas but also the extrapancreatic tissues, including the nervous tissues (Harkavyi and Whitton, 2010). It is important to note that GLP-1 mimetics can cross the blood brain barrier and directly act on neurons in the central nervous system. In addition to the inhibition of appetite, the neuroprotective properties of GLP-1 have been receiving increasing attention. Recent studies have suggested that GLP-1 mimetics confer beneficial effects in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ischemia and stroke, and multiple sclerosis (Holscher, 2014). In particular, the neuroprotective properties of Ex-4 have been demonstrated in animal and cell culture models of PD. A single-blinded clinical trial with 45 PD patients revealed that the treatment with Ex-4 significantly improved the cognition and memory of patients (Aviles-Olmos et al., 2013). The beneficial effects of GLP-1 mimetics on the peripheral nervous system (PNS) have also been reported. Both GLP-1 and Ex-4 delivered via osmotic minipumps prevented axonal degeneration in a rat model of pyridoxine-induced neuropathy (Perry et al., 2007). Treatment of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice with Ex-4 for 4 weeks restored motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities and hypoalgesia without normalizing blood glucose levels (Himeno et al., 2011). In addition, repeated intraperitoneal injections of Ex-4 significantly promoted axonal regeneration and functional recovery following sciatic nerve crush injury in normal adult rats (Yamamoto et al., 2013). These findings are in agreement with in vitro studies that revealed that GLP-1 and Ex-4 promoted neurite outgrowth of rat pheochromocytoma-derived PC12 cells (Perry et al., 2002) and adult mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons (Himeno et al., 2011). Together these results provide further evidence of the direct actions of Ex-4 on the PNS; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Our recent study (Tsukamoto et al., 2015) aimed to elucidate the precise localization of GLP-1R in adult rat DRG in vivo and in vitro as well as to determine the neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties of Ex-4 in adult rat DRG neurons.

MiR-21 and miR-222 inhibit apoptosis of adult dorsal root ganglion neurons by repressing TIMP3 following sciatic nerve injury

MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are involved in phenotype modulation of neural cells after peripheral nerve injury. The effects of miRNAs on the survival of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, however, have not yet been well understood. In this study, microarray profiling indicated that 13 miRNAs were differentially expressed in rat DRGs (L4-L6) during the initial 7d period post sciatic nerve transection, and that the expressions of miR-21 and miR-222 (2 out of the 13 miRNAs) were continually increased over the time period. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3), a pro-apoptotic protein in various cancer cells, was identified as a common target of miR-21 and miR-222. Over-expression of miR-21 and miR-222 inhibited cell apoptosis and enhanced cell viability in cultured DRG neurons. IL-6 could induce up-regulation of miR-21 expression. All the results showed that miR-21 and miR-222 inhibited neuronal apoptosis at least partially through suppressing TIMP3 after peripheral nerve injury.

SrGAP3 promotes neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons by inactivating RAC1

ObjectiveTo explore effect of srGAP3 promotes neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons. MethodsIn this study, expression of Slit1 was observed predominantly in the glia, while expression of Robo2 and srGAP3 was detected in sensory neurons of postnatal rat cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Furthermore, upregulation of srGAP3 following sciatic nerve transection was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. ResultsIt was observed that inhibition of neurite outgrowth in cultured adult DRG neurons following treatment with anti-srGAP3 or anti-Robo2 was more effectively (1.5-fold higher) than that following treatment with an anti-BDNF positive control antibody. It demonstrated that srGAP3 interacted with Robo2 and Slit1 protein to decrease Rac1-GTP activity in cultured adult rat DRG neurons and the opposite effect on Rac1-GTP activity was detected by co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting analyses following treatment with anti-Robo2 or anti-srGAP3. These data demonstrated a role for srGAP3 in neurite outgrowth of DRG sensory neurons. ConclusionsOur observations suggest that srGAP3 promotes neurite outgrowth and filopodial growth cones by interacting with Robo2 to inactivate Rac1 in mammalian DRG neurons.