1Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2004 Feb 101: 2191-6
PMID14769920
TitleCyclin-dependent kinase 5 regulates dopaminergic and glutamatergic transmission in the striatum.
AbstractDopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmissions in the striatum play an essential role in motor- and reward-related behaviors. Dysfunction of these neurotransmitter systems has been found in Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and drug addiction. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) negatively regulates postsynaptic signaling of dopamine in the striatum. This kinase also reduces the behavioral effects of cocaine. Here we demonstrate that, in addition to a postsynaptic role, CDK5 negatively regulates dopamine release in the striatum. Inhibitors of CDK5 increase evoked dopamine release in a way that is additive to that of cocaine. This presynaptic action of CDK5 also regulates glutamatergic transmission. Indeed, inhibition of CDK5 increases the activity and phosphorylation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, and these effects are reduced by a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist. Using mice with a point mutation of the CDK5 site of the postsynaptic protein DARPP-32 (dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein, molecular mass of 32 kDa), in the absence or in the presence of a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist, we provide evidence that CDK5 inhibitors potentiate dopaminergic transmission at both presynaptic and postsynaptic locations. These findings, together with the known ability of CDK5 inhibitors to prevent degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, suggest that this class of compounds could potentially be used as a novel treatment for disorders associated with dopamine deficiency, such as Parkinson's disease.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
2Eur. J. Neurosci. 2004 May 19: 2711-9
PMID15147305
TitleIncreased MAP kinase activity in Alzheimer's and Down syndrome but not in schizophrenia human brain.
AbstractAbnormal phosphorylation of tau is a feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which develops prematurely in Down syndrome (DS) patients. Cognitive impairment is also recognized as a clinical characteristic of schizophrenia, which does not appear to be associated with tau-aggregate formation. Several kinases can phosphorylate tau in cell-free assays. Here we show increased activity of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) (including ERK1/2, SAPKs and p38) in post mortem AD and DS brains, which could not be accounted for by expression changes. In contrast, glycogen synthase kinase-3 activity (GSK-3 alpha beta) was reduced significantly. Examination of tau in AD and DS using antibodies selective for MAPK phosphorylation sites showed increased immunoreactivity. In addition, phosphorylation of S(199), reportedly a selective substrate for cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (CDK5) or GSK-3 alpha beta was only observed in AD samples, which showed a concomitant increase in the expression of p25, the enhancing cofactor for CDK5 activity. However, in schizophrenia brain, MAPK-phosphorylated tau was unchanged compared to matched controls, despite similar expression levels to those in AD. The activities of the MAPKs and GSK-3 alpha beta were also unchanged. These data demonstrate that in AD and DS, enhanced MAPK activity, which has an established role in regulating neuronal plasticity and survival, can account for irregular tau phosphorylation, and that the molecular processes involved in these neurodegenerative disorders are distinct from those in schizophrenia. These data also question the significance of GSK-3 alpha beta, as much previous work carried out in vitro has placed this kinase as a favoured candidate for involvement in the pathological phosphorylation of tau.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
3J. Neurochem. 2006 Oct 99: 237-50
PMID16925597
TitlePhosphorylation of the tubulin-binding protein, stathmin, by Cdk5 and MAP kinases in the brain.
AbstractRegulation of cytoskeletal dynamics is essential to neuronal plasticity during development and adulthood. Dysregulation of these mechanisms may contribute to neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. The neuronal protein kinase, cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), is involved in multiple aspects of neuronal function, including regulation of cytoskeleton. A neuroproteomic search identified the tubulin-binding protein, stathmin, as a novel CDK5 substrate. Stathmin was phosphorylated by CDK5 in vitro at Ser25 and Ser38, previously identified as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p38 MAPKdelta sites. CDK5 predominantly phosphorylated Ser38, while MAPK and p38 MAPKdelta predominantly phosphorylated Ser25. Stathmin was phosphorylated at both sites in mouse brain, with higher levels in cortex and striatum. CDK5 knockout mice exhibited decreased phospho-Ser38 levels. During development, phospho-Ser25 and -Ser38 levels peaked at post-natal day 7, followed by reduction in total stathmin. Inhibition of protein phosphatases in striatal slices caused an increase in phospho-Ser25 and a decrease in total stathmin. Interestingly, the prefrontal cortex of schizophrenic patients had increased phospho-Ser25 levels. In contrast, total and phospho-Ser25 stoichiometries were decreased in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's patients. Thus, microtubule regulatory mechanisms involving the phosphorylation of stathmin may contribute to developmental synaptic pruning and structural plasticity, and may be involved in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
4Neuron 2010 Jul 67: 33-48
PMID20624590
TitleDixdc1 is a critical regulator of DISC1 and embryonic cortical development.
AbstractThe psychiatric illness risk gene Disrupted in schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) plays an important role in brain development; however, it is unclear how DISC1 is regulated during cortical development. Here, we report that DISC1 is regulated during embryonic neural progenitor proliferation and neuronal migration through an interaction with DIX domain containing-1 (Dixdc1), the third mammalian gene discovered to contain a Disheveled-Axin (DIX) domain. We determined that Dixdc1 functionally interacts with DISC1 to regulate neural progenitor proliferation by co-modulating Wnt-GSK3beta/beta-catenin signaling. However, DISC1 and Dixdc1 do not regulate migration via this pathway. During neuronal migration, we discovered that phosphorylation of Dixdc1 by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) facilitates its interaction with the DISC1-binding partner Ndel1. Furthermore, Dixdc1 phosphorylation and its interaction with DISC1/Ndel1 in vivo is required for neuronal migration. Together, these data reveal that Dixdc1 integrates DISC1 into Wnt-GSK3beta/beta-catenin-dependent and -independent signaling pathways during cortical development and further delineate how DISC1 contributes to neuropsychiatric disorders.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
5Front Behav Neurosci 2011 -1 5: 56
PMID21927600
TitleDARPP-32, Jack of All Trades? Master of Which?
AbstractDARPP-32 (PPP1R1B) was discovered as a substrate of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) enriched in dopamine-innervated brain areas. It is one of three related, PKA-regulated inhibitors of protein phosphatase-1 (PP1). These inhibitors seem to have appeared in early vertebrate ancestors, possibly Gnathostomes. DARPP-32 has additional important biochemical properties including inhibition of PKA when phosphorylated by CDK5 and regulation by casein kinases 1 and 2. It is highly enriched in specific neuronal populations, especially striatal medium-size spiny neurons. As PP1 inhibitor DARPP-32 amplifies and/or mediates many actions of PKA at the plasma membrane and in the cytoplasm, with a broad spectrum of potential targets and functions. DARPP-32 also undergoes a continuous and tightly regulated cytonuclear shuttling. This trafficking is controlled by phosphorylation of Ser-97, which is necessary for nuclear export. When phosphorylated on Thr-34 and dephosphorylated on Ser-97, DARPP-32 can inhibit PP1 in the nucleus and modulate signaling pathways involved in the regulation of chromatin response. Recent work with multiple transgenic and knockout mutant mice has allowed the dissection of DARPP-32 function in striato-nigral and striato-pallidal neurons. It is implicated in the action of therapeutic and abused psychoactive drugs, in prefrontal cortex function, and in sexual behavior. However, the contribution of DARPP-32 in human behavior remains poorly understood. Post-mortem studies in humans suggest possible alterations of DARPP-32 levels in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Genetic studies have revealed a polymorphism with possible association with psychological and psychopathological traits. In addition, a short isoform of DARPP-32, t-DARPP, plays a role in cancer, indicating additional signaling properties. Thus, DARPP-32 is a non-essential but tightly regulated signaling hub molecule which may improve the general performance of the neuronal circuits in which it is expressed.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
6Brain 2011 Aug 134: 2408-21
PMID21772061
TitleSchizophrenia is associated with dysregulation of a Cdk5 activator that regulates synaptic protein expression and cognition.
AbstractCyclin-dependent kinase 5 is activated by small subunits, of which p35 is the most abundant. The functions of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 signalling in cognition and cognitive disorders remains unclear. Here, we show that in schizophrenia, a disorder associated with impaired cognition, p35 expression is reduced in relevant brain regions. Additionally, the expression of septin 7 and OPA1, proteins downstream of truncated p35, is decreased in schizophrenia. Mimicking a reduction of p35 in heterozygous knockout mice is associated with cognitive endophenotypes. Furthermore, a reduction of p35 in mice results in protein changes similar to schizophrenia post-mortem brain. Hence, heterozygous p35 knockout mice model both cognitive endophenotypes and molecular changes reminiscent of schizophrenia. These changes correlate with reduced acetylation of the histone deacetylase 1 target site H3K18 in mice. This site has previously been shown to be affected by truncated p35. By restoring H3K18 acetylation with the clinically used specific histone deacetylase 1 inhibitor MS-275 both cognitive and molecular endophenotypes of schizophrenia can be rescued in p35 heterozygous knockout mice. In summary, we suggest that reduced p35 expression in schizophrenia has an impact on synaptic protein expression and cognition and that these deficits can be rescued, at least in part, by the inhibition of histone deacetylase 1.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
7Mol. Neurobiol. 2011 Jun 43: 180-91
PMID21271304
TitleCollapsin response mediator protein-2: an emerging pathologic feature and therapeutic target for neurodisease indications.
AbstractCollapsin response mediator protein-2 (DPYSL2 or CRMP2) is a multifunctional adaptor protein within the central nervous system. In the developing brain or cell cultures, CRMP2 performs structural and regulatory functions related to cytoskeletal dynamics, vesicle trafficking and synaptic physiology whereas CRMP2 functions in adult brain are still being elucidated. CRMP2 has been associated with several neuropathologic or psychiatric conditions including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and schizophrenia, either at the level of genetic polymorphisms; protein expression; post-translational modifications; or protein/protein interactions. In AD, CRMP2 is phosphorylated by glycogen synthase kinase-3? (GSK3?) and cyclin dependent protein kinase-5 (CDK5), the same kinases that act on tau protein in generating neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Phosphorylated CRMP2 collects in NFTs in association with the synaptic structure-regulating SRA1/WAVE1 (specifically Rac1-associated protein-1/WASP family verprolin-homologous protein-1) complex. This phenomenon could plausibly contribute to deficits in neural and synaptic structure that have been well documented in AD. This review discusses the essential biology of CRMP2 in the context of nascent data implicating CRMP2 perturbations as either a correlate of, or plausible contributor to, diverse neuropathologies. A discussion is made of recent findings that the atypical antidepressant tianeptine increases CRMP2 expression, whereas other, neuroactive small molecules including the epilepsy drug lacosamide and the natural brain metabolite lanthionine ketimine appear to bind CRMP2 directly with concomitant affects on neural structure. These findings constitute proofs-of-concept that pharmacological manipulation of CRMP2 is possible and hence, may offer new opportunities for therapy development against certain neurological diseases.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
8Neuropsychopharmacology 2012 Mar 37: 896-905
PMID22048463
TitleAbnormal activity of the MAPK- and cAMP-associated signaling pathways in frontal cortical areas in postmortem brain in schizophrenia.
AbstractRecent evidence suggests that schizophrenia may result from alterations of integration of signaling mediated by multiple neurotransmitter systems. Abnormalities of associated intracellular signaling pathways may contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Proteins and phospho-proteins comprising mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-associated signaling pathways may be abnormally expressed in the anterior cingulate (ACC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in schizophrenia. Using western blot analysis we examined proteins of the MAPK- and cAMP-associated pathways in these two brain regions. Postmortem samples were used from a well-characterized collection of elderly patients with schizophrenia (ACC=36, DLPFC=35) and a comparison (ACC=33, DLPFC=31) group. Near-infrared intensity of IR-dye labeled secondary antisera bound to targeted proteins of the MAPK- and cAMP-associated signaling pathways was measured using LiCor Odyssey imaging system. We found decreased expression of Rap2, JNK1, JNK2, PSD-95, and decreased phosphorylation of JNK1/2 at T183/Y185 and PSD-95 at S295 in the ACC in schizophrenia. In the DLPFC, we found increased expression of Rack1, Fyn, CDK5, and increased phosphorylation of PSD-95 at S295 and NR2B at Y1336. MAPK- and cAMP-associated molecules constitute ubiquitous intracellular signaling pathways that integrate extracellular stimuli, modify receptor expression and function, and regulate cell survival and neuroplasticity. These data suggest abnormal activity of the MAPK- and cAMP-associated pathways in frontal cortical areas in schizophrenia. These alterations may underlie the hypothesized hypoglutamatergic function in this illness. Together with previous findings, these data suggest that abnormalities of intracellular signaling pathways may contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
9Int. J. Neuropsychopharmacol. 2013 Apr 16: 683-9
PMID22964075
TitleCyclin-dependent kinase-5 and p35/p25 activators in schizophrenia and major depression prefrontal cortex: basal contents and effects of psychotropic medications.
AbstractCyclin-dependent kinase-5 (CDK5) and p35/p25 activators, interacting with the exocytotic machinery (e.g. munc18-1 and syntaxin-1A), play critical roles in neurosecretion. The basal status of CDK5/p35/p25 and the effect of psychotropic drugs (detected in blood/urine samples) were investigated in post-mortem prefrontal cortex (PFC)/Brodmann's area 9 of schizophrenia (SZ) and major depression (MD) subjects. In SZ (all subjects, n = 24), CDK5 and p35, but not p25, were reduced (-28 to -58%) compared to controls. In SZ antipsychotic-free (n = 12), activator p35 was decreased (-52%). In SZ antipsychotic-treated (n = 12), marked reductions of CDK5 (-47%), p35 (-76%) and p25 (-36%) were quantified. In MD (n = 13), including antidepressant-free/treated subgroups, CDK5, p35 and p25 were unaltered. In SZ (n = 24), CDK5, p35 or p25 correlated with munc18-1a, but not with syntaxin-1A. The results demonstrate reduced p35 basal content and down-regulation of CDK5/p35/p25 by antipsychotics in SZ. The suggested CDK5/munc18-1a functional interaction may lead to dysregulated neurosecretion in SZ PFC.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
10Nat. Chem. Biol. 2014 Jul 10: 590-7
PMID24880860
TitleCdk5 induces constitutive activation of 5-HT6 receptors to promote neurite growth.
AbstractThe serotonin6 receptor (5-HT6R) is a promising target for treating cognitive deficits of schizophrenia often linked to alterations of neuronal development. This receptor controls neurodevelopmental processes, but the signaling mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. Using a proteomic strategy, we show that 5-HT6Rs constitutively interact with cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5). Expression of 5-HT6Rs in NG108-15 cells induced neurite growth and expression of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels, two hallmarks of neuronal differentiation. 5-HT6R-elicited neurite growth was agonist independent and prevented by the 5-HT6R antagonist SB258585, which behaved as an inverse agonist. Moreover, it required receptor phosphorylation at Ser350 by CDK5 and Cdc42 activity. Supporting a role of native 5-HT6Rs in neuronal differentiation, neurite growth of primary neurons was reduced by SB258585, by silencing 5-HT6R expression or by mutating Ser350 into alanine. These results reveal a functional interplay between CDK5 and a G protein-coupled receptor to control neuronal differentiation.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
11Adv Gerontol 2015 -1 28: 228-47
PMID26856084
TitleGENETICS OF HUMAN AGE RELATED DISORDERS.
AbstractAging is an inevitable biological phenomenon. The incidence of age related disorders (ARDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, arthritis, dementia, osteoporosis, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases increase rapidly with aging. ARDs are becoming a key social and economic trouble for the world's elderly population (above 60 years), which is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050. Advancement in understanding of genetic associations, particularly through genome wide association studies (GWAS), has revealed a substantial contribution of genes to human aging and ARDs. In this review, we have focused on the recent understanding of the extent to which genetic predisposition may influence the aging process. Further analysis of the genetic association studies through pathway analysis several genes associated with multiple ARDs have been highlighted such as apolipoprotein E (APOE), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cadherin 13 (CDH13), CDK5 regulatory subunit associated protein 1 (CDKAL-1), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1), nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), indicating that these genes could play a pivotal role in ARD causation. These genes were found to be significantly enriched in Jak-STAT signalling pathway, asthma and allograft rejection. Further, interleukin-6 (IL-6), insulin (INS), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), estrogen receptor1 (ESR1), transforming growth factor, beta 1(TGFB1) and calmodulin 1 (CALM1) were found to be highly interconnected in network analysis. We believe that extensive research on the presence of common genetic variants among various ARDs may facilitate scientists to understand the biology behind ARDs causation.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
12J. Neurosci. 2015 Sep 35: 13148-59
PMID26400944
TitlePhosphorylation by PKA and Cdk5 Mediates the Early Effects of Synapsin III in Neuronal Morphological Maturation.
AbstractSynapsin III (SynIII) is a neuron-specific phosphoprotein that plays a unique role in neuronal development. SynIII is phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) at a highly conserved phosphorylation site and by cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (CDK5) at a newly described site. Although SynIII is known to be involved in axon elongation in vitro, the role of its phosphorylation by PKA and CDK5 in the modulation of this process is unknown. We expressed either wild-type (WT) or phosphorylation-site mutants of SynIII in primary SynIII knock-out (KO) mouse neurons at early stages of in vitro development. Whereas the neurite elongation phenotype of SynIII KO neurons was fully rescued by the expression of WT SynIII, the expression of nonphosphorylatable and pseudo-phosphorylated PKA mutants was ineffective. Also, the nonphosphorylatable CDK5 mutant was unable to rescue the neurite elongation phenotype of SynIII KO neurons. By contrast, the pseudo-phosphorylated mutant rescued the delay in neuronal maturation and axonal elongation, revealing a CDK5-dependent regulation of SynIII function. Interestingly, SynIII KO neurons also exhibited decreased survival that was fully rescued by the expression of WT SynIII, but not by its phosphorylation mutants, and was associated with increased activated caspase3 and altered tropomyosin receptor kinase B isoform expression. These results indicate that PKA and CDK5 phosphorylation is required for the physiological action of SynIII on axon specification and neurite outgrowth and that the expression of a functional SynIII is crucial for cell survival. Significance statement: Synapsin III is an atypical member of the synapsin family of synaptic vesicle-associated phosphoproteins that is precociously expressed in neurons and is downregulated afterward. Although experimental evidence suggests a specific role for Synapsin III in neuronal development, the molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. We found that Synapsin III plays a central role in early stages of neuronal development involving neuronal survival, polarization, and neuritic growth and that these effects are dependent on phosphorylation by cAMP-dependent protein kinase and cyclin-dependent protein kinase-5. These results explain the recently described neurodevelopmental defects in the migration and orientation of Synapsin III-depleted cortical neurons and support the potential association of Synapsin III with neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
13Front Neurosci 2015 -1 9: 526
PMID26834550
TitleThe Ever-Changing Morphology of Hippocampal Granule Neurons in Physiology and Pathology.
AbstractNewborn neurons are continuously added to the hippocampal dentate gyrus throughout adulthood. In this review, we analyze the maturational stages that newborn granule neurons go through, with a focus on their unique morphological features during each stage under both physiological and pathological circumstances. In addition, the influence of deleterious (such as schizophrenia, stress, Alzheimer's disease, seizures, stroke, inflammation, dietary deficiencies, or the consumption of drugs of abuse or toxic substances) and neuroprotective (physical exercise and environmental enrichment) stimuli on the maturation of these cells will be examined. Finally, the regulation of this process by proteins involved in neurodegenerative and neurological disorders such as Glycogen synthase kinase 3?, Disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC-1), Glucocorticoid receptor, pro-inflammatory mediators, Presenilin-1, Amyloid precursor protein, Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), among others, will be evaluated. Given the recently acquired relevance of the dendritic branch as a functional synaptic unit required for memory storage, a full understanding of the morphological alterations observed in newborn neurons may have important consequences for the prevention and treatment of the cognitive and affective alterations that evolve in conjunction with impaired adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
14J. Neurosci. 2015 Feb 35: 2372-83
PMID25673832
TitleLoss of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 from parvalbumin interneurons leads to hyperinhibition, decreased anxiety, and memory impairment.
AbstractPerturbations in fast-spiking parvalbumin (PV) interneurons are hypothesized to be a major component of various neuropsychiatric disorders; however, the mechanisms regulating PV interneurons remain mostly unknown. Recently, cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) has been shown to function as a major regulator of synaptic plasticity. Here, we demonstrate that genetic ablation of CDK5 in PV interneurons in mouse brain leads to an increase in GABAergic neurotransmission and impaired synaptic plasticity. PVCre;fCDK5 mice display a range of behavioral abnormalities, including decreased anxiety and memory impairment. Our results reveal a central role of CDK5 expressed in PV interneurons in gating inhibitory neurotransmission and underscore the importance of such regulation during behavioral tasks. Our findings suggest that CDK5 can be considered a promising therapeutic target in a variety of conditions attributed to inhibitory interneuronal dysfunction, such as epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
15Cereb. Cortex 2015 Apr 25: 991-1003
PMID24142862
TitleCdk5 phosphorylation of ErbB4 is required for tangential migration of cortical interneurons.
AbstractInterneuron dysfunction in humans is often associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism. Some of these disorders are believed to emerge during brain formation, at the time of interneuron specification, migration, and synapse formation. Here, using a mouse model and a host of histological and molecular biological techniques, we report that the signaling molecule cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), and its activator p35, control the tangential migration of interneurons toward and within the cerebral cortex by modulating the critical neurodevelopmental signaling pathway, ErbB4/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, that has been repeatedly linked to schizophrenia. This finding identifies CDK5 as a crucial signaling factor in cortical interneuron development in mammals.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
16Cereb. Cortex 2016 Mar 26: 967-76
PMID25404468
TitleCyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 Regulates Dendritic Spine Formation and Maintenance of Cortical Neuron in the Mouse Brain.
AbstractCyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) activity is dependent on its association with 1 of 2 neuron-specific activators, p35 or p39. CDK5 and its activators play an important role in brain development as well as higher functions like synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Reduction in p35 was reported in postmortem schizophrenia brain, in which reduced dendritic spine density was observed. Previous in vitro experiments have shown that CDK5 is involved in dendritic spine formation, although in vivo evidence is limited. We examined dendritic spine formation in inducible-p35 conditional knockout (p35 cKO); p39 KO mice. When we deleted the p35 gene either during early postnatal days or at adult stage, we observed reduced spine densities of layer V neurons in the cerebral cortex and CA1 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus. We further generated CA1-specific p35 conditional knockout (CA1-p35 cKO) mice and also CA1-p35 cKO; p39 KO mice in which have specific deletion of p35 in the CA1 region of hippocampus. We found a greater reduction in spine densities in CA1 pyramidal neurons in CA1-p35 cKO; p39 KO mice than in CA1-p35 cKO mice. These results indicate that dendritic spine formation and neuronal maintenance are dependent on CDK5 activity.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
17Mol. Neurobiol. 2016 Mar -1: -1
PMID26944284
TitleA Tale of the Good and Bad: Remodeling of the Microtubule Network in the Brain by Cdk5.
AbstractCDK5, a cyclin-dependent kinase family member, is a global orchestrator of neuronal cytoskeletal dynamics. During embryogenesis, CDK5 is indispensable for brain development. In adults, it is essential for numerous neuronal processes, including higher cognitive functions such as learning and memory formation, drug addiction, pain signaling, and long-term behavior changes through long-term potentiation and long-term depression, all of which rely on rapid alterations in the cytoskeleton. CDK5 activity becomes deregulated in various brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and ischemic stroke; these all result in profound remodeling of the neuronal cytoskeleton. This Commentary specifically focuses on the pleiotropic contribution of CDK5 in regulating neuronal microtubule remodeling. Because the vast majority of the physiological substrates of CDK5 are associated with the neuronal cytoskeleton, our emphasis is on the CDK5 substrates, such as CRMP2, stathmin, drebrin, dixdc1, axin, MAP2, MAP1B, doublecortin, kinesin-5, and tau, that have allowed to unravel the molecular mechanisms through which CDK5 exerts its divergent roles in regulating neuronal microtubule dynamics, both in healthy and disease states.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic
18Neuroscience 2016 Mar 316: 63-81
PMID26708747
TitleStathmin reduction and cytoskeleton rearrangement in rat nucleus accumbens in response to clozapine and risperidone treatment - Comparative proteomic study.
AbstractThe complex network of anatomical connections of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) makes it an interface responsible for the selection and integration of cognitive and affective information to modulate appetitive or aversively motivated behaviour. There is evidence for NAc dysfunction in schizophrenia. NAc also seems to be important for antipsychotic drug action, but the biochemical characteristics of drug-induced alterations within NAc remain incompletely characterized. In this study, a comprehensive proteomic analysis was performed to describe the differences in the mechanisms of action of clozapine (CLO) and risperidone (RIS) in the rat NAc. Both antipsychotics influenced the level of microtubule-regulating proteins, i.e., stathmin, and proteins of the collapsin response mediator protein family (CRMPs), and only CLO affected NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-2 and septin 6. Both antipsychotics induced changes in levels of other cytoskeleton-related proteins. CLO exclusively up-regulated proteins involved in neuroprotection, such as glutathione synthetase, heat-shock 70-kDa protein 8 and mitochondrial heat-shock protein 75. RIS tuned cell function by changing the pattern of post-translational modifications of some proteins: it down-regulated the phosphorylated forms of stathmin and dopamine and the cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32) isoform but up-regulated cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5). RIS modulated the level and phosphorylation state of synaptic proteins: synapsin-2, synaptotagmin-1 and adaptor-related protein-2 (AP-2) complex.
SCZ Keywordsschizophrenia, schizophrenic