CXCL12 inhibits expression of the NMDA receptor's NR2B subunit through a histone deacetylase-dependent pathway contributing to neuronal survival

Homeostatic chemokines, such as CXCL12, can affect neuronal activity by the regulation of inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission, but the mechanisms involved are still undefined. Our previous studies have shown that CXCL12 protects cortical neurons from excitotoxicity by promoting the function of the gene-repressor protein Rb, which is involved in the recruitment of chromatin modifiers (such as histone deacetylases (HDACs)) to gene promoters. In neurons, Rb controls activity-dependent genes essential to neuronal plasticity and survival, such as the N-methyl--aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor's subunit NR2B, the expression of which in the tetrameric ion channel largely affects calcium signaling by glutamate. In this study, we report that CXCL12 differentially modulates intracellular responses after stimulation of synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDA receptors, by a specific regulation of the NR2B gene that involves HDACs. Our results show that CXCL12 selectively inhibits NR2B expression in vitro and in vivo altering NMDA-induced calcium responses associated with neuronal death, while promoting prosurvival pathways that depend on stimulation of synaptic receptors. Along with previous studies, these findings underline the role of CXCL12/CXCR4 in the regulation of crucial components of glutamatergic transmission. These novel effects of CXCL12 may be involved in the physiological function of the chemokine in both developing and mature brains

Disease-associated missense mutations in GluN2B subunit alter NMDA receptor ligand binding and ion channel properties.

Genetic and bioinformatic analyses have identified missense mutations in GRIN2B encoding the NMDA receptor GluN2B subunit in autism, intellectual disability, Lennox Gastaut and West Syndromes. Here, we investigated several such mutations using a near-complete, hybrid 3D model of the human NMDAR and studied their consequences with kinetic modelling and electrophysiology. The mutants revealed reductions in glutamate potency; increased receptor desensitisation; and ablation of voltage-dependent Mg block. In addition, we provide new views on Mg and NMDA channel blocker binding sites. We demonstrate that these mutants have significant impact on excitatory transmission in developing neurons, revealing profound changes that could underlie their associated neurological disorders. Of note, the NMDAR channel mutant GluN2B unusually allowed Mg permeation, whereas nearby N615I reduced Ca permeability. By identifying the binding site for an NMDAR antagonist that is used in the clinic to rescue gain-of-function phenotypes, we show that drug binding may be modified by some GluN2B disease-causing mutations

Vascular sources of oxidative stress: implications for uremia-relatedcardiovascular disease.

Chronic oxidative stress that characterizes uremia has potentially devastating effects on the vasculature and has been advocated in the pathogenesis of accelerated atherosclerosis in this disease. Recent advances have been made in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate expression and activity of key enzymes of vascular oxidative stress (eg, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD{P}H] oxidase) and that dissect their interactions with signalling pathways of inflammation. The finding that NAD(P)H oxidase is upregulated in experimental uremia has important consequences from a physiologic and a therapeutic standpoint. In addition, identification of novel proteins involved in systemic oxidative stress has shed some new light on the pathogenesis of vascular disease. p66(shc) is a cytoplasmic protein that is expressed in a wide range of cell types. Initially believed to be involved in signalling pathways that regulate cell growth and oxidative stress, it has now been shown to play a pivotal role in promoting endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Although a specific role in uremia-related vascular disease has not yet been shown, available data in humans suggest involvement of p66(shc) in clinical conditions associated with increased oxidative stress

Does CEUS have a practical value in adjunct to color Doppler US in evaluation of patients with renal insufficiency? Evaluation of 60 patients

22nd European Congress of Radiology, Vienna 4-8 marzo 201

5-Arylbenzothiadiazine Type Compounds as Positive AllostericModulators of AMPA/Kainate Receptors

The potential therapeutic benefit of compounds able to activate AMPA receptors (AMPAr) has led to the search for new AMPAr positive modulators. On the basis of crystallographic data of the benzothiadiazines binding mode in the S1S2 GluA2 dimer interface, a set of 5-aryl-2,3- dihydrobenzothiadiazine type compounds has been synthesized and tested. Electrophysiological results suggested that 5-heteroaryl substituents on the benzothiadiazine core like 3-furanyl and 3-thiophenyl dramatically enhance the activity as positive modulators of AMPAr with respect to IDRA21 and cyclothiazide. Mouse brain microdialysis studies have suggested that 7-chloro- 5-(3-furyl)-3-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide crosses the blood−brain barrier after intraperitoneal injection. Biological results have been rationalized by a computational docking simulation that it has currently employed to design new AMPArpositive modulator candidates