NR1、NR2A与PSD-95在生后大鼠海马发育中的表达

目的:探讨N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸受体亚单位1(N-methy1-D-aspartate receptor subunit1,NR1)、N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸受体亚单位2A(N-methy1-D-aspartate receptor subunit2A,NR2A)与突触后密度蛋白-95(Postsynapticdensity protein 95,PSD-95)在Wistar大鼠海马生后发育过程中的表达。方法:应用免疫荧光染色方法检测NR1、NR2A与PSD-95在生后不同时期大鼠海马CA1、CA3区和齿状回(DG)中的表达情况。结果:NR1于生后各期海马CA1、CA3区和DG的表达均增强,P14~P21达高峰期后减弱。NR2A于生后在海马CA1和CA3区的表达略有减弱,P4后增强至高峰期P14,然后轻微减弱,在DG中NR2A的表达生后略有减弱,P4后在增强的趋势中于P7、P14和P28后均有不同程度的减弱,高峰期在P28。PSD-95于生后各期海马CA1、CA3区和DG的表达均增强,P21~P28达高峰期后轻微减弱。结论:NR1、NR2A和PSD-95在CA1、CA3区和DG中的表达具有特异的时空分布模式,此模式可能与其在生后发育中发挥的不同生理功能相关。     

髓鞘形成相关NMDA-R亚基在精神分裂症小鼠模型中的变化

目的:探讨髓鞘形成相关N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸受体(NMDA-R)亚基在MK-801诱导的精神分裂症小鼠模型大脑中的变化。方法:35只雄性C57BL/6J小鼠,随机分为:对照组(control)和地卓西平马来酸盐处理组(MK-801),利用旷场实验、探孔实验及高架十字迷宫检测小鼠行为学改变,免疫荧光染色观察小鼠大脑NMDAR亚基NR1的表达,real time RT-PCR检测髓鞘形成相关NMDA-R亚基NR1、NR2C和NR3A mRNA的表达。结果:与对照组小鼠相比,MK-801处理组在旷场内10 min总运动路程较对照组显著增加;3 min及5 min内探孔次数较对照组显著降低;模型组小鼠在开臂内停留总时间较对照组显著降低。NR1在小鼠神经细胞胞膜、轴突周围和髓鞘部位均有表达。大脑皮层、海马内的NMDA-R亚基NR1,NR2C及NR3A mRNA的表达在两组间均无显著差异;胼胝体区域NR1和NR2C mRNA表达在两组间同样无显著差异;但相较于对照组,MK-801慢性给药组小鼠胼胝体区域NMDA-R亚基NR3A mRNA表达显著上调。结论:NMDA-R在少突胶质细胞、髓鞘等部位确有表达;胼胝体部位NR3A亚基上调可能在MK-801诱导的精神分裂症中发挥作用。     

N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunit expression in adult and adolescent brain following chronic ethanol exposure

Substantial evidence suggests that glutamatergic neurotransmission is a critical mediator of the experience-dependent synaptic plasticity that may underlie alcohol dependence. Substance abuse typically begins in adolescence; therefore, the impact of alcohol on glutamatergic systems during this critical time in brain development is of particular importance. The N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is involved in developmental mechanisms underlying neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis and as such may be a target system for alcohol effects during adolescence. In the present study quantitative biochemical determinations were made of the relative abundance of different protein expressions of NMDAR subunits in adolescents and adults after 2 weeks of ethanol vapor exposure, and 24 h and 2 weeks following withdrawal. After 2 weeks of ethanol vapor exposure N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor NR1 subunit (NR1), N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor NR2A subunit (NR2A), and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor NR2B subunit (NR2B) subunit expression was found to be increased in hippocampus of the adults. In contrast, 2 weeks of ethanol exposure resulted in no significant changes in NR1 and NR2B subunits and a reduction NR2A subunit expression in hippocampus in adolescents. Twenty-four h and 2 weeks following withdrawal from ethanol vapor NR1 and NR2A subunit expression in hippocampus was decreased in adolescents, whereas in adults it had returned to control levels. In frontal cortex, 2 weeks of chronic ethanol exposure produced decreases in NR1 subunit expression in both adults and adolescents but also produced decreases in NR2A and NR2B subunit expression in adults that returned or exceeded control levels by 2 weeks following withdrawal from ethanol vapor. These results demonstrate that NMDAR subunit composition can be modulated differentially between adolescents and adults by chronic ethanol exposure and withdrawal. These developmental differences in NMDAR subunits composition may also be associated with the enhanced vulnerability of the adolescent brain to ethanol dependence.     

Identical NR5A1 Missense Mutations in Two Unrelated 46,XX Individuals with Testicular Tissues

The role of monogenic mutations in the development of 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular disorders of sex development (DSD) remains speculative. Although mutations in NR5A1 are known to cause 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis and 46,XX ovarian insufficiency, such mutations have not been implicated in testicular development of 46,XX gonads. Here, we identified identical NR5A1 mutations in two unrelated Japanese patients with 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD. The p.Arg92Trp mutation was absent from the clinically normal mothers and from 200 unaffected Japanese individuals. In silico analyses scored p.Arg92Trp as probably pathogenic. In vitro assays demonstrated that compared with wild‐type NR5A1, the mutant protein was less sensitive to NR0B1‐induced suppression on the SOX9 enhancer element. Other sequence variants found in the patients were unlikely to be associated with the phenotype. The results raise the possibility that specific mutations in NR5A1 underlie testicular development in genetic females.     

Haplotypes of the NR4A2/NURR1 gene and cardiovascular disease: The Rotterdam Study

Nuclear receptor subfamily 4, group A, member 2 (NR4A2, also called Nurr1) has lately become of interest with regard to atherogenesis. We examined the association between common variation in the NR4A2 gene and cardiovascular disease in the Rotterdam Study, a prospective population‐based study among persons aged ≥55 years. Three SNPs that tag common haplotypes across a 36‐kb region surrounding the NR4A2 gene were determined. Four haplotypes with frequencies >1% covered 96% of the genetic variation. In 5,650 participants without history of coronary heart disease, 729 coronary heart disease events occurred during a median follow‐up time of 11.9 years. NR4A2 haplotypes were neither associated with coronary events nor with intima‐media thickness (IMT), carotid plaques, or ankle‐arm index (AAI). NR4A2 haplotypes showed a tendency toward associations with aortic and coronary calcification (haplo.score global simulation P values 0.076 and 0.075, respectively), which seemed to be based on haplotype 2 (individual P values were both P=0.015). Furthermore, NR4A2 haplotype 3 was associated with higher high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and haplotype 4 with lower systolic blood pressure. In conclusion, NR4A2/NURR1 haplotypes were not associated with coronary events, carotid IMT, carotid plaques, or AAI. There was a tendency toward associations with aortic calcification and coronary calcification. Associations for NR4A2 were found with both HDL levels and blood pressure. It remains to be investigated which pathophysiological mechanisms pertain to NR4A2 function in cardiovascular disease. Hum Mutat 0, 1–7, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Immunocytochemical study of NR1, NR2A and NR2B subunits of NMDA receptor in frog retina (Rana ridibunda)

The NMDA receptors are ionotropic glutamate receptors that are involved in a variety of functions in the nervous system and in particular in the retina. They are composed of NR1 and NR2 subunits. The NMDA receptors have been fairly well studied in the retina of mammals, however, there is only limited information concerning these receptors in the retinas of lower vertebrates. The aim of the present study was to investigate immunocytochemically the NR1, NR2A and NR2B subunits of the NMDA receptors in the frog retina. Six primary antibodies were used. Three of them were directed to different splice variants of the NR1 subunit and the remaining three variants directed to NR2 subunits. All antibodies showed well expressed labeling in the frog retina. The labels had a punctate character and were located mainly in the inner and the outer plexiform layers. The results obtained indicate that the NR1, NR2A and NR2B subunits of NMDA receptor may participate in the glutamatergic neurotransmission from photoreceptors to second order retinal neurons, as well as from bipolar cells to third order retinal neurons. It has been proposed that in the frog retina, several subtypes of NMDA receptors exist each involved with different functions.     

Functional characterization of five NR5A1 gene mutations found in patients with 46,XY disorders of sex development

Steroidogenic factor‐1 (SF1), encoded by the NR5A1 gene, is a key regulator of steroidogenesis and reproductive development. NR5A1 mutations described in 46,XY patients with disorders of sex development (DSD) can be associated with a range of conditions of phenotypes; however, the genotype–phenotype correlation remains elusive in many cases. In the present study, we describe the impact of five NR5A1 variants (three novel: p.Arg39Cys, p.Ser32Asn, and p.Lys396Argfs*34; and two previously described: p.Cys65Tyr and p.Cys247*) on protein function, identified in seven patients with 46,XY DSD. In vitro functional analyses demonstrate that NR5A1 mutations impair protein functions and result in the DSD phenotype observed in our patients. Missense mutations in the DNA binding domain and the frameshift mutation p.Lys396Argfs*34 lead to both, markedly affected transactivation assays, and loss of DNA binding, whereas the mutation p.Cys247* retained partial transactivation capacity and the ability to bind a consensus SF1 responsive element. SF1 acts in a dose‐dependent manner and regulates a cascade of genes involved in the sex determination and steroidogenesis, but in most cases reported so far, still lead to a sufficient adrenal steroidogenesis and function, just like in our cases, in which heterozygous mutations are associated to 46,XY DSD with intact adrenal steroid biosynthesis.     

Comprehensive sequence analysis of the NR5A1 gene encoding steroidogenic factor 1 in a large group of infertile males

The steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) protein, encoded by the NR5A1 gene, plays a central role in gonadal development and steroidogenesis. Mutations in NR5A1 were first described in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency and 46,XY disorders of sexual development and later also in men with hypospadias, bilateral anorchia and micropenis and women with primary ovarian insufficiency. Recently, heterozygous missense mutations were found in 4% of infertile men with unexplained reduced sperm counts living in France, but all mutation carriers were of non-Caucasian ancestry. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive NR5A1 sequence analysis in 488 well-characterised predominantly Caucasian patients with azoo- or severe oligozoospermia. Two-hundred-thirty-seven men with normal semen parameters were sequenced as controls. In addition to several synonymous variants of unclear pathogenicity, three heterozygous missense mutations predicted to be damaging to SF1 protein function were identified. The andrological phenotype in infertile but otherwise healthy mutation carriers seems variable. In conclusion, mutations altering SF1 protein function and causing spermatogenic failure are also found in men of German origin, but the prevalence seems markedly lower than in other populations.     

Immunolocalization of NR1, NR2A, and PSD-95 in rat hippocampal subregions during postnatal development

Although the expression of NMDARs and synaptic-associated proteins has been widely studied, the temporospatial distribution of NMDAR subunits and synaptic proteins in different hippocampal subregions during postnatal development still lacks detailed information, and the relationship between NR1 or NR2 subunits and PSD-95 family proteins is controversial. In this study, we used immunofluorescent staining to assess NR1 or NR2A and PSD-95 expressions and the relationship between them in CA1, CA3, and DG of rat hippocampus on postnatal (P) days: P0, P4, P7, P10, P14, P21, P28, P56. The results showed that from P0 to P56, NR1, NR2A, and PSD-95 expressions increased gradually, and the time points of their expression peak differed in CA1, CA3, and DG during postnatal development. Interestingly, although the expression of PSD-95 was positively correlated to both NR1 and NR2A, the NR1 and PSD-95 coexpressed puncta were greatest in CA3, while NR2A and PSD-95 coexpressed puncta were greatest in CA1, compared to other subregions. Surprisingly, at P21, among different strata of CA1, the area of highest expression of NR2A was dramatically changed from stratum pyramidale to stratum polymorphum and stratum moleculare, and returned to stratum pyramidale gradually on the later observed days again, indicating that P21 may be one critical timepoint during postnatal development in CA1. The specific temporospatial distribution pattern of NR1, NR2A, and PSD-95 might be related to the different physiological functions during postnatal development. Discovering the alteration of the relationship between PSD-95 and NMDAR subunits expression may be helpful for understanding mechanisms and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.     

The magnitude of hippocampal long term depression depends on the synaptic location of activated NR2-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors

Activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) is the first step in the induction of certain forms of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. In the adult rat hippocampus, NMDARs are composed almost exclusively of NR1 and NR2 subunits with NR1 subunits being mainly associated with either NR2A and/or NR2B subunits. The role played by the different subunits in synaptic plasticity is still controversial. In the present study, we used two different long term depression (LTD) -inducing protocols (electrical and chemical stimulation) to show that activation of NR2A-containing NMDAR subunits leads to the induction of LTD. We also demonstrated that extrasynaptic NR2B-containing NMDARs regulate the magnitude of LTD by exerting a control over the function of synaptic NR2A-containing NMDARs while having no effect on plasticity in the absence of synaptic receptor activation. Taken as a whole, these experiments demonstrate that NMDAR subunits play different roles according to their nature (NR2A or NR2B) and location (synaptic versus extrasynaptic). This sheds new light on the functional role of extrasynaptic NR2B containing-NMDARs. These results are particularly important for a better understanding of certain pathological disorders associated with glutamatergic overactivity.     

子宫非典型性息肉状腺肌瘤病理诊断及鉴别诊断

目的：探讨子宫非典型性息肉状腺肌瘤（APA）的临床病理特征及其鉴别诊断。方法：收集6例子宫非典型性息肉状腺肌瘤,综合分析其表现,并进行光镜观察。结果：患者年龄27－65岁,平均43．1岁。主要以阴道不规则出血和（或）不孕症为主诉。除1例部位不详外,2例发生在宫底,2例宫体下段,1例位于宫颈管内,光镜下表现为腺上皮呈不同程度的增生,并伴有一定异型性,1例出现鳞化灶,肿瘤间质可见增生的平滑肌组织,1例局部出现内膜间质的分化,1例部分区域间质水肿明显。1例镜下见肿物一部分为透明细胞癌,另一部分呈APA改变,两者之间有过渡,随访3个-11上,除继发透明细胞癌的老年患者术后16个月死亡外,其余均无复发。结论：子宫非典型性息肉状腺肌瘤应注意与高分化宫内膜样癌,宫内膜息肉,腺肌瘤等鉴别,其临床经过良好,但非典型性显著者,尤其是老年患者有继发内膜癌的可能性。     

NMDA receptor/amyloid precursor protein interactions: a comparison between wild-type and amyloid precursor protein mutations associated with familial Alzheimer's disease

Two recent reports showed that amyloid precursor protein (APP) may contribute to postsynaptic mechanisms via the regulation of the surface trafficking of excitatory N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Here we have investigated the interactions and surface trafficking of NR1-1a/NR2A and NR1-1a/NR2B NMDA receptor subtypes with three APP mutations linked to familial Alzheimer's disease, APP695(Indiana), APP695(London) and APP695(Swedish). Flag-tagged mutated APP695s were generated and shown to be expressed at equivalent levels to wild-type APP695 in mammalian cells. Each APP mutant co-precipitated with NR1-1a/NR2A and NR1-1a/NR2B receptors following co-expression in mammalian cells. Further, as found for wild-type APP695, each enhanced NMDA receptor surface expression with no concomitant increase in total NR1-1a, NR2A or NR2B subunit expression. Thus these three familial APP mutations behave as wild-type APP695 with respect to their association with assembled NMDA receptors and their APP695-enhanced receptor cell surface trafficking.     

Cytology of polypoid adenomyomas: a report of two cases

Uterine polypoid adenomyomas, both typical and atypical variants, often arise in the lower uterine segment or endocervical canal as pedunculated polypoid masses that may be accessible for cytologic sampling. However, their cytologic findings have rarely been described in the literature. Two women in their reproductive age presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding. The cervicovaginal smear of the first patient contained sheets and strips of reactive endocervical cells in an inflammatory background. In addition, loose aggregates of spindle-shaped smooth muscle cells were also noted. The findings were consistent with those of a typical polypoid adenomyoma. The cervicovaginal smears of the second patient consisted of tightly packed, crowded clusters of glandular cells which were initially interpreted as atypical glandular cells, suspicious of adenocarcinoma. In retrospect, loose aggregates of smooth muscle stromal cells were noted. Subsequent curettage revealed an atypical polypoid adenomyoma. The cytologic findings of typical polypoid adenomyoma were nonspecific except for the presence of loose aggregates of smooth muscle cells. The cytologic features of an atypical polypoid adenomyoma may mimic that of a neoplastic glandular process. The findings of tightly packed clusters of glandular cells and loose aggregate of bland-appearing smooth muscle cells in premenopausal patients may suggest the diagnosis of atypical polypoid adenomyoma. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2000;22:176-180.     

NR5A1 gene variants repress the ovarian‐specific WNT signaling pathway in 46,XX disorders of sex development patients

Several recent reports have described a missense variant in the gene NR5A1 (c.274C>T; p.Arg92Trp) in a significant number of 46,XX ovotesticular or testicular disorders of sex development (DSDs) cases. The affected residue falls within the DNA‐binding domain of the NR5A1 protein, however the exact mechanism by which it causes testicular development in 46,XX individuals remains unclear. We have screened a cohort of 26 patients with 46,XX (ovo)testicular DSD and identified three unrelated individuals with this NR5A1 variant (p.Arg92Trp), as well as one patient with a novel NR5A1 variant (c.779C>T; p.Ala260Val). We examined the functional effect of these changes, finding that while protein levels and localization were unaffected, variant NR5A1 proteins repress the WNT signaling pathway and have less ability to upregulate the anti‐testis gene NR0B1. These findings highlight how NR5A1 variants impact ovarian differentiation across multiple pathways, resulting in a switch from ovarian to testis development in genetic females.     

NR4A1 mediates NK-cell dysfunction in hepatocellular carcinoma via the IFN-γ/p-STAT1/IRF1 pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most fatal tumours worldwide and has a high recurrence rate. Nevertheless, the mechanism of HCC genesis remains partly unexplored, while the efficiency of HCC treatments remains limited. The present study analysed the expression of nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) in tumour-infiltrating natural killer (NK) cells derived from both human patients with HCC and tumour-bearing mouse models, as well as the features of NR4A1^high and NR4A1^low NK cells. In addition, knockout of NR4A1 by CRISPR/Cas9 and adoptive transfer experiments were applied to verify the function of NR4A1 in both tumour-infiltrating NK cells and anti-PD-1 therapy. The present study found that NR4A1 was significantly highly expressed in tumour-infiltrating NK cells, which mediated the dysfunction of tumour-infiltrating NK cells by regulating the IFN-γ/p-STAT1/IRF1 signalling pathway. Knockout of NR4A1 in NK cells not only restored the antitumour function of NK cells but also enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy. The present findings suggest a regulatory role of NR4A1 in the immune progress of NK cells against HCC, which may provide a new direction for immunotherapies of HCC.     

短暂性前脑缺血后大鼠海马各区NMDA受体亚单位NR2A和NR2B mRNA的表达变化

应用原位杂交组织化学和图像处理与分析的方法 ,观察短暂性前脑缺血 (15 m in)再灌注 (0 .5 h～ 7d)大鼠海马各区NR2 A和 NR2 B m RNA的表达变化 ,探讨二者在缺血性脑损伤中的作用。结果发现 ,缺血后 ,NR2 A和 NR2 B m RNA在海马各区呈现出一种相对一致的表达。在海马 CA1 区 ,NR2 A和 NR2 B m RNA的表达分别在缺血再灌 6h和 12 h降至低谷 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,然后表达开始回升 ,在缺血再灌 48h都升至高峰 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,之后表达再次下降 ,直至缺血后 7d(P<0 .0 5 ) ;在海马 CA3区 ,二者的表达变化规律与 CA1 区相似 ,不同的是表达变化的幅度明显减小。在齿状回 ,缺血后 0 .5 h～ 72 h,NR2 A和 NR2 B m RNA的表达未见显著性变化 ,72 h后表达开始下降 ,直至缺血后 7d(P<0 .0 5 )。以上结果提示 ,短暂性前脑缺血后 ,NR2 A和 NR2 B m R-NA在大鼠海马各区表达变化的模式不同 ,这种不同可能与海马的选择性易损现象和迟发性细胞死亡有关     

Synergistic interactions of dopamine D1 and glutamate NMDA receptors in rat hippocampus and prefrontal cortex: Involvement of ERK1/2 signaling

Interactions between dopamine and glutamate receptors are essential for the prefrontal cortical (PFC) and hippocampal cognitive functions. In order to understand the molecular basis of dopamine/glutamate interactions in rat PFC and hippocampus, we investigated (a) the effect of in vitro dopamine D1 receptor stimulation on glutamate N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunits' phosphorylation and (b) the signal transduction pathway underlying these interactions, by examining the involvement of D1–extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and D1/protein kinase A (PKA)/dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32 (DARPP-32) signaling pathways. Furthermore, we compared the D1/NMDA/AMPA receptor interactions seen in PFC and hippocampus with those appearing in striatum, in which the D1 receptors' density is the highest within the mammalian brain. Our results showed that stimulation of D1 receptor by the specific agonist SKF38393 (10 μM) in PFC and hippocampal slices significantly increased the phosphorylation state of NR1ser897 and NR2Bser1303 subunits of NMDA receptor and of the GLUR1 (ser831 and ser845) subunit of AMPA receptor, as well as of ERK1/2, but not of DARPP-32. Interestingly, co-stimulation of D1 and NMDA receptors with an ineffective dose of SKF38393 (2 μM) and NMDA (5 μM) respectively, elevated further the phosphorylation level of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits, as well as of ERK1/2, but not of DARPP-32. The D1- and D1/NMDA-induced phosphorylations were totally inhibited by SL327 (specific ERK1/2 inhibitor). Conversely, in striatal slices our data confirm that the D1-mediated phosphorylation of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits relies on D1/PKA/DARPP-32 signaling. In conclusion, in PFC and hippocampus: (a) a strong synergistic interaction of D1 and NMDA receptors exists, which results in a significant ERK1/2 pathway activation, (b) the D1 and the D1/NMDA receptor-induced phosphorylation of NMDA and AMPA receptor subunits seems to rely on ERK1/2 signaling and could to some extent underlie the enhancement of NMDA and AMPA receptor currents mediated by D1 receptor activation.