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Ye J, Wan H, Chen S, Liu GP. Targeting tau in Alzheimer's disease: from mechanisms to clinical therapy. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1489-1498. [PMID: 38051891 PMCID: PMC10883484 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease affecting older adults. Primary features of Alzheimer's disease include extracellular aggregation of amyloid-β plaques and the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles, formed by tau protein, in the cells. While there are amyloid-β-targeting therapies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, these therapies are costly and exhibit potential negative side effects. Mounting evidence suggests significant involvement of tau protein in Alzheimer's disease-related neurodegeneration. As an important microtubule-associated protein, tau plays an important role in maintaining the stability of neuronal microtubules and promoting axonal growth. In fact, clinical studies have shown that abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein occurs before accumulation of amyloid-β in the brain. Various therapeutic strategies targeting tau protein have begun to emerge, and are considered possible methods to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, abnormalities in post-translational modifications of the tau protein, including aberrant phosphorylation, ubiquitination, small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)ylation, acetylation, and truncation, contribute to its microtubule dissociation, misfolding, and subcellular missorting. This causes mitochondrial damage, synaptic impairments, gliosis, and neuroinflammation, eventually leading to neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits. This review summarizes the recent findings on the underlying mechanisms of tau protein in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease and discusses tau-targeted treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwang Ye
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huali Wan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sihua Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Gong-Ping Liu
- Co-innovation Center of Neurodegeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China and Hubei Province for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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2
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Yang J, Shen N, Shen J, Yang Y, Li HL. Complicated Role of Post-translational Modification and Protease-Cleaved Fragments of Tau in Alzheimer's Disease and Other Tauopathies. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:4712-4731. [PMID: 38114762 PMCID: PMC11236937 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03867-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Tau, a microtubule-associated protein predominantly localized in neuronal axons, plays a crucial role in promoting microtubule assembly, stabilizing their structure, and participating in axonal transport. Perturbations in tau's structure and function are implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases collectively known as tauopathies, the most common disorder of which is Alzheimer's disease (AD). In tauopathies, it has been found that tau has a variety of post-translational modification (PTM) abnormalities and/or tau is cleaved into a variety of fragments by some specific proteolytic enzymes; however, the precise contributions of these abnormal modifications and fragments to disease onset and progression remain incompletely understood. Herein, we provide an overview about the involvement of distinctive abnormal tau PTMs and different tau fragments in the pathogenesis of AD and other tauopathies and discuss the involvement of proteolytic enzymes such as caspases, calpains, and asparagine endopeptidase in mediating tau cleavage while also addressing the intercellular transmission role played by tau. We anticipate that further exploration into PTMs and fragmented forms of tau will yield valuable insights for diagnostic approaches and therapeutic interventions targeting AD and other related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Naiting Shen
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jianying Shen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry, Hubei Province of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry, Hubei Province of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hong-Lian Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry, Hubei Province of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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3
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Rajendran K, Krishnan UM. Mechanistic insights and emerging therapeutic stratagems for Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 97:102309. [PMID: 38615895 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102309] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a multi-factorial neurodegenerative disorder has affected over 30 million individuals globally and these numbers are expected to increase in the coming decades. Current therapeutic interventions are largely ineffective as they focus on a single target. Development of an effective drug therapy requires a deep understanding of the various factors influencing the onset and progression of the disease. Aging and genetic factors exert a major influence on the development of AD. Other factors like post-viral infections, iron overload, gut dysbiosis, and vascular dysfunction also exacerbate the onset and progression of AD. Further, post-translational modifications in tau, DRP1, CREB, and p65 proteins increase the disease severity through triggering mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic loss, and differential interaction of amyloid beta with different receptors leading to impaired intracellular signalling. With advancements in neuroscience tools, new inter-relations that aggravate AD are being discovered including pre-existing diseases and exposure to other pathogens. Simultaneously, new therapeutic strategies involving modulation of gene expression through targeted delivery or modulation with light, harnessing the immune response to promote clearance of amyloid deposits, introduction of stem cells and extracellular vesicles to replace the destroyed neurons, exploring new therapeutic molecules from plant, marine and biological sources delivered in the free state or through nanoparticles and use of non-pharmacological interventions like music, transcranial stimulation and yoga. Polypharmacology approaches involving combination of therapeutic agents are also under active investigation for superior therapeutic outcomes. This review elaborates on various disease-causing factors, their underlying mechanisms, the inter-play between different disease-causing players, and emerging therapeutic options including those under clinical trials, for treatment of AD. The challenges involved in AD therapy and the way forward have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayalvizhi Rajendran
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India; Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India; Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India; School of Arts, Sciences, Humanities & Education, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India.
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4
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Chu D, Yang X, Wang J, Zhou Y, Gu JH, Miao J, Wu F, Liu F. Tau truncation in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease: a narrative review. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1221-1232. [PMID: 37905868 PMCID: PMC11467920 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Alzheimer's disease is characterized by two major neuropathological hallmarks-the extracellular β-amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles consisting of aggregated and hyperphosphorylated Tau protein. Recent studies suggest that dysregulation of the microtubule-associated protein Tau, especially specific proteolysis, could be a driving force for Alzheimer's disease neurodegeneration. Tau physiologically promotes the assembly and stabilization of microtubules, whereas specific truncated fragments are sufficient to induce abnormal hyperphosphorylation and aggregate into toxic oligomers, resulting in them gaining prion-like characteristics. In addition, Tau truncations cause extensive impairments to neural and glial cell functions and animal cognition and behavior in a fragment-dependent manner. This review summarizes over 60 proteolytic cleavage sites and their corresponding truncated fragments, investigates the role of specific truncations in physiological and pathological states of Alzheimer's disease, and summarizes the latest applications of strategies targeting Tau fragments in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Chu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xingyue Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jin-Hua Gu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jin Miao
- Laboratory of Animal Center, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
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Eberle RJ, Coronado MA, Gering I, Sommerhage S, Korostov K, Stefanski A, Stühler K, Kraemer-Schulien V, Blömeke L, Bannach O, Willbold D. Tau protein aggregation associated with SARS-CoV-2 main protease. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288138. [PMID: 37603556 PMCID: PMC10441795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288138] [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] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary function of virus proteases is the proteolytic processing of the viral polyprotein. These enzymes can also cleave host cell proteins, which is important for viral pathogenicity, modulation of cellular processes, viral replication, the defeat of antiviral responses and modulation of the immune response. It is known that COVID-19 can influence multiple tissues or organs and that infection can damage the functionality of the brain in multiple ways. After COVID-19 infections, amyloid-β, neurogranin, tau and phosphorylated tau were detected extracellularly, implicating possible neurodegenerative processes. The present study describes the possible induction of tau aggregation by the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease (3CLpro) possibly relevant in neuropathology. Further investigations demonstrated that tau was proteolytically cleaved by the viral protease 3CL and, consequently, generated aggregates. However, more evidence is needed to confirm that COVID-19 is able to trigger neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Josef Eberle
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Physical Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mônika Aparecida Coronado
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Ian Gering
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Simon Sommerhage
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Karolina Korostov
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Anja Stefanski
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory (MPL), BMFZ, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kai Stühler
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory (MPL), BMFZ, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Victoria Kraemer-Schulien
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Lara Blömeke
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Physical Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Oliver Bannach
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Physical Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- attyloid GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Dieter Willbold
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7: Structural Biochemistry), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Physical Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- JuStruct: Jülich Centre for Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
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6
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Kim S, Sharma C, Jung UJ, Kim SR. Pathophysiological Role of Microglial Activation Induced by Blood-Borne Proteins in Alzheimer's Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051383. [PMID: 37239054 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts entry of neurotoxic plasma components, blood cells, and pathogens into the brain, leading to proper neuronal functioning. BBB impairment leads to blood-borne protein infiltration such as prothrombin, thrombin, prothrombin kringle-2, fibrinogen, fibrin, and other harmful substances. Thus, microglial activation and release of pro-inflammatory mediators commence, resulting in neuronal damage and leading to impaired cognition via neuroinflammatory responses, which are important features observed in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Moreover, these blood-borne proteins cluster with the amyloid beta plaque in the brain, exacerbating microglial activation, neuroinflammation, tau phosphorylation, and oxidative stress. These mechanisms work in concert and reinforce each other, contributing to the typical pathological changes in AD in the brain. Therefore, the identification of blood-borne proteins and the mechanisms involved in microglial activation and neuroinflammatory damage can be a promising therapeutic strategy for AD prevention. In this article, we review the current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of microglial activation-mediated neuroinflammation caused by the influx of blood-borne proteins into the brain via BBB disruption. Subsequently, the mechanisms of drugs that inhibit blood-borne proteins, as a potential therapeutic approach for AD, along with the limitations and potential challenges of these approaches, are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehwan Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
- Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanchal Sharma
- School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Un Ju Jung
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Ryong Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
- Brain Science and Engineering Institute, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
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7
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Rey F, Berardo C, Maghraby E, Mauri A, Messa L, Esposito L, Casili G, Ottolenghi S, Bonaventura E, Cuzzocrea S, Zuccotti G, Tonduti D, Esposito E, Paterniti I, Cereda C, Carelli S. Redox Imbalance in Neurological Disorders in Adults and Children. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040965. [PMID: 37107340 PMCID: PMC10135575 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxygen is a central molecule for numerous metabolic and cytophysiological processes, and, indeed, its imbalance can lead to numerous pathological consequences. In the human body, the brain is an aerobic organ and for this reason, it is very sensitive to oxygen equilibrium. The consequences of oxygen imbalance are especially devastating when occurring in this organ. Indeed, oxygen imbalance can lead to hypoxia, hyperoxia, protein misfolding, mitochondria dysfunction, alterations in heme metabolism and neuroinflammation. Consequently, these dysfunctions can cause numerous neurological alterations, both in the pediatric life and in the adult ages. These disorders share numerous common pathways, most of which are consequent to redox imbalance. In this review, we will focus on the dysfunctions present in neurodegenerative disorders (specifically Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and pediatric neurological disorders (X-adrenoleukodystrophies, spinal muscular atrophy, mucopolysaccharidoses and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease), highlighting their underlining dysfunction in redox and identifying potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Rey
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Clarissa Berardo
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Erika Maghraby
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessia Mauri
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Letizia Messa
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB), Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Letizia Esposito
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanna Casili
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Sara Ottolenghi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Eleonora Bonaventura
- Child Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies and Genetic Leukoencephalopathies (COALA), Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Tonduti
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Child Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
- Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Leukodystrophies and Genetic Leukoencephalopathies (COALA), Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Irene Paterniti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
- Center of Functional Genomics and Rare diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy
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Yadikar H, Johnson C, Pafundi N, Nguyen L, Kurup M, Torres I, Al-Enezy A, Yang Z, Yost R, Kobeissy FH, Wang KKW. Neurobiochemical, Peptidomic, and Bioinformatic Approaches to Characterize Tauopathy Peptidome Biomarker Candidates in Experimental Mouse Model of Traumatic Brain Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:2295-2319. [PMID: 36635478 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03165-y] [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: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a multidimensional damage, and currently, no FDA-approved medicine is available. Multiple pathways in the cell are triggered through a head injury (e.g., calpain and caspase activation), which truncate tau and generate variable fragment sizes (MW 400-45,000 K). In this study, we used an open-head TBI mouse model generated by controlled cortical impact (CCI) and collected ipsilateral (IC) and contralateral (CC) mice htau brain cortices at one (D1) three (D3), and seven (D7) days post-injury. We implemented immunological (antibody-based detection) and peptidomic approaches (nano-reversed-phase liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry) to investigate proteolytic tau peptidome (low molecular weight (LMW) < 10 K)) and pathological phosphorylation sites (high-molecular-weight (HMW); > 10 K) derived from CCI-TBI animal models. Our immunoblotting analysis verified tau hyperphosphorylation, HMW, and HMW breakdown products (HMW-BDP) formation of tau (e.g., pSer202, pThr181, pThr231, pSer396, and pSer404), following CCI-TBI. Peptidomic data revealed unique sequences of injury-dependent proteolytic peptides generated from human tau protein. Among the N-terminal tau peptides, EIPEGTTAEEAGIGDTPSLEDEAAGHVTQA (a.a. 96-125) and AQPHTEIPEGTTAEEAGIGDTPSLEDEAAGHVTQARM (a.a. 91-127). Examples of tau C-terminal peptides identified include NVSSTGSIDMVDSPQLATLADEVSASLAKQGL (a.a. 410-441) and QLATLADEVSASLAKQGL (a.a. 424-441). Our peptidomic bioinformatic tools showed the association of proteases, such as CAPN1, CAPN2, and CTSL; CASP1, MMP7, and MMP9; and ELANE, GZMA, and MEP1A, in CCI-TBI tau peptidome. In clinical trials for novel TBI treatments, it might be useful to monitor a subset of tau peptidome as targets for biomarker utility and use them for a "theranostic" approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamad Yadikar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait.
| | - Connor Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Niko Pafundi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Lynn Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Milin Kurup
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Isabel Torres
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Albandery Al-Enezy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Zhihui Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Richard Yost
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Laboratory Building, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Firas H Kobeissy
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. .,Morehouse School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology, Center for Neurotrauma, Multiomics & Biomarkers (CNMB), 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA.
| | - Kevin K W Wang
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. .,Morehouse School of Medicine, Department of Neurobiology, Center for Neurotrauma, Multiomics & Biomarkers (CNMB), 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA, 30310, USA. .,Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA.
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9
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Tsoi PS, Quan MD, Ferreon JC, Ferreon ACM. Aggregation of Disordered Proteins Associated with Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3380. [PMID: 36834792 PMCID: PMC9966039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular deposition of protein aggregates, one of the hallmarks of neurodegeneration, disrupts cellular functions and leads to neuronal death. Mutations, posttranslational modifications, and truncations are common molecular underpinnings in the formation of aberrant protein conformations that seed aggregation. The major proteins involved in neurodegeneration include amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau in Alzheimer's disease, α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease, and TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These proteins are described as intrinsically disordered and possess enhanced ability to partition into biomolecular condensates. In this review, we discuss the role of protein misfolding and aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases, specifically highlighting implications of changes to the primary/secondary (mutations, posttranslational modifications, and truncations) and the quaternary/supramolecular (oligomerization and condensation) structural landscapes for the four aforementioned proteins. Understanding these aggregation mechanisms provides insights into neurodegenerative diseases and their common underlying molecular pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Josephine C. Ferreon
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Allan Chris M. Ferreon
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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10
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Kim SE, Kim HJ, Jang H, Weiner MW, DeCarli C, Na DL, Seo SW. Interaction between Alzheimer's Disease and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Review Focused on Neuroimaging Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10490. [PMID: 36142419 PMCID: PMC9499680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of β-amyloid (Aβ) and tau, and subcortical vascular cognitive impairment (SVCI) is characterized by cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). They are the most common causes of cognitive impairment in the elderly population. Concurrent CSVD burden is more commonly observed in AD-type dementia than in other neurodegenerative diseases. Recent developments in Aβ and tau positron emission tomography (PET) have enabled the investigation of the relationship between AD biomarkers and CSVD in vivo. In this review, we focus on the interaction between AD and CSVD markers and the clinical effects of these two markers based on molecular imaging studies. First, we cover the frequency of AD imaging markers, including Aβ and tau, in patients with SVCI. Second, we discuss the relationship between AD and CSVD markers and the potential distinct pathobiology of AD markers in SVCI compared to AD-type dementia. Next, we discuss the clinical effects of AD and CSVD markers in SVCI, and hemorrhagic markers in cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Finally, this review provides both the current challenges and future perspectives for SVCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Eun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Samsung Alzheimer Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Department of Neurology, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan 48108, Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Samsung Alzheimer Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Hyemin Jang
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Samsung Alzheimer Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Michael W. Weiner
- Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
| | - Charles DeCarli
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Duk L. Na
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Samsung Alzheimer Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Korea
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
| | - Sang Won Seo
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Samsung Alzheimer Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
- Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06355, Korea
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul 06351, Korea
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11
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Fourest-Lieuvin A, Vinit A, Blot B, Perrot A, Denarier E, Saudou F, Arnal I. Controlled Tau Cleavage in Cells Reveals Abnormal Localizations of Tau Fragments. Neuroscience 2022; 518:162-177. [PMID: 35995336 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.08.016] [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: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In several forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, the cytoskeleton-associated protein tau undergoes proteolysis, giving rise to fragments that have a toxic impact on neuronal homeostasis. How these fragments interact with cellular structures, in particular with the cytoskeleton, is currently incompletely understood. Here, we developed a method, derived from a Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) protease system, to induce controlled cleavage of tau at specific sites. Five tau proteins containing specific TEV recognition sites corresponding to pathological proteolytic sites were engineered, and tagged with GFP at one end and mCherry at the other. Following controlled cleavage to produce GFP-N-terminal and C-terminal-mCherry fragments, we followed the fate of tau fragments in cells. Our results showed that whole engineered tau proteins associate with the cytoskeleton similarly to the non-modified tau, whereas tau fragments adopted different localizations with respect to the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. These distinct localizations were confirmed by expressing each separate fragment in cells. Some cleavages - in particular cleavages at amino-acid positions 124 or 256 - displayed a certain level of cellular toxicity, with an unusual relocalization of the N-terminal fragments to the nucleus. Based on the data presented here, inducible cleavage of tau by the TEV protease appears to be a valuable tool to reproduce tau fragmentation in cells and study the resulting consequences on cell physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Fourest-Lieuvin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Angélique Vinit
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Béatrice Blot
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Anthime Perrot
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Eric Denarier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Frédéric Saudou
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Isabelle Arnal
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France.
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12
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Aβ and Tau Interact with Metal Ions, Lipid Membranes and Peptide-Based Amyloid Inhibitors: Are These Common Features Relevant in Alzheimer’s Disease? Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165066. [PMID: 36014310 PMCID: PMC9414153 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, the amyloid hypothesis, i.e., the abnormal accumulation of toxic Aβ assemblies in the brain, has been considered the mainstream concept sustaining research in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). However, the course of cognitive decline and AD development better correlates with tau accumulation rather than amyloid peptide deposition. Moreover, all clinical trials of amyloid-targeting drug candidates have been unsuccessful, implicitly suggesting that the amyloid hypothesis needs significant amendments. Accumulating evidence supports the existence of a series of potentially dangerous relationships between Aβ oligomeric species and tau protein in AD. However, the molecular determinants underlying pathogenic Aβ/tau cross interactions are not fully understood. Here, we discuss the common features of Aβ and tau molecules, with special emphasis on: (i) the critical role played by metal dyshomeostasis in promoting both Aβ and tau aggregation and oxidative stress, in AD; (ii) the effects of lipid membranes on Aβ and tau (co)-aggregation at the membrane interface; (iii) the potential of small peptide-based inhibitors of Aβ and tau misfolding as therapeutic tools in AD. Although the molecular mechanism underlying the direct Aβ/tau interaction remains largely unknown, the arguments discussed in this review may help reinforcing the current view of a synergistic Aβ/tau molecular crosstalk in AD and stimulate further research to mechanism elucidation and next-generation AD therapeutics.
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13
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Macromolecular structures and proteins interacting with the microtubule associated tau protein. Neuroscience 2022; 518:70-82. [PMID: 35609757 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that neurodegenerative diseases known as tauopathies are characterized by the presence of filamentous forms of phosphorylated tau protein inside neurons. However, the causal relationship between the initial symptoms of a particular disease and the molecular events affecting tau and leading to the appearance of tangles of filamentous forms of this protein remains unknown. Even the main function (or functions) of tau inside neurons is debatable and controversial. Tau seems to be a multifunctional protein. I review here some of the most studied interactions of tau with different macromolecules and proteins, which can be classified according to the structural o functional unit within which the interaction works: Microtubule, Nuclear localization and DNA, Synaptic activity, RNA metabolism, Fats transport, Proteostasis, Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis, Mitochondria and Phosphorylation. Although this seems to be a broad spectrum of tau functions, interactome studies of tau reveal hundreds of plausible partners of tau, suggesting that it engages in an extensive network of interconnected regulatory interactions by means of its high capability to interact with all kinds of proteins and complex structures, combined with its vast number of post-translational modifications. I include also some thermodynamic data concerning the interaction of tau with some partners.
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14
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Moretto E, Stuart S, Surana S, Vargas JNS, Schiavo G. The Role of Extracellular Matrix Components in the Spreading of Pathological Protein Aggregates. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:844211. [PMID: 35573838 PMCID: PMC9100790 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.844211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Several neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the accumulation of aggregated misfolded proteins. These pathological agents have been suggested to propagate in the brain via mechanisms similar to that observed for the prion protein, where a misfolded variant is transferred from an affected brain region to a healthy one, thereby inducing the misfolding and/or aggregation of correctly folded copies. This process has been characterized for several proteins, such as α-synuclein, tau, amyloid beta (Aβ) and less extensively for huntingtin and TDP-43. α-synuclein, tau, TDP-43 and huntingtin are intracellular proteins, and their aggregates are located in the cytosol or nucleus of neurons. They have been shown to spread between cells and this event occurs, at least partially, via secretion of these protein aggregates in the extracellular space followed by re-uptake. Conversely, Aβ aggregates are found mainly extracellularly, and their spreading occurs in the extracellular space between brain regions. Due to the inherent nature of their spreading modalities, these proteins are exposed to components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including glycans, proteases and core matrix proteins. These ECM components can interact with or process pathological misfolded proteins, potentially changing their properties and thus regulating their spreading capabilities. Here, we present an overview of the documented roles of ECM components in the spreading of pathological protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases with the objective of identifying the current gaps in knowledge and stimulating further research in the field. This could potentially lead to the identification of druggable targets to slow down the spreading and/or progression of these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Moretto
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, CNR, Milan, Italy
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Edoardo Moretto,
| | - Skye Stuart
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sunaina Surana
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Norberto S. Vargas
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Giampietro Schiavo,
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15
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Weber JJ, Anger SC, Pereira Sena P, Incebacak Eltemur RD, Huridou C, Fath F, Gross C, Casadei N, Riess O, Nguyen HP. Calpains as novel players in the molecular pathogenesis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 17. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:262. [PMID: 35482253 PMCID: PMC9050766 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (SCA17) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine-encoding trinucleotide repeat expansion in the gene of transcription factor TATA box-binding protein (TBP). While its underlying pathomechanism is elusive, polyglutamine-expanded TBP fragments of unknown origin mediate the mutant protein’s toxicity. Calcium-dependent calpain proteases are protagonists in neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we demonstrate that calpains cleave TBP, and emerging C-terminal fragments mislocalize to the cytoplasm. SCA17 cell and rat models exhibited calpain overactivation, leading to excessive fragmentation and depletion of neuronal proteins in vivo. Transcriptome analysis of SCA17 cells revealed synaptogenesis and calcium signaling perturbations, indicating the potential cause of elevated calpain activity. Pharmacological or genetic calpain inhibition reduced TBP cleavage and aggregation, consequently improving cell viability. Our work underlines the general significance of calpains and their activating pathways in neurodegenerative disorders and presents these proteases as novel players in the molecular pathogenesis of SCA17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonasz Jeremiasz Weber
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Cari Anger
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Priscila Pereira Sena
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,Graduate School of Cellular Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rana Dilara Incebacak Eltemur
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Chrisovalantou Huridou
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florian Fath
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.,Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Caspar Gross
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Casadei
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,NGS Competence Center Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Huu Phuc Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
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16
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Loon A, Zamudio F, Sanneh A, Brown B, Smeltzer S, Brownlow ML, Quadri Z, Peters M, Weeber E, Nash K, Lee DC, Gordon MN, Morgan D, Selenica MLB. Accumulation of C-terminal cleaved tau is distinctly associated with cognitive deficits, synaptic plasticity impairment, and neurodegeneration in aged mice. GeroScience 2022; 44:173-194. [PMID: 34410588 PMCID: PMC8810980 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00408-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
C-terminal cleaved tau at D421 (∆D421-tau) accumulates in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. However, it is unclear how tau truncation, an understudied tau post-translational modification, contributes to AD pathology and progression. Utilizing an adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene delivery-based approach, we overexpressed full-length tau (FL-tau) and ∆D421-tau in 4- and 12-month-old mice for 4 months to study the neuropathological impact of accumulation in young adult (8-month) and middle-aged (16-month) mice. Overall, we show that independent of the tau species, age was an important factor facilitating tau phosphorylation, oligomer formation, and deposition into silver-positive tangles. However, mice overexpressing ∆D421-tau exhibited a distinct phosphorylation profile to those overexpressing FL-tau and increased tau oligomerization in the middle-age group. Importantly, overexpression of ∆D421-tau, but not FL-tau in middle-aged mice, resulted in pronounced cognitive impairments and hippocampal long-term potentiation deficits. While both FL-tau and ∆D421-tau induced neuronal loss in mice with age, ∆D421-tau led to significant neuronal loss in the CA3 area of the hippocampus and medial entorhinal cortex compared to FL-tau. Based on our data, we conclude that age increases the susceptibility to neuronal degeneration associated with ΔD421-tau accumulation. Our findings suggest that ΔD421-tau accumulation contributes to synaptic plasticity and cognitive deficits, thus representing a potential target for tau-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjanet Loon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Frank Zamudio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Awa Sanneh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Breanna Brown
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Shayna Smeltzer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Milene L. Brownlow
- Department of Molecular Pharmacological & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Zainuddin Quadri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
- Sanders-Brown Center On Aging (SBCoA), College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Melinda Peters
- Department of Molecular Pharmacological & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Edwin Weeber
- Department of Molecular Pharmacological & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Kevin Nash
- Department of Molecular Pharmacological & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Daniel C. Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
- Sanders-Brown Center On Aging (SBCoA), College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Marcia N. Gordon
- Department of Molecular Pharmacological & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
- Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 USA
| | - Dave Morgan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacological & Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
- Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 USA
| | - Maj-Linda B. Selenica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
- Sanders-Brown Center On Aging (SBCoA), College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St, Lexington, KY 40536 USA
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17
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Conze C, Rierola M, Trushina NI, Peters M, Janning D, Holzer M, Heinisch JJ, Arendt T, Bakota L, Brandt R. Caspase-cleaved tau is senescence-associated and induces a toxic gain of function by putting a brake on axonal transport. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3010-3023. [PMID: 35393558 PMCID: PMC9205779 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01538-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau plays a central role in tauopathies such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The exact molecular mechanisms underlying tau toxicity are unclear, but aging is irrefutably the biggest risk factor. This raises the question of how cellular senescence affects the function of tau as a microtubule regulator. Here we report that the proportion of tau that is proteolytically cleaved at the caspase-3 site (TauC3) doubles in the hippocampus of senescent mice. TauC3 is also elevated in AD patients. Through quantitative live-cell imaging, we show that TauC3 has a drastically reduced dynamics of its microtubule interaction. Single-molecule tracking of tau confirmed that TauC3 has a longer residence time on axonal microtubules. The reduced dynamics of the TauC3-microtubule interaction correlated with a decreased transport of mitochondria, a reduced processivity of APP-vesicle transport and an induction of region-specific dendritic atrophy in CA1 neurons of the hippocampus. The microtubule-targeting drug Epothilone D normalized the interaction of TauC3 with microtubules and modulated the transport of APP-vesicles dependent on the presence of overexpressed human tau. The results indicate a novel toxic gain of function, in which a post-translational modification of tau changes the dynamics of the tau-microtubule interaction and thus leads to axonal transport defects and neuronal degeneration. The data also introduce microtubule-targeting drugs as pharmacological modifiers of the tau-microtubule interaction with the potential to restore the physiological interaction of pathologically altered tau with microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Conze
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Neurobiology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Marina Rierola
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Neurobiology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Nataliya I. Trushina
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Neurobiology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Michael Peters
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Neurobiology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Dennis Janning
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Neurobiology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany ,grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Max Holzer
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Center for Neuropathology and Brain Research, Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jürgen J. Heinisch
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Genetics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Thomas Arendt
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Center for Neuropathology and Brain Research, Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lidia Bakota
- grid.10854.380000 0001 0672 4366Department of Neurobiology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Roland Brandt
- Department of Neurobiology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany. .,Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany. .,Institute of Cognitive Science, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany.
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18
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The formation of small aggregates contributes to the neurotoxic effects of tau 45-230. Neurochem Int 2022; 152:105252. [PMID: 34856321 PMCID: PMC8712401 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular deposits of hyperphosphorylated tau are commonly detected in tauopathies. Furthermore, these aggregates seem to play an important role in the pathobiology of these diseases. In the present study, we determined whether the recently identified neurotoxic tau45-230 fragment also formed aggregates in neurodegenerative disorders. The presence of such aggregates was examined in brain samples obtained from Alzheimer's disease (AD) subjects by means of Western blot analysis performed under non-denaturing conditions. Our results showed that a mixture of tau45-230 oligomers of different sizes was easily detectable in brain samples obtained from AD subjects. Our data also suggested that tau45-230 oligomers could be internalized by cultured hippocampal neurons, mainly through a clathrin-mediated mechanism, triggering their degeneration. In addition, in vitro aggregation studies showed that tau45-230 modulated full-length tau aggregation thereby inducing the formation of smaller, and potentially more toxic, aggregates of this microtubule-associated protein. Together, these data identified alternative mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of tau45-230.
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19
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Limorenko G, Lashuel HA. Revisiting the grammar of Tau aggregation and pathology formation: how new insights from brain pathology are shaping how we study and target Tauopathies. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 51:513-565. [PMID: 34889934 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00127b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Converging evidence continues to point towards Tau aggregation and pathology formation as central events in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and other Tauopathies. Despite significant advances in understanding the morphological and structural properties of Tau fibrils, many fundamental questions remain about what causes Tau to aggregate in the first place. The exact roles of cofactors, Tau post-translational modifications, and Tau interactome in regulating Tau aggregation, pathology formation, and toxicity remain unknown. Recent studies have put the spotlight on the wide gap between the complexity of Tau structures, aggregation, and pathology formation in the brain and the simplicity of experimental approaches used for modeling these processes in research laboratories. Embracing and deconstructing this complexity is an essential first step to understanding the role of Tau in health and disease. To help deconstruct this complexity and understand its implication for the development of effective Tau targeting diagnostics and therapies, we firstly review how our understanding of Tau aggregation and pathology formation has evolved over the past few decades. Secondly, we present an analysis of new findings and insights from recent studies illustrating the biochemical, structural, and functional heterogeneity of Tau aggregates. Thirdly, we discuss the importance of adopting new experimental approaches that embrace the complexity of Tau aggregation and pathology as an important first step towards developing mechanism- and structure-based therapies that account for the pathological and clinical heterogeneity of Alzheimer's disease and Tauopathies. We believe that this is essential to develop effective diagnostics and therapies to treat these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Limorenko
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Hilal A Lashuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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20
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Boyarko B, Hook V. Human Tau Isoforms and Proteolysis for Production of Toxic Tau Fragments in Neurodegeneration. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:702788. [PMID: 34744602 PMCID: PMC8566764 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.702788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The human tau protein is implicated in a wide range of neurodegenerative “tauopathy” diseases, consisting of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration which includes progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, Pick’s disease, and FTLD-tau (frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism caused by MAPT mutations). Tau gene transcripts in the human brain undergo alternative splicing to yield 6 different tau protein isoforms that are expressed in different ratios in neurodegeneration which result in tau pathology of paired-helical filaments, neurofibrillary tangles, and tau fibrillar aggregates with detrimental microtubule destabilization. Protease-mediated tau truncation is an important post-translational modification (PTM) which drives neurodegeneration in a tau fragment-dependent manner. While numerous tau fragments have been identified, knowledge of the proteolytic steps that convert each parent tau isoform into specific truncated tau fragments has not yet been fully defined. An improved understanding of the relationships between tau isoforms and their proteolytic processing to generate neurotoxic tau fragments is important to the field. This review evaluates tau isoform expression patterns including PTMs and mutations that influence proteolysis of tau to generate toxic fragments that drive cognitive deficits in AD and other tauopathy models. This assessment identifies the gap in the field on understanding the details of proteolytic steps used to convert each tau isoform into fragments. Knowledge of the processing mechanisms of tau isoforms can lead to new protease targeted drug strategies to prevent the formation of toxic tau fragments in tauopathy neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Boyarko
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Vivian Hook
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Neurosciences and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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21
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Limorenko G, Lashuel HA. To target Tau pathologies, we must embrace and reconstruct their complexities. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 161:105536. [PMID: 34718129 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of hyperphosphorylated fibrillar Tau aggregates in the brain is one of the defining hallmarks of Tauopathy diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. However, the primary events or molecules responsible for initiation of the pathological Tau aggregation and spreading remain unknown. The discovery of heparin as an effective inducer of Tau aggregation in vitro was instrumental to enabling different lines of research into the role of Tau aggregation in the pathogenesis of Tauopathies. However, recent proteomics and cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) studies have revealed that heparin-induced Tau fibrils generated in vitro do not reproduce the biochemical and ultrastructural properties of disease-associated brain-derived Tau fibrils. These observations demand that we reassess our current approaches for investigating the mechanisms underpinning Tau aggregation and pathology formation. Our review article presents an up-to-date survey and analyses of 1) the evolution of our understanding of the interactions between Tau and heparin, 2) the various structural and mechanistic models of the heparin-induced Tau aggregation, 3) the similarities and differences between brain-derived and heparin-induced Tau fibrils; and 4) emerging concepts on the biochemical and structural determinants underpinning Tau pathological heterogeneity in Tauopathies. Our analyses identify specific knowledge gaps and call for 1) embracing the complexities of Tau pathologies; 2) reassessment of current approaches to investigate, model and reproduce pathological Tau aggregation as it occurs in the brain; 3) more research towards a better understanding of the naturally-occurring cofactor molecules that are associated with Tau brain pathology initiation and propagation; and 4) developing improved approaches for in vitro production of the Tau aggregates and fibrils that recapitulate and/or amplify the biochemical and structural complexity and diversity of pathological Tau in Tauopathies. This will result in better and more relevant tools, assays, and mechanistic models, which could significantly improve translational research and the development of drugs and antibodies that have higher chances for success in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Limorenko
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hilal A Lashuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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22
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Sinsky J, Pichlerova K, Hanes J. Tau Protein Interaction Partners and Their Roles in Alzheimer's Disease and Other Tauopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9207. [PMID: 34502116 PMCID: PMC8431036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau protein plays a critical role in the assembly, stabilization, and modulation of microtubules, which are important for the normal function of neurons and the brain. In diseased conditions, several pathological modifications of tau protein manifest. These changes lead to tau protein aggregation and the formation of paired helical filaments (PHF) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), which are common hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. The accumulation of PHFs and NFTs results in impairment of physiological functions, apoptosis, and neuronal loss, which is reflected as cognitive impairment, and in the late stages of the disease, leads to death. The causes of this pathological transformation of tau protein haven't been fully understood yet. In both physiological and pathological conditions, tau interacts with several proteins which maintain their proper function or can participate in their pathological modifications. Interaction partners of tau protein and associated molecular pathways can either initiate and drive the tau pathology or can act neuroprotective, by reducing pathological tau proteins or inflammation. In this review, we focus on the tau as a multifunctional protein and its known interacting partners active in regulations of different processes and the roles of these proteins in Alzheimer's disease and tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jozef Hanes
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; (J.S.); (K.P.)
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23
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Chen YD, Huang PY, Chiang CS, Huang YS, Tang SC. Generation and Role of Calpain-Cleaved 17-kDa Tau Fragment in Acute Ischemic Stroke. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:5814-5825. [PMID: 34414533 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02519-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is the leading cause of permanent disability and death in the world. The therapy for acute stroke is still limited due to the complex mechanisms underlying stroke-induced neuronal death. The generation of a 17-kDa neurotoxic tau fragment was reported in Alzheimer's disease but it has not been well studied in stroke. In this study, we observed the accumulation of 17-kDa tau fragment in cultured primary neurons and media after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) treatment that could be diminished by the presence of a calpain inhibitor. This calpain-mediated proteolytic tau fragment was also detected in brain tissues from middle cerebral artery occlusion-injured rats and acute ischemic stroke patients receiving strokectomy, and human plasma samples collected within 48 h after the onset of stroke. The mass spectrometry analysis of this 17-kDa fragment identified 2 peptide sequences containing 195-224 amino acids of tau, which agrees with the previously reported tau45-230 or tau125-230 as the calpain-cleaved tau fragment. Ectopic expression of tau45-230-GFP but not tau125-230-GFP in cultured neurons induced the formation of tortuous processes without evident cell death. In summary, the 17-kDa tau fragment is a novel stroke biomarker and may play a pathophysiological role to affect post-stroke neuronal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Da Chen
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yuan Huang
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Sung Chiang
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shuian Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan. .,Neuroscience Program of Academia Sinica, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Sung-Chun Tang
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 100, Taiwan.
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24
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Zhang H, Cao Y, Ma L, Wei Y, Li H. Possible Mechanisms of Tau Spread and Toxicity in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:707268. [PMID: 34395435 PMCID: PMC8355602 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.707268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau is a protein that associates with microtubules (MTs) and promotes their assembly and stability. The protein loses its ability to bind MTs in tauopathies, and detached tau can misfold and induce the pathological changes that characterize Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A growing body of evidence indicates that tauopathies can spread between cells or connected regions. Pathological tau transmission in the brain of patients with AD and other tauopathies is due to the spread of various tau species along neuroanatomically connected regions in a “prion-like” manner. This complex process involves multiple steps of secretion, cellular uptake, transcellular transfer, and/or seeding, but the precise mechanisms of tau pathology propagation remain unclear. This review summarizes the current evidence on the nature of propagative tau species and the possible steps involved in the process of tau pathology spread, including detachment from MTs, degradations, and secretion, and discusses the different mechanisms underlying the spread of tau pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqin Zhang
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Ma
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Wei
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Li
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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25
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Xu L, Pan CL, Wu XH, Song JJ, Meng P, Li L, Wang L, Zhang Z, Zhang ZY. Inhibition of Smad3 in macrophages promotes Aβ efflux from the brain and thereby ameliorates Alzheimer's pathology. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 95:154-167. [PMID: 33737172 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired amyloid-β (Aβ) clearance is believed to be a primary cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and peripheral abnormalities in Aβ clearance have recently been linked to AD pathogenesis and progression. Data from recent genome-wide association studies have linked genetic risk factors associated with altered functions of more immune cells to AD pathology. Here, we first identified correlations of Smad3 signaling activation in peripheral macrophages with AD progression and phagocytosis of Aβ. Then, manipulating the Smad3 signaling regulated macrophage phagocytosis of Aβ and induced switch of macrophage inflammatory phenotypes in our cell cultures. In our mouse models, flag-tagged or fluorescent-dye conjugated Aβ was injected into the lateral ventricles or tail veins, and traced. Interestingly, blocking Smad3 signaling efficiently increased Aβ clearance by macrophages, reduced Aβ in the periphery and thereby enhanced Aβ efflux from the brain. Moreover, in our APP/PS1 transgenic AD model mice, Smad3 inhibition significantly attenuated Aβ deposition and neuroinflammation, and ameliorated cognitive deficits, probably by enhancing the peripheral clearance of Aβ. In conclusion, enhancing Aβ clearance by peripheral macrophages through Smad3 inhibition attenuated AD-related pathology and cognitive deficits, which may provide a new perspective for understanding AD and finding novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; The Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of Ministry of Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Cai-Long Pan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; The Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of Ministry of Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiang-Hui Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jing-Jing Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ping Meng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pathology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lei Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Hygiene Analysis and Detection, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhiren Zhang
- Institute of Immunology, Army Medical University, 30 Gaotanyan Main Street, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; The Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of Ministry of Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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26
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García-Escudero V, Ruiz-Gabarre D, Gargini R, Pérez M, García E, Cuadros R, Hernández IH, Cabrera JR, García-Escudero R, Lucas JJ, Hernández F, Ávila J. A new non-aggregative splicing isoform of human Tau is decreased in Alzheimer's disease. Acta Neuropathol 2021; 142:159-177. [PMID: 33934221 PMCID: PMC8217066 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-021-02317-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with Tau pathology (FTLD-tau), are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by Tau hyperphosphorylation. Post-translational modifications of Tau such as phosphorylation and truncation have been demonstrated to be an essential step in the molecular pathogenesis of these tauopathies. In this work, we demonstrate the existence of a new, human-specific truncated form of Tau generated by intron 12 retention in human neuroblastoma cells and, to a higher extent, in human RNA brain samples, using qPCR and further confirming the results on a larger database of human RNA-seq samples. Diminished protein levels of this new Tau isoform are found by Westernblotting in Alzheimer's patients' brains (Braak I n = 3; Braak II n = 6, Braak III n = 3, Braak IV n = 1, and Braak V n = 10, Braak VI n = 8) with respect to non-demented control subjects (n = 9), suggesting that the lack of this truncated isoform may play an important role in the pathology. This new Tau isoform exhibits similar post-transcriptional modifications by phosphorylation and affinity for microtubule binding, but more interestingly, is less prone to aggregate than other Tau isoforms. Finally, we present evidence suggesting this new Tau isoform could be linked to the inhibition of GSK3β, which would mediate intron 12 retention by modulating the serine/arginine rich splicing factor 2 (SRSF2). Our results show the existence of an important new isoform of Tau and suggest that further research on this less aggregation-prone Tau may help to develop future therapies for Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vega García-Escudero
- Departamento de Anatomía, Histología y Neurociencia, School of Medicine, Autonoma de Madrid University (UAM), Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Autonoma de Madrid University (UAM), Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM). Nicolás Cabrera, 1. Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Ruiz-Gabarre
- Departamento de Anatomía, Histología y Neurociencia, School of Medicine, Autonoma de Madrid University (UAM), Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Autonoma de Madrid University (UAM), Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM). Nicolás Cabrera, 1. Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Gargini
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM). Nicolás Cabrera, 1. Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Neurooncology Unit, Instituto de Salud Carlos III-UFIEC, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Pérez
- Departamento de Anatomía, Histología y Neurociencia, School of Medicine, Autonoma de Madrid University (UAM), Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM). Nicolás Cabrera, 1. Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther García
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM). Nicolás Cabrera, 1. Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Cuadros
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM). Nicolás Cabrera, 1. Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ivó H Hernández
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM). Nicolás Cabrera, 1. Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge R Cabrera
- Unidad de Investigación, Fundación Hospital de Jove, 33290, Gijón, Spain
| | - Ramón García-Escudero
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT, Ave Complutense, 40, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital 12 Octubre Research Institute/CIEMAT, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cancer (CIBERONC), Valderrebollo, 5, 28031, Madrid, Spain
| | - José J Lucas
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM). Nicolás Cabrera, 1. Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031, Madrid, Spain
| | - Félix Hernández
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM). Nicolás Cabrera, 1. Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Ávila
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM). Nicolás Cabrera, 1. Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
- Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031, Madrid, Spain.
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27
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Balmik AA, Chinnathambi S. Methylation as a key regulator of Tau aggregation and neuronal health in Alzheimer's disease. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:51. [PMID: 33962636 PMCID: PMC8103764 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00732-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease involves abnormal aggregation and accumulation of toxic proteins aggregates. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of the causative proteins play an important role in the etiology of disease as they could either slow down or accelerate the disease progression. Alzheimer disease is associated with the aggregation and accumulation of two major protein aggregates-intracellular neurofibrillary tangles made up of microtubule-associated protein Tau and extracellular Amyloid-β plaques. Post-translational modifications are important for the regulation of Tau`s function but an imbalance in PTMs may lead to abnormal Tau function and aggregation. Tau methylation is one of the important PTM of Tau in its physiological state. However, the methylation signature on Tau lysine changes once it acquires pathological aggregated form. Tau methylation can compete with other PTMs such as acetylation and ubiquitination. The state of PTM at these sites determines the fate of Tau protein in terms of its function and stability. The global methylation in neurons, microglia and astrocytes are involved in multiple cellular functions involving their role in epigenetic regulation of gene expression via DNA methylation. Here, we have discussed the effect of methylation on Tau function in a site-specific manner and their cross-talk with other lysine modifications. We have also elaborated the role of methylation in epigenetic aspects and neurodegenerative conditions associated with the imbalance in methylation metabolism affecting global methylation state of cells. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Ankur Balmik
- Neurobiology Group, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, 411008,, Pune, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002,, India
| | - Subashchandrabose Chinnathambi
- Neurobiology Group, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, 411008,, Pune, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002,, India.
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28
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Means JC, Lopez AA, Koulen P. Estrogen Protects Optic Nerve Head Astrocytes Against Oxidative Stress by Preventing Caspase-3 Activation, Tau Dephosphorylation at Ser 422 and the Formation of Tau Protein Aggregates. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:449-458. [PMID: 32385548 PMCID: PMC7648721 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00859-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to the slow degeneration of retinal ganglion cells, and results in damage to the optic nerve and concomitant vision loss. As in other disorders affecting the viability of central nervous system neurons, neurons affected by glaucoma do not have the ability to regenerate after injury. Recent studies indicate a critical role for optic nerve head astrocytes (ONHAs) in this process of retinal ganglion cell degeneration. Cleavage of tau, a microtubule stabilizing protein and constituent of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), plays a major part in the mechanisms that lead to toxicity in CNS neurons and astrocytes. Here, we tested the hypothesis that estrogen, a pleiotropic neuro- and cytoprotectant with high efficacy in the CNS, prevents tau cleavage, and hence, protects ONHAs against cell damage caused by oxidative stress. Our results indicate that estrogen prevents caspase-3 mediated tau cleavage, and thereby decreases the levels of the resulting form of proteolytically cleaved tau protein, which leads to a decrease in NFT formation, which requires proteolytically cleaved tau protein. Overall, our data propose that by stopping the reduction of estrogen levels involved with aging the sensitivity of the optic nerve to glaucomatous damage might be reduced. Furthermore, our data suggest that therapeutic use of estrogen may be beneficial in slowing or preventing the onset or severity of neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma and potentially also other degenerative diseases of the CNS through direct control of posttranslational modifications of tau protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Means
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Vision Research Center, University of Missouri - Kansas City, 2411 Holmes St., Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Adam A Lopez
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Vision Research Center, University of Missouri - Kansas City, 2411 Holmes St., Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Peter Koulen
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Vision Research Center, University of Missouri - Kansas City, 2411 Holmes St., Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri - Kansas City, 2411 Holmes St., Kansas City, MO, USA.
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29
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Tau Is Truncated in Five Regions of the Normal Adult Human Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073521. [PMID: 33805376 PMCID: PMC8036332 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The truncation of Tau is thought to be important in promoting aggregation, with this feature characterising the pathology of dementias such as Alzheimer disease. Antibodies to the C-terminal and N-terminal regions of Tau were employed to examine Tau cleavage in five human brain regions: the entorhinal cortex, prefrontal cortex, motor cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. These were obtained from normal subjects ranging in age from 18 to 104 years. Tau fragments of approximately 40 kDa and 45 kDa with an intact N-terminus retained were found in soluble and insoluble brain fractions. In addition, smaller C-terminal Tau fragments ranging in mass from 17 kDa to 25 kDa were also detected. These findings are consistent with significant Tau cleavage taking place in brain regions from 18 years onwards. It appears that site-specific cleavage of Tau is widespread in the normal human brain, and that large Tau fragments that contain the N-terminus, as well as shorter C-terminal Tau fragments, are present in brain cells across the age range.
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30
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Canepa E, Fossati S. Impact of Tau on Neurovascular Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurol 2021; 11:573324. [PMID: 33488493 PMCID: PMC7817626 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.573324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder and the most prevalent cause of dementia. The main cerebral histological hallmarks are represented by parenchymal insoluble deposits of amyloid beta (Aβ plaques) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), intracellular filamentous inclusions of tau, a microtubule-associated protein. It is well-established that cerebrovascular dysfunction is an early feature of AD pathology, but the detrimental mechanisms leading to blood vessel impairment and the associated neurovascular deregulation are not fully understood. In 90% of AD cases, Aβ deposition around the brain vasculature, known as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), alters blood brain barrier (BBB) essential functions. While the effects of vascular Aβ accumulation are better documented, the scientific community has only recently started to consider the impact of tau on neurovascular pathology in AD. Emerging compelling evidence points to transmission of neuronal tau to different brain cells, including astrocytes, as well as to the release of tau into brain interstitial fluids, which may lead to perivascular neurofibrillar tau accumulation and toxicity, affecting vessel architecture, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and vascular permeability. BBB integrity and functionality may therefore be impacted by pathological tau, consequentially accelerating the progression of the disease. Tau aggregates have also been shown to induce mitochondrial damage: it is known that tau impairs mitochondrial localization, distribution and dynamics, alters ATP and reactive oxygen species production, and compromises oxidative phosphorylation systems. In light of this previous knowledge, we postulate that tau can initiate neurovascular pathology in AD through mitochondrial dysregulation. In this review, we will explore the literature investigating tau pathology contribution to the malfunction of the brain vasculature and neurovascular unit, and its association with mitochondrial alterations and caspase activation, in cellular, animal, and human studies of AD and tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Canepa
- Alzheimer's Center at Temple (ACT), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Silvia Fossati
- Alzheimer's Center at Temple (ACT), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Alquezar C, Arya S, Kao AW. Tau Post-translational Modifications: Dynamic Transformers of Tau Function, Degradation, and Aggregation. Front Neurol 2021; 11:595532. [PMID: 33488497 PMCID: PMC7817643 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.595532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) on tau have long been recognized as affecting protein function and contributing to neurodegeneration. The explosion of information on potential and observed PTMs on tau provides an opportunity to better understand these modifications in the context of tau homeostasis, which becomes perturbed with aging and disease. Prevailing views regard tau as a protein that undergoes abnormal phosphorylation prior to its accumulation into the toxic aggregates implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. However, the phosphorylation of tau may, in fact, represent part of the normal but interrupted function and catabolism of the protein. In addition to phosphorylation, tau undergoes another forms of post-translational modification including (but not limited to), acetylation, ubiquitination, glycation, glycosylation, SUMOylation, methylation, oxidation, and nitration. A holistic appreciation of how these PTMs regulate tau during health and are potentially hijacked in disease remains elusive. Recent studies have reinforced the idea that PTMs play a critical role in tau localization, protein-protein interactions, maintenance of levels, and modifying aggregate structure. These studies also provide tantalizing clues into the possibility that neurons actively choose how tau is post-translationally modified, in potentially competitive and combinatorial ways, to achieve broad, cellular programs commensurate with the distinctive environmental conditions found during development, aging, stress, and disease. Here, we review tau PTMs and describe what is currently known about their functional impacts. In addition, we classify these PTMs from the perspectives of protein localization, electrostatics, and stability, which all contribute to normal tau function and homeostasis. Finally, we assess the potential impact of tau PTMs on tau solubility and aggregation. Tau occupies an undoubtedly important position in the biology of neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to provide an integrated perspective of how post-translational modifications actively, purposefully, and dynamically remodel tau function, clearance, and aggregation. In doing so, we hope to enable a more comprehensive understanding of tau PTMs that will positively impact future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aimee W. Kao
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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32
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Yang T, Tran KC, Zeng AY, Massa SM, Longo FM. Small molecule modulation of the p75 neurotrophin receptor inhibits multiple amyloid beta-induced tau pathologies. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20322. [PMID: 33230162 PMCID: PMC7683564 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77210-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Longitudinal preclinical and clinical studies suggest that Aβ drives neurite and synapse degeneration through an array of tau-dependent and independent mechanisms. The intracellular signaling networks regulated by the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) substantially overlap with those linked to Aβ and to tau. Here we examine the hypothesis that modulation of p75NTR will suppress the generation of multiple potentially pathogenic tau species and related signaling to protect dendritic spines and processes from Aβ-induced injury. In neurons exposed to oligomeric Aβ in vitro and APP mutant mouse models, modulation of p75NTR signaling using the small-molecule LM11A-31 was found to inhibit Aβ-associated degeneration of neurites and spines; and tau phosphorylation, cleavage, oligomerization and missorting. In line with these effects on tau, LM11A-31 inhibited excess activation of Fyn kinase and its targets, tau and NMDA-NR2B, and decreased Rho kinase signaling changes and downstream aberrant cofilin phosphorylation. In vitro studies with pseudohyperphosphorylated tau and constitutively active RhoA revealed that LM11A-31 likely acts principally upstream of tau phosphorylation, and has effects preventing spine loss both up and downstream of RhoA activation. These findings support the hypothesis that modulation of p75NTR signaling inhibits a broad spectrum of Aβ-triggered, tau-related molecular pathology thereby contributing to synaptic resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H3160, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kevin C Tran
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H3160, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Anne Y Zeng
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H3160, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Stephen M Massa
- Department of Neurology, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, University of California, San Francisco, 4150 Clement St., San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA.
| | - Frank M Longo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H3160, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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33
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Strong MJ, Donison NS, Volkening K. Alterations in Tau Metabolism in ALS and ALS-FTSD. Front Neurol 2020; 11:598907. [PMID: 33329356 PMCID: PMC7719764 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.598907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing acceptance that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), classically considered a neurodegenerative disease affecting almost exclusively motor neurons, is syndromic with both clinical and biological heterogeneity. This is most evident in its association with a broad range of neuropsychological, behavioral, speech and language deficits [collectively termed ALS frontotemporal spectrum disorder (ALS-FTSD)]. Although the most consistent pathology of ALS and ALS-FTSD is a disturbance in TAR DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) metabolism, alterations in microtubule-associated tau protein (tau) metabolism can also be observed in ALS-FTSD, most prominently as pathological phosphorylation at Thr175 (pThr175tau). pThr175 has been shown to promote exposure of the phosphatase activating domain (PAD) in the tau N-terminus with the consequent activation of GSK3β mediated phosphorylation at Thr231 (pThr231tau) leading to pathological oligomer formation. This pathological cascade of tau phosphorylation has been observed in chronic traumatic encephalopathy with ALS (CTE-ALS) and in both in vivo and in vitro experimental paradigms, suggesting that it is of critical relevance to the pathobiology of ALS-FTSD. It is also evident that the co-existence of alterations in the metabolism of TDP-43 and tau acts synergistically in a rodent model to exacerbate the pathology of either.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Strong
- Molecular Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Neil S Donison
- Molecular Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kathryn Volkening
- Molecular Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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34
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De La-Rocque S, Moretto E, Butnaru I, Schiavo G. Knockin' on heaven's door: Molecular mechanisms of neuronal tau uptake. J Neurochem 2020; 156:563-588. [PMID: 32770783 PMCID: PMC8432157 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Since aggregates of the microtubule‐binding protein tau were found to be the main component of neurofibrillary tangles more than 30 years ago, their contribution to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and tauopathies has become well established. Recent work shows that both tau load and its distribution in the brain of AD patients correlate with cognitive decline more closely compared to amyloid plaque deposition. In addition, the amyloid cascade hypothesis has been recently challenged because of disappointing results of clinical trials designed to treat AD by reducing beta‐amyloid levels, thus fuelling a renewed interest in tau. There is now robust evidence to indicate that tau pathology can spread within the central nervous system via a prion‐like mechanism following a stereotypical pattern, which can be explained by the trans‐synaptic inter‐neuronal transfer of pathological tau. In the receiving neuron, tau has been shown to take multiple routes of internalisation, which are partially dependent on its conformation and aggregation status. Here, we review the emerging mechanisms proposed for the uptake of extracellular tau in neurons and the requirements for the propagation of its pathological conformers, addressing how they gain access to physiological tau monomers in the cytosol. Furthermore, we highlight some of the key mechanistic gaps of the field, which urgently need to be addressed to expand our understanding of tau propagation and lead to the identification of new therapeutic strategies for tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha De La-Rocque
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Edoardo Moretto
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ioana Butnaru
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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35
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Gu J, Xu W, Jin N, Li L, Zhou Y, Chu D, Gong CX, Iqbal K, Liu F. Truncation of Tau selectively facilitates its pathological activities. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:13812-13828. [PMID: 32737201 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.012587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibrillary tangles of abnormally hyperphosphorylated Tau are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Tau is truncated at multiple sites by various proteases in AD brain. Although many studies have reported the effect of truncation on the aggregation of Tau, these studies mostly employed highly artificial conditions, using heparin sulfate or arachidonic acid to induce aggregation. Here, we report for the first time the pathological activities of various truncations of Tau, including site-specific phosphorylation, self-aggregation, binding to hyperphosphorylated and oligomeric Tau isolated from AD brain tissue (AD O-Tau), and aggregation seeded by AD O-Tau. We found that deletion of the first 150 or 230 amino acids (aa) enhanced Tau's site-specific phosphorylation, self-aggregation, and binding to AD O-Tau and aggregation seeded by AD O-Tau, but deletion of the first 50 aa did not produce a significant effect. Deletion of the last 50 aa was found to modulate Tau's site-specific phosphorylation, promote its self-aggregation, and cause it to be captured by and aggregation seeded by AD O-Tau, whereas deletion of the last 20 aa had no such effects. Among the truncated Taus, Tau151-391 showed the highest pathological activities. AD O-Tau induced aggregation of Tau151-391 in vitro and in cultured cells. These findings suggest that the first 150 aa and the last 50 aa protect Tau from pathological characteristics and that their deletions facilitate pathological activities. Thus, inhibition of Tau truncation may represent a potential therapeutic approach to suppress Tau pathology in AD and related tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlan Gu
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA; Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA; Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nana Jin
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Longfei Li
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA; Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA; Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dandan Chu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education of China, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng-Xin Gong
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Khalid Iqbal
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Neurochemistry, Inge Grundke-Iqbal Research Floor, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA.
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Guo T, Zhang D, Zeng Y, Huang TY, Xu H, Zhao Y. Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2020; 15:40. [PMID: 32677986 PMCID: PMC7364557 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-020-00391-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 431] [Impact Index Per Article: 107.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder seen in age-dependent dementia. There is currently no effective treatment for AD, which may be attributed in part to lack of a clear underlying mechanism. Studies within the last few decades provide growing evidence for a central role of amyloid β (Aβ) and tau, as well as glial contributions to various molecular and cellular pathways in AD pathogenesis. Herein, we review recent progress with respect to Aβ- and tau-associated mechanisms, and discuss glial dysfunction in AD with emphasis on neuronal and glial receptors that mediate Aβ-induced toxicity. We also discuss other critical factors that may affect AD pathogenesis, including genetics, aging, variables related to environment, lifestyle habits, and describe the potential role of apolipoprotein E (APOE), viral and bacterial infection, sleep, and microbiota. Although we have gained much towards understanding various aspects underlying this devastating neurodegenerative disorder, greater commitment towards research in molecular mechanism, diagnostics and treatment will be needed in future AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Guo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Denghong Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuzhe Zeng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Center of People's Liberation Army, The Affiliated Southeast Hospital of Xiamen University, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Timothy Y Huang
- Neuroscience Initiative, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.
| | - Huaxi Xu
- Neuroscience Initiative, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.
| | - Yingjun Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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37
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Cicognola C, Satir TM, Brinkmalm G, Matečko-Burmann I, Agholme L, Bergström P, Becker B, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Höglund K. Tauopathy-Associated Tau Fragment Ending at Amino Acid 224 Is Generated by Calpain-2 Cleavage. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 74:1143-1156. [PMID: 32144989 DOI: 10.3233/jad-191130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tau aggregation in neurons and glial cells characterizes tauopathies as Alzheimer's disease (AD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Tau proteolysis has been proposed as a trigger for tau aggregation and tau fragments have been observed in brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Our group identified a major tau cleavage at amino acid (aa) 224 in CSF; N-terminal tau fragments ending at aa 224 (N-224) were significantly increased in AD and lacked correlation to total tau (t-tau) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) in PSP and CBD. OBJECTIVE Previous studies have shown cleavage from calpain proteases at sites adjacent to aa 224. Our aim was to investigate if calpain-1 or -2 could be responsible for cleavage at aa 224. METHODS Proteolytic activity of calpain-1, calpain-2, and brain protein extract was assessed on a custom tau peptide (aa 220-228), engineered with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technology. Findings were confirmed with in-gel trypsination and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of brain-derived bands with proteolytic activity on the FRET substrate. Finally, knock-down of the calpain-2 catalytic subunit gene (CAPN2) was performed in a neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y). RESULTS Calpain-2 and brain protein extract, but not calpain-1, showed proteolytic activity on the FRET substrate. MS analysis of active gel bands revealed presence of calpain-2 subunits, but not calpain-1. Calpain-2 depletion and chemical inhibition suppressed proteolysis of the FRET substrate. CAPN2 knock-down caused a 76.4% reduction of N-224 tau in the cell-conditioned media. CONCLUSIONS Further investigation of the calpain-2 pathway in the pathogenesis of tauopathies is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cicognola
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Tugce Munise Satir
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Brinkmalm
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Irena Matečko-Burmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lotta Agholme
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Petra Bergström
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bruno Becker
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology Queen Square, London, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Kina Höglund
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
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38
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Zhang Z, Tian Y, Ye K. δ-secretase in neurodegenerative diseases: mechanisms, regulators and therapeutic opportunities. Transl Neurodegener 2020; 9:1. [PMID: 31911834 PMCID: PMC6943888 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-019-0179-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian asparagine endopeptidase (AEP) is a cysteine protease that cleaves its protein substrates on the C-terminal side of asparagine residues. Converging lines of evidence indicate that AEP may be involved in the pathogenesis of several neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and frontotemporal dementia. AEP is activated in the aging brain, cleaves amyloid precursor protein (APP) and promotes the production of amyloid-β (Aβ). We renamed AEP to δ-secretase to emphasize its role in APP fragmentation and Aβ production. AEP also cleaves other substrates, such as tau, α-synuclein, SET, and TAR DNA-binding protein 43, generating neurotoxic fragments and disturbing their physiological functions. The activity of δ-secretase is tightly regulated at both the transcriptional and posttranslational levels. Here, we review the recent advances in the role of δ-secretase in neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on its biochemical properties and the transcriptional and posttranslational regulation of its activity, and discuss the clinical implications of δ-secretase as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Tian
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060 People’s Republic of China
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
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39
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Novel Peptidomic Approach for Identification of Low and High Molecular Weight Tauopathy Peptides Following Calpain Digestion, and Primary Culture Neurotoxic Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20205213. [PMID: 31640160 PMCID: PMC6829287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathy is a class of a neurodegenerative disorder linked with tau hyperphosphorylation, proteolysis, and aggregation. Tau can be subjected to proteolysis upon calpain activation in Alzheimer disease (AD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). We and others have extensively researched calpain-mediated tau breakdown products (Tau-BDP; 45K, 35K, and 17K). Tau proteolysis might also generate low molecular weight (LMW ≤10K) proteolytic peptides after neurodegenerative damage. In this study, we have subjected purified tau protein (phospho and non-phospho) and mouse brain lysate to calpain-1 digestion to characterize the LMW generated by nano-liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization to tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS). We have also challenged differentiated primary cerebrocortical neuronal cultures (CTX) with neurotoxic agents (calcium ionophore calcimycin (A23187), staurosporine (STS), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), and Maitotoxin (MTX)) that mimic neurodegeneration to investigate the peptidome released into the conditioned cell media. We used a simple workflow in which we fractionate LMW calpain-mediated tau peptides by ultrafiltration (molecular weight cut-off value (MWCO) of 10K) and subject filtrate fractions to nano-LC-MS/MS analysis. The high molecular weight (HMW) peptides and intact proteins retained on the filter were analyzed separately by western blotting using total and phospho-specific tau antibodies. We have identified several novel proteolytic tau peptides (phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated) that are only present in samples treated with calpain or cell-based calpain activation model (particularly N- and C-terminal peptides). Our findings can help in developing future research strategies emphasizing on the suppression of tau proteolysis as a target.
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40
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Pacholko AG, Wotton CA, Bekar LK. Poor Diet, Stress, and Inactivity Converge to Form a "Perfect Storm" That Drives Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis. NEURODEGENER DIS 2019; 19:60-77. [PMID: 31600762 DOI: 10.1159/000503451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
North American incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is expected to more than double over the coming generation. Although genetic factors surrounding the production and clearance of amyloid-β and phosphorylated tau proteins are known to be responsible for a subset of early-onset AD cases, they do not explain the pathogenesis of the far more prevalent sporadic late-onset variant of the disease. It is thus likely that lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to neurodegenerative processes implicated in the pathogenesis of AD. Herein, we review evidence that (1) excess sucrose consumption induces AD-associated liver pathologies and brain insulin resistance, (2) chronic stress overdrives activity of locus coeruleus neurons, leading to loss of function (a common event in neurodegeneration), (3) high-sugar diets and stress promote the loss of neuroprotective sex hormones in men and women, and (4) Western dietary trends set the stage for a lithium-deficient state. We propose that these factors may intersect as part of a "perfect storm" to contribute to the widespread prevalence of neurodegeneration and AD. In addition, we put forth the argument that exercise and supplementation with trace lithium can counteract many of the deleterious consequences associated with excessive caloric intake and perpetual stress. We conclude that lifestyle and environmental factors likely contribute to AD pathogenesis and that simple lifestyle and dietary changes can help counteract their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony G Pacholko
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Caitlin A Wotton
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Lane K Bekar
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada,
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41
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Telmisartan Protects Against Aluminum-Induced Alzheimer-like Pathological Changes in Rats. Neurotox Res 2019; 37:275-285. [PMID: 31332715 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00085-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there is no effective mean for treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Commonly used AD drugs have a moderate effect and treat only the associated symptoms, therefore there is a strong need to search for more effective agents. Our goal is to examine telmisartan neuroprotective effect in aluminum-induced cognitive impairment in rats. Aluminum chloride (10 mg/kg, i.p) was administered for 2 months then behavioral tests (Y-maze and Morris water maze) were done. Hippocampal biochemical and histological analysis were then carried out. AD-like histological, biochemical, and behavioral alterations appeared in aluminum-treated rats. Telmisartan improved rats' condition on behavioral and histological levels. It reversed the increase in hippocampal amyloid beta protein, phosphorylated tau protein contents together with augmentation of neprilysin level, it also diminished levels of nuclear factor kappa-B, FAS ligand, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, malondialdehyde, and acetylcholinesterase content.These findings show the protective action of telmisartan against AD-like pathological alterations.
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42
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Ganeshpurkar A, Swetha R, Kumar D, Gangaram GP, Singh R, Gutti G, Jana S, Kumar D, Kumar A, Singh SK. Protein-Protein Interactions and Aggregation Inhibitors in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:501-533. [PMID: 30836921 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190304153353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a multifaceted disorder, involves complex pathophysiology and plethora of protein-protein interactions. Thus such interactions can be exploited to develop anti-AD drugs. OBJECTIVE The interaction of dynamin-related protein 1, cellular prion protein, phosphoprotein phosphatase 2A and Mint 2 with amyloid β, etc., studied recently, may have critical role in progression of the disease. Our objective has been to review such studies and their implications in design and development of drugs against the Alzheimer's disease. METHODS Such studies have been reviewed and critically assessed. RESULTS Review has led to show how such studies are useful to develop anti-AD drugs. CONCLUSION There are several PPIs which are current topics of research including Drp1, Aβ interactions with various targets including PrPC, Fyn kinase, NMDAR and mGluR5 and interaction of Mint2 with PDZ domain, etc., and thus have potential role in neurodegeneration and AD. Finally, the multi-targeted approach in AD may be fruitful and opens a new vista for identification and targeting of PPIs in various cellular pathways to find a cure for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Ganeshpurkar
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Rayala Swetha
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Devendra Kumar
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Gore P Gangaram
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Ravi Singh
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Gopichand Gutti
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Srabanti Jana
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Dileep Kumar
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Sushil K Singh
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
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Afreen S, Ferreira A. Altered Cytoskeletal Composition and Delayed Neurite Elongation in tau 45-230-Expressing Hippocampal Neurons. Neuroscience 2019; 412:1-15. [PMID: 31158440 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Calpain-mediated tau cleavage into the neurotoxic tau45-230 fragment plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This tau fragment accumulates mainly in the cytoplasm of degenerating neurons. However, subcellular localization studies indicated that a pool of tau45-230 associates with the cytoskeleton in hippocampal neurons. In the present study, we assessed whether such localization could underlie tau45-230 neurotoxic effects. Quantitative Western blot analysis showed decreased levels of full-length tau bound to microtubules in tau45-230-expressing hippocampal neurons when compared to controls. In addition, the presence of this tau fragment induced a transient increase in tyrosinated tubulin, a marker of unstable microtubules, followed by a significant decrease in the levels of this tubulin isoform. The data obtained also showed a significant reduction in actin filaments in tau45-230-expressing neurons. These changes in microtubules and actin filaments correlated with delayed neurite elongation and axonal differentiation in the presence of this tau fragment. Together, these results suggest that tau45-230 could exert its toxic effects, at least in part, by modifying the composition of the neuronal cytoskeleton and impairing neurite elongation in neurons undergoing degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Afreen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Adriana Ferreira
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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44
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Han Y, Nan S, Fan J, Chen Q, Zhang Y. Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides protect against Alzheimer's disease by regulating Nrf2 signaling and exerting antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 131:769-778. [PMID: 30878614 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide (IOPS) was initially separated and purified via precipitation from an aqueous extract with 80% alcohol, a DEAE-52 cellulose anion exchange column, and a Sephadex G-100 gel permeation chromatography system. IOPS was found to have a molecular weight of 111.9 kDa. In L-glutamic acid (L-Glu)-damaged HT22 cells, a 3-h pre-incubation with IOPS enhanced cell viability, inhibited apoptosis and caspase-3 activity, reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase, restored the dissipated mitochondrial membrane potential, and suppressed the excess accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Compared with L-Glu-exposed cells, IOPS pre-treated cells exhibited reduced levels of Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and enhanced levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), NF-E2p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1), and cysteine ligase catalytic subunit. In amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) transgenic mice, an 8-week course of IOPS improved the pathological behaviors related to memory and cognition, reduced the deposition of β-amyloid peptides and neuronal fiber tangles induced by enhanced phosphor-Tau in the brain, and modulated the levels of anti- and pro-oxidative stress enzymes. Additionally, IOPS enhanced the expression levels of Nrf2 and its downstream proteins, including HO-1 and SOD-1, in the brains of APP/PS1 mice. The present study successfully demonstrated the protective effect of IOPS against AD and revealed the possible mechanism underlying the ability of IOPS to modulate oxidative stress, especially Nrf2 signaling, and mediate mitochondrial apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiu Han
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Shanji Nan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Qiuhui Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Yizhi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China.
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45
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Chen Z, Boor PJ, Finnerty CC, Herndon DN, Albrecht T. Calpain-mediated cleavage of p53 in human cytomegalovirus-infected lung fibroblasts. FASEB Bioadv 2019; 1:151-166. [PMID: 32123827 PMCID: PMC6996331 DOI: 10.1096/fba.1028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous fragments of p53 protein were identified in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-infected human lung fibroblasts, particularly a 44-kDa N-terminal fragment [hereafter referred to as p53(ΔCp44)], generated via calpain cleavage. The fragment abundance increased in a biphasic manner, peaking at 6-9 hours and 48 hours post infection. Treatment of LU cells with calpain inhibitors eliminated most detectable p53 fragments. In cell-free experiments, exogenous m-calpain cleavage generated p53(ΔCp44). Attempts to preserve p53 proteins by treating cells with the calpain inhibitor E64d for 6 hours before harvesting increased the sensitivity of p53 to calpain cleavage. p53 in mock-infected cell lysates was much more sensitive to cleavage and degradation by exogenous calpain than that in HCMV-infected cells. The proteasome inhibitor MG132 stabilized p53(ΔCp44), particularly in mock-infected cells. p53(ΔCp44) appeared to be tightly associated with a chromatin-rich fraction. The abundance of p53β was unchanged over a 96-h time course and very similar in mock- and HCMV-infected cells, making it unlikely that p53(ΔCp44) was p53β. The biological activities of this and other fragments lacking C-terminal sequences are unknown, but deserve further investigation, given the association of p53(ΔCp44) with the chromatin-rich (or buffer C insoluble) fraction in HCMV-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenping Chen
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexas
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexas
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexas
| | - Paul J. Boor
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexas
- Shriners Hospitals for Children—GalvestonGalvestonTexas
| | - Celeste C. Finnerty
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexas
- Shriners Hospitals for Children—GalvestonGalvestonTexas
| | - David N. Herndon
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexas
- Shriners Hospitals for Children—GalvestonGalvestonTexas
| | - Thomas Albrecht
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexas
- Infectious Disease and Toxicology Optical Imaging CoreUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexas
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46
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Yu H, Yuan B, Chu Q, Wang C, Bi H. Protective roles of isoastilbin against Alzheimer's disease via Nrf2‑mediated antioxidation and anti‑apoptosis. Int J Mol Med 2019; 43:1406-1416. [PMID: 30664148 PMCID: PMC6365075 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
By analyzing the L‑glutamic acid (L‑Glu)‑induced apoptosis of PC12 cells and an AlCl3 combined with D‑galactose (D‑gal)‑developed Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model, the protective effects of isoastilbin (IAB) against AD were systematically investigated in the present study. Pre‑incubation with IAB for 3 h prior to treatment with 25 mM L‑Glu decreased cell viability and inhibited apoptosis, suppressed the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, and restored mitochondrial membrane potential in PC12 cells induced by L‑Glu. In mice with AD, the reduced escape latency time in the water maze test, suppressed chronic movement in the center area of an open field test and enhanced ability to seek hidden food in a Y maze test indicated that abnormal behaviors had improved after 28 days of treatment with IAB. Furthermore, IAB reduced the deposition of amyloid β (Aβ) and the expression of phosphorylated‑Tau in the mouse brain and enhanced the serum levels of Aβ. IAB ameliorated the oxidative stress via modulating the levels of associated enzymes and improved the functioning of the central cholinergic system, as indicated by an increase in acetylcholine and choline acetyltransferase concentrations. The expression levels of acetylcholine esterase were reduced in the mouse brain in response to IAB pre‑treatment. In cells and brain tissue, IAB regulated the expression levels of pro‑ and anti‑apoptotic proteins and enhanced the nuclear levels of NF‑E2p45‑related factor 2 (Nrf2); subsequently, IAB further enhanced the expression of superoxide dismutase 1, catalase, and heme oxygenase‑1 and ‑2. The findings of the present study indicated that the protection of IAB against AD is at least partially associated with its antioxidation and anti‑apoptotic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yu
- Departments of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Bo Yuan
- Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Qiubo Chu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P.R. China
| | - Chunyue Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130012, P.R. China
| | - Hui Bi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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47
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Almansoub HA, Tang H, Wu Y, Wang DQ, Mahaman YAR, Wei N, Almansob YAM, He W, Liu D. Tau Abnormalities and the Potential Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 67:13-33. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-180868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hasan A.M.M. Almansoub
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
- The Institute of Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science – Marib, Sana’a University, Marib, Yemen
| | - Hui Tang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
- The Institute of Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
- The Institute of Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Ding-Qi Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
- The Institute of Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yacoubou Abdoul Razak Mahaman
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Lab of Neurological Disorder of Education Ministry, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
- The Institute of Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Na Wei
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yusra A. M. Almansob
- Department of Stomatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Orthopedics’, Hubei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Dan Liu
- The Institute of Brain Research, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
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48
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Tapia-Rojas C, Cabezas-Opazo F, Deaton CA, Vergara EH, Johnson GVW, Quintanilla RA. It's all about tau. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 175:54-76. [PMID: 30605723 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tau is a protein that is highly enriched in neurons and was originally defined by its ability to bind and stabilize microtubules. However, it is now becoming evident that the functions of tau extend beyond its ability to modulate microtubule dynamics. Tau plays a role in mediating axonal transport, synaptic structure and function, and neuronal signaling pathways. Although tau plays important physiological roles in neurons, its involvement in neurodegenerative diseases, and most prominently in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD), has directed the majority of tau studies. However, a thorough knowledge of the physiological functions of tau and its post-translational modifications under normal conditions are necessary to provide the foundation for understanding its role in pathological settings. In this review, we will focus on human tau, summarizing tau structure and organization, as well as its posttranslational modifications associated with physiological processes. We will highlight possible mechanisms involved in mediating the turnover of tau and finally discuss newly elucidated tau functions in a physiological context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheril Tapia-Rojas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Aging, Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabian Cabezas-Opazo
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carol A Deaton
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, USA
| | - Erick H Vergara
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gail V W Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, USA
| | - Rodrigo A Quintanilla
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Centro de Investigación y Estudio del Consumo de Alcohol en Adolescentes (CIIA), Santiago, Chile.
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49
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Chen HH, Liu P, Auger P, Lee SH, Adolfsson O, Rey-Bellet L, Lafrance-Vanasse J, Friedman BA, Pihlgren M, Muhs A, Pfeifer A, Ernst J, Ayalon G, Wildsmith KR, Beach TG, van der Brug MP. Calpain-mediated tau fragmentation is altered in Alzheimer's disease progression. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16725. [PMID: 30425303 PMCID: PMC6233188 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35130-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The aggregation of intracellular tau protein is a major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The extent and the stereotypical spread of tau pathology in the AD brain are correlated with cognitive decline during disease progression. Here we present an in-depth analysis of endogenous tau fragmentation in a well-characterized cohort of AD and age-matched control subjects. Using protein mass spectrometry and Edman degradation to interrogate endogenous tau fragments in the human brain, we identified two novel proteolytic sites, G323 and G326, as major tau cleavage events in both normal and AD cortex. These sites are located within the sequence recently identified as the structural core of tau protofilaments, suggesting an inhibitory mechanism of fibril formation. In contrast, a different set of novel cleavages showed a distinct increase in late stage AD. These disease-associated sites are located outside of the protofilament core sequence. We demonstrate that calpain 1 specifically cleaves at both the normal and diseased sites in vitro, and the site selection is conformation-dependent. Monomeric tau is predominantly cleaved at G323/G326 (normal sites), whereas oligomerization increases cleavages at the late-AD-associated sites. The fragmentation patterns specific to disease and healthy states suggest novel regulatory mechanisms of tau aggregation in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsu-Hsin Chen
- Biomarker Discovery, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Peter Liu
- Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Paul Auger
- Biomarker Development, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Seung-Hye Lee
- Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Oskar Adolfsson
- AC Immune SA, EPFL Innovation Park, Building B, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lorianne Rey-Bellet
- AC Immune SA, EPFL Innovation Park, Building B, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Brad A Friedman
- Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maria Pihlgren
- AC Immune SA, EPFL Innovation Park, Building B, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Muhs
- AC Immune SA, EPFL Innovation Park, Building B, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Pfeifer
- AC Immune SA, EPFL Innovation Park, Building B, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - James Ernst
- Protein Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gai Ayalon
- Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kristin R Wildsmith
- Biomarker Development, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas G Beach
- Banner Sun Health Research Institute, 10515W, Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, AZ, USA
| | - Marcel P van der Brug
- Biomarker Discovery, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, USA.,Therapeutics Division, Clover Health, 22 4th Street, San Francisco, CA, USA
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50
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El Fatimy R, Li S, Chen Z, Mushannen T, Gongala S, Wei Z, Balu DT, Rabinovsky R, Cantlon A, Elkhal A, Selkoe DJ, Sonntag KC, Walsh DM, Krichevsky AM. MicroRNA-132 provides neuroprotection for tauopathies via multiple signaling pathways. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 136:537-555. [PMID: 29982852 PMCID: PMC6132948 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-018-1880-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) regulate fundamental biological processes, including neuronal plasticity, stress response, and survival. Here, we describe a neuroprotective function of miR-132, the miRNA most significantly downregulated in neurons in Alzheimer’s disease. We demonstrate that miR-132 protects primary mouse and human wild-type neurons and more vulnerable Tau-mutant neurons against amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) and glutamate excitotoxicity. It lowers the levels of total, phosphorylated, acetylated, and cleaved forms of Tau implicated in tauopathies, promotes neurite elongation and branching, and reduces neuronal death. Similarly, miR-132 attenuates PHF-Tau pathology and neurodegeneration, and enhances long-term potentiation in the P301S Tau transgenic mice. The neuroprotective effects are mediated by direct regulation of the Tau modifiers acetyltransferase EP300, kinase GSK3β, RNA-binding protein Rbfox1, and proteases Calpain 2 and Caspases 3/7. These data suggest miR-132 as a master regulator of neuronal health and indicate that miR-132 supplementation could be of therapeutic benefit for the treatment of Tau-associated neurodegenerative disorders.
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