De novo gene expression induced by the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1a) plays a decisive role in determining whether neurons live or die after an ischemic insult. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating the balance between HIF's adaptive and pathological effects remain unsettled. We have discovered that the MAP kinase phosphatase MKP-1 stimulates HIF-1a cleavage near the amino-terminal transactivation domain and triggers both BNIP3 expression and a host of related pro-apoptotic responses. In this application we test the hypothesis that together, MKP-1 and HIF-1a function as a molecular switch during ischemia, promoting the expression of genes involved in autophagy and apoptotic signaling. We will use complimentary genetic approaches applied in culture and animal models of ischemic injury to investigate: 1) the mechanism by which MKP regulates HIF-1a post-translational modification, 2) the discrete modifications and factors required for HIF-1a cleavage, and 3) the effects these changes have on neuron survival. Together, these experiments focus on a novel, physiologically responsive signaling node that modulates HIF-1a's latent apoptotic potential. The identification of suitable targets in this network will enable the discovery of small molecules designed to either inhibit or augment transcription- dependent injury. Progress in this area will have broad implications for both ischemic and malignant brain disorders.

Public Health Relevance

Brain injury after cardiac arrest is a common condition with devastating consequences ranging in severity from memory loss to coma and death. Ischemia-induced gene expression controlled by the oxygen- dependent transcription factor HIF-1a plays a decisive role in the survival of brain cells following ischemic insults. This application focuses on understanding the molecular basis for MKP-HIF-1a coupling, and seeks to find new treatment options for global ischemic brain injury based on our discoveries related to the interactions between these factors.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS076617-04
Application #
8720072
Study Section
Neural Oxidative Metabolism and Death Study Section (NOMD)
Program Officer
Bosetti, Francesca
Project Start
2011-09-15
Project End
2016-08-31
Budget Start
2014-09-01
Budget End
2015-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Rochester
Department
Neurology
Type
School of Medicine & Dentistry
DUNS #
City
Rochester
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14627
Pröschel, Christoph; Hansen, Jeanne N; Ali, Adil et al. (2017) Epilepsy-causing sequence variations in SIK1 disrupt synaptic activity response gene expression and affect neuronal morphology. Eur J Hum Genet 25:216-221
Hansen, Jeanne; Snow, Chelsi; Tuttle, Emily et al. (2015) De novo mutations in SIK1 cause a spectrum of developmental epilepsies. Am J Hum Genet 96:682-90