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Forsell P, Parrado Fernández C, Nilsson B, Sandin J, Nordvall G, Segerdahl M. Positive Allosteric Modulators of Trk Receptors for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:997. [PMID: 39204102 PMCID: PMC11357672 DOI: 10.3390/ph17080997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins are important regulators of neuronal and non-neuronal functions. As such, the neurotrophins and their receptors, the tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family of receptor tyrosine kinases, has attracted intense research interest and their role in multiple diseases including Alzheimer's disease has been described. Attempts to administer neurotrophins to patients have been reported, but the clinical trials have so far have been hampered by side effects or a lack of clear efficacy. Thus, much of the focus during recent years has been on identifying small molecules acting as agonists or positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of Trk receptors. Two examples of successful discovery and development of PAMs are the TrkA-PAM E2511 and the pan-Trk PAM ACD856. E2511 has been reported to have disease-modifying effects in preclinical models, whereas ACD856 demonstrates both a symptomatic and a disease-modifying effect in preclinical models. Both molecules have reached the stage of clinical development and were reported to be safe and well tolerated in clinical phase 1 studies, albeit with different pharmacokinetic profiles. These two emerging small molecules are interesting examples of possible novel symptomatic and disease-modifying treatments that could complement the existing anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This review aims to present the concept of positive allosteric modulators of the Trk receptors as a novel future treatment option for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders, and the current preclinical and clinical data supporting this new concept. Preclinical data indicate dual mechanisms, not only as cognitive enhancers, but also a tentative neurorestorative function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pontus Forsell
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Cristina Parrado Fernández
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Boel Nilsson
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
| | - Johan Sandin
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Nordvall
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Märta Segerdahl
- AlzeCure Pharma AB, Hälsovägen 7, 141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (C.P.F.); (B.N.); (J.S.); (G.N.); (M.S.)
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 23, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
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Brenner M, Zink C, Witzinger L, Keller A, Hadamek K, Bothe S, Neuenschwander M, Villmann C, von Kries JP, Schindelin H, Jeanclos E, Gohla A. 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone is a direct inhibitor of human and murine pyridoxal phosphatase. eLife 2024; 13:RP93094. [PMID: 38856179 PMCID: PMC11164532 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to cognitive impairment in human brain disorders for decades. Still, the molecular mechanisms linking vitamin B6 to these pathologies remain poorly understood, and whether vitamin B6 supplementation improves cognition is unclear as well. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate phosphatase (PDXP), an enzyme that controls levels of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), the co-enzymatically active form of vitamin B6, may represent an alternative therapeutic entry point into vitamin B6-associated pathologies. However, pharmacological PDXP inhibitors to test this concept are lacking. We now identify a PDXP and age-dependent decline of PLP levels in the murine hippocampus that provides a rationale for the development of PDXP inhibitors. Using a combination of small-molecule screening, protein crystallography, and biolayer interferometry, we discover, visualize, and analyze 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) as a direct and potent PDXP inhibitor. 7,8-DHF binds and reversibly inhibits PDXP with low micromolar affinity and sub-micromolar potency. In mouse hippocampal neurons, 7,8-DHF increases PLP in a PDXP-dependent manner. These findings validate PDXP as a druggable target. Of note, 7,8-DHF is a well-studied molecule in brain disorder models, although its mechanism of action is actively debated. Our discovery of 7,8-DHF as a PDXP inhibitor offers novel mechanistic insights into the controversy surrounding 7,8-DHF-mediated effects in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Brenner
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Christoph Zink
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Linda Witzinger
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Angelika Keller
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Kerstin Hadamek
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Sebastian Bothe
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | | | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | | | - Hermann Schindelin
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Elisabeth Jeanclos
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Antje Gohla
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
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Enkavi G, Girych M, Moliner R, Vattulainen I, Castrén E. TrkB transmembrane domain: bridging structural understanding with therapeutic strategy. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:445-456. [PMID: 38433044 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
TrkB (neuronal receptor tyrosine kinase-2, NTRK2) is the receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and is a critical regulator of activity-dependent neuronal plasticity. The past few years have witnessed an increasing understanding of the structure and function of TrkB, including its transmembrane domain (TMD). TrkB interacts with membrane cholesterol, which bidirectionally regulates TrkB signaling. Additionally, TrkB has recently been recognized as a binding target of antidepressant drugs. A variety of different antidepressants, including typical and rapid-acting antidepressants, as well as psychedelic compounds, act as allosteric potentiators of BDNF signaling through TrkB. This suggests that TrkB is the common target of different antidepressant compounds. Although more research is needed, current knowledge suggests that TrkB is a promising target for further drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giray Enkavi
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mykhailo Girych
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rafael Moliner
- Neuroscience Center/HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilpo Vattulainen
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Eero Castrén
- Neuroscience Center/HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Wang Y, Liang J, Xu B, Yang J, Wu Z, Cheng L. TrkB/BDNF signaling pathway and its small molecular agonists in CNS injury. Life Sci 2024; 336:122282. [PMID: 38008209 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
As one of the most prevalent neurotrophic factors in the central nervous system (CNS), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a significant role in CNS injury by binding to its specific receptor Tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB). The BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway is crucial for neuronal survival, structural changes, and plasticity. BDNF acts as an axonal growth and extension factor, a pro-survival factor, and a synaptic modulator in the CNS. BDNF also plays an important role in the maintenance and plasticity of neuronal circuits. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of BDNF in the treatment and recovery of neurodegenerative and neurotraumatic disorders. By undertaking in-depth study on the mechanism of BDNF/TrkB function, important novel therapeutic strategies for treating neuropsychiatric disorders have been discovered. In this review, we discuss the expression patterns and mechanisms of the TrkB/BDNF signaling pathway in CNS damage and introduce several intriguing small molecule TrkB receptor agonists produced over the previous several decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujin Wang
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200072, China; Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jing Liang
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200072, China; School of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Boyu Xu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200072, China; Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200072, China; Medical School, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhourui Wu
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200072, China.
| | - Liming Cheng
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Tongji University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200072, China.
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Dejanovic B, Sheng M, Hanson JE. Targeting synapse function and loss for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:23-42. [PMID: 38012296 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00823-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Synapse dysfunction and loss are hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases that correlate with cognitive decline. However, the mechanisms and therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse synaptic damage remain elusive. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the molecular and cellular pathways that impair synapses in neurodegenerative diseases, including the effects of protein aggregation and neuroinflammation. We also highlight emerging therapeutic approaches that aim to restore synaptic function and integrity, such as enhancing synaptic plasticity, preventing synaptotoxicity, modulating neuronal network activity and targeting immune signalling. We discuss the preclinical and clinical evidence for each strategy, as well as the challenges and opportunities for developing effective synapse-targeting therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morgan Sheng
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jesse E Hanson
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Zagrebelsky M, Korte M. Are TrkB receptor agonists the right tool to fulfill the promises for a therapeutic value of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor? Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:29-34. [PMID: 37488840 PMCID: PMC10479861 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.374138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling via its receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B regulates several crucial physiological processes. It has been shown to act in the brain, promoting neuronal survival, growth, and plasticity as well as in the rest of the body where it is involved in regulating for instance aspects of the metabolism. Due to its crucial and very pleiotropic activity, reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and alterations in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling have been found to be associated with a wide spectrum of neurological diseases. However, because of its poor bioavailability and pharmacological properties, brain-derived neurotrophic factor itself has a very low therapeutic value. Moreover, the concomitant binding of exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor to the p75 neurotrophin receptor has the potential to elicit several unwanted and deleterious side effects. Therefore, developing tools and approaches to specifically promote tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling has become an important goal of translational research. Among the newly developed tools are different categories of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist molecules. In this review, we give a comprehensive description of the different tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist drugs developed so far and of the results of their application in animal models of several neurological diseases. Moreover, we discuss the main benefits of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonists, concentrating especially on the new tropomyosin receptor kinase B agonist antibodies. The benefits observed both in vitro and in vivo upon application of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist drugs seem to predominantly depend on their general neuroprotective activity and their ability to promote neuronal plasticity. Moreover, tropomyosin receptor kinase B agonist antibodies have been shown to specifically bind the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor and not p75 neurotrophin receptor. Therefore, while, based on the current knowledge, the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonists do not seem to have the potential to reverse the disease pathology per se, promoting brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling still has a very high therapeutic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Zagrebelsky
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Martin Korte
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, AG NIND, Braunschweig, Germany
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Makeeva VS, Dyrkheeva NS, Lavrik OI, Zakian SM, Malakhova AA. Mutant-Huntingtin Molecular Pathways Elucidate New Targets for Drug Repurposing. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16798. [PMID: 38069121 PMCID: PMC10706709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases known today is quite extensive. The complexities of their research and treatment lie not only in their diversity. Even many years of struggle and narrowly focused research on common pathologies such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other brain diseases have not brought cures for these illnesses. What can be said about orphan diseases? In particular, Huntington's disease (HD), despite affecting a smaller part of the human population, still attracts many researchers. This disorder is known to result from a mutation in the HTT gene, but having this information still does not simplify the task of drug development and studying the mechanisms of disease progression. Nonetheless, the data accumulated over the years and their analysis provide a good basis for further research. Here, we review studies devoted to understanding the mechanisms of HD. We analyze genes and molecular pathways involved in HD pathogenesis to describe the action of repurposed drugs and try to find new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladlena S. Makeeva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.S.M.); (S.M.Z.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Nadezhda S. Dyrkheeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 8 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
| | - Olga I. Lavrik
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 8 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
| | - Suren M. Zakian
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.S.M.); (S.M.Z.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Anastasia A. Malakhova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 Akad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.S.M.); (S.M.Z.); (A.A.M.)
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Jiang A, Handley RR, Lehnert K, Snell RG. From Pathogenesis to Therapeutics: A Review of 150 Years of Huntington's Disease Research. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13021. [PMID: 37629202 PMCID: PMC10455900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative genetic disorder caused by an expanded polyglutamine-coding (CAG) trinucleotide repeat in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. HD behaves as a highly penetrant dominant disorder likely acting through a toxic gain of function by the mutant huntingtin protein. Widespread cellular degeneration of the medium spiny neurons of the caudate nucleus and putamen are responsible for the onset of symptomology that encompasses motor, cognitive, and behavioural abnormalities. Over the past 150 years of HD research since George Huntington published his description, a plethora of pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed with key themes including excitotoxicity, dopaminergic imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic defects, disruption of proteostasis, transcriptional dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. Despite the identification and characterisation of the causative gene and mutation and significant advances in our understanding of the cellular pathology in recent years, a disease-modifying intervention has not yet been clinically approved. This review includes an overview of Huntington's disease, from its genetic aetiology to clinical presentation and its pathogenic manifestation. An updated view of molecular mechanisms and the latest therapeutic developments will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Jiang
- Applied Translational Genetics Group, Centre for Brain Research, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (R.R.H.); (K.L.); (R.G.S.)
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Atkinson E, Dickman R. Growth factors and their peptide mimetics for treatment of traumatic brain injury. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 90:117368. [PMID: 37331175 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability in adults, caused by a physical insult damaging the brain. Growth factor-based therapies have the potential to reduce the effects of secondary injury and improve outcomes by providing neuroprotection against glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative damage, hypoxia, and ischemia, as well as promoting neurite outgrowth and the formation of new blood vessels. Despite promising evidence in preclinical studies, few neurotrophic factors have been tested in clinical trials for TBI. Translation to the clinic is not trivial and is limited by the short in vivo half-life of the protein, the inability to cross the blood-brain barrier and human delivery systems. Synthetic peptide mimetics have the potential to be used in place of recombinant growth factors, activating the same downstream signalling pathways, with a decrease in size and more favourable pharmacokinetic properties. In this review, we will discuss growth factors with the potential to modulate damage caused by secondary injury mechanisms following a traumatic brain injury that have been trialled in other indications including spinal cord injury, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Peptide mimetics of nerve growth factor (NGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), glial cell line-derived growth factor (GDNF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) will be highlighted, most of which have not yet been tested in preclinical or clinical models of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Atkinson
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; UCL Centre for Nerve Engineering, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
| | - Rachael Dickman
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
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Liao GY, Xu H, Shumate J, Scampavia L, Spicer T, Xu B. High throughput assay for compounds that boost BDNF expression in neurons. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023; 28:88-94. [PMID: 36842668 PMCID: PMC10759152 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Deficiencies in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been linked to several brain disorders, making compounds that can boost neuronal BDNF synthesis attractive as potential therapeutics. However, a sensitive and quantitative BDNF assay for high-throughput screening (HTS) is still missing. Here we report the generation of a new mouse Bdnf allele, BdnfNLuc, in which the sequence encoding nano luciferase (NLuc) is inserted into the Bdnf locus immediately before the stop codon so that the allele will produce a BDNF-NLuc fusion protein. BDNF-NLuc protein appears to function like BDNF as BdnfNLuc/NLuc homozygous mice grew and behaved almost normally. We were able to establish and optimize cultures of cortical and hippocampal BdnfNLuc/+ neurons isolated from mouse embryos in 384-well plates. We used the cultures as a phenotypic assay to detect the ability of 10 mM KCl to stimulate BDNF synthesis and achieved a reproducible Z' factor > 0.50 for the assay, a measure considered suitable for HTS. We successfully scaled up the assay to screen the 1280-compound LOPAC library (Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds). The screen identified several BDNF-boosting compounds, one of which is Bay K8644, a L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (L-VGCC) agonist, which was previously shown to stimulate BDNF synthesis. These results indicate that our phenotypic neuronal assay is ready for HTS to identify novel BDNF-boosting compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guey-Ying Liao
- Department of Neuroscience, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, University of Florida, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Haifei Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, University of Florida, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Justin Shumate
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, University of Florida, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Louis Scampavia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, University of Florida, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Timothy Spicer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, University of Florida, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Baoji Xu
- Department of Neuroscience, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, University of Florida, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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11
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Han JY, Seo J, Choi Y, Im W, Ban JJ, Sung JJ. CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome editing of Huntington's disease neurospheres. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:2127-2136. [PMID: 36550260 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08175-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal genetic disease caused by polyglutamine aggregation encoded by an expanded CAG repeat in the huntingtin gene (HTT). In this study, we cultured neurospheres derived from R6/2 mice, a representative animal model of HD, as an in vitro model. GuideRNAs were designed to induce large deletion or frameshift indel mutation of CAG expansion. These gRNAs and Cas9 were delivered to the R6/2 neurospheres and disease-related phenotypes were observed. METHODS AND RESULTS Deletion or indel mutation of the CAG repeat was confirmed by PCR, T7E1 assay and sequencing of the edited neurospheres. Edited neurospheres showed decreased polyglutamine aggregation compared with control HD neurospheres. In the edited neurosphere, we confirmed the upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), whose reduced expressions are closely involved in the disease progression. In addition, flow cytometry result showed an increase in cell viability with an overall decrease in necrotic and apoptotic populations among edited R6/2 neurospheres. Additional siRNA experiments confirmed that the increased viability was decreased through inhibition of PGC-1α or BDNF. CONCLUSION Our study confirmed that CAG repeat of R6/2 mouse-derived neurospheres can be edited through CRISPR-Cas9. Editing of CAG repeat sequence decreases polyglutamine aggregation and cellular apoptosis of HD neurospheres, which may be related to the increased expressions of PGC-1α and BDNF. Our data provide the evidence that CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome editing has therapeutic potential on HD neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Yun Han
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-744, South Korea
| | - Jaewoo Seo
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-744, South Korea
| | - Yoori Choi
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Wooseok Im
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Jun Ban
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-744, South Korea. .,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Jung-Joon Sung
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-744, South Korea. .,Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea. .,Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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12
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Simmons DA, Belichenko NP, Longo FM. Pharmacological Co-Activation of TrkB and TrkC Receptor Signaling Ameliorates Striatal Neuropathology and Motor Deficits in Mouse Models of Huntington's Disease. J Huntingtons Dis 2023; 12:215-239. [PMID: 37638447 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-230589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss of neurotrophic support in the striatum, particularly reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, contributes importantly to Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis. Another neurotrophin (NT), NT-3, is reduced in the cortex of HD patients; however, its role in HD is unknown. BDNF and NT-3 bind with high affinity to the tropomyosin receptor-kinases (Trk) B and TrkC, respectively. Targeting TrkB/TrkC may be an effective HD therapeutic strategy, as multiple links exist between their signaling pathways and HD degenerative mechanisms. We developed a small molecule ligand, LM22B-10, that activates TrkB and TrkC to promote cell survival. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine if upregulating TrkB/TrkC signaling with LM22B-10 would alleviate the HD phenotype in R6/2 and Q140 mice. METHODS LM22B-10 was delivered by concomitant intranasal-intraperitoneal routes to R6/2 and Q140 mice and then motor performance and striatal pathology were evaluated. RESULTS NT-3 levels, TrkB/TrkC phosphorylation, and AKT signaling were reduced in the R6/2 striatum; LM22B-10 counteracted these deficits. LM22B-10 also reduced intranuclear huntingtin aggregates, dendritic spine loss, microglial activation, and degeneration of dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein with a molecular weight of 32 kDa (DARPP-32) and parvalbumin-containing neurons in the R6/2 and/or Q140 striatum. Moreover, both HD mouse models showed improved motor performance after LM22B-10 treatment. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal an NT-3/TrkC signaling deficiency in the striatum of R6/2 mice, support the idea that targeting TrkB/TrkC alleviates HD-related neurodegeneration and motor dysfunction, and suggest a novel, disease-modifying, multi-target strategy for treating HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A Simmons
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nadia P Belichenko
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Frank M Longo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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13
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Nordvall G, Forsell P, Sandin J. Neurotrophin-targeted therapeutics: A gateway to cognition and more? Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:103318. [PMID: 35850433 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), are small proteins expressed in the brain and peripheral tissues, which regulate several key aspects of neuronal function, including neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection, but also programmed cell death. This broad range of effects is a result of a complex downstream signaling pathway, with differential spatial and temporal activation patterns further diversifying their physiological effects. Alterations in neurotrophin levels, or known polymorphisms in neurotrophin genes, have been linked to a variety of disorders, including depression and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Historically, their therapeutic potential in these disorders has been hampered by the lack of suitable tool molecules for clinical studies. However, recent advancements have led to the development of new therapeutic candidates, which are now in clinical testing.
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14
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Tacke C, DiStefano PS, Lindsay RM, Metzdorf K, Zagrebelsky M, Korte M. Actions of the TrkB Agonist Antibody ZEB85 in Regulating the Architecture and Synaptic Plasticity in Hippocampal Neurons. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:945348. [PMID: 35845610 PMCID: PMC9280622 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.945348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling of BDNF via its TrkB receptor is crucial in regulating several critical aspects of the architecture and function of neurons both during development and in the adult central nervous system. Indeed, several neurological conditions, such as neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders are associated with alterations both in the expression levels of BDNF and TrkB, and in their intracellular signaling. Thus, the possibility of promoting BDNF/TrkB signaling has become relevant as a potential therapeutic intervention for neurological disorders. However, the clinical potential of BDNF itself has been limited due to its restricted diffusion rate in biological tissue, poor bioavailability and pharmacological properties, as well as the potential for unwanted side effects due to its ability to also signal via the p75NTR pathway. Several small molecule and biologic drug candidate TrkB agonists have been developed and are reported to have effects in rescuing both the pathological alterations and disease related symptoms in mouse models of several neurological diseases. However, recent side-by-side comparative studies failed to show their specificity for activating TrkB signaling cascades, suggesting the need for the generation and validation of improved candidates. In the present study, we examine the ability of the novel, fully human TrkB agonist antibody ZEB85 to modulate the architecture, activity and synaptic plasticity of hippocampal murine neurons under physiological conditions. Moreover, we show here that ZEB85 prevents β-amyloid toxicity in cultured hippocampal neurons, in a manner which is comparable to BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Tacke
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Charlotte Tacke,
| | | | | | - Kristin Metzdorf
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Research Group Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration (AG NIND), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marta Zagrebelsky
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- Marta Zagrebelsky,
| | - Martin Korte
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Research Group Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration (AG NIND), Braunschweig, Germany
- Martin Korte,
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15
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Clarke E, Stocki P, Sinclair EH, Gauhar A, Fletcher EJR, Krawczun-Rygmaczewska A, Duty S, Walsh FS, Doherty P, Rutkowski JL. A Single Domain Shark Antibody Targeting the Transferrin Receptor 1 Delivers a TrkB Agonist Antibody to the Brain and Provides Full Neuroprotection in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071335. [PMID: 35890231 PMCID: PMC9318160 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Single domain shark antibodies that bind to the transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) on brain endothelial cells have been used to shuttle antibodies and other cargos across the blood brain barrier (BBB) to the brain. For these studies the TXB4 brain shuttle was fused to a TrkB neurotrophin receptor agonist antibody. The TXB4-TrkB fusion retained potent agonist activity at its cognate receptor and after systemic administration showed a 12-fold increase in brain levels over the unmodified antibody. Only the TXB4-TrkB antibody fusion was detected within the brain and localized to TrkB positive cells in the cortex and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), where it was associated with activated ERK1/2 signaling. When tested in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) mouse model of Parkinson’s disease (PD), TXB4-TrkB, but not the unmodified antibody, completely prevented the 6-OHDA induced death of TH positive neurons in the SNc. In conclusion, the fusion of the TXB4 brain shuttle allows a TrkB agonist antibody to reach neuroprotective concentrations in the brain parenchyma following systemic administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Clarke
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Disease, Guy’s Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK; (E.C.); (E.J.R.F.); (A.K.-R.); (S.D.); (P.D.)
| | - Pawel Stocki
- Ossianix, Inc., Gunnels Wood Rd., Stevenage SG1 2FX, UK; (P.S.); (E.H.S.); (A.G.); (F.S.W.)
| | - Elizabeth H. Sinclair
- Ossianix, Inc., Gunnels Wood Rd., Stevenage SG1 2FX, UK; (P.S.); (E.H.S.); (A.G.); (F.S.W.)
| | - Aziz Gauhar
- Ossianix, Inc., Gunnels Wood Rd., Stevenage SG1 2FX, UK; (P.S.); (E.H.S.); (A.G.); (F.S.W.)
| | - Edward J. R. Fletcher
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Disease, Guy’s Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK; (E.C.); (E.J.R.F.); (A.K.-R.); (S.D.); (P.D.)
| | - Alicja Krawczun-Rygmaczewska
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Disease, Guy’s Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK; (E.C.); (E.J.R.F.); (A.K.-R.); (S.D.); (P.D.)
| | - Susan Duty
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Disease, Guy’s Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK; (E.C.); (E.J.R.F.); (A.K.-R.); (S.D.); (P.D.)
| | - Frank S. Walsh
- Ossianix, Inc., Gunnels Wood Rd., Stevenage SG1 2FX, UK; (P.S.); (E.H.S.); (A.G.); (F.S.W.)
| | - Patrick Doherty
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Disease, Guy’s Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK; (E.C.); (E.J.R.F.); (A.K.-R.); (S.D.); (P.D.)
| | - Julia Lynn Rutkowski
- Ossianix, Inc., Gunnels Wood Rd., Stevenage SG1 2FX, UK; (P.S.); (E.H.S.); (A.G.); (F.S.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(610)-291-1724
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16
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Foster AC, Szobota S, Piu F, Jacques BE, Moore DR, Sanchez VA, Anderson JJ. A neurotrophic approach to treating hearing loss: Translation from animal models to clinical proof-of-concept. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 151:3937. [PMID: 35778165 DOI: 10.1121/10.0011510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there are no approved medicines available for the treatment of hearing loss. However, research over the past two decades has contributed to a growing understanding of the pathological mechanisms in the cochlea that result in hearing difficulties. The concept that a loss of the synapses connecting inner hair cells with the auditory nerve (cochlear synaptopathy) contributes to hearing loss has gained considerable attention. Both animal and human post-mortem studies support the idea that these synapses (ribbon synapses) are highly vulnerable to noise, ototoxicity, and the aging process. Their degeneration has been suggested as an important factor in the speech-in-noise difficulties commonly experienced by those suffering with hearing loss. Neurotrophins such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have the potential to restore these synapses and provide improved hearing function. OTO-413 is a sustained exposure formulation of BDNF suitable for intratympanic administration that in preclinical models has shown the ability to restore ribbon synapses and provide functional hearing benefit. A phase 1/2 clinical trial with OTO-413 has provided initial proof-of-concept for improved speech-in-noise hearing performance in subjects with hearing loss. Key considerations for the design of this clinical study, including aspects of the speech-in-noise assessments, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan C Foster
- Research and Preclinical Development, Otonomy Inc., 4796 Executive Drive, San Diego, California 92121, USA
| | - Stephanie Szobota
- Research and Preclinical Development, Otonomy Inc., 4796 Executive Drive, San Diego, California 92121, USA
| | - Fabrice Piu
- Research and Preclinical Development, Otonomy Inc., 4796 Executive Drive, San Diego, California 92121, USA
| | - Bonnie E Jacques
- Research and Preclinical Development, Otonomy Inc., 4796 Executive Drive, San Diego, California 92121, USA
| | - David R Moore
- Communication Sciences Research Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026, USA
| | - Victoria A Sanchez
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 73, Tampa, Florida 33620, USA
| | - Jeffery J Anderson
- Clinical Sciences, Otonomy Inc., 4796 Executive Drive, San Diego, California 92121, USA
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17
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Pardridge WM. Blood-brain barrier delivery for lysosomal storage disorders with IgG-lysosomal enzyme fusion proteins. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 184:114234. [PMID: 35307484 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The majority of lysosomal storage diseases affect the brain. Treatment of the brain with intravenous enzyme replacement therapy is not successful, because the recombinant lysosomal enzymes do not cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Biologic drugs, including lysosomal enzymes, can be re-engineered for BBB delivery as IgG-enzyme fusion proteins. The IgG domain of the fusion protein is a monoclonal antibody directed against an endogenous receptor-mediated transporter at the BBB, such as the insulin receptor or the transferrin receptor. This receptor transports the IgG across the BBB, in parallel with the endogenous receptor ligand, and the IgG acts as a molecular Trojan horse to ferry into brain the lysosomal enzyme genetically fused to the IgG. The IgG-enzyme fusion protein is bi-functional and retains both high affinity binding for the BBB receptor, and high lysosomal enzyme activity. IgG-lysosomal enzymes are presently in clinical trials for treatment of the brain in Mucopolysaccharidosis.
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18
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Tessarollo L, Yanpallewar S. TrkB Truncated Isoform Receptors as Transducers and Determinants of BDNF Functions. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:847572. [PMID: 35321093 PMCID: PMC8934854 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.847572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to the neurotrophin family of secreted growth factors and binds with high affinity to the TrkB tyrosine kinase receptors. BDNF is a critical player in the development of the central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS) nervous system of vertebrates and its strong pro-survival function on neurons has attracted great interest as a potential therapeutic target for the management of neurodegenerative disorders such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. The TrkB gene, in addition to the full-length receptor, encodes a number of isoforms, including some lacking the catalytic tyrosine kinase domain. Importantly, one of these truncated isoforms, namely TrkB.T1, is the most widely expressed TrkB receptor in the adult suggesting an important role in the regulation of BDNF signaling. Although some progress has been made, the mechanism of TrkB.T1 function is still largely unknown. Here we critically review the current knowledge on TrkB.T1 distribution and functions that may be helpful to our understanding of how it regulates and participates in BDNF signaling in normal physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lino Tessarollo
- Neural Development Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
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19
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Zhou Q, Tang H, Bai D, Kong Y. 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone protects neurons against oxygen-glucose deprivation induced apoptosis and activates the TrkB/Akt pathway. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12886. [PMID: 35186478 PMCID: PMC8855723 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a selective agonist of tropomyosin related kinase receptor B (TrkB), is known to exert protective effects in neurodegenerative diseases. However, the role of 7,8-DHF in TrkB signaling after ischemic stroke has remained elusive. METHODS In the vitro model of ischemic stroke, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of 7,8-DHF through activation of TrkB signaling. Neurons subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion were treated with the protein kinase inhibitor K252a and a knockdown of TrkB. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, Flow Cytometric Analysis (FACS), TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were conducted for measuring cell viability and numbers of apoptotic cells. And apoptosis-associated proteins were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS Compared with the Control group, OGD/R group revealed lower cell viability by CCK-8 assay FACS and TUNEL assay showed increased rates of neuronal apoptosis. However, 7,8-DHF treatment increased cell viability and reduced neuronal apoptosis. Western blotting indicated upregulated Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and but downregulated Bcl-2 following OGD/R. Whereas 7,8-DHF treatment downregulated Bax and cleaved caspase-3 but upregulated Bcl-2. These changes were accompanied by a significant increase in the phosphorylation of TrkB and Akt following 7,8-DHF administration. However, the administration of K252a and knockdown of TrkB could alleviate those effects. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that activation of TrkB signaling by 7,8-DHF protects neurons against OGD/R injury via the TrkB/Akt pathway, which provides the evidence for the role of TrkB signaling in OGD-induced neuronal damage and may become a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinxiang Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dingqun Bai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuhan Kong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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20
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Keifer J. Regulation of AMPAR trafficking in synaptic plasticity by BDNF and the impact of neurodegenerative disease. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:979-991. [PMID: 35128708 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Research demonstrates that the neural mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity and learning and memory involve mobilization of AMPA-type neurotransmitter receptors at glutamatergic synaptic contacts, and that these mechanisms are targeted during neurodegenerative disease. Strengthening neural transmission occurs with insertion of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) into synapses while weakening results from receptor withdrawal. A key player in the trafficking of AMPARs during plasticity and learning is the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling system. BDNF is a neurotrophic factor that supports neuronal growth and is required for learning and memory. Significantly, a primary feature of many neurodegenerative diseases is a reduction in BDNF protein as well as disrupted neuronal surface expression of synaptic AMPARs. The resulting weakening of synaptic contacts leads to synapse loss and neuronal degeneration that underlies the cognitive impairment and dementia observed in patients with progressive neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's. In the face of these data, one therapeutic approach is to increase BDNF bioavailability in brain. While this has been met with significant challenges, the results of the research have been promising. In spite of this, there are currently no clinical trials to test many of these findings on patients. Here, research showing that BDNF drives AMPARs to synapses, AMPAR trafficking is essential for synaptic plasticity and learning, and that neurodegenerative disease results in a significant decline in BDNF will be reviewed. The aim is to draw attention to the need for increasing patient-directed clinical studies to test the possible benefits of increasing levels of neurotrophins, specifically BDNF, to treat brain disorders. Much is known about the cellular mechanisms that underlie learning and memory in brain. It can be concluded that signaling by neurotrophins like BDNF and AMPA-type glutamate receptor synaptic trafficking are fundamental to these processes. Data from animal models and patients reveal that these mechanisms are adversely targeted during neurodegenerative disease and results in memory loss and cognitive decline. A brief summary of our understanding of these mechanisms indicates that it is time to apply this knowledge base directly to development of therapeutic treatments that enhance neurotrophins for brain disorders in patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Keifer
- Neuroscience Group, Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
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21
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Arituluk ZC, Adhikari B, Maitra U, Goodman C, Ciesla LM. Cellular Membrane Affinity Chromatography Columns to Identify Specialized Plant Metabolites Interacting with Immobilized Tropomyosin Kinase Receptor B. J Vis Exp 2022:10.3791/63118. [PMID: 35129164 PMCID: PMC11077631 DOI: 10.3791/63118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemicals synthesized by plants, fungi, bacteria, and marine invertebrates have been a rich source of new drug hits and leads. Medicines such as statins, penicillin, paclitaxel, rapamycin, or artemisinin, commonly used in medical practice, have been first identified and isolated from natural products. However, the identification and isolation of biologically active specialized metabolites from natural sources is a challenging and time-consuming process. Traditionally, individual metabolites are isolated and purified from complex mixtures, following the extraction of biomass. Subsequently, the isolated molecules are tested in functional assays to verify their biological activity. Here we present the use of cellular membrane affinity chromatography (CMAC) columns to identify biologically active compounds directly from complex mixtures. CMAC columns allow for the identification of compounds interacting with immobilized functional transmembrane proteins (TMPs) embedded in their native phospholipid bilayer environment. This is a targeted approach, which requires knowing the TMP whose activity one intends to modulate with the newly identified small molecule drug candidate. In this protocol, we present an approach to prepare CMAC columns with immobilized tropomyosin kinase receptor B (TrkB), which has emerged as a viable target for drug discovery for numerous nervous system disorders. In this article, we provide a detailed protocol to assemble the CMAC column with immobilized TrkB receptors using neuroblastoma cell lines overexpressing TrkB receptors. We further present the approach to investigate the functionality of the column and its use in the identification of specialized plant metabolites interacting with TrkB receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekiye Ceren Arituluk
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama; Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University
| | - Bishnu Adhikari
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama
| | - Urmila Maitra
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama
| | | | - Lukasz M Ciesla
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama;
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22
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Zaitoun IS, Song YS, Suscha A, El Ragaby M, Sorenson CM, Sheibani N. 7, 8-Dihydroxyflavone, a TrkB receptor agonist, provides minimal protection against retinal vascular damage during oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260793. [PMID: 34855884 PMCID: PMC8638941 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the main causes of blindness in children worldwide. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), play critical protective roles in the development and function of neurons and vasculature. Lack of BDNF expression results in increased endothelial cell apoptosis and reduced endothelial cell-cell contact. Premature babies who develop ROP tend to have lower serum BDNF levels. BDNF expression is also significantly lower in mouse retinas following exposure to hyperoxia compared to those reared in room air. Specifically, BDNF promotes angiogenic tube formation of endothelial cells (EC), and it is considered an EC survival factor required for stabilization of intramyocardial vessels. We hypothesized that the activation of TrkB receptor protects retinal vasculature in the mice during oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy (OIR), a model of ROP. To test this hypothesis, we treated neonatal mice with 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (DHF) (5 mg/kg body weight), a TrkB receptor agonist. We examined its potential protective effects on retinal vessel obliteration and neovascularization, two hallmarks of ROP and OIR. We found that retinas from DHF treated postnatal day 8 (P8) and P12 mice have similar levels of vessel obliteration as retinas from age-matched control mice subjected to OIR. Similarly, DHF showed no significant effect on mitigation of retinal neovascularization during OIR in P17 mice. Collectively, our studies demonstrate that the TrkB receptor agonist DHF provides no significant protective effects during OIR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail S. Zaitoun
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States of America
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Yong-Seok Song
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States of America
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Andrew Suscha
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Mohamed El Ragaby
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Christine M. Sorenson
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Nader Sheibani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States of America
- McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States of America
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23
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Gonzalez S, McHugh TLM, Yang T, Syriani W, Massa SM, Longo FM, Simmons DA. Small molecule modulation of TrkB and TrkC neurotrophin receptors prevents cholinergic neuron atrophy in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model at an advanced pathological stage. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 162:105563. [PMID: 34838668 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) in the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) and vertical diagonal band (VDB) along with their connections is a key pathological event leading to memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aberrant neurotrophin signaling via Trks and the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) contributes importantly to BFCN dystrophy. While NGF/TrkA signaling has received the most attention in this regard, TrkB and TrkC signaling also provide trophic support to BFCNs and these receptors may be well located to preserve BFCN connectivity. We previously identified a small molecule TrkB/TrkC ligand, LM22B-10, that promotes cell survival and neurite outgrowth in vitro and activates TrkB/TrkC signaling in the hippocampus of aged mice when given intranasally, but shows poor oral bioavailability. An LM22B-10 derivative, PTX-BD10-2, with improved oral bioavailability has been developed and this study examined its effects on BFCN atrophy in the hAPPLond/Swe (APPL/S) AD mouse model. Oral delivery of PTX-BD10-2 was started after appreciable amyloid and cholinergic pathology was present to parallel the clinical context, as most AD patients start treatment at advanced pathological stages. PTX-BD10-2 restored cholinergic neurite integrity in the NBM and VDB, and reduced NBM neuronal atrophy in symptomatic APPL/S mice. Dystrophy of cholinergic neurites in BF target regions, including the cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala, was also reduced with treatment. Finally, PTX-BD10-2 reduced NBM tau pathology and improved the survival of cholinergic neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) after amyloid-β exposure. These data provide evidence that targeting TrkB and TrkC signaling with PTX-BD10-2 may be an effective disease-modifying strategy for combating cholinergic dysfunction in AD. The potential for clinical translation is further supported by the compound's reduction of AD-related degenerative processes that have progressed beyond early stages and its neuroprotective effects in human iPSC-derived cholinergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selena Gonzalez
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
| | - Tyne L M McHugh
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
| | - Wassim Syriani
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
| | - Stephen M Massa
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Computational Neurochemistry and Drug Discovery, Veterans Affairs Health Care System and Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States of America
| | - Frank M Longo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
| | - Danielle A Simmons
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America.
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Arituluk ZC, Horne J, Adhikari B, Steltzner J, Mansur S, Ahirwar P, Velu SE, Gray NE, Ciesla LM, Bao Y. Identification of TrkB Binders from Complex Matrices Using a Magnetic Drug Screening Nanoplatform. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:6244-6255. [PMID: 35006910 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) have been shown to play an important role in numerous neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. The identification of biologically active compounds interacting with TrkB serves as a drug discovery strategy to identify drug leads for neurological disorders. Here, we report effective immobilization of functional TrkB on magnetic iron oxide nanoclusters, where TrkB receptors behave as "smart baits" to bind compounds from mixtures and magnetic nanoclusters enable rapid isolation through magnetic separation. The presence of the immobilized TrkB was confirmed by specific antibody labeling. Subsequently, the activity of the TrkB on iron oxide nanoclusters was evaluated with ATP/ADP conversion experiments using a known TrkB agonist. The immobilized TrkB receptors can effectively identify binders from mixtures containing known binders, synthetic small molecule mixtures, and Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) plant extracts. The identified compounds were analyzed by an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography system coupled with a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Importantly, some of the identified TrkB binders from Gotu Kola plant extracts matched with compounds previously linked to neuroprotective effects observed for a Gotu Kola extract approved for use in a clinical trial. Our studies suggest that the possible therapeutic effects of the Gotu Kola plant extract in dementia treatment, at least partially, might be associated with compounds interacting with TrkB. The unique feature of this approach is its ability to fast screen potential drug leads using less explored transmembrane targets. This platform works as a drug-screening funnel at early stages of the drug discovery pipeline. Therefore, our approach will not only greatly benefit drug discovery processes using transmembrane proteins as targets but also allow for evaluation and validation of cellular pathways targeted by drug leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekiye Ceren Arituluk
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Jesse Horne
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Bishnu Adhikari
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Jeffrey Steltzner
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Shomit Mansur
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Parmanand Ahirwar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Sadanandan E Velu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 14th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United States
| | - Nora E Gray
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Lukasz M Ciesla
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Yuping Bao
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
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25
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Do Small Molecules Activate the TrkB Receptor in the Same Manner as BDNF? Limitations of Published TrkB Low Molecular Agonists and Screening for Novel TrkB Orthosteric Agonists. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080704. [PMID: 34451801 PMCID: PMC8398766 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
TrkB is a tyrosine kinase receptor that is activated upon binding to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). To date, the search for low-molecular-weight molecules mimicking BDNF’s action has been unsuccessful. Several molecules exerting antidepressive effects in vivo, such as 7,8-DHF, have been suggested to be TrkB agonists. However, more recent publications question this hypothesis. In this study, we developed a set of experimental procedures including the evaluation of direct interactions, dimerization, downstream signaling, and cytoprotection in parallel with physicochemical and ADME methods to verify the pharmacology of 7,8-DHF and other potential reference compounds, and perform screening for novel TrkB agonists. 7,8 DHF bound to TrkB with Kd = 1.3 μM; however, we were not able to observe any other activity against the TrkB receptor in SN56 T48 and differentiated SH-SY5Y cell lines. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of 7,8-DHF at doses of 1 and 50 mg/kg were examined in mice after i.v and oral administration, respectively. The poor pharmacokinetic properties and lack of observed activation of TrkB-dependent signaling in the brain confirmed that 7,8-DHF is not a relevant tool for studying TrkB activation in vivo. The binding profile for 133 molecular targets revealed a significant lack of selectivity of 7,8-DHF, suggesting a distinct functional profile independent of interaction with TrkB. Additionally, a compound library was screened in search of novel low-molecular-weight orthosteric TrkB agonists; however, we were not able to identify reliable drug candidates. Our results suggest that published reference compounds including 7,8-DHF do not activate TrkB, consistent with canonical dogma, which indicates that the reported pharmacological activity of these compounds should be interpreted carefully in a broad functional context.
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Pogoda A, Chmielewska N, Maciejak P, Szyndler J. Transcriptional Dysregulation in Huntington's Disease: The Role in Pathogenesis and Potency for Pharmacological Targeting. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:2783-2806. [PMID: 32628586 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200705225821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes a critical cell regulatory protein, huntingtin (Htt). The expansion of cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeats causes improper folding of functional proteins and is an initial trigger of pathological changes in the brain. Recent research has indicated that the functional dysregulation of many transcription factors underlies the neurodegenerative processes that accompany HD. These disturbances are caused not only by the loss of wild-type Htt (WT Htt) function but also by the occurrence of abnormalities that result from the action of mutant Htt (mHtt). In this review, we aim to describe the role of transcription factors that are currently thought to be strongly associated with HD pathogenesis, namely, RE1-silencing transcription factor, also known as neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF), forkhead box proteins (FOXPs), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1a (PGC1α), heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), and nuclear factor κ light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF- κB). We also take into account the role of these factors in the phenotype of HD as well as potential pharmacological interventions targeting the analyzed proteins. Furthermore, we considered whether molecular manipulation resulting in changes in transcription factor function may have clinical potency for treating HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Pogoda
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury Street 61, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Chmielewska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego Street 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Maciejak
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego Street 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janusz Szyndler
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha Street 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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Ou ZYA, Byrne LM, Rodrigues FB, Tortelli R, Johnson EB, Foiani MS, Arridge M, De Vita E, Scahill RI, Heslegrave A, Zetterberg H, Wild EJ. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma is not a biomarker for Huntington's disease. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3481. [PMID: 33568689 PMCID: PMC7876124 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83000-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in the survival of striatal neurons. BDNF function is reduced in Huntington's disease (HD), possibly because mutant huntingtin impairs its cortico-striatal transport, contributing to striatal neurodegeneration. The BDNF trophic pathway is a therapeutic target, and blood BDNF has been suggested as a potential biomarker for HD, but BDNF has not been quantified in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in HD. We quantified BDNF in CSF and plasma in the HD-CSF cohort (20 pre-manifest and 40 manifest HD mutation carriers and 20 age and gender-matched controls) using conventional ELISAs and an ultra-sensitive immunoassay. BDNF concentration was below the limit of detection of the conventional ELISAs, raising doubt about previous CSF reports in neurodegeneration. Using the ultra-sensitive method, BDNF concentration was quantifiable in all samples but did not differ between controls and HD mutation carriers in CSF or plasma, was not associated with clinical scores or MRI brain volumetric measures, and had poor ability to discriminate controls from HD mutation carriers, and premanifest from manifest HD. We conclude that BDNF in CSF and plasma is unlikely to be a biomarker of HD progression and urge caution in interpreting studies where conventional ELISA was used to quantify CSF BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Yi Andy Ou
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Lauren M Byrne
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Filipe B Rodrigues
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rosanna Tortelli
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Eileanoir B Johnson
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Martha S Foiani
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Marzena Arridge
- Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Enrico De Vita
- Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Rachael I Scahill
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Amanda Heslegrave
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 431 80, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 431 80, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Edward J Wild
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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28
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Yanpallewar S, Fulgenzi G, Tomassoni-Ardori F, Barrick C, Tessarollo L. Delayed onset of inherited ALS by deletion of the BDNF receptor TrkB.T1 is non-cell autonomous. Exp Neurol 2020; 337:113576. [PMID: 33359475 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a disease caused by the gradual degeneration of motoneurons, is still largely unknown. Insufficient neurotrophic support has been cited as one of the causes of motoneuron cell death. Neurotrophic factors such as BDNF have been evaluated in ALS human clinical trials, but yielded disappointing results attributed to the poor pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of BDNF. In the inherited ALS G93A SOD1 animal model, deletion of the BDNF receptor TrkB.T1 delays spinal cord motoneuron cell death and muscle weakness through an unknown cellular mechanism. Here we show that TrkB.T1 is expressed ubiquitously in the spinal cord and its deletion does not change the SOD1 mutant spinal cord inflammatory state suggesting that TrkB.T1 does not influence microglia or astrocyte activation. Although TrkB.T1 knockout in astrocytes preserves muscle strength and co-ordination at early stages of disease, its specific conditional deletion in motoneurons or astrocytes does not delay motoneuron cell death during the early stage of the disease. These data suggest that TrkB.T1 may limit the neuroprotective BDNF signaling to motoneurons via a non-cell autonomous mechanism providing new understanding into the reasons for past clinical failures and insights into the design of future clinical trials employing TrkB agonists in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gianluca Fulgenzi
- Neural Development Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, CCR, NCI, NIH, USA
| | | | - Colleen Barrick
- Neural Development Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, CCR, NCI, NIH, USA
| | - Lino Tessarollo
- Neural Development Section, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, CCR, NCI, NIH, USA.
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29
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Kazana W, Zabłocka A. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a potential therapeutic
tool in the treatment of nervous system disorders. POSTEP HIG MED DOSW 2020. [DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0014.5678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in the proper functioning
of the nervous system. It regulates the growth and survival of nerve cells, and is crucial
in processes related to the memory, learning and synaptic plasticity. Abnormalities related
to the distribution and secretion of BDNF protein accompany many diseases of the nervous
system, in the course of which a significant decrease in BDNF level in the brain is observed.
Impairments of BDNF transport may occur, for example, in the event of a single nucleotide
polymorphism in the Bdnf (Val66Met) coding gene or due to the dysfunctions of the proteins
involved in intracellular transport, such as huntingtin (HTT), huntingtin-associated protein
1 (HAP1), carboxypeptidase E (CPE) or sortilin 1 (SORT1). One of the therapeutic goals in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system may be the regulation of expression and
secretion of BDNF protein by nerve cells. Potential therapeutic strategies are based on direct
injection of the protein into the specific region of the brain, the use of viral vectors expressing
the Bdnf gene, transplantation of BDNF-producing cells, the use of substances of natural
origin that stimulate the cells of the central nervous system for BDNF production, or the
use of molecules activating the main receptor for BDNF – tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB).
In addition, an appropriate lifestyle that promotes physical activity helps to increase BDNF
level in the body. This paper summarizes the current knowledge about the biological role of
BDNF protein and proteins involved in intracellular transport of this neurotrophin. Moreover,
it presents contemporary research trends to develop therapeutic methods, leading to an
increase in the level of BDNF protein in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioletta Kazana
- Laboratorium Immunobiologii Mikrobiomu, Instytut Immunologii i Terapii Doświadczalnej Polskiej Akademii Nauk im. L. Hirszfelda we Wrocławiu
| | - Agnieszka Zabłocka
- Laboratorium Immunobiologii Mikrobiomu, Instytut Immunologii i Terapii Doświadczalnej Polskiej Akademii Nauk im. L. Hirszfelda we Wrocławiu
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30
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Adams I, Yang T, Longo FM, Katz DM. Restoration of motor learning in a mouse model of Rett syndrome following long-term treatment with a novel small-molecule activator of TrkB. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:13/11/dmm044685. [PMID: 33361117 PMCID: PMC7710018 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.044685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and impaired activation of the BDNF receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB; also known as Ntrk2), are thought to contribute significantly to the pathophysiology of Rett syndrome (RTT), a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the X-linked gene encoding methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Previous studies from this and other laboratories have shown that enhancing BDNF expression and/or TrkB activation in Mecp2-deficient mouse models of RTT can ameliorate or reverse abnormal neurological phenotypes that mimic human RTT symptoms. The present study reports on the preclinical efficacy of a novel, small-molecule, non-peptide TrkB partial agonist, PTX-BD4-3, in heterozygous female Mecp2 mutant mice, a well-established RTT model that recapitulates the genetic mosaicism of the human disease. PTX-BD4-3 exhibited specificity for TrkB in cell-based assays of neurotrophin receptor activation and neuronal cell survival and in in vitro receptor binding assays. PTX-BD4-3 also activated TrkB following systemic administration to wild-type and Mecp2 mutant mice and was rapidly cleared from the brain and plasma with a half-life of ∼2 h. Chronic intermittent treatment of Mecp2 mutants with a low dose of PTX-BD4-3 (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, once every 3 days for 8 weeks) reversed deficits in two core RTT symptom domains – respiration and motor control – and symptom rescue was maintained for at least 24 h after the last dose. Together, these data indicate that significant clinically relevant benefit can be achieved in a mouse model of RTT with a chronic intermittent, low-dose treatment paradigm targeting the neurotrophin receptor TrkB. Editor's choice: Long-term intermittent treatment with a newly developed partial agonist of the TrkB neurotrophin receptor reverses deficits in motor learning and respiration in a mouse model of Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Adams
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106-4975, USA
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Frank M Longo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David M Katz
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106-4975, USA
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Zagrebelsky M, Tacke C, Korte M. BDNF signaling during the lifetime of dendritic spines. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 382:185-199. [PMID: 32537724 PMCID: PMC7529616 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03226-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are tiny membrane specialization forming the postsynaptic part of most excitatory synapses. They have been suggested to play a crucial role in regulating synaptic transmission during development and in adult learning processes. Changes in their number, size, and shape are correlated with processes of structural synaptic plasticity and learning and memory and also with neurodegenerative diseases, when spines are lost. Thus, their alterations can correlate with neuronal homeostasis, but also with dysfunction in several neurological disorders characterized by cognitive impairment. Therefore, it is important to understand how different stages in the life of a dendritic spine, including formation, maturation, and plasticity, are strictly regulated. In this context, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), belonging to the NGF-neurotrophin family, is among the most intensively investigated molecule. This review would like to report the current knowledge regarding the role of BDNF in regulating dendritic spine number, structure, and plasticity concentrating especially on its signaling via its two often functionally antagonistic receptors, TrkB and p75NTR. In addition, we point out a series of open points in which, while the role of BDNF signaling is extremely likely conclusive, evidence is still missing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Zagrebelsky
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig, Spielmannstr 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany.
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, AG NIND, Inhoffenstr. 7, D-38124, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Charlotte Tacke
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig, Spielmannstr 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Martin Korte
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig, Spielmannstr 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany.
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, AG NIND, Inhoffenstr. 7, D-38124, Braunschweig, Germany.
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32
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Frick C, Fink S, Schmidbauer D, Rousset F, Eickhoff H, Tropitzsch A, Kramer B, Senn P, Glueckert R, Rask-Andersen H, Wiesmüller KH, Löwenheim H, Müller M. Age-Dependency of Neurite Outgrowth in Postnatal Mouse Cochlear Spiral Ganglion Explants. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E580. [PMID: 32839381 PMCID: PMC7564056 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10090580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spatial gap between cochlear implants (CIs) and the auditory nerve limits frequency selectivity as large populations of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) are electrically stimulated synchronously. To improve CI performance, a possible strategy is to promote neurite outgrowth toward the CI, thereby allowing a discrete stimulation of small SGN subpopulations. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is effective to stimulate neurite outgrowth from SGNs. METHOD TrkB (tropomyosin receptor kinase B) agonists, BDNF, and five known small-molecule BDNF mimetics were tested for their efficacy in stimulating neurite outgrowth in postnatal SGN explants. To modulate Trk receptor-mediated effects, TrkB and TrkC ligands were scavenged by an excess of recombinant receptor proteins. The pan-Trk inhibitor K252a was used to block Trk receptor actions. RESULTS THF (7,8,3'-trihydroxyflavone) partly reproduced the BDNF effect in postnatal day 7 (P7) mouse cochlear spiral ganglion explants (SGEs), but failed to show effectiveness in P4 SGEs. During the same postnatal period, spontaneous and BDNF-stimulated neurite outgrowth increased. The increased neurite outgrowth in P7 SGEs was not caused by the TrkB/TrkC ligands, BDNF and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). CONCLUSIONS The age-dependency of induction of neurite outgrowth in SGEs was very likely dependent on presently unidentified factors and/or molecular mechanisms which may also be decisive for the age-dependent efficacy of the small-molecule TrkB receptor agonist THF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Frick
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre, University of Tübingen Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (C.F.); (A.T.); (B.K.); (H.L.); (M.M.)
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Fink
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre, University of Tübingen Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (C.F.); (A.T.); (B.K.); (H.L.); (M.M.)
| | - Dominik Schmidbauer
- Inner Ear Laboratory Innsbruck, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (D.S.); (R.G.)
| | - Francis Rousset
- The Inner Ear & Olfaction Lab, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland; (F.R.); (P.S.)
| | - Holger Eickhoff
- EMC Microcollections GmbH, 72070 Tübingen, Germany; (H.E.); (K.-H.W.)
| | - Anke Tropitzsch
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre, University of Tübingen Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (C.F.); (A.T.); (B.K.); (H.L.); (M.M.)
| | - Benedikt Kramer
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre, University of Tübingen Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (C.F.); (A.T.); (B.K.); (H.L.); (M.M.)
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Pascal Senn
- The Inner Ear & Olfaction Lab, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland; (F.R.); (P.S.)
| | - Rudolf Glueckert
- Inner Ear Laboratory Innsbruck, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (D.S.); (R.G.)
- Tirol Kliniken Innsbruck, University Clinic of Otolaryngology, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helge Rask-Andersen
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of Uppsala, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | | | - Hubert Löwenheim
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre, University of Tübingen Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (C.F.); (A.T.); (B.K.); (H.L.); (M.M.)
| | - Marcus Müller
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre, University of Tübingen Medical Center, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (C.F.); (A.T.); (B.K.); (H.L.); (M.M.)
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Wang S, Yao H, Xu Y, Hao R, Zhang W, Liu H, Huang Y, Guo W, Lu B. Therapeutic potential of a TrkB agonistic antibody for Alzheimer's disease. Theranostics 2020; 10:6854-6874. [PMID: 32550908 PMCID: PMC7295064 DOI: 10.7150/thno.44165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated failures of "Aβ-lowering" therapies call for new targets and therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We propose to treat AD by halting neuronal death and repairing synapses using a BDNF-based therapy. To overcome the poor druggability of BDNF, we have developed an agonistic antibody AS86 to mimic the function of BDNF, and evaluate its therapeutic potential for AD. Method: Biochemical, electrophysiological and behavioral techniques were used to investigate the effects of AS86 in vitro and in vivo. Results: AS86 specifically activated the BDNF receptor TrkB and its downstream signaling, without affecting its other receptor p75NTR. It promoted neurite outgrowth, enhanced spine growth and prevented Aβ-induced cell death in cultured neurons, and facilitated Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal slices. A single-dose tail-vein injection of AS86 activated TrkB signaling in the brain, with a half-life of 6 days in the blood and brain. Bi-weekly peripheral administration of AS86 rescued the deficits in object-recognition memory in the APP/PS1 mouse model. AS86 also reversed spatial memory deficits in the 11-month, but not 14-month old AD mouse model. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the potential of AS86 in AD therapy, suggesting that neuronal and/or synaptic repair as an alternative therapeutic strategy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, 100084
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, 100070
- R&D Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Brain Diseases, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518057
| | - Hongyang Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, 100084
| | - Yihua Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, 100084
- R&D Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Brain Diseases, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518057
| | - Rui Hao
- Center of Translational Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China, 200065
| | - Wen Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, 100084
| | - Hang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, 100084
- R&D Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Brain Diseases, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518057
| | - Ying Huang
- Center of Translational Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China, 200065
| | - Wei Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, 100084
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, 100070
- R&D Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Brain Diseases, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518057
| | - Bai Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, 100084
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, 100070
- R&D Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Brain Diseases, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, 518057
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Its Potential Therapeutic Role in Stroke Comorbidities. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:1969482. [PMID: 32399020 PMCID: PMC7204205 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1969482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rise in the aging global population, stroke comorbidities have become a serious health threat and a tremendous economic burden on human society. Current therapeutic strategies mainly focus on protecting neurons from cytotoxic damage at the acute phase upon stroke onset, which not only is a difficult way to ameliorate stroke symptoms but also presents a challenge for the patients to receive effective treatment in time. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the most abundant neurotrophin in the adult brain, which possesses a remarkable capability to repair brain damage. Recent promising preclinical outcomes have made BDNF a popular late-stage target in the development of novel stroke treatments. In this review, we aim to summarize the latest progress in the understanding of the cellular/molecular mechanisms underlying stroke pathogenesis, current strategies and difficulties in drug development, the mechanism of BDNF action in poststroke neurorehabilitation and neuroplasticity, and recent updates in novel therapeutic methods.
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Szobota S, Mathur PD, Siegel S, Black K, Saragovi HU, Foster AC. BDNF, NT-3 and Trk receptor agonist monoclonal antibodies promote neuron survival, neurite extension, and synapse restoration in rat cochlea ex vivo models relevant for hidden hearing loss. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224022. [PMID: 31671109 PMCID: PMC6822712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins and their mimetics are potential treatments for hearing disorders because of their trophic effects on spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) whose connections to hair cells may be compromised in many forms of hearing loss. Studies in noise or ototoxin-exposed animals have shown that local delivery of NT-3 or BDNF has beneficial effects on SGNs and hearing. We evaluated several TrkB or TrkC monoclonal antibody agonists and small molecules, along with BDNF and NT-3, in rat cochlea ex vivo models. The TrkB agonists BDNF and a monoclonal antibody, M3, had the greatest effects on SGN survival, neurite outgrowth and branching. In organotypic cochlear explants, BDNF and M3 enhanced synapse formation between SGNs and inner hair cells and restored these connections after excitotoxin-induced synaptopathy. Loss of these synapses has recently been implicated in hidden hearing loss, a condition characterized by difficulty hearing speech in the presence of background noise. The unique profile of M3 revealed here warrants further investigation, and the broad activity profile of BDNF observed underpins its continued development as a hearing loss therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Szobota
- Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Sairey Siegel
- Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | | | - H. Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alan C. Foster
- Otonomy, Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
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TrkB agonistic antibodies superior to BDNF: Utility in treating motoneuron degeneration. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104590. [PMID: 31470106 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has long been implicated in treating neurological diseases, recombinant BDNF protein has failed in multiple clinical trials. In addition to its unstable and adhesive nature, BDNF can activate p75NTR, a receptor mediating cellular functions opposite to those of TrkB. We have now identified TrkB agonistic antibodies (TrkB-agoAbs) with several properties superior to BDNF: They exhibit blood half-life of days instead of hours, diffuse centimeters in neural tissues instead millimeters, and bind and activate TrkB, but not p75NTR. In addition, TrkB-agoAbs elicit much longer TrkB activation, reduced TrkB internalization and less intracellular degradation, compared with BDNF. More importantly, some of these TrkB-agoAbs bind TrkB epitopes distinct from that by BDNF, and work cooperatively with endogenous BDNF. Unlike BDNF, the TrkB-agoAbs exhibit a half-life of days/weeks and diffused readily in nerve tissues. We tested one of TrkB-agoAbs further and showed that it enhanced motoneuron survival in the spinal-root avulsion model for motoneuron degeneration in vivo. Thus, TrkB-agoAbs are promising drug candidates for the treatment of neural injury.
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37
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Han F, Guan X, Guo W, Lu B. Therapeutic potential of a TrkB agonistic antibody for ischemic brain injury. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 127:570-581. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Smith‐Dijak AI, Sepers MD, Raymond LA. Alterations in synaptic function and plasticity in Huntington disease. J Neurochem 2019; 150:346-365. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy I. Smith‐Dijak
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience the University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health the University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Marja D. Sepers
- Department of Psychiatry and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health the University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Lynn A. Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health the University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
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7,8-Dihydroxyflavone Protects Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic Neurons from Rotenone-Induced Neurotoxicity in Rodents. PARKINSONS DISEASE 2019; 2019:9193534. [PMID: 30944722 PMCID: PMC6421741 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9193534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) is thought to be a promising therapeutic agent for various neurodegenerative diseases. The major purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of 7,8-DHF on the rotenone-induced motor deficit of Parkinson's disease. Nine-month-old rats were treated with rotenone (2 mg/kg/day, i.h.) for 5 weeks to establish the animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD), and 7,8-DHF (5 mg/kg, i.p.) was administrated daily throughout the whole period of rotenone injection. Five weeks later, an open field test was used to assess the motor ability of the animals. TH immunostaining was performed to evaluate rotenone-induced neurotoxicity on substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic neurons and the DA terminals in the striatum. Western blot analyses were used to examine the expressions of TH, BDNF/TrkB signaling cascades, phospho-α-synuclein (Ser129), α-synuclein, and phospho-tau (Ser396) in SN. The results revealed that treatment with 7,8-DHF improved PD model's behavioral performance and reduced dopaminergic neuron loss in the SN and striatum, associated with the activation of TrkB receptors and its signaling cascades, and reduced p-MAPK, p-α-synuclein, and p-tau. Collectively, these results indicated that 7,8-DHF displayed prominent neuroprotective properties, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for PD treatment.
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Kumar NN, Pizzo ME, Nehra G, Wilken-Resman B, Boroumand S, Thorne RG. Passive Immunotherapies for Central Nervous System Disorders: Current Delivery Challenges and New Approaches. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:3937-3966. [PMID: 30265523 PMCID: PMC7234797 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Passive immunotherapy, i.e., the administration of exogenous antibodies that recognize a specific target antigen, has gained significant momentum as a potential treatment strategy for several central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and brain cancer, among others. Advances in antibody engineering to create therapeutic antibody fragments or antibody conjugates have introduced new strategies that may also be applied to treat CNS disorders. However, drug delivery to the CNS for antibodies and other macromolecules has thus far proven challenging, due in large part to the blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers that greatly restrict transport of peripherally administered molecules from the systemic circulation into the CNS. Here, we summarize the various passive immunotherapy approaches under study for the treatment of CNS disorders, with a primary focus on disease-specific and target site-specific challenges to drug delivery and new, cutting edge methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niyanta N. Kumar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
| | - Michelle E. Pizzo
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
- Clinical Neuroengineering Training Program, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Geetika Nehra
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
| | - Brynna Wilken-Resman
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
| | - Sam Boroumand
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
| | - Robert G. Thorne
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of
Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy
- Clinical Neuroengineering Training Program, University of
Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
- Neuroscience Training Program & Center for
Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United
States
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Training Program,
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
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Dietz RM, Orfila JE, Rodgers KM, Patsos OP, Deng G, Chalmers N, Quillinan N, Traystman RJ, Herson PS. Juvenile cerebral ischemia reveals age-dependent BDNF-TrkB signaling changes: Novel mechanism of recovery and therapeutic intervention. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2018; 38:2223-2235. [PMID: 29611441 PMCID: PMC6282214 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x18766421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Global ischemia in childhood often leads to poor neurologic outcomes, including learning and memory deficits. Using our novel model of childhood cardiac arrest/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA/CPR), we investigate the mechanism of ischemia-induced cognitive deficits and recovery. Memory is impaired seven days after juvenile CA/CPR and completely recovers by 30 days. Consistent with this remarkable recovery not observed in adults, hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) is impaired 7-14 days after CA/CPR, recovering by 30 days. This recovery is not due to the replacement of dead neurons (neurogenesis), but rather correlates with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, implicating BDNF as the molecular mechanism underlying impairment and recovery. Importantly, delayed activation of TrkB receptor signaling reverses CA/CPR-induced LTP deficits and memory impairments. These data provide two new insights (1) endogenous recovery of memory and LTP through development may contribute to improved neurological outcome in children compared to adults and (2) BDNF-enhancing drugs speed recovery from pediatric cardiac arrest during the critical school ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Dietz
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,2 Neuronal Injury Program, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - James E Orfila
- 2 Neuronal Injury Program, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,3 Department of Anesthesiology, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Krista M Rodgers
- 2 Neuronal Injury Program, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,3 Department of Anesthesiology, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Olivia P Patsos
- 2 Neuronal Injury Program, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,3 Department of Anesthesiology, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Guiying Deng
- 2 Neuronal Injury Program, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,3 Department of Anesthesiology, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nicholas Chalmers
- 2 Neuronal Injury Program, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,3 Department of Anesthesiology, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nidia Quillinan
- 2 Neuronal Injury Program, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,3 Department of Anesthesiology, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,4 Department of Pharmacology, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Richard J Traystman
- 2 Neuronal Injury Program, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,3 Department of Anesthesiology, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,4 Department of Pharmacology, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Paco S Herson
- 2 Neuronal Injury Program, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,3 Department of Anesthesiology, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.,4 Department of Pharmacology, 129263 University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Ali Shariati M, Kumar V, Yang T, Chakraborty C, Barres BA, Longo FM, Liao YJ. A Small Molecule TrkB Neurotrophin Receptor Partial Agonist as Possible Treatment for Experimental Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy. Curr Eye Res 2018; 43:1489-1499. [PMID: 30273053 PMCID: PMC10710940 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2018.1508726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and activation of its high affinity receptor tropomyosin kinase (Trk) B promote retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) survival following injury. In this study, we tested the effects of LM22A-4, a small molecule TrkB receptor-specific partial agonist, on RGC survival in vitro and in experimental nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), the most common acute optic neuropathy in those older than 50 years. METHODS We assessed drug effects on immunopanned, cultured RGCs and calculated RGC survival and assessed TrkB receptor activation by mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase translocation. To assess effects in vivo, we induced murine AION and treated the animals with one intravitreal injection and three-week systemic treatment. We measured drug effects using serial spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and quantified retinal Brn3A+ RGC density three weeks after ischemia. RESULTS In vitro, LM22A-4 significantly increased the survival of cultured RGCs at day 2 (95% CI control: 8.4-13.6; LM22A-4: 23.7-30.3; BDNF: 24.3-29.9; P ≤ 0.0001), similar to the effect of the endogenous TrkB receptor ligand BDNF. There was also significant nuclear and cytoplasmic translocation of MAP kinase (95% CI control: 0.9-6.8; LM22A-4: 38.8-84.4; BDNF: 64.0-93.0; P = 0.0002), a known downstream event of TrkB receptor activation. Following AION, LM22A-4 treatment led to significant preservation of the ganglion cell complex (95% CI: AION-PBS: 66.8-70.7%; AION-LM22A-4: 70.0-73.1; P = 0.03) and total retinal thickness (95% CI: AION-PBS: 185-196%; AION-LM22A-4: 195-203; P = 0.002) as measured by OCT compared with non-treated eyes. There was also significant rescue of the Brn3A+ RGC density on morphometric analysis of whole mount retinae (95% CI control: 2360-2629; AION-PBS: 1647-2008 cells/mm2; AION-LM22A-4: 1958-2216 cells/mm2; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS TrkB receptor partial agonist LM22A-4 promoted survival of cultured RGCs in vitro by TrkB receptor activation, and treatment in vivo led to increased survival of RGCs after optic nerve ischemia, providing support that LM22A-4 may be effective therapy to treat ischemic optic neuropathy. ABBREVIATIONS AION: anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, BDNF: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, GCC: ganglion cell complex, MAP: mitogen-activated protein, OCT: spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, OD: right eye, ON: optic nerve, ONH: optic nerve head, OS: left eye, RGC: retinal ganglion cell; Trk: tropomyosin kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali Shariati
- a Departments of Ophthalmology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Varun Kumar
- a Departments of Ophthalmology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Tao Yang
- b Neurobiology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | | | - Ben Anthony Barres
- b Neurobiology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Frank Michael Longo
- b Neurobiology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Yaping Joyce Liao
- a Departments of Ophthalmology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
- b Neurobiology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
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Simmons DA. Modulating Neurotrophin Receptor Signaling as a Therapeutic Strategy for Huntington's Disease. J Huntingtons Dis 2018; 6:303-325. [PMID: 29254102 PMCID: PMC5757655 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-170275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG repeat expansions in the IT15 gene which encodes the huntingtin (HTT) protein. Currently, no treatments capable of preventing or slowing disease progression exist. Disease modifying therapeutics for HD would be expected to target a comprehensive set of degenerative processes given the diverse mechanisms contributing to HD pathogenesis including neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, and transcription dysregulation. A major contributor to HD-related degeneration is mutant HTT-induced loss of neurotrophic support. Thus, neurotrophin (NT) receptors have emerged as therapeutic targets in HD. The considerable overlap between NT signaling networks and those dysregulated by mutant HTT provides strong theoretical support for this approach. This review will focus on the contributions of disrupted NT signaling in HD-related neurodegeneration and how targeting NT receptors to augment pro-survival signaling and/or to inhibit degenerative signaling may combat HD pathologies. Therapeutic strategies involving NT delivery, peptidomimetics, and the targeting of specific NT receptors (e.g., Trks or p75NTR), particularly with small molecule ligands, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A Simmons
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Merkouris S, Barde YA, Binley KE, Allen ND, Stepanov AV, Wu NC, Grande G, Lin CW, Li M, Nan X, Chacon-Fernandez P, DiStefano PS, Lindsay RM, Lerner RA, Xie J. Fully human agonist antibodies to TrkB using autocrine cell-based selection from a combinatorial antibody library. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E7023-E7032. [PMID: 29987039 PMCID: PMC6065019 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1806660115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The diverse physiological roles of the neurotrophin family have long prompted exploration of their potential as therapeutic agents for nerve injury and neurodegenerative diseases. To date, clinical trials of one family member, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), have disappointingly failed to meet desired endpoints. Contributing to these failures is the fact that BDNF is pharmaceutically a nonideal biologic drug candidate. It is a highly charged, yet is a net hydrophobic molecule with a low molecular weight that confers a short t1/2 in man. To circumvent these shortcomings of BDNF as a drug candidate, we have employed a function-based cellular screening assay to select activating antibodies of the BDNF receptor TrkB from a combinatorial human short-chain variable fragment antibody library. We report here the successful selection of several potent TrkB agonist antibodies and detailed biochemical and physiological characterization of one such antibody, ZEB85. By using a human TrkB reporter cell line and BDNF-responsive GABAergic neurons derived from human ES cells, we demonstrate that ZEB85 is a full agonist of TrkB, comparable in potency to BDNF toward human neurons in activation of TrkB phosphorylation, canonical signal transduction, and mRNA transcriptional regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyros Merkouris
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3AX Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Yves-Alain Barde
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3AX Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Kate E Binley
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3AX Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas D Allen
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3AX Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Alexey V Stepanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nicholas C Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Geramie Grande
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Chih-Wei Lin
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Meng Li
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3AX Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Xinsheng Nan
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3AX Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Richard A Lerner
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037;
| | - Jia Xie
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037;
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García-Díaz Barriga G, Giralt A, Anglada-Huguet M, Gaja-Capdevila N, Orlandi JG, Soriano J, Canals JM, Alberch J. 7,8-dihydroxyflavone ameliorates cognitive and motor deficits in a Huntington's disease mouse model through specific activation of the PLCγ1 pathway. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:3144-3160. [PMID: 28541476 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with motor, cognitive and psychiatric impairment. Dysfunctions in HD models have been related to reduced levels of striatal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and imbalance between its receptors TrkB and p75(NTR). Thus, molecules with activity on the BDNF/TrkB/p75 system can have therapeutic potential. 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) was described as a TrkB agonist in several models of neuro-degenerative diseases, however, its TrkB activation profile needs further investigation due to its pleiotropic properties and divergence from BDNF effect. To investigate this, we used in vitro and in vivo models of HD to dissect TrkB activation upon 7,8-DHF treatment. 7,8-DHF treatment in primary cultures showed phosphorylation of TrkBY816 but not TrkBY515 with activation of the PLCγ1 pathway leading to morphological and functional improvements. Chronic administration of 7,8-DHF delayed motor deficits in R6/1 mice and reversed deficits on the Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT) at 17 weeks. Morphological and biochemical analyses revealed improved striatal levels of enkephalin, and prevention of striatal volume loss. We found a TrkBY816 but not TrkBY515 phosphorylation recovery in striatum concordant with in vitro results. Additionally, 7,8-DHF normalized striatal levels of induced and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (iNOS and nNOS, respectively) and ameliorated the imbalance of p75/TrkB. Our results provide new insights into the mechanism of action of 7,8-DHF suggesting that its effect through the TrkB receptor in striatum is via selective phosphorylation of its Y816 residue and activation of PLCγ1 pathway, but pleiotropic effects of the drug also contribute to its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo García-Díaz Barriga
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Albert Giralt
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Anglada-Huguet
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Gaja-Capdevila
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier G Orlandi
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Soriano
- Departament de Física de la Matèria Condensada, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep-Maria Canals
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Alberch
- Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Huntington disease is a monogenic neurodegenerative disorder that displays an autosomal-dominant pattern of inheritance. It is characterized by motor, psychiatric, and cognitive symptoms that progress over 15-20 years. Since the identification of the causative genetic mutation in 1993 much has been discovered about the underlying pathogenic mechanisms, but as yet there are no disease-modifying therapies available. This chapter reviews the epidemiology, genetic basis, pathogenesis, presentation, and clinical management of Huntington disease. The principles of genetic testing are explained. We also describe recent developments in the ongoing search for therapeutics and for biomarkers to track disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhia Ghosh
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom.
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Ghosh R, Tabrizi SJ. Clinical Features of Huntington's Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1049:1-28. [PMID: 29427096 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-71779-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is the most common monogenic neurodegenerative disease and the commonest genetic dementia in the developed world. With autosomal dominant inheritance, typically mid-life onset, and unrelenting progressive motor, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms over 15-20 years, its impact on patients and their families is devastating. The causative genetic mutation is an expanded CAG trinucleotide repeat in the gene encoding the Huntingtin protein, which leads to a prolonged polyglutamine stretch at the N-terminus of the protein. Since the discovery of the gene over 20 years ago much progress has been made in HD research, and although there are currently no disease-modifying treatments available, there are a number of exciting potential therapeutic developments in the pipeline. In this chapter we discuss the epidemiology, genetics and pathogenesis of HD as well as the clinical presentation and management of HD, which is currently focused on symptomatic treatment. The principles of genetic testing for HD are also explained. Recent developments in therapeutics research, including gene silencing and targeted small molecule approaches are also discussed, as well as the search for HD biomarkers that will assist the validation of these potentially new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhia Ghosh
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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Boltaev U, Meyer Y, Tolibzoda F, Jacques T, Gassaway M, Xu Q, Wagner F, Zhang YL, Palmer M, Holson E, Sames D. Multiplex quantitative assays indicate a need for reevaluating reported small-molecule TrkB agonists. Sci Signal 2017; 10:10/493/eaal1670. [PMID: 28831019 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aal1670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), have emerged as key regulators of brain plasticity and represent disease-modifying targets for several brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and major depressive disorder. Because of poor pharmacokinetic properties of BDNF, the interest in small-molecule TrkB agonists and modulators is high. Several compounds have been reported to act as TrkB agonists, and their increasing use in various nervous system disorder models creates the perception that these are reliable probes. To examine key pharmacological parameters of these compounds in detail, we have developed and optimized a series of complementary quantitative assays that measure TrkB receptor activation, TrkB-dependent downstream signaling, and gene expression in different cellular contexts. Although BDNF and other neurotrophic factors elicited robust and dose-dependent receptor activation and downstream signaling, we were unable to reproduce these activities using the reported small-molecule TrkB agonists. Our findings indicate that experimental results obtained with these compounds must be carefully interpreted and highlight the challenge of developing reliable pharmacological activators of this key molecular target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umed Boltaev
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.,NeuroTechnology Center at Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Yves Meyer
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Farangis Tolibzoda
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.,NeuroTechnology Center at Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Teresa Jacques
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Madalee Gassaway
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.,NeuroTechnology Center at Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Qihong Xu
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Florence Wagner
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Yan-Ling Zhang
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Michelle Palmer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Edward Holson
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Dalibor Sames
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA. .,NeuroTechnology Center at Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
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Abstract
In the last few years, exciting properties have emerged regarding the activation, signaling, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic targeting of the two types of neurotrophin receptors: the p75NTR with its intracellular and extracellular peptides, the Trks, their precursors and their complexes. This review summarizes these new developments, with particular focus on neurodegenerative diseases. Based on the evolving knowledge, innovative concepts have been formulated regarding the pathogenesis of these diseases, especially the Alzheimer's and two other, the Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases. The medical progresses include original procedures of diagnosis, started from studies in mice and now investigated for human application, based on innovative classes of receptor agonists and blockers. In parallel, comprehensive studies have been and are being carried out for the development of drugs. The relevance of these studies is based on the limitations of the therapies employed until recently, especially for the treatment of Alzheimer's patients. Starting from well known drugs, previously employed for non-neurodegenerative diseases, the ongoing progress has lead to the development of small molecules that cross rapidly the blood-brain barrier. Among these molecules the most promising are specific blockers of the p75NTR receptor. Additional drugs, that activate Trk receptors, were shown effective against synaptic loss and memory deficits. In the near future such approaches, coordinated with treatments with monoclonal antibodies and with developments in the microRNA field, are expected to improve the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases, and may be relevant also for other human disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Meldolesi
- Department of Neuroscience, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and Scientific Institute San Raffaele, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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Tyebji S, Hannan AJ. Synaptopathic mechanisms of neurodegeneration and dementia: Insights from Huntington's disease. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 153:18-45. [PMID: 28377290 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Dementia encapsulates a set of symptoms that include loss of mental abilities such as memory, problem solving or language, and reduces a person's ability to perform daily activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, however dementia can also occur in other neurological disorders such as Huntington's disease (HD). Many studies have demonstrated that loss of neuronal cell function manifests pre-symptomatically and thus is a relevant therapeutic target to alleviate symptoms. Synaptopathy, the physiological dysfunction of synapses, is now being approached as the target for many neurological and psychiatric disorders, including HD. HD is an autosomal dominant and progressive degenerative disorder, with clinical manifestations that encompass movement, cognition, mood and behaviour. HD is one of the most common tandem repeat disorders and is caused by a trinucleotide (CAG) repeat expansion, encoding an extended polyglutamine tract in the huntingtin protein. Animal models as well as human studies have provided detailed, although not exhaustive, evidence of synaptic dysfunction in HD. In this review, we discuss the neuropathology of HD and how the changes in synaptic signalling in the diseased brain lead to its symptoms, which include dementia. Here, we review and discuss the mechanisms by which the 'molecular orchestras' and their 'synaptic symphonies' are disrupted in neurodegeneration and dementia, focusing on HD as a model disease. We also explore the therapeutic strategies currently in pre-clinical and clinical testing that are targeted towards improving synaptic function in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Tyebji
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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