Molecular Medicine Reports
·
2014
·Vol. 10
·期 1
·248-254
·
IF 1.484
Xianwen Chen,Huang Li,Mingqing Huang,Mei Huang,Wei Xu,Kedan Chu,Lidian Chen,Yuqin Zhang
Gua Lou Gui Zhi decotion (GLGZD) has been reported to be an effective treatment for post‑apoplectic limb spasm in the clinic. The present study aimed to investigate whether GLGZD had an affect on cerebral injuries induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats and its possible mechanism. High‑performance liquid chromatography was performed to analyze GLGZD. Furthermore, a model was established to assess the efficacy of GLGZD. Neurological defect scores and screen tests were analyzed. Brain ischemic infarct volume was measured using 2,3,5‑triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining and glutamic acid (Glu), aspartic acid (Asp) and glycine (Gly) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid were measured using the Hitachi automatic amino acid analyzer. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the expression of the α‑amino‑3‑hydroxy‑5‑methyl‑4‑isoxazole‑propionic acid (AMPA) and N‑methyl‑D‑aspartic acid (NMDA) glutamate receptors, and to analyze histopathological change. GLGZD was found to improve neurological performance and reduce infarct volumes in MCAO rats. In addition, GLGZD was observed to enhance motor performance, which was assessed using the screen test. Furthermore, GLGZD was found to reduce Glu, Asp and Gly levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and downregulate the protein expression of the AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors. Thus, it was demonstrated that GLGZD may exert neuroprotective effects through the modulation of excitatory amino acids, and AMPA and NMDA receptor expression.
研究领域:
神经科学
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中药学
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药理学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Science Bulletin
·
2024
·
IF 18.8
Xia Jie,Zhang Lixing,Zhu Wucheng,Tu Juchuanli,Peng Xilei,Deng Qiaodan,Li Siqin,He Xueyan,Dong Haonan,Liu Cuicui,Chen Xian,Xu Jiahui,Ma Wei,Xiao Yi,Liu Wen,Hu Guohong,Jiang Yi-Zhou,Chen Ceshi,Bian Xiu-Wu,Shao Zhi-Ming,Liu Suling
Neurotransmitters are increasingly recognized to play important roles in limiting anti-tumor immunity. N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) has been extensively studied in neurological disorders; however, its potential role in restricting anti-tumor immunity has not been investigated. Here, we demonstrated that NAAG or its synthetase RimK-like family member B (RIMKLB) significantly disrupted anti-tumor immunity by rewiring the myeloid progenitor differentiation of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs), which in turn promoted breast cancer growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, NAAG sustained the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment by activating an NR2B-containing NMDA receptor (NR2B-NMDAR)-dependent p38-NOTCH1 axis, and subsequently stimulating tumor cell migration and invasion, as well as inducing PMN-MDSC differentiation and expansion. In mouse models, RIMKLB ablation or NMDAR inhibition enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy and suppressed tumor progression. An analysis of clinical samples revealed that high levels of NAAG and NR2B-NMDAR predicted a poor prognosis in TNBC patients. Collectively, our findings have uncovered a signaling role for tumor-derived NAAG beyond its classic function as a neurotransmitter that can be targeted pharmacologically to enhance immunotherapy against breast cancer.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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免疫学
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生物化学
·
分子生物学
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DOI
高影响因子
Neural Regeneration Research
·
2020
·
IF 3.171
Jian-Zhu Bo,Ling Xue,Shuang Li,Jing-Wen Yin,Zheng-Yao Li,Xi Wang,Jun-Feng Wang,Yan-Shu Zhang
Although exogenous D-serine has been applied as a neural regulatory intervention in many studies, the role played by D-serine in hippocampal injuries caused by lead exposure remains poorly understood. Rat models of chronic lead exposure were established through the administration of 0.05% lead acetate for 8 weeks. Simultaneously, rats were administered 30 or 60 mg/kg D-serine, intraperitoneally, twice a day. Our results showed that D-serine treatment shortened the escape latency from the Morris water maze, increased the number of times that mice crossed the original platform location, and alleviated the pathological damage experienced by hippocampal neurons in response to lead exposure. Although D-serine administration did not increase the expression levels of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B (NR2B) in the hippocampi of lead-exposed rats, 60 mg/kg D-serine treatment restored the expression levels of NR2A, which are reduced by lead exposure. These findings suggested that D-serine can alleviate learning and memory impairments induced by lead exposure and that the underlying mechanism is associated with the increased expression of NR2A in the hippocampus. This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of North China University of Science and Technology, China (approval No. LX2018155) on December 21, 2018.
研究领域:
神经科学
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毒理学
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药理学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2024
·
IF 4.8
Jingbin Chen,Yali Liu,Yonggui Song,Huihui Liang,Genhua Zhu,Bike Zhang,Liangliang Liao,Jian Luo,Ming Yang,Dan Su
Ethnopharmacological relevance Citri Reticulata Pericarpium Viride (also known Qing-Pi or QP) is a plant in the Rutaceae family, QP is a traditional Qi-regulating medicine in Chinese medicine that is compatible with other Chinese medicine components and has extensive clinical practice in treating anxiety and depression. Reports on the pharmacological effects of QP have demonstrated its neuroprotective effects and antioxidant capacities. Numerous pharmacological benefits of QP are attributed to its antioxidant abilities. Anxiety disorders are a broadly defined category of mental illnesses. Oxidative stress and an imbalance in the antioxidant defense system are typical pathological features of these disorders. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of QP essential oil on anxiety using animal models and investigate the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Materials and methods This study aimed to develop an animal model of anxiety using chronic restraint stress and investigate the effects of inhalation of Citri Reticulata Pericarpium Viride essential oil on anxiety-like behavior, olfactory function, and olfactory bulb neurogenesis in mice with anxiety. Results The results showed that long-term chronic restraint stimulation caused a decrease in olfactory function, significant anxiety-like behavior, and a notable reduction in the number of neurons in the olfactory bulb. However, inhalation of Citri Reticulata Pericarpium Viride essential oil reversed these effects, improving the olfactory function, neuro-stimulating effect, alleviating anxiety-like behavior, and regulating theta (4-12Hz) oscillation in the hippocampus DG area. These effects were associated with changes in the expression levels of glutamate receptor NMDAR and NeuN in olfactory bulb. Conclusions The study revealed that mice with anxiety induced by chronic restraint stress exhibited significant olfactory dysfunction, providing strong evidence for the causal relationship between anxiety disorders and olfactory dysfunction. Moreover, QP essential oil has the potential to be developed as a therapeutic drug for anxiety disorders, in addition to its role as a complementary anxiolytic.
研究领域:
药理学
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神经科学
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民族药理学
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行为科学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN
·
2025
·
IF 4.8
Fan Rui,Pu Jianlin,Zhang Jin,Yu Minglan,Wang Tingting,Geng Xiaoqi,Dong Wei,Ma Rong,Wang Binglong,Wu Jianfei,Liu Kezhi,Hashimoto Kenji,Xiang Bo
BackgroundSocial withdrawal is a core symptom of schizophrenia (SCZ), yet its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Gα13 (GNA13), a G protein alpha subunit, has been implicated in SCZ susceptibility. This study investigated the role of Gα13 in social behavior by overexpressing it in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) pyramidal neurons of mice.Study DesignIn this study, we first constructed CRE recombinase overexpressing Gα13 gene mice using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, tested the social behaviors by three-box socialization test, detected the changes of neuronal activities during social activities in mice by calcium signal fiber-optic recordings, observed the changes of dendritic spines by Golgi staining, applied RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to find the relevant targets, and observed whether it could reverse the abnormalities by pharmacological experiments social behavior. The electrophysiological characteristics of Gα13 overexpression were investigated using the whole-cell membrane clamp technique, followed by assessment of the severity of SCZ patients and social withdrawal using the PANSS scale and measurement of human plasma Gα13 protein levels using the ELISA technique, and the clinical correlation between the two was assessed.Study ResultsGα13 overexpression (Gα13-OE) mice exhibited significant social deficits in the three-chamber test, showing reduced sociability but normal social novelty recognition. Fiber photometry recordings revealed decreased neuronal activity during social interactions, and Golgi staining showed reduced dendritic spine density in mPFC pyramidal neurons. RNA-Seq identified downregulation of Adcyap1, affecting the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and NMDA receptor (NMDAR) function. Pharmacological activation of Adcyap1 with PACAP-38 or NMDAR with D-cycloserine rescued the social deficits and restored synaptic function. Conversely, knockdown of Gα13 in an MK-801-induced SCZ mouse model ameliorated social behavior abnormalities. Clinically, patients with SCZ exhibited elevated plasma levels of Gα13, which positively correlated with the severity of social withdrawal symptoms measured by the PANSS G16 item.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that overexpression of Gα13 in the mPFC impairs social behavior by disrupting neuronal function and synaptic plasticity via the Adcyap1/cAMP/PKA/NMDAR pathway. Targeting Gα13 may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for addressing social deficits in SCZ.
研究领域:
神经生物学
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精神病学
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分子神经科学
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信号转导
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行为神经科学
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转化医学
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突触生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Alzheimers Research & Therapy
·
2025
·Vol. 17
·期 1
·253
·
IF 7.6
Liu Li-Rong,Li Li,Lu Li-Li,Fan Shu-Juan,Liu Li-Zhe,He Ruo-Bing,Li He,Xian Xiao-Hui,Li Wen-Bin
Background Mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulated calcium homeostasis contribute to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. The extrasynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor (eNMDAR) plays a crucial role in calcium influx and subsequent signaling cascades. In individuals with AD, the reduced expression and function of glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) result in glutamate spillover from the synaptic clefts to the extrasynaptic region, thereby activating eNMDAR and inducing mitochondrial damage. Ceftriaxone (Cef) has been reported to ameliorate cognitive deficits in APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice by upregulating GLT-1. This study aimed to explore whether Cef alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction to improve cognitive impairment and the roles of GLT-1 and eNMDAR, particularly the participation of eNMDAR-induced intracellular calcium signaling in this process. Methods C57BL/6J, APP/PS1, and GLT-1-knockdown APP/PS1 mice were used. NMDA (1 mM, 2 µL per ventricle) was injected cerebroventricularly into APP/PS1 mice once to activate eNMDAR. Cef (200 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered for 14 days. Cognitive function was evaluated by novel object recognition, novel location recognition and Morris water maze tests. Hippocampal mitochondrial ultrastructure was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Hippocampal mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was detected using JC-1 staining. The expression of eNMDAR and proteins related to mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics was evaluated by western blot. A neuron‒astrocyte coculture derived from the cerebral cortex of embryonic mice was used to evaluate the effects of Cef on eNMDAR-induced neuronal calcium influx, mitochondrial calcium accumulation and MMP loss using live-cell imaging. Results Cef treatment attenuated hippocampal mitochondrial dysfunction, including ultrastructural damage, reduced aspect ratio, dysregulation of MMP, impaired biogenesis and dynamics, and cognitive deficits, and prevented the upregulation of eNMDAR expression in APP/PS1 mice in a GLT-1-dependent manner. These protective effects on hippocampal mitochondrial dysfunction and cognitive deficits were counteracted by eNMDAR activation. Furthermore, Cef incubation inhibited eNMDAR-mediated calcium influx in a GLT-1-dependent way and reduced MMP in primary cortical neurons. Notably, Cef incubation significantly suppressed mitochondrial calcium overload, which was mechanistically linked to the observed decline in MMP. Conclusions Cef treatment prevented the upregulation of eNMDAR expression and the subsequent extracellular calcium influx in a GLT-1-dependent manner, thereby reducing mitochondrial calcium loading and ultimately mitigating mitochondrial damage and cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice.
研究领域:
神经科学
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分子生物学
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药理学
·
神经退行性疾病
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
NEURON
·
2024
·
IF 14.7
Xinyi Zhou,Qian Xiao,Yaohui Liu,Shuai Chen,Xirong Xu,Zhigang Zhang,Yuchuan Hong,Jie Shao,Yuewen Chen,Yu Chen,Liping Wang,Fan Yang,Jie Tu
Assessing and responding to threats is vital in everyday life. Unfortunately, many mental illnesses involve impaired risk assessment, affecting patients, families, and society. The brain processes behind these behaviors are not well understood. We developed a transgenic mouse model (disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 [DISC1]-N) with a disrupted avoidance response in risky settings. Our study utilized single-nucleus RNA sequencing and path-clamp coupling with real-time RT-PCR to uncover a previously undescribed group of glutamatergic neurons in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) marked by Wolfram syndrome 1 (WFS1) expression, whose activity is modulated by adjacent astrocytes. These neurons in DISC1-N mice exhibited diminished firing ability and impaired communication with the astrocytes. Remarkably, optogenetic activation of these astrocytes reinstated neuronal excitability via D-serine acting on BLA WFS1 neurons’ NMDA receptors, leading to improved risk-assessment behavior in the DISC1-N mice. Our findings point to BLA astrocytes as a promising target for treating risk-assessment dysfunctions in mental disorders.
研究领域:
神经科学
·
分子生物学
·
行为科学
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精神病学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
FITOTERAPIA
·
2022
·
IF 3.204
Meixi He,Yingang Feng,Yi Wang,Mengchun Cheng,Xiaozhe Zhang,Lihua Zhang
Cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs) are stable molecules that contain multiple disulphide bonds . Various CRPs are found in plants and animals, representing potential compounds for drug development with diverse activities. Modification of CRPs, such as glycation, has attracted increased attention due to its special structural and functional properties. Hence, this study explored a CRP isolated from the Chinese herb Achyranthes bidentata Blume, which contains a glycation modification. Herein, a reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography system with mobile phases was used to extract and purify the peptide. The eluted peptide was detected using high resolution mass spectrometry and structurally identified using high resolution mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. The effect of the peptide on the viability of N -methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA)-induced HT22 cells was determined using a cell assay. Here, a new cysteine-rich glycation peptide, termed glycation-bidentatide (Gly-BTP), with three pairs of disulphide bonds and a glycation modification at the N-terminus linked to cysteine, was discovered. Cell bioactivity assay results suggested that Gly-BTP might be a potential therapeutic and provide a neuroprotective effect in NMDA-induced HT22 murine hippocampal neuronal cells. The discovery of Gly-BTP will promote the understanding of the role of CRPs in neuroprotection .
研究领域:
药理学
·
生物化学
·
神经科学
·
植物化学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
PLoS One
·
2025
·Vol. 20
·期 7
·e0313233
·
IF 2.6
Muyao Ding,Hongyu Ma,Hui Du,Yinglong Yang,Min Yu,Cong Zhang
DEHP is the most widely used plasticizer in many products. However, growing evidence has indicated that DEHP may induce neurotoxicity. DEHP exposure affects mircoRNAs (miRNAs) expression in brain. A growing body of evidence suggests that nutrients and other bioactive food components prevent neurotoxicity through regulation of miRNA expression. Due to the increasing concern about the risks of DEHP to human health, we explored the neuroprotective effect of Omega-3 fatty acid (Omega-3FA) on subchronic DEHP-induced neurotoxicity in mice, and the potential involved miRNAs and their targets in the protective action of Omega-3FA against DEHP-induced neurotoxicity. Omega-3FA protected against the DEHP-induced impairment of learning and memory and alleviated the thinning of postsynaptic density (PSD) thickness in hippocampal synapses. We observed that there are fourteen up or down regulated miRNAs associated PSD in DEHP exposure which were normalized by Omega-3FA treatment. Protein targets in PSD of these differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted. Furthermore, the expression levels of protein mGluR5, Homer1, and NMDAR2B were carried out via Western blot, for further verifying PSD associated miRNAs’ targets are involved in neuroprotection of Omega-3FA against DEHP. These findings suggested that Omega-3FA protected DEHP-induced impairment of learning and memory as well as synaptic structure alteration in the hippocampus by regulating the expression of PSD associated miRNAs and their targets. Thus, Omega-3FA should be included in diet to prevent or suppress neurotoxicity caused by continuous exposure to DEHP.
研究领域:
神经科学
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毒理学
·
营养学
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分子生物学
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药理学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Molecular Brain
·
2019
·Vol. 12
·期 1
·1-12
·
IF 4.051
Wang Xin-shang,Guan Shao-yu,Liu An,Yue Jiao,Hu Li-ning,Zhang Kun,Yang Liu-kun,Lu Liang,Tian Zhen,Zhao Ming-gao,Liu Shui-bing
Chronic pain is commonly accompanied with anxiety disorder, which complicates treatment. In this study, we investigated the analgesic and anxiolytic effects of Formononetin (FMNT), an active component of traditional Chinese medicine red clover ( Trifolium pratense L.) that is capable of protecting neurons from N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-evoked excitotoxic injury, on mice suffering from complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced chronic inflammatory pain. The results show that FMNT administration significantly reduces anxiety-like behavior but does not affect the nociceptive threshold in CFA-injected mice. The treatment reverses the upregulation of NMDA, GluA1, and GABA A receptors, as well as PSD95 and CREB in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). The effects of FMNT on NMDA receptors and CREB binding protein (CBP) were further confirmed by the potential structure combination between these compounds, which was analyzed by in silico docking technology. FMNT also inhibits the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and microglia in the BLA of mice suffering from chronic inflammatory pain. Therefore, the anxiolytic effects of FMNT are partially due to the attenuation of inflammation and neuronal hyperexcitability through the inhibition of NMDA receptor and CBP in the BLA.
研究领域:
药理学
·
神经科学
·
疼痛研究
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传统中药
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Cell Death Discovery
·
2021
·Vol. 7
·期 1
·1-13
·
IF 5.241
Yang Xiu,Li Xu,Liu Le,Chen Yuan-Hao,You Yue,Gao Yin,Liu Yue-Ying,Yang Li,Tong Kun,Chen Di-Shi,Hao Jing-Ru,Sun Nan,Zhao Zi-Ming,Gao Can
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by aberrant accumulation of extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides in the brain. Soluble Aβ oligomers are thought to be the most neurotoxic species and are correlated with cognitive dysfunction in early AD. However, there is still no effective treatment so far. We determined that Pep63, a small peptide, had a neuroprotective effect on synaptic plasticity and memory in our previous study. Here, we developed novel and multifunctional liposomes targeting both Aβ oligomers and fibrils based on a liposome delivery system. Transferrin-Pep63-liposomes (Tf-Pep63-Lip), possessing the ability for blood-brain barrier targeting, were also incorporated with phosphatidic acid (PA) and loaded with neuroprotective Pep63. We discovered that administration of Tf-Pep63-Lip could significantly reduce the Aβ burden in the hippocampus, and improve cognitive deficits in 6-month-old APP/PS1 mice in the Morris-Water maze task and fear-conditioning test with the combined effects of PA and Pep63. Tf-Pep63-Lip could capture Aβ oligomers or fibrils and then facilitated microglial chemotaxis nearby for clearance. Simultaneously, Tf-Pep63-Lip hindered Aβ1-42 aggregation and disaggregated Aβ1-42 assembly due to multivalent PA-Aβ. Pep63 effectively inhibited the binding between EphB2 and Aβ oligomers after release from liposomes and rescued NMDA receptors trafficking, the basis of synaptic plasticity. No side effects were observed in either APP/PS1 or wild-type mice, indicating that Tf-Pep63-Lip might be safe under the dosing regimen used in our experiment. Taken together, our results suggested that Tf-Pep63-Lip may serve as a safe and efficient agent for AD combination therapy.
研究领域:
神经科学
·
药理学
·
分子生物学
·
神经退行性疾病
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CELL PROLIFERATION
·
2023
·
IF 8.5
Zihui Xu,Yanan Guo,Kangjian Xiang,Dongchang Xiao,Mengqing Xiang
Glaucoma and other optic neuropathies lead to progressive and irreversible vision loss by damaging retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. Cell replacement therapy is a potential promising treatment. However, current methods to obtain RGCs have inherent limitations, including time-consuming procedures, inefficient yields and complex protocols, which hinder their practical application. Here, we have developed a straightforward, rapid and efficient approach for directly inducing RGCs from mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) using a combination of triple transcription factors (TFs): ASCL1, BRN3B and PAX6 (ABP). We showed that on the 6th day following ABP induction, neurons with molecular characteristics of RGCs were observed, and more than 60% of induced neurons became iRGCs (induced retinal ganglion cells) in the end. Transplanted iRGCs had the ability to survive and appropriately integrate into the RGC layer of mouse retinal explants and N-methyl- D -aspartic acid (NMDA)-damaged retinas. Moreover, they exhibited electrophysiological properties typical of RGCs, and were able to regrow dendrites and axons and form synaptic connections with host retinal cells. Together, we have established a rapid and efficient approach to acquire functional RGCs for potential cell replacement therapy to treat glaucoma and other optic neuropathies.
研究领域:
神经科学
·
细胞生物学
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再生医学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
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