Mutation analysis of the human NR4A2 gene, an essential gene for midbrain dopaminergic neurogenesis, in schizophrenic patients.

Recent studies have revealed that an orphan receptor gene of the steroid/thyroid hormone nuclear receptor superfamily, the Nurr1 gene, is essential for the neurogenesis and differentiation of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain of mice. Transgenic mice lacking the Nurr1 gene soon die after birth and are devoid of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. Heterozygous mice survive postnatally without obvious locomotor deficits; however, they have increased vulnerability to dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). In view of the importance of dopamine neurotransmission in brain function, we were interested to know if the human homologous gene of murine Nurr1, the NR4A2 gene, may play a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. We systematically sequenced all the exons of the human NR4A2 gene to search for molecular variants in a cohort of Chinese schizophrenic patients from Taiwan. Two molecular variants were identified: a G-insertion in intron 6 (designated IVS6 + 17 [see text] + 18insG), and a G-deletion in the untranslated exon 1 (designated c.-469delG). The IVS6 + 17 [see text] + 18insG is a polymorphic one; further case control study, however, did not reveal association of this polymorphism with schizophrenia. The c.-469delG is a rare variant found in two unrelated patients among 177 schizophrenic patients, but not in 130 nonpsychotic controls. The result suggests that the c.-469delG and possibly other variants of the NR4A2 gene may be of relevance to the complex factors involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.     

Mutation analysis of the human NR4A2 gene,an essential gene for midbrain dopaminergic neurogenesis,in schizophrenic patients

Recent studies have revealed that an orphan receptor gene of the steroid/thyroid hormone nuclear receptor superfamily, the Nurr1 gene, is essential for the neurogenesis and differentiation of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain of mice. Transgenic mice lacking the Nurr1 gene soon die after birth and are devoid of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. Heterozygous mice survive postnatally without obvious locomotor deficits; however, they have increased vulnerability to dopaminergic neurotoxin 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). In view of the importance of dopamine neurotransmission in brain function, we were interested to know if the human homologous gene of murine Nurr1, the NR4A2 gene, may play a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. We systematically sequenced all the exons of the human NR4A2 gene to search for molecular variants in a cohort of Chinese schizophrenic patients from Taiwan. Two molecular variants were identified: a G‐insertion in intron 6 (designated IVS6 + 17～ + 18insG), and a G‐deletion in the untranslated exon 1 (designated c.‐469delG). The IVS6 + 17～ + 18insG is a polymorphic one; further case control study, however, did not reveal association of this polymorphism with schizophrenia. The c.‐469delG is a rare variant found in two unrelated patients among 177 schizophrenic patients, but not in 130 nonpsychotic controls. The result suggests that the c.‐469delG and possibly other variants of the NR4A2 gene may be of relevance to the complex factors involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Nuclear receptor NR4A2 IVS6 +18insG and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) V66M polymorphisms and risk of Taiwanese Parkinson's disease.

Both of environmental and genetic factors confer vulnerability to Parkinson's disease (PD). NR4A2 (Nurr1), a member of the steroid/thyroid hormone nuclear receptor superfamily, is essential for the neurogenesis and differentiation of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) deficiency may play a role in the pathogenesis of PD, as the surviving dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons have reduced levels of BDNF. This study examines whether BDNF V66M (c.196 G --> A) or NR4A2 IVS6 +18insG polymorphism is associated with the risk of Taiwanese PD and the age of onset using a case-control study. The genotype or allele frequency distribution of both BDNF V66M and NR4A2 IVS6 +18insG polymorphisms was not significantly different between the cases and the controls. Neither BDNF nor NR4A2 polymorphism influences PD onset age. Notably, after stratification by sex, female individuals carrying the NR4A2 2G/2G genotype demonstrated a trend toward significant decrease in risk of developing PD (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.25-0.96, P = 0.039). These results suggest that the NR4A2 IVS6 +18insG polymorphism may play a minor role in PD susceptibility among Taiwanese women.     

Mutation screening of the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR4 (GRM4) gene in patients with schizophrenia

Disturbances in glutamate function have been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. We searched for mutations in the exons of the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR4 (GRM4) gene on human chromosome 6p21.3 and evaluated associations between these polymorphisms with schizophrenia in Japanese patients. Nine nuclear variants of 450G > T, 1455T > C, 2202A > G, 2389G > A (Val797 > Ile797), 2890A > G, 3601C > T, 3639C > T, IVS4-36G > A, and IVS5 + 29(CCGGG)1-2, were found. The Val797Ile variant, although found in both the patient and control groups, was rare and the only variant that causes a non-synonymous amino acid change. There was no statistically significant association between any mGluR4 gene polymorphism and schizophrenia. Thus, this study did not provide evidence for the contribution of the mGluR4 gene to schizophrenia in the Japanese.     

Mutation analysis of the retinoid X receptor beta,nuclear‐related receptor 1, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha genes in schizophrenia and alcohol dependence: Possible haplotype association of nuclear‐related receptor 1 gene to alcohol dependence

Because retinoid cascades are involved in the regulation and development of the central nervous system, including dopaminergic neurons, retinoic acid signaling defects may contribute to schizophrenia and substances dependence. Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) form heterodimer complexes with nuclear‐related receptor 1 (NURR1) or with peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs). We examined 48 Japanese patients with schizophrenia and 32 patients with alcohol dependence to detect mutations in the retinoid X receptor beta gene (RXRB) on chromosome 6p21.3, the NURR1 gene (NR4A2) on chromosome 2q22–q23, and the PPAR alpha gene (PPARA) on chromosome 22q12.2–13.1. A Val95Ala polymorphism of the RXRB gene, a Val227Ala polymorphism in the PPARA gene, and two synonymous single‐nucleotide and CA repeat polymorphisms in the 5′ region and 3′ untranslated region of the NR4A2 gene were identified. Extended case control samples did not suggest an association between the diseases and the RXRB or PPARA polymorphisms. However, they revealed a significant association between the NR4A2 gene haplotype and alcohol dependence, indicating that 2q22–q23 including the NR4A2 gene locus is a possible genomic region contributing to genetic susceptibility to alcohol dependence. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The NR4A nuclear receptor family in eosinophils

It is well-known that many members of the family of nuclear receptors have been implicated in human diseases, and metabolic disorders in particular. The NR4A nuclear receptor family consists of three members, Nur77, Nurr1, and NOR1. All of these are orphan receptors, and Nur77 and NOR1 exert possible pathological roles in immune diseases through the modulation of leukocyte functions. CD30 stimulation, which induces eosinophil-specific apoptosis, markedly enhances expression of Nur77 and NOR1 in eosinophils. This suggests the possibility of pharmacological modulation of Nur77- or NOR1-specific apoptotic pathways via receptor-dependent transactivation. In this review, we discuss treatment of allergic diseases by low molecular weight compounds acting through the NR4A receptor family to cause eosinophil apoptosis. NR4A nuclear receptor genes were selected following comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed genes in eosinophils of atopic dermatitis patients compared with healthy volunteers.     

Mutation analysis of the retinoid X receptor beta, nuclear-related receptor 1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha genes in schizophrenia and alcohol dependence: possible haplotype association of nuclear-related receptor 1 gene to alcohol dependence

Because retinoid cascades are involved in the regulation and development of the central nervous system, including dopaminergic neurons, retinoic acid signaling defects may contribute to schizophrenia and substances dependence. Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) form heterodimer complexes with nuclear-related receptor 1 (NURR1) or with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). We examined 48 Japanese patients with schizophrenia and 32 patients with alcohol dependence to detect mutations in the retinoid X receptor beta gene (RXRB) on chromosome 6p21.3, the NURR1 gene (NR4A2) on chromosome 2q22-q23, and the PPAR alpha gene (PPARA) on chromosome 22q12.2-13.1. A Val95Ala polymorphism of the RXRB gene, a Val227Ala polymorphism in the PPARA gene, and two synonymous single-nucleotide and CA repeat polymorphisms in the 5' region and 3' untranslated region of the NR4A2 gene were identified. Extended case control samples did not suggest an association between the diseases and the RXRB or PPARA polymorphisms. However, they revealed a significant association between the NR4A2 gene haplotype and alcohol dependence, indicating that 2q22-q23 including the NR4A2 gene locus is a possible genomic region contributing to genetic susceptibility to alcohol dependence.     

Mutation analysis of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor NR1 subunit gene (GRIN1) in schizophrenia

Dysfunction of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type ionotropic glutamate receptors has been implicated in the etiology of schizophrenia based on psychotomimetic properties of the antagonist phencyclidine (PCP) and observation that mice expressing low levels of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor NR1 subunit exhibit behavioral alterations that may be ameliorated by neuroleptic drugs. Based on the hypothesis that some schizophrenic patients have functionally deficient mutation(s) of the gene encoding N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor NR1 subunit (GRIN1), we screened 48 Japanese patients with schizophrenia for mutations in the coding region of the GRIN1 gene. Four variants, IVS2-22T>C, IVS2-12G>A, IVS4-34C>T, and 1719G/A (Pro516Pro), were identified. No non-synonymous mutation was detected. No significant association was suggested by case-control comparisons. Results indicate that genomic variations of the GRIN1 gene are not likely to be involved substantially in the etiology of schizophrenia.     

Nurr1-RXR heterodimers mediate RXR ligand-induced signaling in neuronal cells

The retinoid X receptor (RXR) is essential as a common heterodimerization partner of several nuclear receptors (NRs). However, its function as a bona fide receptor for endogenous ligands has remained poorly understood. Such a role would depend on the existence of RXR activating ligands in vivo and on the ability of such ligands to influence relevant biological functions. Here we demonstrate the presence of endogenous RXR ligands in the embryonic central nervous system (CNS) and show that they can activate heterodimers formed between RXR and the orphan NR Nurr1 in vivo. Moreover, RXR ligands increase the number of surviving dopaminergic cells and other neurons in a process mediated by Nurr1-RXR heterodimers. These results provide evidence for a role of Nurr1 as a ligand-independent partner of RXR in its function as a bona fide ligand-activated NR. Finally, our findings identify RXR-Nurr1 heterodimers as a potential target in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease.     

NR4A orphan nuclear receptor family in peripheral blood eosinophils from patients with atopic dermatitis and apoptotic eosinophils in vitro

To identify novel genes related to the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis (AD), differentially expressed genes were sought in peripheral blood eosinophils from both AD patients and healthy volunteers. RNA was prepared from eosinophils, expression of various genes was monitored using the Affymetrix GeneChip, and expression was quantified by real-time RT-PCR. Two genes, Nur77 and NOR1, members of NR4A orphan nuclear receptor family, were expressed at a significantly higher level in AD patients than in healthy volunteers. Expression of another gene in the NR4A receptor family, Nurr1, was also higher in AD patients than in healthy volunteers. When peripheral blood leukocytes from healthy volunteers were fractionated, NOR1 expression was highest in eosinophils, but expression of Nur77 and Nurr1 genes was not eosinophil-specific. Extremely intense apoptosis was induced in both eosinophils and an eosinophil cell line, AML14.3D10, by treatment with antibody (Ab) to both CD30 and Fas. Rapid expression of the genes for the NR4A receptor family was observed with anti-CD30 Ab treatment but not with anti-Fas Ab. The NR4A orphan nuclear receptor family gene expression and the subsequent eosinophil apoptosis were downregulated by the MAPK inhibitor, U0126. These results suggest that the expression of the NR4A receptor family genes through CD30 signaling may regulate eosinophil apoptosis in allergic conditions such as AD.     

Nuclear receptors Nur77 and Nurr1 modulate mesenchymal stromal cell migration

Detailed understanding of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) migration is imperative for future cellular therapies. To identify genes involved in the process of MSC migration, we generated gene expression profiles of migrating and nonmigrating fetal bone marrow MSC (FBMSC). Only 12 genes showed differential expression in migrating versus nonmigrating FBMSC. The nuclear receptors Nur77 and Nurr1 showed the highest expression in migratory MSC. Nur77 and Nurr1 are members of NR4A nuclear orphan receptor family, and we found that their expression is rapidly increased upon exposure of FBMSC to the migratory stimuli stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB. Lentiviral expression of Nur77 or Nurr1 resulted in enhanced migration of FBMSC toward SDF-1α compared with mock-transduced FBMSC. Analysis of the cell cycle, known to be involved in MSC migration, revealed that expression of Nur77 and Nurr1 decreases the proportion of cells in S-phase compared with control cells. Further, gain-of-function experiments showed increased hepatocyte growth factor expression and interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 production in MSC. Despite the altered cytokine profile, FBMSC expressing Nur77 or Nurr1 maintained the capacity to inhibit T-cell proliferation in a mixed lymphocyte reaction. Our results demonstrate that Nur77 and Nurr1 promote FBMSC migration. Modulation of Nur77 and Nurr1 activity may therefore offer perspectives to enhance the migratory potential of FBMSC which may specifically regulate the local immune response.     

外源性Nurr1基因过表达对SK-N-SH细胞分化作用的研究

为研究外源性Nurr1基因过表达对转染细胞的作用,探讨Nurr1基因调控多巴胺能神经元分化的机制。本研究应用:(1)pBK- RSV -Nurr1质粒经脂质体法转染SK- N- SH细胞,G418筛选;用RT PCR和免疫细胞化学方法检测基因转染细胞Nurr1mRNA及Nurr1蛋白的表达; (2)all- trans- RA、9- cis- RA、forskolin诱导基因转染细胞,RT PCR及免疫荧光细胞化学方法检测基因转染细胞MAP2 和TH的表达。结果显示: (1)经RT -PCR检测,基因转染细胞表达Nurr1mRNA;免疫细胞化学染色结果显示基因转染细胞表达Nurr1蛋白,说明外源性Nurr1基因在转染细胞内过表达;基因转染细胞形态与正常细胞相比没有明显变化,生长速度略有降低并表达成熟神经元的特异性标识物MAP2,但不表达多巴胺能神经元的特异性标识物TH。(2)尽管RA、forskolin诱导可促进Nurr1基因转染的SK- N- SH细胞进一步向成熟神经元分化,但不能诱导基因转染细胞表达TH。结论:单纯的Nurr1过表达可以促进SK- N- SH细胞向成熟神经元方向分化,但不足以激活TH基因转录。TH基因的转录激活还需要除Nurr1以外的其它细胞(或神经元)的环境或因子的共同作用。     

P>核受体相关因子1基因过表达诱导神经干细胞分化为多巴胺能神经元/P>

目的 探讨核受体相关因子1（Nurr1）基因对大鼠中脑神经干细胞(NSCs)体外诱导分化为多巴胺能神经元的作用。方法 通过基因重组技术构建pEGFP-N1-Nurr1真核表达载体,用电穿孔法将重组质粒转染第3代NSCs,用荧光显微镜观察转染效率,免疫印迹法检测基因表达效果;并对转染后的NSCs进行体外分化培养3周,用免疫荧光双标技术检测酪氨酸羟化酶（TH）和微管相关蛋白-2（MAP-2）的表达。结果电穿孔法转染NSCs 48h后转染效率达35%,1周后免疫印迹法检测到Nurr1蛋白高表达,约为对照组的5倍;Nurr1基因转染的NSCs分化为TH阳性神经元的比率为15.45%,明显高于对照组,而MAP-2阳性神经元数量与对照组相似。结论Nurr1基因过表达可以诱导NSCs向TH阳性的多巴胺能神经元分化。