Adropin is a recently identified and highly conserved polypeptide abundantly expressed in the brain. Adropin plays a critical role in the regulation of endothelial function, insulin sensitivity, and metabolism. Recent findings from our group and others reveal that adropin can significantly reduce endothelial permeability in rat brain and human vascular endothelial cells. Clinical studies show a significant association between low plasma levels of adropin and endothelial dysfunction in several human diseases. Endothelial dysfunction is one of the critical factors contributing to the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. Deficient production of nitric oxide (NO) by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a key factor contributing to endothelial dysfunction in diabetes, obesity, and hyperlipidemia, which are important risks factors for stroke. Our hypothesis is that adropin confers protection against ischemic stroke injury by reducing damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB)/neurovascular unit. Our overall goal in this proposal is to demonstrate the protective role of adropin in ischemic stroke and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of this protection. Our preliminary data support this hypothesis by showing that treatment with synthetic adropin dramatically reduces brain injury in a mouse stroke model, which was associated with a significant increase in eNOS phosphorylation and reduced BBB damage. Moreover, adropin protection was completely abolished in eNOS deficient mice suggesting an eNOS-dependent mechanism underlying the protective effects of adropin in stroke.
Aim 1 is to determine the effects of adropin treatment on infarct size and long-term functional recovery in a mouse model of ischemic stroke.
In Aim 2, we will determine the ability of adropin to reduce the detrimental effects of endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation on BBB function following ischemic stroke.
In Aim 3, we will test the neuroprotective efficacy of adropin in relation to age, sex, species, and comorbid conditions (obesity and diabetes). It is our expectation that this study will provide significant knowledge on the protective efficacy of adropin in ischemic stroke. Such results would be expected to have an important positive impact, since they would set the stage for expanded preclinical work on the protective efficacy of adropin in cerebral ischemia, and would identify novel and much-needed approaches to reduce the devastating consequences of neurovascular injury after stroke.

Public Health Relevance

The overall goal of this proposal is to demonstrate the potential neuroprotective role of adropin, a newly identified endogenous peptide, in ischemic stroke. The proposed research is relevant to public health because it will help to understand the potential therapeutic value of adropin to reduce brain damage and improve neurological recovery following stroke. This research will lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to significantly reduce the devastating consequences of stroke. Thus, this proposal is relevant to the part of NINDS's mission that pertains to developing significant knowledge in basic research that will create the foundation for treating ischemic stroke and reduce the burden of this neurological disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS103094-02
Application #
9656193
Study Section
Brain Injury and Neurovascular Pathologies Study Section (BINP)
Program Officer
Bosetti, Francesca
Project Start
2018-09-01
Project End
2022-05-31
Budget Start
2019-06-01
Budget End
2020-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Florida
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
969663814
City
Gainesville
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
32611