Francesca Gabanella

Study Objectives: PROK2 is a peptide expressed in the adult brain mediating neuroprotective functions. Previous studies reported an upregulation of prokineticin system in Parkinson’s disease (PD), but evidence in prodromal α-synucleinopathies was lacking. We investigated the expression of prokineticin-2 (PROK2) and its receptors (PKR1 and PKR2), along with oligomeric α-synuclein (oligo α-syn) as a marker of α-synuclein pathology, in olfactory neurons (ONs) from individuals with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). Methods: Olfactory neurons, obtained by nasal brush from 28 idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder subjects (age: 71.2 ± 7.4 years; males: 89.3%; duration: 4.9 ± 2.5 years) and 28 healthy controls (HCs) (age:67.2 ± 11.5 years; males:64.2%), were analyzed using real-time polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence (IF), and western blot (WB). In a subgroup of subjects, results were validated in serum. Results: In the idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder group, prokineticin-2 protein expression was reduced in both ONs (immunofluorescence: F(1,26) = 15.289, p < .001; western blot: F(1,12) = 9.073, p = .011) and serum compared with HCs (western blot: F(1,12) = 4.557, p = .050). Idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder subjects showed lower mRNA expression of prokineticin receptors compared with healthy controls (real-time polymerase-chain-reaction for prokineticin receptor-1: F(1,26) = 16.131, p < .001; real-time polymerase-chain-reaction for prokineticin receptor-2: F(1,39) = 4.946, p = .032). Oligo α-syn accumulation in olfactory neurons was higher in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder than healthy controls, yet the difference only tended to statistical significance (immunofluorescence: F(1,18) = 3.169, p = .092). Conclusions: In contrast with findings in Parkinson’s disease, we found a downregulation of prokineticin system in idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. The causes of prokineticin system downregulation in this prodromal stage may be multiple. The absence of clear oligo α-syn accumulation, known trigger of prokineticin-2, may play a role. On the other hand, a lack of activation of this system might act as predisposing factor for the development of idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and, subsequently, full-blown neurodegeneration.

Objectives: PROK2 is a peptide expressed in the adult brain mediating neuroprotective functions. Previous studies reported an upregulation of prokineticin system in PD, but evidence in prodromal α-synucleinopathies was lacking. We investigated the expression of prokineticin-2 (PROK2) and its receptors (PKR1 and PKR2), along with oligomeric α-synuclein (oligo α-syn) as a marker of α-synuclein pathology, in olfactory neurons (ONs) from individuals with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). Methods: ONs, obtained by nasal brush from 28 iRBD subjects and 28 healthy controls (HCs), were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence (IF), and western blot (WB). In a subgroup of subjects, results were validated in serum samples. Results: In the iRBD group, PROK2 protein expression was reduced in both ONs (IF: F(1,26)=15.289, p<0.001; WB: F(1,12)=9.073, p=0.011) and serum compared with HCs (WB: F(1,12)=4.557, p=0.050). iRBD subjects showed lower mRNA expression of prokineticin receptors compared with HCs (RT-PCR for PKR1: F(1,26)=16.131, p<0.001; RT-PCR for PKR2: F(1,39)=4.946, p=0.032). Oligo α-syn accumulation in ONs was higher in iRBD than HCs, yet the difference only tended to statistical significance (IF: F(1,18)=3.169, p=0.092). Conclusion: In contrast with findings in PD, we found a downregulation of prokineticin system in iRBD. The causes of prokineticin system downregulation in this prodromal stage may be multiple. The absence of a clear oligo α-syn accumulation, known trigger of PROK2, may play a role. On the other hand, a lack of activation of this system might act as predisposing factor for the development of iRBD and, subsequently, full-blown neurodegeneration. Statement of significance: This study reveals a downregulation of the prokineticin system in individuals with Idiopathic Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD), a prodromal stage of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Prokineticin-2 (PROK2) is a peptide expressed in the adult brain mediating neuroprotective functions. In contrast to the upregulation reported in established PD, the downregulation observed in iRBD suggests a failure to activate endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms at the prodromal stage of disease, providing new insight into early processes that may predispose to neurodegeneration. Notably, the prokineticin pathway was investigated in olfactory neurons obtained through a simple, non-invasive nasal brushing, demonstrating that these cells represent an innovative and accessible source of biomarkers for central nervous system disorders.

The Mediterranean diet is worldwide recognized as a good prototype of nutrition due to the conspicuous intake of olive oil, nuts, red wine, legumes, fruit, and vegetables, all fundamental elements rich in antioxidant substances and polyphenols. Polyphenols are a wide range of phytochemicals and/or synthetic chemical compounds with proven beneficial properties for human health. In the present review, we critically summarize the wellcharacterized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols contained in the olives and extra virgin olive oil and of resveratrol, a non-flavonoid phenolic compound. We discuss the potential use of these polyphenols as pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of human diseases. We also show the emerging importance of their consumption in the prevention and management of crucial neurodegenerative conditions (alcohol-related brain disorders and aging) and in neuromuscular disorders (Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy), where oxidative stress plays a predominant role.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome was defined as a persistent and protracted illness, which follows acute COVID-19 infection. This condition continues for more than 12 weeks and cannot be attributed to other clinical situations. Researchers and clinicians are allied in unraveling the molecular pathogenetic mechanisms and the clinical development of this unexpected SARS-CoV-2 infectious evolution. Anosmia, dysgeusia, fatigue, dyspnea, and 'brain fog' are common symptoms observed in the Post-COVID-19 syndrome, depicting a multiorgan involvement associated with injuries involving mainly cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and neuropsychiatric systems. This commentary analyzes the state of the art of Post-COVID-19 interdisciplinary studies, confirming that we are facing a truly intricate biomedicine story.

Neuropeptides are small proteins broadly expressed throughout the central nervous system, which act as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and neuroregulators. Growing evidence has demonstrated the involvement of many neuropeptides in both neurophysiological functions and neuropathological conditions, among which is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The role exerted by neuropeptides in AD is endorsed by the evidence that they are mainly neuroprotective and widely distributed in brain areas responsible for learning and memory processes. Confirming this point, it has been demonstrated that numerous neuropeptide-containing neurons are pathologically altered in brain areas of both AD patients and AD animal models. Furthermore, the levels of various neuropeptides have been found altered in both Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) and blood of AD patients, getting insights into their potential role in the pathophysiology of AD and offering the possibility to identify novel additional biomarkers for this pathology. We summarized the available information about brain distribution, neuroprotective and cognitive functions of some neuropeptides involved in AD. The main focus of the current review was directed towards the description of clinical data reporting alterations in neuropeptides content in both AD patients and AD pre-clinical animal models. In particular, we explored the involvement in the AD of Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH), Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART), Cholecystokinin (CCK), bradykinin and chromogranin/secretogranin family, discussing their potential role as a biomarker or therapeutic target, leaving the dissertation of other neuropeptides to previous reviews.

We have previously shown that the eukaryotic elongation factor subunit 1B gamma (eEF1Bγ) interacts with the RNA polymerase II (pol II) alpha-like subunit “C” (POLR2C), alone or complexed, in the pol II enzyme. Moreover, we demonstrated that eEF1Bγ binds the promoter region and the 3’ UTR mRNA of the vimentin gene. These events contribute to localize the vimentin transcript and consequentially its translation, promoting a proper mitochondrial network. With the intent of identifying additional transcripts that complex with the eEF1Bγ protein, we performed a series of ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays using a mitochondria-enriched heavy membrane (HM) fraction. Among the eEF1Bγ complexed transcripts, we found the mRNA encoding the Che-1/AATF multifunctional protein. As reported by other research groups, we found the tumor suppressor p53 transcript complexed with the eEF1Bγ protein. Here, we show for the first time that eEF1Bγ binds not only Che-1 and p53 transcripts but also their promoters. Remarkably, we demonstrate that both the Che-1 transcript and its translated product localize also to the mitochondria and that eEF1Bγ depletion strongly perturbs the mitochondrial network and the correct localization of Che-1. In a doxorubicin (Dox)-induced DNA damage assay we show that eEF1Bγ depletion significantly decreases p53 protein accumulation and slightly impacts on Che-1 accumulation. Importantly, Che-1 and p53 proteins are components of the DNA damage response machinery that maintains genome integrity and prevents tumorigenesis. Our data support the notion that eEF1Bγ, besides its canonical role in translation, is an RNA-binding protein and a key player in cellular stress responses. We suggest for eEF1Bγ a role as primordial transcription/translation factor that links fundamental steps from transcription control to local translation.

Disconnection between membrane signalling and actin networks may have catastrophic effects depending on cell size and polarity. The Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein is ubiquitously involved in assembly of spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles. Other SMN functions could, however, affect cellular activities driving asymmetrical cell surface expansions. Genes able to mitigate SMN deficiency operate within pathways as part of which SMN can act: mRNA translation, actin network, and endocytosis. Here, we found that SMN accumulates at membrane protrusions during dynamic rearrangement of the actin filament. In addition to localization data, we show that SMN interacts with caveolin-1, which mediates anchoring of translation machinery components. Importantly, SMN deficiency depletes the plasma membrane of ribosomes, and this correlates with the failure of fibroblasts to extend membrane protrusions. These findings strongly support a relationship between SMN and membrane dynamics. We propose that SMN could assembly translational platform associated to and governed by plasma membrane. This activity could be crucial in cells where an exasperated interdependence of membrane remodelling and local protein synthesis takes place.

Numerous therapeutic approaches for Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy (DMD and BMD), the most common X‐linked muscle degenerative disease, have been proposed. So far, the only one showing a clear beneficial effect is the use of corticosteroids. Recent evidence indicates an improvement of dystrophic cardiac and skeletal muscles in the presence of sustained cGMP levels secondary to a blocking of their degradation by phosphodiesterase five (PDE5). Due to these data, we performed a study to investigate the effect of the specific PDE5 inhibitor, tadalafil, on dystrophic skeletal muscle function. Chronic pharmacological treatment with tadalafil has been carried out in mdx mice. Behavioral and physiological tests, as well as histological and biochemical analyses, confirmed the efficacy of the therapy. We then performed a microarray‐based genomic analysis to assess the pattern of gene expression in muscle samples obtained from the different cohorts of animals treated with tadalafil. This scrutiny allowed us to identify several classes of modulated genes. Our results show that PDE5 inhibition can ameliorate dystrophy by acting at different levels. Tadalafil can lead to (1) increased lipid metabolism; (2) a switch towards slow oxidative fibers driven by the up‐regulation of PGC‐1α; (3) an increased protein synthesis efficiency; (4) a better actin network organization at Z‐disk. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 224–232, 2016.

Over‐expression of the dystrophin‐related gene utrophin represents a promising therapeutic strategy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The strategy is based on the ability of utrophin to functionally replace defective dystrophin. We developed the artificial zinc finger transcription factor “Jazz” that up‐regulates both the human and mouse utrophin promoter. We observed a significant recovery of muscle strength in dystrophic Jazz‐transgenic mdx mice. Here we demonstrate the efficacy of an experimental gene therapy based on the systemic delivery of Jazz gene in mdx mice by adeno‐associated virus (AAV). AAV serotype 8 was chosen on the basis of its high affinity for skeletal muscle. Muscle‐specific expression of the therapeutic Jazz gene was enhanced by adding the muscle α‐actin promoter to the AAV vector (mAAV). Injection of mAAV8‐Jazz viral preparations into mdx mice resulted in muscle‐specific Jazz expression coupled with up‐regulation of the utrophin gene. We show a significant recovery from the dystrophic phenotype in mAAV8‐Jazz‐treated mdx mice. Histological and physiological analysis revealed a reduction of fiber necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration associated with functional recovery in muscle contractile force. The combination of ZF‐ATF technology with the AAV delivery can open a new avenue to obtain a therapeutic strategy for treatment of DMD. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1283–1291, 2014. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Physiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.