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Eva L Feldman

Publications and source records attributed to Eva L Feldman.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Differential regulation of insulin receptor substrate-1 degradation during mannitol and okadaic acid induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells.

Insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins are major docking molecules for the type I insulin like growth factor (IGF) receptor (IGF-IR) and mediate their effects on downstream signaling molecules. In this report, we investigated IRS-1 regulation during apoptosis in human neuroblastoma SH-EP cells. Treatment of SH-EP cells with mannitol or okadaic acid (OA) induces apoptosis with the typical characteristics of anoikis. Mannitol treatment results in IRS-1 degradation with concomitant appearance of smaller fragments, likely representing caspase cleavage products. In contrast OA-induced IRS-1 degradation is accompanied by a mobility shift in IRS-1, suggesting IRS-1 serine/threonine phosphorylation. Mannitol-induced, but not OA-induced, degradation is blocked by IGF-I. Pretreatment of the cells with caspase or proteasome inhibitors also partially blocks mannitol-induced IRS-1 degradation. These results suggest two independent pathways are involved in IRS-1 degradation; one pathway is dependent on caspase activation and is blocked by IGF-I, while a second pathway is caspase-independent and IGF-I-insensitive.

Apoptosis↗

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and Akt effectors mediate insulin-like growth factor-I neuroprotection in dorsal root ganglia neurons.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) protects neurons of the peripheral nervous system from apoptosis, but the underlying signaling pathways are not well understood. We studied IGF-I mediated signaling in embryonic dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. DRG neurons express IGF-I receptors (IGF-IR), and IGF-I activates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. High glucose exposure induces apoptosis, which is inhibited by IGF-I through the PI3K/Akt pathway. IGF-I stimulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway phosphorylates three known Akt effectors: the survival transcription factor cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) and the pro-apoptotic effector proteins glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) and forkhead (FKHR). IGF-I regulates survival at the nuclear level through accumulation of phospho-Akt in DRG neuronal nuclei, increased CREB-mediated transcription, and nuclear exclusion of FKHR. High glucose increases expression of the pro-apoptotic Bcl protein Bim (a transcriptional target of FKHR). However, IGF-I does not regulate Bim or anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL protein expression levels, which suggests that IGF-I neuroprotection is not through regulation of their expression. High glucose also induces loss of the initiator caspase-9 and increases caspase-3 cleavage, effects blocked by IGF-I. These data suggest that IGF-I prevents apoptosis in DRG neurons by regulating PI3K/Akt pathway effectors, including GSK-3beta, CREB, and FKHR, and by blocking caspase activation.

Animals↗

Insulin-like growth factor-I signaling in human neuroblastoma cells.

Neuroblastoma is a heterogeneous tumor consisting of N (neuronal) and S (stromal) cells. We report that more tumorigenic and motile N cells express higher levels of IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) than less tumorigenic, more adherent S cells. Shc, one of the two major docking partners of IGF-IR, is equally expressed in N and S cell lines. IGF-I treatment phosphorylates Shc in N cells, but only weakly activates Shc in S cells. Expression of the second partner, insulin receptor substrate (IRS), is cell type specific. S cells exclusively express IRS-1 that undergoes sustained phosphorylation by IGF-I. In contrast, N cells express IRS-2 that is transiently phosphorylated by IGF-I. Downstream of IRS-2 and Shc, IGF-I treatment results in strong activation of Akt and MAPK in N cells and activation of both pathways is required for IGF-I-mediated differentiation. Only IGF-IR activation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase is required for tumor edge ruffling in N and S cells, with stimulation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin. This detailed understanding of the 'biochemical signature' of N and S cells provides the background needed to target and disrupt specific IGF signaling pathways in an attempt to develop more effective therapies.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

Neuroinflammation, COX-2, and ALS--a dual role?

Although the root cause of many neurodegenerative diseases is unknown, neuroinflammation may play a key role in these types of disease, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In the context of neurodegeneration, it is unclear if the disease is propagated through inflammation, or whether in contrast, evidence of inflammation reflects an attempt to protect against further cellular injury. Inflammatory pathways involving the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and subsequent generation of prostaglandins are potential target sites for treatments to halt the progression of ALS. In the CNS, COX enzymes are localized to neurons, astrocytes, and microglia and can be induced under various conditions. In addition, there appears to be a dual role for the prostaglandin products of COX enzymes in the nervous system. Some prostaglandins promote the survival of neurons, while others promote apoptosis. In this review, the pathways of COX activity and prostaglandin production form the center of the debate regarding the dual nature of neuroinflammation. We will also discuss how this duality may affect future treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis↗

IGF-I prevents glutamate-induced motor neuron programmed cell death.

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is currently in clinical trials for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but little is known about how it promotes the survival of motor neurons. In the current study, we examined IGF-I-mediated neuroprotection in an in vitro model of ALS utilizing enriched cultures of embryonic rat spinal cord motor neurons. IGF-I binds to the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) in motor neurons and activates MAPK and the downstream effector of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K) signaling, Akt. IGF-I:IGF-IR signaling involves phosphorylation of IRS-1 and Shc, but not IRS-2. Glutamate, which is elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of ALS patients, induced DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 cleavage in the spinal cord motor neurons. These effects of glutamate were blocked by co-treatment with IGF-I. However, a delay of IGF-I treatment for as little as 30 min eliminated its neuroprotective effect. Finally, alone, neither the MAPK pathway inhibitor PD98059 nor the PI-3K inhibitor LY294002 blocked the neuroprotective effect of IGF-I, but both inhibitors together were effective in this regard. These results suggest that the dose and timing of IGF-I administration are critical for producing a neuroprotective effect, and also suggest that both the MAPK and PI-3K/Akt pathways can promote the survival of motor neurons. We discuss our results in terms of novel strategies for ALS therapy.

Animals↗

The role of growth factors in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy afflicts 60% of all diabetic patients. Underlying the clinical disorder is the loss or degeneration of neurons, Schwann cells, and neuronal fibers. This degenerative pathology has prompted interest in the potential of growth factors as a therapy in diabetic neuropathy. Three lines of evidence support the theory that growth factors may be important in this disorder: (1) endogenous growth factors promote survival and health of neurons, (2) expression levels of growth factors are altered in diabetic neuropathy and peripheral neuron injury, and (3) growth factors induce neuronal regeneration in in vitro and in vivo models of diabetic injury. This review surveys the roles of several growth factors in diabetic neuropathy, including the neurotrophins, insulin-like growth factors, cytokine-like growth factors, and vascular endothelial growth factor. These growth factors are examined in terms of their expression during peripheral nerve injury and their protective and regenerative effects on peripheral neurons. Growth factor-mediated neuroprotective signaling is discussed, particularly in relation to the recent research, suggesting that diabetic neuropathy-induced degeneration stems from oxidative stress. Finally, the potential of growth factors as therapeutic agents is addressed, including an assessment of past growth factor clinical trials and other potential avenues of growth factor therapy.

Animals↗

Oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy.

Oxidative stress results from a cell or tissue failing to detoxify the free radicals that are produced during metabolic activity. Diabetes is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia that produces dysregulation of cellular metabolism. This review explores the concept that diabetes overloads glucose metabolic pathways, resulting in excess free radical production and oxidative stress. Evidence is presented to support the idea that both chronic and acute hyperglycemia cause oxidative stress in the peripheral nervous system that can promote the development of diabetic neuropathy. Proteins that are damaged by oxidative stress have decreased biological activity leading to loss of energy metabolism, cell signaling, transport, and, ultimately, to cell death. Examination of the data from animal and cell culture models of diabetes, as well as clinical trials of antioxidants, strongly implicates hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in diabetic neuropathy. We conclude that striving for superior antioxidative therapies remains essential for the prevention of neuropathy in diabetic patients.

Animals↗

Adeno-associated viral-mediated insulin-like growth factor delivery protects motor neurons in vitro.

Recent work has demonstrated that adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated delivery of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) gene through retrograde axonal transport can prolong survival and delay disease onset in the superoxide dismutase mutant mouse model of motor neuron (MN) disease. The present experiment examines IGF-I gene transfer in vitro. Adenoviral and AAV vectors for IGF-I infect neurons triggering expression and secretion of biologically active IGF-I. AAV-mediated IGF-I expression in SH-SY5Y neurons protects both cells expressing the transgene, and bystanders without transgene expression from glutamate-induced apoptosis. Similarly, AAV-mediated IGF-I delivery in primary E15 MN culture provides a titer-dependent neuroprotection from glutamate-induced DNA fragmentation. Both infected and noninfected neurons are equally protected. These observations argue that vector-mediated IGF-I gene transfer induces secretion of active IGF-I that acts through direct effects on spinal cord MNs. This mechanism may explain the therapeutic effects observed in vivo despite relatively low affinity AAV spinal cord uptake.

Animals↗

In situ imaging of mitochondrial outer-membrane pores using atomic force microscopy.

Here we describe a technique for imaging of the outer contours of the mitochondrial membrane using atomic force microscopy, subsequent to or during a toxic or metabolic challenge. Pore formation in both glucose-challenged and 1,3-dinitrobenzene (DNB)-challenged mitochondria was observed using this technique. Our approach enables quantification of individual mitochondrial membrane pore formations. With this work, we have produced some of the highest resolution images of the outer contours of the in situ mitochondrial membrane published to date. These are potentially the first images of the component protein clusters at the time of formation of the mitochondrial membrane transition pore in situ. With the current work, we have extended the application of atomic force microscopy of mitochondrial membranes to fluid imaging. We have also begun to correlate 3-D surface features of mitochondria dotted with open membrane pores with features previously viewed with electron microscopy (EM) of fixed sections.

Animals↗

N-Myc overexpression leads to decreased beta1 integrin expression and increased apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells.

Neuroblastoma is a childhood tumor thought to arise through improper differentiation of neural crest cells. Increased N-Myc expression in neuroblastoma indicates highly malignant disease and poor patient prognosis. N-myc enhances cell growth, insulin-like growth factor type I receptor (IGF-IR) expression, and tumorigenicity in combination with Bcl-2. Despite these effects, N-Myc overexpression in SHEP neuroblastoma cells (SHEP/N-Myc cells) increases serum-withdrawal and mannitol-induced apoptosis. Although we have previously shown a protective effect of IGF-I in SHEP cells, in SHEP/N-Myc cells IGF-I rescue from mannitol-induced apoptosis is prevented. N-Myc overexpression has little effect on IGF-IR signaling pathways, but results in increased Akt phosphorylation when Bcl-2 is coexpressed. A loss of integrin-mediated adhesion promotes apoptosis in many systems. SHEP/N-Myc cells have dramatically less beta1 integrin expression than control cells, consistent with previous reports. beta1 integrin expression is decreased in more tumorigenic neuroblastoma cells lines, including IMR32 and SH-SY5Y cells. Reintroduction of beta1 integrin into the N-Myc-overexpressing cells prevents mannitol-mediated apoptosis. We speculate that N-Myc repression of beta1 integrin expression leads to a less differentiated phenotype, resulting in increased growth and tumorigenesis if properly supported or apoptosis if deprived of growth sustaining molecules.

Apoptosis↗

Adeno-associated viral vector gene expression in the adult rat spinal cord following remote vector delivery.

The current investigation tests whether adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAV) undergo remote delivery to the spinal cord via peripheral nerve injection as previously demonstrated with adenoviral vectors. The sciatic nerves of adult rats (n = 10) were injected with either an rAAV (rAAVCMV-lacZ) or adenoviral (AdCMV-lacZ) vector (1.4 x 10(7) particles/ml). After 21 days, the rAAV group demonstrated significantly higher spinal cord viral expression than the adenoviral group (P < 0.024). A second group of rats was injected with rAAV expressing the green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter gene. GFP was detected 21 days after unilateral sciatic nerve injection in the neurons of the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord. The codistribution of the viral genome and transgene in CNS neurons was confirmed with in situ hybridization. In summary, rAAV genes are expressed in CNS neurons following peripheral nerve injection at levels exceeding those seen following remote adenovirus injection.

Animals↗

Substrate patterning: an emerging technology for the study of neuronal behavior.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and cell-cell adhesion molecules (CAM) play important roles in neuronal development and differentiation. In the investigation of these roles, patterned substrates have proven to be a notably useful tool. Photolithographic and microprinting techniques can be used to make patterns of ECMs, CAMs, amino acids, and organofunctional groups for culturing neurons and other cell types. Experiments performed using these substrates have provided unique insights into the roles of cell-substratum adhesion, cell shape, and ECM composition on important cell functions, including survival, migration, neurite outgrowth, and development of polarity. Patterns may also be designed to localize cell bodies and confine their processes to predetermined areas of a substrate. Finally, the behavior of neurons on patterned substrates may prove helpful in the design of scaffoldings and nerve guides tailored for regeneration and repair of the nervous system.

Animals↗

Applying database technology to clinical and basic research bioinformatics projects.

This paper describes the application of database technology to medical information with the goal of providing medical and clinical researchers with the tools necessary to plan bioinformatics projects. Commercial database management systems were utilized, standard database design practices were applied, a user interface was created, data entered, and the development of analysis tools, including data mining technologies is underway. Databases were constructed based on animal and cell culture models of diabetes and clinical data. Bioinformatics is a useful tool in both basic research and clinical settings. The advantages of relational databases and an approach to managing bioinformatics projects are discussed.

Animals↗

Intraneural colchicine inhibition of adenoviral and adeno-associated viral vector remote spinal cord gene delivery.

OBJECTIVE: The mechanism of remote viral gene delivery to the spinal cord is unknown. The present experiment demonstrates that intraneural injection of colchicine is capable of inhibiting remote delivery of both adenoviral and adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, implicating axonal transport in this process. METHODS: The right sciatic nerves of adult Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (n = 5) or 10 (n = 7) or 100 (n = 4) microg colchicine. Two days later, the nerves of all animals were initially injected with 1.2 x 10(7) plaque-forming units of Ad5RSVntLac-Z. Two separate groups were injected concurrently with vector and PBS (n = 5) or 10 microg colchicine (n = 5). In a second experiment, the right sciatic nerves of CD1 mice were preinjected with PBS (n = 6) or 10 microg colchicine (n = 5). Two days later, the nerves were injected with rAAVCAG-EGFPwpre (an adeno-associated vector carrying the green fluorescent protein gene). In both experiments, sciatic nerves and spinal cords were removed and analyzed for gene expression. RESULTS: Sciatic nerve vector injection resulted in expression in both the nerve injection site and neuronal cell bodies located predominantly in the ipsilateral ventral horn. Analysis of variance revealed a significant treatment effect for 10 and 100 microg intraneural colchicine with inhibition of remote adenoviral delivery at 10 microg and blockade of remote delivery at 100 microg (P < 0.001). Colchicine injection concurrent with and before vector injection had similar inhibitory effects. Two-way analysis of variance revealed significant colchicine inhibition of remote delivery in both adenovirus- and AAV-injected animals (P < 0.003) but no dose-by-vector interaction, suggesting that both vectors are equally inhibited by colchicine. CONCLUSION: Colchicine inhibits remote spinal cord delivery of adeno-associated and adenoviral vectors in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that remote delivery is dependent on retrograde axonal transport.

Adenovirus E1 Proteins↗

Microvascular complications of impaired glucose tolerance.

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) serves as a marker for the state of insulin resistance and predicts both large- and small-vessel vascular complications, independent of a patient's progression to diabetes. Patients with IGT are at significantly increased risk for death and morbidity due to myocardial infarction, stroke, and large-vessel occlusive disease. IGT is more predictive of cardiovascular morbidity than impaired fasting glucose, probably because it is a better surrogate for the state of insulin resistance. IGT is also independently associated with traditional microvascular complications of diabetes, including retinopathy, renal disease, and polyneuropathy, which are the topics of this review. Inhibition of nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation, endothelial injury due to increased release of free fatty acids and adipocytokines from adipocytes, and direct metabolic injury of endothelial and end-organ cells contribute to vascular complications. Early detection of IGT allows intensive diet and exercise modification, which has proven significantly more effective than drug therapy in normalizing postprandial glucose and inhibiting progression to diabetes. To what degree intervention will limit recognized complications is not known.

Diabetic Nephropathies↗