• Molecules and Cells
• /
• 제43권3호
• /
• pp.203-214
• /
• 2020

Post-translational modifications play major roles in the stability, function, and localization of target proteins involved in the nervous system. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway uses small ubiquitin molecules to degrade neuronal proteins. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) reverse this degradation and thereby control neuronal cell fate, synaptic plasticity, axonal growth, and proper function of the nervous system. Moreover, mutations or downregulation of certain DUBs have been found in several neurodegenerative diseases, as well as gliomas and neuroblastomas. Based on emerging findings, DUBs represent an important target for therapeutic intervention in various neurological disorders. Here, we summarize advances in our understanding of the roles of DUBs related to neurobiology.

• Molecules and Cells
• /
• 제46권11호
• /
• pp.672-674
• /
• 2023

Schematic diagram of the interaction between the intestinal muscularis externa (MMΦ) macrophages and the enteric nervous system (ENS) neurons during different developmental periods. At the early postnatal stage, MMΦs play a critical role in ENS maturation and refinement through synaptic pruning and enteric neuron phagocytosis. In addition, during the adult stage, a specific MMΦ subset named neuron-associated (NA)-MMΦ, supports enteric neuronal survival and functions. Conversely, enteric neurons promote the phenotypic MMΦ changes by secreting transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), transitioning them from a phagocytic phenotype in the early postnatal period to a neuroprotective and immune-surveillant phenotype in the young adult period. Disruptions in these interactions could lead to alterations in the enteric neuron numbers, ultimately resulting in reduced gut motility.

• 생물정신의학
• /
• 제18권2호
• /
• pp.90-94
• /
• 2011

Objectives It is well-known that tobacco smoking is related to various disease entities including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and neoplasms. The prohibition of smoking is important for the protection of these health problems. Regarding leptin, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels, correlations with the smoking are suggested but the reports on the effects after smoking cessation are not sufficient. Method The changes of plasma levels of leptin, ghrelin, GLP-1, and NGF levels were analyzed after quitting smoking in Korean adults. Eleven participants succeeding in quitting smoking among 37 male smokers were included in the final analysis. The plasma levels of NGF, leptin, ghrelin, and GLP-1 were measured before and after 8-weeks period of smoking cessation. Results The plasma level of leptin increased after 4 weeks of smoking cessation. In addition, the plasma level of NGF increased after 8 weeks of smoking cessation (p < 0.05). Conclusion Our results suggested that smoking cessation induces increases in leptin and the NGF level after smoking cessation. Many toxic materials including nicotine in the cigarette may be related to these changes of plasma level of leptin and NGF, playing a key role in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.

• BMB Reports
• /
• 제48권3호
• /
• pp.139-146
• /
• 2015

Adaptive brain function and synaptic plasticity rely on dynamic regulation of local proteome. One way for the neuron to introduce new proteins to the axon terminal is to transport those from the cell body, which had long been thought as the only source of axonal proteins. Another way, which is the topic of this review, is synthesizing proteins on site by local mRNA translation. Recent evidence indicates that the axon stores a reservoir of translationally silent mRNAs and regulates their expression solely by translational control. Different stimuli to axons, such as guidance cues, growth factors, and nerve injury, promote translation of selective mRNAs, a process required for the axon's ability to respond to these cues. One of the critical questions in the field of axonal protein synthesis is how mRNA-specific local translation is regulated by extracellular cues. Here, we review current experimental techniques that can be used to answer this question. Furthermore, we discuss how new technologies can help us understand what biological processes are regulated by axonal protein synthesis in vivo.

• 대한불안의학회지
• /
• 제1권1호
• /
• pp.25-30
• /
• 2005

In the 40 years since the first benzodiazepine was brought into clinical use there has been a substantial growth in understanding the molecular basis of action of these drugs and the role of their receptors in anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepine receptors are present throughout the brain with the highest concentration in cortex, and it potentiate and prolong the synaptic action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Central benzodiazepine receptors and $GABA_A$ receptors are part of the same macromolecular complex. Abnormalities of these $GABA_A$-benzodiazepine receptors as a result of drug challenge tests and neuroimaging studies may underlie some anxiety disorders. The role of $GABA_A$-benzodiazepine receptors in the action of benzodiazepine and as a factor in anxiety disorder, in both animal and humans including knock-out and knock in technique, may lead to new anxiolytics that have potentially significant therapeutic gains without unwanted side effects.

• Animal cells and systems
• /
• 제3권3호
• /
• pp.259-267
• /
• 1999

The expression of the neural cell adhesion molecule-180 (NCAM-180), which accumulates at contact sites between cells and may be responsible for the stabilization of cell contacts, was studied in the olfactory system and retina of developing and adult rats. From embryonic day 12 onwards, which was the earliest stage examined, the NCAM-180 pathway directing to the presumptive olfactory bulb was observed. In later stages, olfactory neurons and fasciculating axons in the olfactory epithelium and nerve fiber layer and glomeruli of the olfactory bulb expressed NCAM-180. From postnatal day 0, immunolabelling pattern of the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb were the same as that during later stages. NCAM-180 immunoreactivity was present on differentiating retinal cells and persisted on those cells throughout adulthood. However, contrary to the olfactory nerve which remained detectable in the adult, the optic nerve was only transiently expressed with NCAM-180 and was no longer detectable in the adult. The presence of NCAM-180 in olfactory tissues suggests their possible role in pathfinding, differentiation, fasciculation and synaptic plasticity. The continued presence of NCAM-180 in the olfactory system examined may underlie its continuous cell turnover and regenerative capacity. The continuous expression of NCAM-180 in ganglion cells, bipolar cells and photoreceptor cells, also suggests potential regenerating capability and some plastic functions for these cells in the adult. Since the expression of NCAM-180 by the optic nerve was restricted to the period of special histogenetic events, for example, during axonal growth and synaptogenesis, it is possible that the lack of NCAM-180 in the adult optic nerve might cause a nonpermissive environment for the regeneration and result in regenerative failure of this system.

• 대한의생명과학회지
• /
• 제13권2호
• /
• pp.119-125
• /
• 2007

It is widely known that protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are involved in controlling many biological processes such as cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, survival and apoptosis. An $\alpha3\beta4$ subunit combination acts as a major functional acetylcholine receptor (nAChRs) in male rat major pelvic ganglion (MPG) neurons, and their activation induces fast inward currents and intracellular calcium increases. Recently it has been reported that the activity of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in some neurons can be negatively regulated by PTKs. However, the exact mechanism of regulation of nAChRs by PTKs is poorly understood. Therefore, we examined the potential role particular in nAChR by PTK using electrophysiology and calcium imaging in male rat MPG neurons. ACh induced inward currents and $(Ca^{2+})_i$ increases in MPG neurons, concomitantly. These responses were inhibited by more than 90% in $Na^+$- or $Ca^{2+}$- free solution. $\alpha$-conotoxin AuIB, a selective $\alpha3\beta4$ nAChR blocket, inhibited ACh-induced inward currents. Genistein (10 $\mu$M), a broad-spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor, markedly decreased ACh-induced currents and $Ca^{2+}$ transients, whereas 10 $\mu$M genistin, an inactive analogue, had little effect. Overall these data suggest that the activities of $\alpha3\beta4$ AChRs in MPG neurons are positively regulated by PTK. In conclusion, trosine kinase may be one of the key factors in the regulation of $\alpha3\beta4$ nAChRs in rat MPG neurons, which may play an important roles in the autonomic neuronal function such as synaptic transmission, autonomic reflex, and neuronal plasticity.

• 한국동물학회지
• /
• 제39권1호
• /
• pp.54-64
• /
• 1996

Xenopus를 사용하여 후각원판이 정상적인 상태에서 어떠한 과정을 거쳐 발달하는지 연구하였다. 특히 뉴런의 형태적 분화, 초기 발달과 성숙 양상, 축색과 원시전뇌의 접촉 등에 초점을 맞추었다. 후각원판은 stage 23에 외배엽이 두터워진 형태로 처음 나타나는데, 쌍을 이루며 각각은 표피측에 비신경층(NNL)과 안쪽의 신경층(NL)의 두 층으로 되어 있다. stage 26 후에 원판 세포는 NNL세포 틈을 비집고 상피쪽으로 이동하기 시작하며, stage 28이 되면 선단 돌기가 표피 끝에 도달한다. stage 29/30에는 NL의 기부에서 기부 돌기(미래의 축색)가 나타나 stage 32무렵 종뇌에 도달한다. 시냅스는 stage 37/38에 처음 나타난다. 일부 원판 세포들이 후각 뉴런으로 분화하는 동안 많은 원판 세포들은 기저세포로서 후각상피에 그대로 남아 있다. 연구 결과는 뉴런 외배엽의 NL에서 기원하고 지지세포는 NNL층에서 기원함을 보여주었다. 또한 시냅스 형성 전에 뉴런의 분화가 완성됨으로써 후각뉴런의 분화는 뇌의 발달과 독립적으로 일어나며 뇌의 영향을 받지 않는다는 사실을 알 수 있었다.

• 생명과학회지
• /
• 제16권2호
• /
• pp.315-322
• /
• 2006

신경세포 간 정보교환이 이루어지고 있는 신경전달물질의 방출과정은 극히 복잡하여, 이 방면의 독창적인 연구를 수행하기 위해서는 신규작용을 갖는 특이적인 저분자 probe의 탐색은 필수적이다. PC12세포에 tritium-label된 norepinephrine ($[^3H]-NE$)을 incorporation시킨 후에 60 mM의 고농도의 $K^+$의 자극에 의해서 탈분극 후에 방출되는 $[^3H]-NE$의 양을 scintillation countering하여 생리 활성 물질을 탐색하기 위한 in vitro의 실험계를 세웠다. 이 탐색계를 이용하여 곰팡이, 방선균와 박테리아의 대사산물 1만 1000여 샘플을 탐색한 결과, PC12세포에서 고농도의 $K^+$의 자극에 의해서 탈분극 후에 유도되는 $[^3H]-NE$의 방출을 효과적으로 저해하는 FS11052를 방선균 유래의 대사산물로부터 얻었다. FS11052는 또한 PC12세포와 rat cortical neurons에서 동일한 고농도의 $K^+$의 자극에 의한 탈분극 후에 유도되는 신경전달 물질로서 ATP의 방출에도 유의한 저해효과를 나타냈으며, 이 저해 효과는 ionopore로 알려진 ionomycin ($1{\mu}M$)을 포함하는 저농도의 $K^+$의 버퍼를 처리하였을 때에도 보여졌다. 이틀 결과로부터 FS11052의 신경전달 물질의 방출에 대한 저해작용은 세포내 $Ca^{2+}$ 유입 이 후의 반응으로 추정하며 이 작용기구에 대한 해석을 하기위하여, 신경세포의 돌기신장 형태에 대한 영향을 관찰한 결과, 분화를 유도하는 적정 농도인 $5{\mu}g/ml$의 NGF 존재 하에서의 PC12 세포의 돌기 신장에 대하여서는 억제작용을 나타냈다. 또 rat의 대뇌 해마 세포에 대하여 특정적인 형태의 돌기를 내고 있어, FS11052 물질의 첨가에 의해 통상의 긴 축색돌기는 억제되고 얇은 침상의 돌기가 세포체로부터 돌출되어 있었으며, growth cone 를 갖고 있지 않은 뉴우런이 많이 관찰되었다. FS11052 물질의 작용에 관해서는, 탈분극된 synaptic membrane이 $Ca^{2+}$ 이온을 유입 후 활성화되어 신경전달물질을 방출에 중요한 역할을 하고 있는 synaptotagmin, syntaxin, synapsin, SNAP25 등의 synaptosome을 구성하는 단백질에 직접 혹은 이와 밀접한 관련을 갖고 있는 인자와 간접적으로 작용하며, 신경전달물질의 방출을 억제하여 growth cone의 전향과 신경세포의 가소성을 조절하는 물질로 사료되어, 이 물질이 $Ca^{2+}$ 이온을 유입 후 일어나는 exocytosis와 신경계의 기능연구를 위해 사용되어질 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

• 생물정신의학
• /
• 제12권1호
• /
• pp.42-61
• /
• 2005

Objectives:The ginsenoside Rg1 and Rb1, the major components of ginseng saponin, have neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects including promotion of neuronal survival and proliferation, facilitation of learning and memory, and protection from ischemic injury and apoptosis. In this study, to investigate the molecular basis of the effects of ginsenoside on neuron, we analyzed gene expression profiling of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells treated with ginsenoside Rg1 or Rb1. Methods:SH-SY5Y cells were cultured and treated in triplicate with ginsenoside Rg1 or Rb1($80{\mu}M$, $40{\mu}M$, $20{\mu}M$). The proliferation rates of SH-SY5Y cells were determined by MTT assay and microscopic examination. We used a high density cDNA microarray chip that contained 8K human genes to analyze the gene expression profiles in SH-SY5Y cells. We analyzed using the Significance Analysis of Microarray(SAM) method for identifying genes on a microarray with statistically significant changes in expression. Results:Treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with $80{\mu}M$ ginsenoside Rg1 or Rb1 for 36h showed maximal proliferation compared with other concentrations or control. The results of the microarray experiment yielded 96 genes were upregulated(${\geq}$3 fold) in Rg1 treated cells and 40 genes were up-regulated(${\geq}$2 fold) in Rb1 treated cells. Treatment with ginsenoside Rg1 for 36h induced the expression of some genes associated with protein biosynthesis, regulation of transcription or translation, cell proliferation and growth, neurogenesis and differentiation, regulation of cell cycle, energy transport and others. Genes associated with neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation such as SCG10 and MLP increased in ginsenoside Rg1 treated cells, but such changes did not occur in Rb1-group. Conclusion:Our data provide novel insights into the gene mechanisms involved in possible role for ginsenoside Rg1 or Rb1 in mediating neuronal proliferation or cell viability, which can elicit distinct patterns of gene expression in neuronal cell line. Ginsenoside Rg1 have more broad and strong effects than ginsenoside Rb1 in gene expression and related cellular physiology. In addition, we suggest that SCG10 gene, which is known to be expressed in neuronal differentiation during development and neuronal regeneration during adulthood, may have a role in enhancement of activity dependent synaptic plasticity or cytoskeletal regulation following treatment of ginsenoside Rg1. Further, ginsenoside Rg1 may have a possible role in regeneration of injured neuron, promotion of memory, and prevention from aging or neuronal degeneration.