Involvement of GPR17 in neuronal fibre outgrowth

Characterization of new pharmacological targets is a promising approach in research of neurorepair mechanisms. The G protein-coupled receptor 17 (GPR17) has recently been proposed as an interesting pharmacological target, e.g., in neuroregenerative processes. Using the well-established ex vivo model of organotypic slice co-cultures of the mesocortical dopaminergic system (prefrontal cortex (PFC) and substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA) complex), the influence of GPR17 ligands on neurite outgrowth from SN/VTA to the PFC was investigated. The growth-promoting effects of Montelukast (MTK; GPR17- and cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor antagonist), the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and of two potent, selective GPR17 agonists (PSB-16484 and PSB-16282) were characterized. Treatment with MTK resulted in a significant increase in mean neurite density, comparable with the effects of GDNF. The combination of MTK and GPR17 agonist PSB-16484 significantly inhibited neuronal growth. qPCR studies revealed an MTK-induced elevated mRNA-expression of genes relevant for neuronal growth. Immunofluorescence labelling showed a marked expression of GPR17 on NG2-positive glia. Western blot and RT-qPCR analysis of untreated cultures suggest a time-dependent, injury-induced stimulation of GPR17. In conclusion, MTK was identified as a stimulator of neurite fibre outgrowth, mediating its effects through GPR17, highlighting GPR17 as an interesting therapeutic target in neuronal regeneration

Fabrication of Palladium Nanoparticles on Porous Aromatic Frameworks as a Sensing Platform to Detect Vanillin

Here, we report the fabrication of palladium nanoparticles on porous aromatic frameworks (Pd/PAF-6) using a facile chemical approach, which was characterized by various spectro- and electrochemical techniques. The differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) response of Pd/PAF-6 toward the vanillin (VA) sensor shows a linear relationship over concentrations (10–820 pM) and a low detection limit (2 pM). Pd/PAF-6 also exhibited good anti-interference performance toward 2-fold excess of ascorbic acid, nitrophenol, glutathione, glucose, uric acid, dopamine, ascorbic acid, 4-nitrophenol, glutathione, glucose, uric acid, dopamine, and 100-fold excess of Na⁺, Mg²⁺, and K⁺ during the detection of VA. The developed electrochemical sensor based on Pd/PAF-6 had good reproducibility, as well as high selectivity and stability. The established sensor revealed that Pd/PAF-6 could be used to detect VA in biscuit and ice cream samples with satisfactory results