Organogermanium suppresses cell death due to oxidative stress in normal human dermal fibroblasts.
Takeda T, Doiyama S, Azumi J, Shimada Y, Tokuji Y, Yamaguchi H, Nagata K, Sakamoto N, Aso H, Nakamura T
This study shows that a synthetic polymer called repagermanium protects human skin cells from oxidative stress damage by suppressing specific genes involved in cell death and inflammation. The protective mechanism does not involve direct antioxidant activity but rather gene regulation within dermal fibroblasts. This research is unrelated to NR4A2-related syndromes or neurological development.
- Repagermanium protects human skin cells from oxidative stress-induced death.
- The effect works by suppressing NR4A2 and inflammatory genes, not as an antioxidant.
- This research focuses on cosmetic skin protection, not neurological health.
- No connection to NR4A2-related syndromes or pediatric treatment exists.
Inducing Different Neuronal Subtypes from Astrocytes in the Injured Mouse Cerebral Cortex.
Mattugini N, Bocchi R, Scheuss V, Russo GL, Torper O, Lao CL, Götz M
Researchers successfully convert injured mouse brain astrocytes into functional neurons using specific genetic factors. This approach demonstrates that the location of the starting cell critically determines whether reprogramming can occur. The study provides a proof-of-concept for cellular reprogramming in the central nervous system.
- Combining Nurr1 with Neurogenin 2 efficiently reprograms mouse astrocytes into neurons.
- Reprogrammed neurons develop correct layer-specific features and long-distance axonal projections.
- Reprogramming fails completely in white matter regions, highlighting location-dependent barriers.
- Single proneural factors are insufficient for adequate neuronal conversion from astrocytes.
Human Trophoblast Differentiation Is Associated With Profound Gene Regulatory and Epigenetic Changes.
Kwak YT, Muralimanoharan S, Gogate AA, Mendelson CR
This study examines how placental cells change their gene activity during pregnancy to support the fetus. It finds that specific genes, including NR4A2 (NURR1), are turned off as these specialized cells mature. The research focuses entirely on placental biology and does not address brain development or neurological conditions.
- Placental cells undergo major genetic changes to support fetal growth.
- NR4A2 is downregulated during normal placental cell maturation.
- The study analyzes epigenetic marks in human placental tissue.
- Findings relate to preeclampsia, not neurological syndromes.
- No connection to NR4A2-related neurodevelopmental disorders is established.
Wnt1 silencing enhances neurotoxicity induced by paraquat and maneb in SH-SY5Y cells.
Huang C, Ma J, Li BX, Sun Y
Silencing the Wnt1 gene in human neuroblastoma cells increases their sensitivity to environmental toxins linked to Parkinson's disease. This suggests that reduced Wnt1 activity may contribute to the loss of dopamine-related proteins, mirroring effects seen with toxic exposure.
- Wnt1 silencing reduces NURR1 and tyrosine hydroxylase levels in SH-SY5Y cells.
- Reduced Wnt1 makes cells more vulnerable to paraquat and maneb toxicity.
- The study uses human cell lines, not animal models or clinical data.
- Findings link Wnt1 signaling to dopamine neuron development factors.
Genome-wide association scan for QTL and their positional candidate genes associated with internal organ traits in chickens.
Moreira GCM, Salvian M, Boschiero C, Cesar ASM, Reecy JM, Godoy TF, Ledur MC, Garrick D, Mourão GB, Coutinho LL
This study identified genetic regions and specific genes linked to internal organ development in chickens, including NR4A2, which plays a role in organ growth and function. The findings may help reduce metabolic disorders in poultry by guiding breeding strategies based on genetic markers.
- NR4A2 is among genes linked to organ development in chickens
- Genetic variations in NR4A2 may affect organ size and function
- Findings could inform breeding to reduce metabolic issues
- Some variants in NR4A2 are potentially harmful
- Results are from a large-scale genetic study in chickens
Low-dose ionizing radiation attenuates mast cell migration through suppression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression by Nr4a2.
Song CH, Joo HM, Han SH, Kim JI, Nam SY, Kim JY
Low-dose ionizing radiation suppresses mast cell migration by using the Nr4a2 protein to reduce levels of a chemical signal called MCP-1. This mechanism explains how radiation can dampen immune cell movement in laboratory settings.
- Radiation reduces mast cell movement by lowering MCP-1 production via Nr4a2.
- The study uses mouse mast cells, not human patients or brain tissue.
- Mast cells are immune cells, unrelated to the dopaminergic neurons affected in NR4A2 syndrome.
- No connection exists between this radiation mechanism and NR4A2-related neurodevelopmental symptoms.
Neuronal Trans-differentiation by Transcription Factors Ascl1 and Nurr1: Induction of a Dopaminergic Neurotransmitter Phenotype in Cortical GABAergic Neurons.
Raina A, Mahajani S, Bähr M, Kügler S
This study demonstrates that combining transcription factors Ascl1 and Nurr1 can convert existing GABAergic neurons into dopaminergic-like cells in rat brain tissue. The process is inefficient, yields low numbers of target cells, and causes cell death when applied to other neuron types.
- Ascl1 and Nurr1 together induce dopaminergic markers in embryonic rat GABAergic neurons.
- The conversion fails or kills glutamatergic neurons, showing strict dependency on initial cell type.
- Midbrain GABAergic neurons resist this specific reprogramming method.
- Yields are low and the process is neurotoxic for non-target cells.
Persistent effects on bovine granulosa cell transcriptome after resolution of uterine disease.
Piersanti RL, Horlock AD, Block J, Santos JEP, Sheldon IM, Bromfield JJ
Cows that had metritis, a uterine infection, still show lasting changes in gene activity in their egg-producing cells weeks after the infection cleared, suggesting the disease can disrupt fertility long-term through lasting molecular effects in the ovaries.
- Metritis leaves lasting changes in ovarian cell gene activity
- Genes linked to immunity and cell function are altered
- Changes persist even after infection resolves
- Infection-related molecules remain in follicular fluid
- These changes may explain reduced fertility
Characterization of spontaneous spheroids from oral mucosa-derived cells and their direct comparison with spheroids from skin-derived cells.
Li N, Li X, Chen K, Dong H, Kagami H
This study compares stem cells from oral mucosa and skin in mice, finding that oral-derived cells show higher expression of neuronal markers including Nurr1. The research demonstrates that oral mucosal cells are a viable source for generating neural tissue in laboratory settings. This work provides no clinical evidence or direct treatment implications for children with NR4A2-related syndromes.
- Oral mucosa-derived mouse cells form stem cell spheroids as effectively as skin-derived cells.
- Oral cells express higher levels of Nurr1 and other neuronal markers than skin cells.
- Both cell types can differentiate into neural and Schwann cells in laboratory conditions.
- The study uses only mouse models with no human participants or clinical data.
In Vivo Direct Reprogramming of Resident Glial Cells into Interneurons by Intracerebral Injection of Viral Vectors.
Pereira M, Birtele M, Rylander Ottosson D
Researchers successfully convert resident brain glial cells into functional interneurons using viral vectors carrying specific transcription factors. The reprogrammed cells mature over time, form synaptic connections, and exhibit electrophysiological properties of fast-spiking, parvalbumin-containing neurons.
- Viral vectors deliver reprogramming factors to convert glia into neurons in vivo.
- The method uses AAV-based FLEX vectors for efficient conversion and identification.
- Reprogrammed cells mature and receive synaptic contacts over time.
- Most converted cells become fast-spiking, parvalbumin-containing interneurons.
- Nurr1 is one of the transcription factors used in the reprogramming cocktail.
Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 2 inhibits activation of ERK signaling and cell growth in response to β-adrenergic stimulation in adult rat cardiomyocytes.
Ashraf S, Hegazy YK, Harmancey R
This study shows that NR4A2 acts as a brake on cell growth signals in heart muscle cells, specifically by inhibiting the ERK pathway. It does not address neurological development, movement disorders, or potential treatments for NR4A2-related syndromes.
- NR4A2 inhibits ERK signaling and cell growth in adult rat heart cells.
- The mechanism involves upregulating phosphatases DUSP2 and DUSP14.
- This research focuses on cardiac physiology, not neurodevelopment or Parkinsonism.
- Findings have no direct application to NR4A2-related neurological conditions.
Early impairment of epigenetic pattern in neurodegeneration: Additional mechanisms behind pyrethroid toxicity.
Bordoni L, Nasuti C, Fedeli D, Galeazzi R, Laudadio E, Massaccesi L, López-Rodas G, Gabbianelli R
Neonatal exposure to the pesticide permethrin alters epigenetic patterns and increases NURR1 expression in rat brains, potentially linking early environmental toxins to later Parkinson-like symptoms. The study suggests permethrin binds directly to the NURR1 protein, interfering with its normal function alongside alpha-synuclein. These findings highlight a mechanism by which early-life chemical exposure might influence neurodegenerative disease risk through epigenetic changes.
- Neonatal permethrin exposure reduces dopamine and causes behavioral changes in rats.
- The pesticide increases NURR1, Th, and Snca gene expression in adolescent rats.
- Permethrin binds directly to the NURR1 protein with high affinity.
- Early exposure alters DNA methylation and chromatin structure at key promoters.
- Findings link environmental toxins to epigenetic changes in dopaminergic pathways.
Pyrethroid exposure and neurotoxicity: a mechanistic approach.
Mohammadi H, Ghassemi-Barghi N, Malakshah O, Ashari S
This review explains how household insecticides damage the brain by disrupting ion channels and causing oxidative stress, while also discussing how these chemicals affect molecular pathways like Nurr1 that are relevant to Parkinson's disease. It highlights potential protective strategies against pesticide-induced neurotoxicity but does not provide evidence on NR4A2-related syndromes or treatments for children.
- Pyrethroid insecticides cause neurotoxicity through oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
- These chemicals primarily target ion channels but also disrupt other receptors and signaling pathways.
- The review examines how pyrethroids affect Nurr1, a protein related to NR4A2 biology.
- Future research may develop protective methods against pesticide-induced neurological disorders.
Developmental Dieldrin Exposure Alters DNA Methylation at Genes Related to Dopaminergic Neuron Development and Parkinson's Disease in Mouse Midbrain.
Kochmanski J, VanOeveren SE, Patterson JR, Bernstein AI
Developmental exposure to the pesticide dieldrin alters DNA methylation at key genes like Nr4a2 in mouse brains, potentially increasing susceptibility to neurodegenerative disease later in life. This study identifies epigenetic changes linked to dopaminergic neuron development but does not test any treatments or involve human patients with NR4A2 syndromes.
- Dieldrin exposure alters DNA methylation at the Nr4a2 gene in developing mouse brains.
- Changes are sex-specific and may increase sensitivity to future toxic stimuli.
- The study uses mice, not humans or patients with NR4A2-related conditions.
- No clinical interventions or treatments for NR4A2 syndromes are evaluated.
Data on synthesis, ADME and pharmacological properties and early safety pharmacology evaluation of a series of novel NURR1/NOT agonist potentially useful for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Malanda A, Abécassis PY, Barnéoud P, Brunel P, Taupin V, Vigé X, Lesuisse D
Researchers developed new chemical compounds that activate the NURR1 protein to potentially treat Parkinson's disease. These early-stage molecules show promising activity in laboratory tests but have not yet been tested in humans.
- The study focuses on discovering new drug candidates for Parkinson's disease.
- It reports preclinical data on chemical synthesis and safety in animals.
- No human clinical trials or patient outcomes are included.
- This work does not address NR4A2-related neurodevelopmental syndromes.
NURR1 activation in skeletal muscle controls systemic energy homeostasis.
Amoasii L, Sanchez-Ortiz E, Fujikawa T, Elmquist JK, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN
Activating NURR1 in skeletal muscle improves glucose metabolism and energy expenditure in mice, suggesting it could mimic the metabolic benefits of exercise. This mechanism focuses on systemic metabolic health rather than neurological development or dopaminergic function relevant to NR4A2-related syndromes.
- NURR1 activation in mouse muscle enhances physical performance and glucose uptake.
- Putative NURR1 agonists reduce obesity and improve glucose tolerance in mice.
- The study focuses on metabolic regulation, not neurological or developmental outcomes.
- No human clinical data or relevance to NR4A2-related neurodevelopmental disorders is presented.
Multiple pathways for natural product treatment of Parkinson's disease: A mini review.
Li J, Long X, Hu J, Bi J, Zhou T, Guo X, Han C, Huang J, Wang T, Xiong N, Lin Z
This review summarizes preclinical studies showing that natural products protect dopamine-producing neurons in laboratory and animal models of Parkinson's disease. The findings identify three main molecular pathways involved: preventing cell death, reducing inflammation, and supporting dopamine transmission.
- Natural products show neuroprotective effects in rodent and cell models of Parkinson's disease.
- Three common pathways are identified: anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, and dopamine modulation.
- NURR1 levels increase alongside other dopamine-related proteins in these experimental models.
- No human clinical trial data or patient outcomes are reported in this review.
Kcnab1 Is Expressed in Subplate Neurons With Unilateral Long-Range Inter-Areal Projections.
Tiong SYX, Oka Y, Sasaki T, Taniguchi M, Doi M, Akiyama H, Sato M
This study identifies Kcnab1 as a gene expressed in a specific group of early-developing brain cells in mice that send connections to other areas within the same brain hemisphere. These cells, part of the subplate layer, are involved in forming early brain circuits, and Kcnab1 may help define a distinct subgroup with unique wiring patterns.
- Kcnab1 marks a subset of early brain cells with connections to nearby brain areas
- These cells are active in early development and maintain their wiring into adulthood
- Kcnab1 expression appears in cells that help form initial brain circuits
- The gene is active as early as embryonic day 14.5 in developing brain layers
- Kcnab1 may help identify specific neuron types involved in early brain wiring
Neonatal Nicotine Exposure Primes Midbrain Neurons to a Dopaminergic Phenotype and Increases Adult Drug Consumption.
Romoli B, Lozada AF, Sandoval IM, Manfredsson FP, Hnasko TS, Berg DK, Dulcis D
Neonatal nicotine exposure in mice causes midbrain neurons to adopt a dopaminergic identity and increases adult drug consumption. This effect relies on enhanced neuronal activity driving the expression of the transcription factor Nurr1, which primes glutamatergic neurons to become dopamine-producing cells.
- Early nicotine exposure increases dopamine neuron numbers in the mouse ventral tegmental area.
- Nurr1 expression and heightened neuronal activity are necessary for this phenotypic shift.
- Adult mice exposed neonatally show increased preference for drugs of abuse.
- The study uses only mouse models with no human clinical data.
HDAC3-Mediated Repression of the Nr4a Family Contributes to Age-Related Impairments in Long-Term Memory.
Kwapis JL, Alaghband Y, López AJ, Long JM, Li X, Shu G, Bodinayake KK, Matheos DP, Rapp PR, Wood MA
Overexpressing the Nr4a1 or Nr4a2 genes in mouse brains restores memory function lost to aging. This finding confirms that these specific genes are critical for maintaining cognitive health and suggests that boosting their activity could theoretically improve memory.
- Nr4a2 expression fails to increase during learning in aged rats with memory deficits.
- HDAC3 protein suppresses Nr4a2 levels in the aging mouse hippocampus.
- Boosting Nr4a1 or Nr4a2 gene activity reverses age-related memory loss in mice.
- The study uses rat and mouse models, not human participants.
Inhibition of Heat Shock Factor 1 Enhances Repressive Molecular Mechanisms on the POMC Promoter.
Ciato D, Li R, Monteserin Garcia JL, Papst L, D'Annunzio S, Hristov M, Tichomirowa MA, Belaya Z, Rozhinskaya L, Buchfelder M, Theodoropoulou M, Paez-Pereda M, Stalla GK
This study found that HSF1 is highly active in tumors causing Cushing's disease and drives excess ACTH production. Blocking HSF1 reduced ACTH production in human tumor cells, suggesting a potential new treatment approach.
- HSF1 is overactive in Cushing's disease tumors
- Inhibiting HSF1 reduces ACTH production
- HSF1 blockade works by altering key gene regulators
- The drug KRIBB11 suppressed ACTH in most tested tumors
- This could lead to new treatments for Cushing's disease
Epigenetic regulation of immediate-early gene Nr4a2/Nurr1 in the medial habenula during reinstatement of cocaine-associated behavior.
López AJ, Hemstedt TJ, Jia Y, Hwang PH, Campbell RR, Kwapis JL, White AO, Chitnis O, Scarfone VM, Matheos DP, Lynch G, Wood MA
This study shows that NR4A2 activity in a specific brain region called the medial habenula is necessary for relapse-like behaviors in mice exposed to cocaine. The research demonstrates that blocking NR4A2 function prevents these behaviors, highlighting its role in addiction circuits rather than developmental or motor functions relevant to NR4A2 syndrome.
- NR4A2 activity in the medial habenula drives relapse-like behaviors in mice.
- Blocking NR4A2 function stops cocaine-seeking behavior in this animal model.
- The study focuses on addiction mechanisms, not motor or developmental phenotypes.
- This is preclinical research using mouse models of substance use disorder.
Repeated bifenthrin exposure alters hippocampal Nurr-1/AChE and induces depression-like behavior in adult rats.
Gargouri B, Bouchard M, Saliba SW, Fetoui H, Fiebich BL
Repeated exposure to the insecticide bifenthrin causes depression-like behavior and reduces Nurr-1 levels in the hippocampus of adult rats. The study links this behavioral change to decreased acetylcholinesterase activity and increased cell death in brain tissue.
- Bifenthrin exposure induces depression-like despair behavior in adult rats.
- Nurr-1 protein and mRNA levels decrease significantly in the hippocampus.
- Acetylcholinesterase activity drops, disrupting cholinergic signaling.
- Brain cell apoptosis increases, indicating neuronal damage.
Molecular and genetic characterization of partial masculinization in embryonic ovaries grafted into male nude mice.
Miura K, Harikae K, Nakaguchi M, Imaimatsu K, Hiramatsu R, Tomita A, Hirate Y, Kanai-Azuma M, Kurohmaru M, Ogura A, Kanai Y
This study shows that exposure to male host testosterone causes fetal ovaries grafted into mice to partially masculinize by altering gene expression profiles. The research identifies specific genes, including NR4A2, that switch on during this process, but it does not investigate human conditions or treatments.
- Testosterone from the male host drives partial masculinization of grafted fetal ovaries in mice.
- NR4A2 gene expression increases during this sex-reversal process in the animal model.
- The study focuses on molecular mechanisms in mice, not human patients or therapies.
- No clinical relevance to NR4A2-related syndromes is established or implied.
Genetic Elimination of Connective Tissue Growth Factor in the Forebrain Affects Subplate Neurons in the Cortex and Oligodendrocytes in the Underlying White Matter.
Yu IS, Chang HC, Chen KC, Lu YL, Shy HT, Chen CY, Lee KY, Lee LJ
Removing CTGF in mouse forebrains alters subplate neuron structure and white matter oligodendrocyte density, but these findings do not translate to NR4A2-related syndromes. This study investigates a different protein (CTGF) using a knockout model that does not mimic human genetic variants. There is no evidence provided regarding NR4A2 function, patient phenotypes, or potential treatments for NR4A2-related conditions.
- Study uses a mouse model with deleted CTGF, not NR4A2.
- CTGF deletion affects subplate neurons and white matter oligodendrocytes in mice.
- No connection to human NR4A2 variants or clinical outcomes is established.
- Findings are preclinical and unrelated to dopaminergic rescue or gene therapy.
Decreased Steroid Hormone Receptor NR4A2 Expression in Kawasaki Disease Before IVIG Treatment.
Huang YH, Chen KD, Lo MH, Cai XY, Kuo HC
This study finds that NR4A2 expression is lower in children with Kawasaki disease before treatment and rises after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. The research suggests this receptor change might influence how steroids work as a supplementary treatment for Kawasaki disease. It does not provide information on NR4A2-related syndrome or its specific neurological manifestations.
- NR4A2 mRNA levels are significantly decreased in children with acute Kawasaki disease.
- NR4A2 expression increases substantially after standard intravenous immunoglobulin treatment.
- The study proposes steroids may be effective as supplementary therapy post-IVIG.
- This research focuses on immune response in Kawasaki disease, not NR4A2 syndrome.