Expression and cellular distribution of SENP3 in brain tissues after traumatic brain injury in mice

YU Zhuang; ZHANG Dingding; LI Hua; YAN Huiying; HUANG Litian; ZHANG Huasheng; HANG Chunhua

Abstract：Objective The expression and cellular distribution of small ubiquitin-like modifier proteins (SUMO)-specific proteases (SENP3) in brain tissue after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice are studied. Methods A total of 84 male ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice were randomly divided into seven groups:sham group, TBI 3h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 3 d and 5 d groups, respectively.The brain injury model was induced by free-falling method.The expressions of SENP3 and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (Caspase-3) in the cerebral cortex were analyzed by Western blot.Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR ) assay and immunohistochemical study were performed to evaluate the expression of SENP3 in the brain after TBI.Results The difference between the sham group and 24 h post-TBI group was significant.Western blot indicated that the expression levels of SENP3 and caspase3 proteins were gradually increased from 6 h after TBI and peaked at 24 h.Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated a gradual increase in SENP3 expression, which peaked at 12 h after TBI and declined subsequently.SENP3-positive cells were observed in both sham and 24 h post-TBI groups.However, robust expression of SENP3 was seldom observed in the sham group, while it was obviously enhanced in the 24 h post-TBI group.Notably, nuclear expression of SENP3 was significantly increased in 24 h post-TBI group.Conclusion SENP3 may participate in the nerve cell apoptosis after TBI.