Neurosteroids in the Purkinje Cell: Biosynthesis, Mode of Action and Functional Significance

Neurosteroids are synthesized de novo from cholesterol in the brain. To understand neurosteroid action in the brain, data on the regio- and temporal-specific synthesis of neurosteroids are needed. Recently the Purkinje cell, an important cerebellar neuron, has been identified as a major site for neurosteroid formation in vertebrates. This is the first demonstration of de novo neuronal neurosteroidogenesis in the brain. Since this discovery, organizing actions of neurosteroids are becoming clear by the studies using the Purkinje cell as an excellent cellular model. In mammals, the Purkinje cell actively synthesizes progesterone and estradiol de novo from cholesterol during neonatal life. Both progesterone and estradiol promote dendritic growth, spinogenesis, and synaptogenesis via each cognate nuclear receptor in the developing Purkinje cell. Such organizing actions that may be mediated by neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), contribute to the formation of cerebellar neuronal circuit during neonatal life. Allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite, is also synthesized in the cerebellum and acts on Purkinje cell survival in the neonate. This review summarizes the advances made in our understanding of the biosynthesis, mode of action and functional significance of neurosteroids in the Purkinje cell.     

Biosynthesis and action of neurosteroids in the cerebellar Purkinje neuron

The brain is considered to be a target site of peripheral steroid hormones. In contrast to this classical concept, new findings over the past decade have established that the brain itself also synthesizes steroids de novo from cholesterol through mechanisms at least partly independent of peripheral steroidogenic glands. Such steroids synthesized de novo in the brain, as well as other areas of the nervous system, are called neurosteroids. To understand neurosteroid actions in the brain, we need data on the specific synthesis in particular sites of the brain at particular times. Therefore, our studies for this exciting area of brain research have focused on the biosynthesis and action of neurosteroids in the identified neurosteroidogenic cells underlying important brain functions. We have demonstrated that the Purkinje cell, a typical cerebellar neuron, is a major site for neurosteroid formation in the brain. This is the first observation of neuronal neurosteroidogenesis in the brain. Subsequently, genomic and nongenomic actions of neurosteroids have become clear by a series of our studies using an excellent Purkinje cellular model. On the basis of these findings, we summarize the advances made in our understanding of biosynthesis and action of neurosteroids in the cerebellar Purkinje cell.     

Progesterone as a neurosteroid: synthesis and actions in rat glial cellsProceedings of Xth International Congress on Hormonal Steroids, Quebec, Canada, 17–21 June 1998.

The central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are targets for steroid hormones where they regulate important neuronal functions. Some steroid hormones are synthesized within the nervous system, either de novo from cholesterol, or by the metabolism of precursors originating from the circulation, and they were termed ‘neurosteroids'. The sex steroid progesterone can also be considered as a neurosteroid since its synthesis was demonstrated in rat glial cell cultures of the CNS (oligodendrocytes and astrocytes) and of the PNS (Schwann cells). Both types of glial cells express steroid hormone receptors, ER, GR and PR. As in target tissue, e.g. the uterus, PR is estrogen-inducible in brain glial cell cultures. In the PNS, similar PR-induction could not be seen in pure Schwann cells derived from sciatic nerves. However, a significant PR-induction by estradiol was demonstrated in Schwann cells cocultured with dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and we will present evidence that neuronal signal(s) are required for this estrogen-mediated PR-induction. Progesterone has multiple effects on glial cells, it influences growth, differentiation and increases the expression of myelin-specific proteins in oligodendrocytes, and potentiates the formation of new myelin sheaths by Schwann cells in vivo. Progesterone and progesterone analogues also promotes myelination of DRG-Neurites in tissue culture, strongly suggesting a role for this neurosteroid in myelinating processes in the CNS and in the PNS.     

Neurosteroid biosynthesis in the quail brain: a review

The brain traditionally has been considered to be a target site of peripheral steroid hormones. In contrast to this classical concept, new findings over the past decade have shown that the brain itself also has the capability of forming steroids de novo, the so-called "neurosteroids". De novo neurosteroidogenesis in the brain from cholesterol is a conserved property of vertebrates. Our studies using the quail, as an excellent animal model, have demonstrated that the avian brain possesses cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta(5)-Delta(4)-isomerase (3beta-HSD), cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/c17,20-lyase (P450(17alpha,lyase)), 17beta-HSD, etc., and produces pregnenolone, progesterone, 3beta, 5beta-tetrahydroprogesterone, androstenedione, testosterone and estradiol from cholesterol. However, the biosynthetic pathway of neurosteroids in the avian brain from cholesterol may be still incomplete, because we recently found that the quail brain actively produces 7alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, a previously undescribed avian neurosteroid. This paper summarize the advances made in our understanding of biosynthesis of neurosteroids in the avian brain.     

Brain microglia express steroid-converting enzymes in the mouse

In the CNS, steroid hormones play a major role in the maintenance of brain homeostasis and it's response to injury. Since activated microglia are the pivotal immune cell involved in neurodegeneration, we investigated the possibility that microglia provide a discrete source for the metabolism of active steroid hormones. Using RT-PCR, our results showed that mouse microglia expressed mRNA for 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and steroid 5-reductase type 1, which are involved in the metabolism of androgens and estrogens. Microglia also expressed the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor and steroid acute regulatory protein; however, the enzymes required for de novo formation of progesterone and DHEA from cholesterol were not expressed. To test the function of these enzymes, primary microglia cultures were incubated with steroid precursors, DHEA and AD. Microglia preferentially produced delta-5 androgens (Adiol) from DHEA and 5-reduced androgens from AD. Adiol behaved as an effective estrogen receptor agonist in neuronal cells. Activation of microglia with pro-inflammatory factors, LPS and INFγ did not affect the enzymatic properties of these proteins. However, PBR ligands reduced TNF production signifying an immunomodulatory role for PBR. Collectively, our results suggest that microglia utilize steroid-converting enzymes and related proteins to influence inflammation and neurodegeneration within microenvironments of the brain.     

四倍体野生稻快速驯化: 启动人类新农业文明

通过人工选择优良遗传变异,将野生植物驯化为栽培作物,以满足人类对食物的需求,是人类发展历史中的重要事件,推动了人类文明的持续发展。随着世界人口持续增加,耕地面积不断减少,灾害性天气频发,全球粮食安全问题日趋严峻。基于作物驯化的分子机理及重要农艺性状的遗传基础,结合高通量基因组测序和高效基因组编辑技术,从头驯化野生植物,...     

Current challenges and solutions of de novo assembly

Background: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have fostered an unprecedented proliferation of high-throughput sequencing projects and a concomitant development of novel algorithms for the assembly of short reads. However, numerous technical or computational challenges in de novo assembly still remain, although many new ideas and solutions have been suggested to tackle the challenges in both experimental and computational settings.Results: In this review, we first briefly introduce some of the major challenges faced by NGS sequence assembly. Then, we analyze the characteristics of various sequencing platforms and their impact on assembly results. After that, we classify de novo assemblers according to their frameworks (overlap graph-based, de Bruijn graph-based and string graph-based), and introduce the characteristics of each assembly tool and their adaptation scene. Next, we introduce in detail the solutions to the main challenges of de novo assembly of next generation sequencing data, single-cell sequencing data and single molecule sequencing data. At last, we discuss the application of SMS long reads in solving problems encountered in NGS assembly.Conclusions: This review not only gives an overview of the latest methods and developments in assembly algorithms, but also provides guidelines to determine the optimal assembly algorithm for a given input sequencing data type.     

Regeneration of the central nervous system-principles from brain regeneration in adult zebrafish

Poor recovery of neuronal functions is one of the most common healthcare challenges for patients with different types of brain injuries and/or neurodegenerative diseases. Therapeutic interventions face two major challenges: (1) How to generate neurons de novo to replenish the neuronal loss caused by injuries or neurodegeneration (restorative neurogenesis) and (2) How to prevent or limit the secondary tissue damage caused by long-term accumulation of glial cells, including microglia, at injury site (glial scar). In contrast to mammals, zebrafish have extensive regenerative capacity in numerous vital organs, including the brain, thus making them a valuable model to improve the existing therapeutic approaches for human brain repair. In response to injuries to the central nervous system (CNS), zebrafish have developed specific mechanisms to promote the recovery of the lost tissue architecture and functionality of the damaged CNS. These mechanisms include the activation of a restorative neurogenic program in a specific set of glial cells (ependymoglia) and the resolution of both the glial scar and inflammation, thus enabling proper neuronal specification and survival. In this review, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the regenerative ability in the adult zebrafish brain and conclude with the potential applicability of these mechanisms in repair of the mammalian CNS.     

Neurosteroids: trophic effects in the nervous system]

Some steroids, named "neurostero?ds", can be synthesized from cholesterol within both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Thus, pregnenolone and progesterone persist in the brain and in peripheral nerves long after removal of the steroidogenic endocrine glands by castration and adrenalectomy. The role of neurosteroids during the development of the nervous system is not well known, although they are synthesized by glial cells and some populations of neurons already during embryonic life. Cell culture experiments suggest that neurosteroids may influence the survival and differentiation of neurons and glial cells. In the adult nervous system, neurosteroids play an important role during regeneration. Progesterone is indeed synthesized by Schwann cells in peripheral nerves, where it plays an important role in the formation of new myelin sheaths after lesion. This is the first demonstration of a vital role for a neurosteroid in the nervous system.     

Progesterone as a neuroactive neurosteroid, with special reference to the effect of progesterone on myelination

Some steroids are synthesized within the central and peripheral nervous system, mostly by glial cells. These are known as neurosteroids. In the brain, certain neurosteroids have been shown to act directly on membrane receptors for neurotransmitters. For example, progesterone inhibits the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, whereas its 3alpha,5alpha-reduced metabolite 3alpha, 5alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone (allopregnanolone) activates the type A gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor complex. Besides these effects, neurosteroids also regulate important glial functions, such as the synthesis of myelin proteins. Thus, in cultures of glial cells prepared from neonatal rat brain, progesterone increases the number of oligodendrocytes expressing the myelin basic protein (MBP) and the 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide-3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase). An important role for neurosteroids in myelin repair has been demonstrated in the rodent sciatic nerve, where progesterone and its direct precursor pregnenolone are synthesized by Schwann cells. After cryolesion of the male mouse sciatic nerve, blocking the local synthesis or action of progesterone impairs remyelination of the regenerating axons, whereas administration of progesterone to the lesion site promotes the formation of new myelin sheaths.     

Niemann-Pick type C disease involves disrupted neurosteroidogenesis and responds to allopregnanolone

Niemann-Pick type C (NP-C) disease is a fatal, autosomal recessive, childhood neurodegenerative disease. The NP-C mouse recapitulates the cholesterol and sphingolipid storage, onset of neurological deficits, histopathological lesions, Purkinje cell loss and early death typical of the most severe form of human NP-C. Neurosteroids, steroids made in the brain, affect neuronal growth and differentiation, and modulate neurotransmitter receptors. Disordered cholesterol trafficking might disrupt neurosteroidogenesis, thereby contributing to the NP-C phenotype. Here we show that NP-C mouse brain contains substantially less neurosteroid than wild-type brain and has an age-related decrease in the ability to synthesize 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone and allopregnanolone. Immunohistochemical assessment confirms a decrease in expression of 5alpha-reductase and 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, especially in cerebellum. Neonatal administration of allopregnanolone delays the onset of neurological symptoms, increases Purkinje and granule cell survival, reduces cortical GM2 and GM3 ganglioside accumulation and doubles the lifespan of NP-C mice. Earlier administration increases effectiveness of treatment. Decreased production of allopregnanolone apparently contributes to the pathology of NP-C; thus, neurosteroid treatment may be useful in ameliorating progression of the disease.     

Oncogene-transformed granulosa cells as a model system for the study of steroidogenic processes

Highly steroidogenic granulosa cell lines were established by transfection of primary granulosa cells from preovulatory follicles with SV40 DNA and Ha-ras oncogene. Progesterone production in these cells was enhanced to levels comparable to normal steroidogenic cells, by prolonged (> 12 h) stimulation with 8-Br-cAMP, forskolin and cholera toxin, which elevate intracellular cAMP. The steroidogenic capacity of individual lines correlated with the expression of the ras oncogene product (p21) and the morphology of the cells. Formation of the steroid hormones was associated with de novo synthesis of the mitochondrial cytochrome P450scc system proteins. Since cholesterol import into mitochondria is essential for steroidogenesis, the expression of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) and the sterol carrier protein 2 was characterized in these cells. The induction of the expression of the genes coding for both proteins appeared to be mediated, at least in part, by cAMP. Stimulation of the PBR by specific agonists enhanced progesterone production in these cells. The phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) dramatically suppressed the cAMP-induced steroidogenesis, in spite of enhanced intracellular cAMP levels, suggesting that TPA can modify the effects of cAMP. cAMP stimulation suppressed growth of transformed cells concomitantly with induction of steroidogenesis. The transformed cells lacked receptors for the native stimulants, the gonadotropic hormones. After transfection of the cells with a lutropin (LH) receptor expression plasmid, the LH and hCG response was reconstituted. In these newly established cell lines gonadotropins were able to stimulate the formation of cAMP and progesterone in a dose-dependent manner with an ED₅₀ characteristic of the native receptor. High doses caused desensitization to gonadotropins as observed in normal cells. These newly established oncogene-transformed granulosa cell lines can serve as a useful model to study inducible steroidogenesis and the effect of oncogene expression on this process.     

Characterization of pre-insertion loci of de novo L1 insertions

The human Long Interspersed Element-1 (LINE-1) and the Short Interspersed Element (SINE) Alu comprise 28% of the human genome. They share the same L1-encoded endonuclease for insertion, which recognizes an A+T-rich sequence. Under a simple model of insertion distribution, this nucleotide preference would lead to the prediction that the populations of both elements would be biased towards A+T-rich regions. Genomic L1 elements do show an A+T-rich bias. In contrast, Alu is biased towards G+C-rich regions when compared to the genome average. Several analyses have demonstrated that relatively recent insertions of both elements show less G+C content bias relative to older elements. We have analyzed the repetitive element and G+C composition of more than 100 pre-insertion loci derived from de novo L1 insertions in cultured human cancer cells, which should represent an evolutionarily unbiased set of insertions. An A+T-rich bias is observed in the 50 bp flanking the endonuclease target site, consistent with the known target site for the L1 endonuclease. The L1, Alu, and G+C content of 20 kb of the de novo pre-insertion loci shows a different set of biases than that observed for fixed L1s in the human genome. In contrast to the insertion sites of genomic L1s, the de novo L1 pre-insertion loci are relatively L1-poor, Alu-rich and G+C neutral. Finally, a statistically significant cluster of de novo L1 insertions was localized in the vicinity of the c-myc gene. These results suggest that the initial insertion preference of L1, while A+T-rich in the initial vicinity of the break site, can be influenced by the broader content of the flanking genomic region and have implications for understanding the dynamics of L1 and Alu distributions in the human genome.     

蛹虫草原基分化的差异蛋白质组学研究

蛹虫草子实体形成及发育的蛋白分子机制尚不清楚,本研究引入SWATH非标记定量蛋白质组学技术,对蛹虫草Cordyceps militaris 905菌株的菌丝体（mycelium,My）、原基（primordium,Po）、生长期子实体（developmental fruiting body,DF）和成熟期子实体（mature fruiting body,MF）进行了比较蛋白质组学分析。经搜库比对,从蛹虫草的My、Po、DF和MF中依次鉴定蛋白1 136个、1 090个、1 018个和997个（global FDR 1%）,经维恩分析后获得C. militaris 905蛹虫草表达蛋白1 578个。在此基础上,SWATH非标记技术定量蛋白1 109个。本研究获得了蛹虫草Po期与My期、DF期与Po期、MF期与DF期的差异表达蛋白,依次为115个、352个和104个,并对菌丝体分化形成原基的差异表达蛋白进行了重点解析。GO注释结果表明,Po期与My期差异表达蛋白以有机含氮类化合物代谢为主,其中AMP（活性成分虫草素合成的中间产物）从头生物合成途径富集最为显著。约1/5的差异表达蛋白参与氧化还原反应,还原酶活性的蛋白在原基中几乎都上调表达,而氧化功能的蛋白受到抑制,表明蛹虫草原基分化可能受到氧化应激的诱导。蛋白互作网络分析结果进一步表明,氧化还原反应与核苷类物质代谢相关联,可能通过影响AMP从头生物合成途径来调控虫草素的生物合成。对蛹虫草子实体系统的蛋白质组学研究和解析有利于揭示子实体形成的蛋白分子机制,为蛹虫草的基础和栽培研究提供了理论支撑。     

Mutation as an origin of genetic variability in Helicobacter pylori

The availability of two complete Helicobacter pylori genome sequences and recent studies of its population genetics have provided a detailed picture of genetic diversity in this important human gastric pathogen. It is believed that, in addition to genetic recombination, de novo mutation could have a role in generating the high level of genetic variation in H. pylori.