X-linked histone H3K27 demethylase Kdm6a regulates sexually dimorphic differentiation of hypothalamic neurons

Several X-linked genes are involved in neuronal differentiation and may contribute to the generation of sex dimorphisms in the brain. Previous results showed that XX hypothalamic neurons grow faster, have longer axons, and exhibit higher expression of the neuritogenic gene neurogenin 3 (Ngn3) than XY before perinatal masculinization. Here we evaluated the participation of candidate X-linked genes in the development of these sex differences, focusing mainly on Kdm6a, a gene encoding for an H3K27 demethylase with functions controlling gene expression genome-wide. We established hypothalamic neuronal cultures from wild-type or transgenic Four Core Genotypes mice, a model that allows evaluating the effect of sex chromosomes independently of gonadal type. X-linked genes Kdm6a, Eif2s3x and Ddx3x showed higher expression in XX compared to XY neurons, regardless of gonadal sex. Moreover, Kdm6a expression pattern with higher mRNA levels in XX than XY did not change with age at E14, P0, and P60 in hypothalamus or under 17β-estradiol treatment in culture. Kdm6a pharmacological blockade by GSK-J4 reduced axonal length only in female neurons and decreased the expression of neuritogenic genes Neurod1, Neurod2 and Cdk5r1 in both sexes equally, while a sex-specific effect was observed in Ngn3. Finally, Kdm6a downregulation using siRNA reduced axonal length and Ngn3 expression only in female neurons, abolishing the sex differences observed in control conditions. Altogether, these results point to Kdm6a as a key mediator of the higher axogenesis and Ngn3 expression observed in XX neurons before the critical period of brain masculinization.Fil: Cabrera Zapata, Lucas Ezequiel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; ArgentinaFil: Cisternas, Carla Daniela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Odontologia. Departamento de Biologia Bucal; ArgentinaFil: Sosa, Camila. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; ArgentinaFil: Garcia Segura, Luis Miguel. Ciberfes Instituto de Salud Carlos Iii; España. Instituto Cajal; EspañaFil: Arevalo, Maria Angeles. Ciberfes Instituto de Salud Carlos Iii; España. Instituto Cajal; EspañaFil: Cambiasso, Maria Julia. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Odontologia. Departamento de Biologia Bucal; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; Argentin

Kif21B mediates the effect of estradiol on the morphological plasticity of mouse hippocampal neurons

IntroductionNeurons are polarized cells, and their ability to change their morphology has a functional implication in the development and plasticity of the nervous system in order to establish new connections. Extracellular factors strongly influence neuronal shape and connectivity. For instance, the developmental actions of estradiol on hippocampal neurons are well characterized, and we have demonstrated in previous studies that Ngn3 mediates these actions. On the other hand, Kif21B regulates microtubule dynamics and carries out retrograde transport of the TrkB/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) complex, essential for neuronal development.MethodsIn the present study, we assessed the involvement of kinesin Kif21B in the estradiol-dependent signaling mechanisms to regulate neuritogenesis through cultured mouse hippocampal neurons.ResultsWe show that estradiol treatment increases BDNF expression, and estradiol and BDNF modify neuron morphology through TrkB signaling. Treatment with K252a, a TrkB inhibitor, decreases dendrite branching without affecting axonal length, whereas. Combined with estradiol or BDNF, it blocks their effects on axons but not dendrites. Notably, the downregulation of Kif21B abolishes the actions of estradiol and BDNF in both the axon and dendrites. In addition, Kif21B silencing also decreases Ngn3 expression, and downregulation of Ngn3 blocks the effect of BDNF on neuron morphology.DiscussionThese results suggest that Kif21B is required for the effects of estradiol and BDNF on neuronal morphology, but phosphorylation-mediated activation of TrkB is essential only for axonal growth. Our results show that the Estradiol/BDNF/TrkB/Kif21B/Ngn3 is a new and essential pathway mediating hippocampal neuron development

Interaction of gonadal hormones, dopaminergic system, and epigenetic regulation in the generation of sex differences in substance use disorders: A systematic review

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic condition characterized by pathological drug-taking and seeking behaviors. Remarkably different between males and females, suggesting that drug addiction is a sexually differentiated disorder. The neurobiological bases of sex differences in SUD include sex-specific reward system activation, influenced by interactions between gonadal hormone level changes, dopaminergic reward circuits, and epigenetic modifications of key reward system genes. This systematic review, adhering to PICOS and PRISMA-P 2015 guidelines, highlights the sex-dependent roles of estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone in SUD. In particular, estradiol elevates and progesterone reduces dopaminergic activity in SUD females, whilst testosterone and progesterone augment SUD behavior in males. Finally, SUD is associated with a sex-specific increase in the rate of opioid and monoaminergic gene methylation. The study reveals the need for detailed research on gonadal hormone levels, dopaminergic or reward system activity, and epigenetic landscapes in both sexes for efficient SUD therapy development. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Estradiol-dependent axogenesis and Ngn3 expression are determined by XY sex chromosome complement in hypothalamic neurons

Hypothalamic neurons show sex differences in neuritogenesis, female neurons have longer axons and higher levels of the neuritogenic factor neurogenin 3 (Ngn3) than male neurons in vitro. Moreover, the effect of 17-β-estradiol (E2) on axonal growth and Ngn3 expression is only found in male-derived neurons. To investigate whether sex chromosomes regulate these early sex differences in neuritogenesis by regulating the E2 effect on Ngn3, we evaluated the growth and differentiation of hypothalamic neurons derived from the “four core genotypes” mouse model, in which the factors of “gonadal sex” and “sex chromosome complement” are dissociated. We showed that sex differences in neurite outgrowth are determined by sex chromosome complement (XX > XY). Moreover, E2 increased the mRNA expression of Ngn3 and axonal length only in XY neurons. ERα/β expressions are regulated by sex chromosome complement; however, E2-effect on Ngn3 expression in XY neurons was only fully reproduced by PPT, a specific ligand of ERα, and prevented by MPP, a specific antagonist of ERα. Together our data indicate that sex chromosomes regulate early development of hypothalamic neurons by orchestrating not only sex differences in neuritogenesis, but also regulating the effect of E2 on Ngn3 expression through activation of ERα in hypothalamic neurons.Fil: Cisternas, Carla Daniela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; ArgentinaFil: Cabrera Zapata, Lucas Ezequiel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; ArgentinaFil: Mir, Franco Rafael. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; ArgentinaFil: Scerbo, María Julia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; ArgentinaFil: Arevalo, María Angeles. Instituto de Salud Carlos Iii (isciii); EspañaFil: García-Segura, Luis Miguel. Instituto de Salud Carlos Iii (isciii); EspañaFil: Cambiasso, Maria Julia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; Argentin

Formin1 Mediates the Induction of Dendritogenesis and Synaptogenesis by Neurogenin3 in Mouse Hippocampal Neurons

Neurogenin3, a proneural transcription factor controlled by Notch receptor, has been recently shown to regulate dendritogenesis and synaptogenesis in mouse hippocampal neurons. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in these actions of Ngn3. We have used a microarray analysis to identify Ngn3 regulated genes related with cytoskeleton dynamics. One of such genes is Fmn1, whose protein, Formin1, is associated with actin and microtubule cytoskeleton. Overexpression of the Fmn1 isoform-Ib in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons induced an increase in the number of primary dendrites and in the number of glutamatergic synaptic inputs at 4 days in vitro. The same changes were provoked by overexpression of Ngn3. In addition downregulation of Fmn1 by the use of Fmn1-siRNAs impaired such morphological and synaptic changes induced by Ngn3 overexpression in neurons. These results reveal a previously unknown involvement of Formin1 in dendritogenesis and synaptogenesis and indicate that this protein is a key component of the Ngn3 signaling pathway that controls neuronal differentiation

Research Priorities for Neglected Infectious Diseases in Latin America and the Caribbean Region

Dujardin, J. C. et al. 5 p.-1 tab.Global priorities for research in neglected infectious diseases (NIDs) can be assessed in different ways, but it is important to realize that regional priorities may significantly differ one from another. The region of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is—along with Africa and Asia—more affected by NIDs than other regions of the world. Some of the Latin American NIDs are common to other continents, while others are very specific or disproportionately affect the Latin American region [1– 3] (Table 1). Because of its huge ecological diversity, ongoing environmental changes, and massive migrations, LAC is also a catalyst for the (re-)emergence and spreading of NIDs, both inside and outside the subcontinent. Following a colloquium on NIDs in LAC held in Lima, Peru, between 12 and 14 November 2009, a thematic workshop was organized with the support of the European Commission (EC). It involved 29 scientists (16 from the Americas, two from the Democratic Republic of Congo and India, respectively, and nine from Europe) working on different NIDs and representing several research areas from basic to applied. This report summarizes the consensus comments of the expert group after oral and written consultation. It is envisaged that this document should stimulate a debate within the scientific community and serve as a recommendation for future actions by international or regional funding agencies in the area of NIDs in LACThis work was supported by the Directorate-General for Development Cooperation of the Belgian Government (framework agreement 03, project 95502) and the European CommissionPeer reviewe

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

DIFERENCIAS SEXUALES Y REGULACIÓN DE LA RUTA DE NOTCH POR IGF-1 DURANTE LA GLIOSIS REACTIVA

Tesis doctoral inédita leída en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biología Molecular. Fecha de lectura: 23-03-2015Glial cells are responsible of homeostasis maintenance in the central nervous system (CNS). When facing a harmful stimulus in the CNS, glial cells generate a spatiotemporally organized response, known as reactive gliosis, which main objective is to protect endangered or stressed cells. However, and given that reactive gliosis also implies inflammatory processes, its fine regulation is essential to prevent the chronification of neuroinflammation. Chronic inflammation in the CNS underlies as the main characteristic of several neurodegenerative diseases, in which sex differences in their incidence or progression have been detected. In the first part of the present work sex differences in reactive gliosis were studied, given their possible role in the generation of sex differences in neuroinflammatory or neurodegenerative diseases. In the cortical stab wound injury model no sex differences were found in the number or reactive status of astroglia, but astrocytes from males expressed CCL2 (involved in immune cells recruitment and glial reactivity) in a higher frequency than astrocytes from females. In the closest area to the wound edge males presented more microglial cells than females and those cells from males displayed a more neuroprotective-biased profile than microglia from females. These differences in the glial response to the injury were accompanied by a higher neuronal survival in males than in females. In order to deeply analyze the molecular causes of sex differences in glial response, an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced astrogliosis was used. In that model, we studied the Notch signaling pathway regulation by LPS and by different neuroprotective hormones, such as estrogens, progesterone and the insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1). LPS downregulated the Notch signaling pathway, acting through two different molecular mechanisms. These effects were completely reverted by IGF-1, whereas estrogenic compounds were only able to revert part of them. Notch pathway is not involved in proinflammatory cytokines production, nor in the morphological changes, neither in the proliferative effects of astrocytes exposed to LPS Las células de glía son las encargadas del mantenimiento de la homeostasis en el sistema nervioso central (SNC). Ante un estímulo lesivo, estas células emiten una respuesta organizada espaciotemporalmente, conocida como gliosis reactiva, cuya función principal es la protección de las células en riesgo. Sin embargo, la gliosis reactiva también incluye procesos inflamatorios, por lo que su regulación fina es imprescindible para evitar la cronificación de la neuroinflamación. La inflamación crónica del SNC subyace como principal característica de muchas enfermedades neurodegenerativas, en las que se han detectado diferencias sexuales en incidencia y progresión. En la primera parte de este trabajo estudiamos las diferencias sexuales en la gliosis reactiva, como posible factor relevante en la génesis de las diferencias sexuales en las enfermedades neuroinflamatorias y/o neurodegenerativas. En un modelo de lesión cortical penetrante no se encontraron diferencias en el número o reactividad de la astroglía; pero los astrocitos de machos expresaban en mayor proporción CCL2, proteína que regula el reclutamiento de células del sistema inmunológico y la reactividad glial. En la zona más próxima a la lesión los machos mostraban una mayor cantidad de células de microglía, y con características propias de un perfil más neuroprotector (menos proinflamatorio) que la microglía de hembras. Estas diferencias en la zona próxima a la lesión fueron acompañadas de una mayor supervivencia neuronal en machos que en hembras. Con el objetivo de profundizar en las causas moleculares de las diferencias sexuales en la respuesta glial se empleó un modelo de astrogliosis in vitro inducida por el lipopolisacárido bacteriano (LPS). En dicho modelo se estudió la regulación de la ruta de Notch por parte del LPS, y de diversas hormonas con funciones neuroprotectoras como los compuestos estrogénicos, la progesterona y el factor de crecimiento insulínico tipo 1 (IGF-1). El LPS redujo la actividad de la ruta de Notch mediante dos mecanismos moleculares distintos; el IGF-1 revirtió totalmente, y los compuestos estrogénicos parcialmente, los efectos del LPS sobre la ruta. Dicha ruta no media la producción de citoquinas proinflamatorias, ni los cambios morfológicos, ni la proliferación de los astrocitos expuestos al estímulo inflamatori