Fabrizio Gardoni

A Critical Interaction between NR2B and MAGUK in l-DOPA Induced Dyskinesia

Abnormal function of NMDA receptor has been suggested to be correlated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) as well as with the development of l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA)-induced dyskinesia. Here we show that NMDA receptor NR2 subunits display specific alterations of their subcellular distribution in striata from unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned, l-DOPA-treated dyskinetic, and l-DOPA-treated nondyskinetic rats. Dyskinetic animals have significantly higher levels of NR2A subunit in the postsynaptic compartment than all other experimental groups, whereas NR2B subunit shows a significant reduction in both dopamine-denervated and dyskinetic rats. These events are paralleled by profound modifications of NMDA receptor NR2B subunit association with interacting elements, i.e., members of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) protein family postsynaptic density-95, synapse-associated protein-97 and synapse-associated protein-102. Treatment of nondyskinetic animals with a synthetic peptide (TAT2B) able to affect NR2B binding to MAGUK proteins as well as synaptic localization of this subunit in nondyskinetic rats was sufficient to induce a shift of treated rats toward a dyskinetic motor behavior. These data indicate abnormal NR2B redistribution between synaptic and extrasynaptic membranes as an important molecular disturbance of the glutamatergic synapse involved in l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia.

Combined 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptor agonists for the treatment of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia.

Appearance of dyskinesia is a common problem of long-term l-DOPA treatment in Parkinsons disease patients and represents a major limitation for the pharmacological management of the motor symptoms in advanced disease stages. We have recently demonstrated that dopamine released from serotonin neurons is responsible for l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats, raising the possibility that blockade of serotonin neuron activity by combination of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) agonists could reduce l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. In the present study, we have investigated the efficacy of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) agonists to counteract l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in 1-methyl-4-phenyl 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated macaques, the gold standard model of Parkinsons disease. In addition, we have studied the ability of this treatment to prevent development of l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. The results demonstrate the existence of a potent synergistic effect between 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) agonists in their ability to dampen l-DOPA-induced dyskinesia in the MPTP-treated macaques. Sub-threshold doses of the drugs, which individually produced no effect, were able to reduce the abnormal involuntary movements by up to 80% when administered in combination, without affecting the anti-parkinsonian properties of l-DOPA. Furthermore, chronic administration of low doses of the 5-HT(1) agonists in combination was able to prevent development of dyskinesia, and reduce the up-regulation of FosB after daily treatment with l-DOPA in the rat 6-OHDA model. Our results support the importance of a clinical investigation of the effect of 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) agonists, particularly in combination, in dyskinetic l-DOPA-treated Parkinsons disease patients.

Pathophysiology of L-dopa-induced motor and non-motor complications in Parkinson's disease.

Involuntary movements, or dyskinesia, represent a debilitating complication of levodopa (L-dopa) therapy for Parkinsons disease (PD). L-dopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) are ultimately experienced by the vast majority of patients. In addition, psychiatric conditions often manifested as compulsive behaviours, are emerging as a serious problem in the management of L-dopa therapy. The present review attempts to provide an overview of our current understanding of dyskinesia and other L-dopa-induced dysfunctions, a field that dramatically evolved in the past twenty years. In view of the extensive literature on LID, there appeared a critical need to re-frame the concepts, to highlight the most suitable models, to review the central nervous system (CNS) circuitry that may be involved, and to propose a pathophysiological framework was timely and necessary. An updated review to clarify our understanding of LID and other L-dopa-related side effects was therefore timely and necessary. This review should help in the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing the generation of dyskinetic symptoms.

Calcium/Calmodulin‐Dependent Protein Kinase II Is Associated with NR2A/B Subunits of NMDA Receptor in Postsynaptic Densities

Abstract: NMDA receptors and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) have been reported to be highly concentrated in the postsynaptic density (PSD). Although the possibility that CaMKII in PSD might be associated with specific proteins has been put forward, the protein or proteins determining the targeting of the kinase in PSD have not yet been identified. Here we report that CaMKII binds to NR2A and NR2B subunits of NMDA receptors in PSD isolated from cortex and hippocampus. The association of NMDA receptor subunits and CaMKII was assessed by immunoprecipitating PSD proteins with antibodies specific for NR2A/B and CaMKII: CaMKII coprecipitated with NR2A/B and NR1 but not with other glutamate ionotropic receptor subunits, such as GluR1 and GluR2‐3. A direct association between CaMKII and NR2A/B subunits was further confirmed by overlay experiments using either 32P‐autophosphorylated CaMKII or 32P‐NR2A/B and by evaluating the formation of a CaMKII‐NR2A/B complex by means of the cross‐linker disuccimidyl suberate. These data demonstrate an association between the NMDA receptor complex and CaMKII in the postsynaptic compartment, suggesting that this colocalization may be relevant for synaptic plasticity.

Cytokines and neuronal ion channels in health and disease.

The biophysical properties and the spatial distribution of ion channels define the signaling characteristics of individual neurons. Function, number localization, and ratio of receptor and ion channels are dynamically modulated in response to diverse stimuli and undergo dynamic changes in both physiological and pathological conditions. Increasing evidence indicates that cytokines may specifically interact with receptor and ion channels regulating neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and injury. Interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, two proinflammatory cytokines implicated in various pathophysiological conditions of the CNS, have been particularly studied. Literature data indicate that these cytokines (1) directly and promptly modulate ion channel activity, (2) exert different (and often opposite) effects on the same channels, and (3) act on ion channels both at physiological and pathological concentrations. Consequently, cytokines are now regarded as novel neuromodulators, opening important perspectives in the current view of brain behavior.

Synapse-Associated Protein-97 Mediates α-Secretase ADAM10 Trafficking and Promotes Its Activity

Alzheimers disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder caused by a combination of events impairing normal neuronal function. Here we found a molecular bridge between key elements of primary and secondary pathogenic events in AD, namely the elements of the amyloid cascade and synaptic dysfunction associated with the glutamatergic system. In fact, we report that synapse-associated protein-97 (SAP97), a protein involved in dynamic trafficking of proteins to the excitatory synapse, is responsible for driving ADAM10 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10, the most accredited candidate for α-secretase) to the postsynaptic membrane, by a direct interaction through its Src homology 3 domain. NMDA receptor activation mediates this event and positively modulates α-secretase activity. Furthermore, perturbing ADAM10/SAP97 association in vivo by cell-permeable peptides impairs ADAM10 localization in postsynaptic membranes and consequently decreases the physiological amyloid precursor protein (APP) metabolism. Our findings indicate that glutamatergic synapse activation through NMDA receptor promotes the non-amyloidogenic APP cleavage, strengthening the correlation between APP metabolism and synaptic plasticity.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors increase ADAM10 activity by promoting its trafficking in neuroblastoma cell lines

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) are the only currently available drugs for treating Alzheimers Disease (AD). Some authors have suggested a function of AChEIs not only in the induction of AChE overproduction and alternative splicing shifts but also a possible role of these drugs in amyloid metabolism beyond their well‐known symptomatic effect. Here, we investigate the mechanisms of action of the AChEI donepezil on APP (amyloid precursor protein) metabolism and on the activity/trafficking of the alpha‐secretase candidate ADAM 10, in differentiated human neuroblastoma cells (SH‐SY5Y). In these cells, the activity of AChE is significantly decreased after 2 h of donepezil treatment. Further, SH‐SY5Y cells released significantly more sAPPα into the medium, whereas total APP levels in cell lysates were unchanged. Interestingly, treated cells showed increased ADAM 10 levels in membrane compartments. This effect was prevented by pretreatment with tunicamycin or brefeldin, suggesting that donepezil affects trafficking and/or maturation of ADAM 10; additionally, this pretreatment significantly decreased sAPPα levels. Pre‐incubation with atropine decreased release of sAPPα significantly but did not revert ADAM 10 activity to control levels further suggesting that donepezil acts not solely through a purely receptor mediated pathway. These findings indicate that donepezil exerts multiple mechanisms involving processing and trafficking of key proteins involved in AD pathogenesis.

Abnormal Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II function mediates synaptic and motor deficits in experimental parkinsonism

The NMDA receptor complex represents a key molecular element in the pathogenesis of long-term synaptic changes and motor abnormalities in Parkinsons disease (PD). Here we show that NMDA receptor 1 (NR1) subunit and postsynaptic density (PSD)-95 protein levels are selectively reduced in the PSD of dopamine (DA)-denervated striata. These effects are accompanied by an increase in striatal levels of αCa2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (αCaMKII) autophosphorylation, along with a higher recruitment of activated αCaMKII to the regulatory NMDA receptor NR2A-NR2B subunits. Acute treatment of striatal slices with R(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrochloride, but not with l-sulpiride, mimicked the effect of DA denervation on both αCaMKII autophosphorylation and corticostriatal synaptic plasticity. In addition to normalizing αCaMKII autophosphorylation levels as well as assembly and anchoring of the kinase to the NMDA receptor complex, intrastriatal administration of the CaMKII inhibitors KN-93 (N-[2-[[[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-propenyl]methylamino]methyl]phenyl]-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide) and antennapedia autocamtide-related inhibitory peptide II is able to reverse both the alterations in corticostriatal synaptic plasticity and the deficits in spontaneous motor behavior that are found in an animal model of PD. The same beneficial effects are produced by a regimen of l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) treatment, which is able to normalize αCaMKII autophosphorylation. These data indicate that abnormal αCaMKII autophosphorylation plays a causal role in the alterations of striatal plasticity and motor behavior that follow DA denervation. Normalization of CaMKII activity may be an important underlying mechanism of the therapeutic action of l-DOPA in PD.

NMDA receptor subunits are modified transcriptionally and post-translationally in the brain of streptozotocin-diabetic rats

Aims/hypothesis. Moderate disturbances of learning and memory were recognized as a complication of diabetes mellitus in patients. The streptozotocin-diabetic rat, an animal model of insulin-dependent diabetes, shows impairments in spatial memory and in long-term potentiation expression. We have studied the effect of experimental diabetes on expression of post-synaptic glutamate N-Methyl-D-Aspartate ionotropic receptors and of other key proteins regulating synaptic transmission at the post-synaptic compartment. Methods. In situ hybridization and Western blot analysis were used to assess expression and protein concentration of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptors and α-calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase II. Receptor subunits αCaMKII-dependent phosphorylation was studied in post-synaptic densities obtained from the hippocampus and cortex of control, streptozotocin-diabetic and insulin-treated rats. Results. The transcript levels of NR1 and NR2A subunits of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate were unchanged in rats with a diabetic duration of 3 months when compared with age-matched control rats. Accordingly, NR1 and NR2A as well as GluR1, GluR2/3, PSD-95 and αCaMKII protein concentrations in post-synaptic densities were the same in both control and diabetic rats, whereas the immunoreactivity for NR2B was reduced by about 40 %. In addition, the activity of αCaMKII on exogenous substrates, such as syntide-2, and the phosphorylation of NR2A/B subunits of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor was reduced in hippocampal post-synaptic densities of streptozotocin-diabetic rats as compared with control rats. Furthermore, we show that insulin intervention for 3 months after diabetic duration partially restored both αCaMKII activity and NR2B levels. Conclusion/interpretation. N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor expression and phosphorylation is possibly involved in behavioural and electrophysiological abnormalities observed in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. [Diabetologia (1999) 42: 693–701]

Effects of streptozotocin-diabetes on the hippocampal NMDA receptor complex in rats

In animal models of diabetes mellitus, such as the streptozotocin‐diabetic rat (STZ‐rat), spatial learning impairments develop in parallel with a reduced expression of long‐term potentiation (LTP) and enhanced expression of long‐term depression (LTD) in the hippocampus. This study examined the time course of the effects of STZ‐diabetes and insulin treatment on the hippocampal post‐synaptic glutamate N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex and other key proteins regulating hippocampal synaptic transmission in the post‐synaptic density (PSD) fraction. In addition, the functional properties of the NMDA‐receptor complex were examined. One month of STZ‐diabetes did not affect the NMDA receptor complex. In contrast, 4 months after induction of diabetes NR2B subunit immunoreactivity, CaMKII and Tyr‐dependent phosphorylation of the NR2A/B subunits of the NMDA receptor were reduced and αCaMKII autophosphorylation and its association to the NMDA receptor complex were impaired in STZ‐rats compared with age‐matched controls. Likewise, NMDA currents in hippocampal pyramidal neurones measured by intracellular recording were reduced in STZ‐rats. Insulin treatment prevented the reduction in kinase activities, NR2B expression levels, CaMKII–NMDA receptor association and NMDA currents. These findings strengthen the hypothesis that altered post‐synaptic glutamatergic transmission is␣related to deficits in learning and plasticity in this animal model.