51
|
α-Synuclein Oligomers Induce Glutamate Release from Astrocytes and Excessive Extrasynaptic NMDAR Activity in Neurons, Thus Contributing to Synapse Loss. J Neurosci 2021; 41:2264-2273. [PMID: 33483428 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1871-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic and neuronal loss are major neuropathological characteristics of Parkinson's disease. Misfolded protein aggregates in the form of Lewy bodies, comprised mainly of α-synuclein (αSyn), are associated with disease progression, and have also been linked to other neurodegenerative diseases, including Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and frontotemporal dementia. However, the effects of αSyn and its mechanism of synaptic damage remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that αSyn oligomers induce Ca2+-dependent release of glutamate from astrocytes obtained from male and female mice, and that mice overexpressing αSyn manifest increased tonic release of glutamate in vivo In turn, this extracellular glutamate activates glutamate receptors, including extrasynaptic NMDARs (eNMDARs), on neurons both in culture and in hippocampal slices of αSyn-overexpressing mice. Additionally, in patch-clamp recording from outside-out patches, we found that oligomerized αSyn can directly activate eNMDARs. In organotypic slices, oligomeric αSyn induces eNMDAR-mediated synaptic loss, which can be reversed by the drug NitroSynapsin. When we expose human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cerebrocortical neurons to αSyn, we find similar effects. Importantly, the improved NMDAR antagonist NitroSynapsin, which selectively inhibits extrasynaptic over physiological synaptic NMDAR activity, protects synapses from oligomeric αSyn-induced damage in our model systems, thus meriting further study for its therapeutic potential.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Loss of synaptic function and ensuing neuronal loss are associated with disease progression in Parkinson's disease (PD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), and other neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanism of synaptic damage remains incompletely understood. α-Synuclein (αSyn) misfolds in PD/LBD, forming Lewy bodies and contributing to disease pathogenesis. Here, we found that misfolded/oligomeric αSyn releases excessive astrocytic glutamate, in turn activating neuronal extrasynaptic NMDA receptors (eNMDARs), thereby contributing to synaptic damage. Additionally, αSyn oligomers directly activate eNMDARs, further contributing to damage. While the FDA-approved drug memantine has been reported to offer some benefit in PD/LBD (Hershey and Coleman-Jackson, 2019), we find that the improved eNMDAR antagonist NitroSynapsin ameliorates αSyn-induced synaptic spine loss, providing potential disease-modifying intervention in PD/LBD.
Collapse
|
52
|
Filippou PS, Outeiro TF. Cancer and Parkinson's Disease: Common Targets, Emerging Hopes. Mov Disord 2020; 36:340-346. [PMID: 33346940 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer and neurodegeneration are two major leading causes of morbidity and death worldwide. At first sight, the two fields do not seem to share much in common and, if anything, might be placed on opposite ends of a spectrum. Although neurodegeneration results in excessive neuronal cell death, cancer emerges from increased proliferation and resistance to cell death. Therefore, one might expect significant differences in the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. However, the more we deepen our understanding of these two types of diseases, the more we appreciate the unexpected overlap between them. Although most epidemiological studies support an inverse association between the risk for development of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, increasing evidence points to a positive correlation between specific types of cancer, like melanoma, and neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson's disease (PD). We believe that deciphering the molecular processes and pathways underlying one of these diseases may significantly increase our understanding about the other. Therefore, the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic approaches in cancer, may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of neurodegeneration, and vice versa. In this Viewpoint, we summarize recent findings connecting both diseases and speculate that insights from one disease may inform on mechanisms, and help identify novel biomarkers and targets for intervention, possibly leading to improved management of both diseases. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota S Filippou
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom.,National Horizons Centre, Teesside University, Darlington, United Kingdom
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Heras-Garvin A, Stefanova N. From Synaptic Protein to Prion: The Long and Controversial Journey of α-Synuclein. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2020; 12:584536. [PMID: 33071772 PMCID: PMC7536368 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.584536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery 30 years ago, α-synuclein (α-syn) has been one of the most studied proteins in the field of neuroscience. Dozens of groups worldwide have tried to reveal not only its role in the CNS but also in other organs. α-syn has been linked to several processes essential in brain homeostasis such as neurotransmitter release, synaptic function, and plasticity. However, despite the efforts made in this direction, the main function of α-syn is still unknown. Moreover, α-syn became a protein of interest for neurologists and neuroscientists when mutations in its gene were found associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and even more when α-syn protein deposits were observed in the brain of PD, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients. At present, the abnormal accumulation of α-syn constitutes one of the pathological hallmarks of these disorders, also referred to as α-synucleinopathies, and it is used for post-mortem diagnostic criteria. Whether α-syn aggregation is cause or consequence of the pathogenic events underlying α-synucleinopathies remains unclear and under discussion. Recently, different in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the ability of pathogenic α-syn to spread between cells, not only within the CNS but also from peripheral locations such as the gut, salivary glands, and through the olfactory network into the CNS, inducing abnormal misfolding of endogenous α-syn and leading to neurodegeneration and motor and cognitive impairment in animal models. Thus, it has been suggested that α-syn should be considered a prion protein. Here we present an update of what we know about α-syn function, aggregation and spreading, and its role in neurodegeneration. We also discuss the rationale and findings supporting the hypothetical prion nature of α-syn, its weaknesses, and future perspectives for research and the development of disease-modifying therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Heras-Garvin
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Camporesi E, Nilsson J, Brinkmalm A, Becker B, Ashton NJ, Blennow K, Zetterberg H. Fluid Biomarkers for Synaptic Dysfunction and Loss. Biomark Insights 2020; 15:1177271920950319. [PMID: 32913390 PMCID: PMC7444114 DOI: 10.1177/1177271920950319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are the site for brain communication where information is transmitted between neurons and stored for memory formation. Synaptic degeneration is a global and early pathogenic event in neurodegenerative disorders with reduced levels of pre- and postsynaptic proteins being recognized as a core feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. Together with AD, other neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders show altered synaptic homeostasis as an important pathogenic event, and due to that, they are commonly referred to as synaptopathies. The exact mechanisms of synapse dysfunction in the different diseases are not well understood and their study would help understanding the pathogenic role of synaptic degeneration, as well as differences and commonalities among them and highlight candidate synaptic biomarkers for specific disorders. The assessment of synaptic proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which can reflect synaptic dysfunction in patients with cognitive disorders, is a keen area of interest. Substantial research efforts are now directed toward the investigation of CSF synaptic pathology to improve the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders at an early stage as well as to monitor clinical progression. In this review, we will first summarize the pathological events that lead to synapse loss and then discuss the available data on established (eg, neurogranin, SNAP-25, synaptotagmin-1, GAP-43, and α-syn) and emerging (eg, synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A and neuronal pentraxins) CSF biomarkers for synapse dysfunction, while highlighting possible utilities, disease specificity, and technical challenges for their detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Camporesi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johanna Nilsson
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann Brinkmalm
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bruno Becker
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Nicholas J Ashton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health & Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation, London, UK
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
The Role of Alpha-Synuclein and Other Parkinson's Genes in Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165724. [PMID: 32785033 PMCID: PMC7460874 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental and late-onset neurodegenerative disorders present as separate entities that are clinically and neuropathologically quite distinct. However, recent evidence has highlighted surprising commonalities and converging features at the clinical, genomic, and molecular level between these two disease spectra. This is particularly striking in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Genetic causes and risk factors play a central role in disease pathophysiology and enable the identification of overlapping mechanisms and pathways. Here, we focus on clinico-genetic studies of causal variants and overlapping clinical and cellular features of ASD and PD. Several genes and genomic regions were selected for our review, including SNCA (alpha-synuclein), PARK2 (parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase), chromosome 22q11 deletion/DiGeorge region, and FMR1 (fragile X mental retardation 1) repeat expansion, which influence the development of both ASD and PD, with converging features related to synaptic function and neurogenesis. Both PD and ASD display alterations and impairments at the synaptic level, representing early and key disease phenotypes, which support the hypothesis of converging mechanisms between the two types of diseases. Therefore, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms might inform on common targets and therapeutic approaches. We propose to re-conceptualize how we understand these disorders and provide a new angle into disease targets and mechanisms linking neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegeneration.
Collapse
|
56
|
Curry AM, Fernàndez RD, Pagani TD, Abeyawardhane DL, Trahan ML, Lucas HR. Mapping of Photochemically-Derived Dityrosine across Fe-Bound N-Acetylated α-Synuclein. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10080124. [PMID: 32726960 PMCID: PMC7459884 DOI: 10.3390/life10080124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurological disease and belongs to a group of neurodegenerative disorders called synucleinopathies in which pathological aggregates of N-terminally acetylated α-synuclein (NAcα-Syn) accumulate in various regions of the brain. In PD, these NAcα-Syn aggregates have been found to contain covalent dityrosine crosslinks, which can occur either intermolecularly or intramolecularly. Cerebral metal imbalance is also a hallmark of PD, warranting investigations into the effects of brain biometals on NAcα-Syn. NAcα-Syn is an intrinsically disordered protein, and metal-mediated conformational modifications of this structurally dynamic protein have been demonstrated to influence its propensity for dityrosine formation. In this study, a library of tyrosine-to-phenylalanine (Y-to-F) NAcα-Syn constructs were designed in order to elucidate the nature and the precise residues involved in dityrosine crosslinking of Fe-bound NAcα-Syn. The structural capacity of each mutant to form dityrosine crosslinks was assessed using Photo-Induced Cross-Linking of Unmodified Proteins (PICUP), demonstrating that coordination of either FeIII or FeII to NAcα-Syn inhibits dityrosine crosslinking among the C-terminal residues. We further demonstrate that Y39 is the main contributor to dityrosine formation of Fe-bound NAcα-Syn, while Y125 is the main residue involved in dityrosine crosslinks in unmetalated NAcα-Syn. Our results confirm that iron coordination has a global effect on NAcα-Syn structure and reactivity.
Collapse
|
57
|
Prolyl Endopeptidase-Like Facilitates the α-Synuclein Aggregation Seeding, and This Effect Is Reverted by Serine Peptidase Inhibitor PMSF. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10060962. [PMID: 32630529 PMCID: PMC7355856 DOI: 10.3390/biom10060962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aggregation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) is a characteristic of Parkinson’s disease (PD). α-Syn oligomerization/aggregation is accelerated by the serine peptidase, prolyl oligopeptidase (POP). Factors that affect POP conformation, including most of its inhibitors and an impairing mutation in its active site, influence the acceleration of α-Syn aggregation resulting from the interaction of these proteins. It is noteworthy, however, that α-Syn is not cleaved by POP. Prolyl endopeptidase-like (PREPL) protein is structurally related to the serine peptidases belonging to the POP family. Based on the α-Syn–POP studies and knowing that PREPL may contribute to the regulation of synaptic vesicle exocytosis, when this protein can encounter α-Syn, we investigated the α-Syn–PREPL interaction. The binding of these two human proteins was observed with an apparent affinity constant of about 5.7 μM and, as in the α-Syn assays with POP, the presence of PREPL accelerated the oligomerization/aggregation events, with no α-Syn cleavage. Furthermore, despite this lack of hydrolytic cleavage, the serine peptidase active site inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) abolished the enhancement of the α-Syn aggregation by PREPL. Therefore, given the attention to POP inhibitors as potential drugs to treat synucleinopathies, the present data point to PREPL as another potential target to be explored for this purpose.
Collapse
|
58
|
Antonini A, Bravi D, Sandre M, Bubacco L. Immunization therapies for Parkinson's disease: state of the art and considerations for future clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:685-695. [PMID: 32419521 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1771693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advances in the understanding of the mechanisms that lead to Lewy body pathology in Parkinson's disease (PD) have yielded rationales for tackling neurodegeneration associated with α-Synuclein (α-Syn) misfolding, aggregation, and/or its related spreading. Immunization therapies targeting distinct α-Syn epitopes (conformational and linear) that aim to limit extracellular spread in the brain are now in development. Completed and ongoing studies have enrolled early PD patients without considering individual clinical differences and assume a common pathogenetic mechanism of the disease. Such approaches have led to disappointing results; this is most likely attributed to trial methodology and inadequate patient selection rather than underlying target biology. AREAS COVERED This review presents the status of immunotherapies that target α-Syn epitopes in PD. Mechanisms associated with neurodegeneration are examined along with the limitations of current antibody research strategies and ongoing clinical trials. Patient stratification based on disease progression is discussed and the article culminates with author suggestions on how to progress future clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION The efficacy of passive and active immunotherapies is inadequately evaluated in ongoing clinical trials where participating patients have various progression rates, genetic backgrounds, and clinical phenotypes. Future disease-modifying studies can overcome these limitations by enrolling patients based on progression pathways and genotypic contribution to disease manifestations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Antonini
- Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua , Padua, Italy
| | - Daniele Bravi
- SixDegrees Health Care Consulting Inc , Chicago, USA
| | - Michele Sandre
- Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua , Padua, Italy.,PNC Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua , Padua, Italy
| | - Luigi Bubacco
- Department of Biology, University of Padua , Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Goloborshcheva VV, Chaprov KD, Teterina EV, Ovchinnikov R, Buchman VL. Reduced complement of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of mice with a constitutive "low footprint" genetic knockout of alpha-synuclein. Mol Brain 2020; 13:75. [PMID: 32393371 PMCID: PMC7216632 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00613-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies of the alpha-synuclein null mutant mice on the C57Bl6 genetic background have revealed reduced number of dopaminergic neurons in their substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). However, the presence in genomes of the studied mouse lines of additional genetic modifications that affect expression of genes located in a close proximity to the alpha-synuclein-encoding Snca gene makes these data open to various interpretations. To unambiguously demonstrate that the absence of alpha-synuclein is the primary cause of the observed deficit of dopaminergic neurons, we employed a recently produced constituent alpha-synuclein knockout mouse line B6(Cg)-Sncatm1.2Vlb/J. The only modification introduced to the genome of these mice is a substitution of the first coding exon and adjusted short intronic fragments of the Snca gene by a single loxP site. We compared the number of dopaminergic neurons in the SNpc of this line, previously studied B6(Cg)-Sncatm1Rosl/J line and wild type littermate mice. A similar decrease was observed in both knockout lines when compared with wild type mice. In a recently published study we revealed no loss of dopaminergic neurons following conditional inactivation of the Snca gene in neurons of adult mice. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that alpha-synuclein is required for efficient survival or maturation of dopaminergic neurons in the developing SNpc but is dispensable for survival of mature SNpc dopaminergic neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria V Goloborshcheva
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.,Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences (IPAC RAS), 1 Severniy proezd, Chernogolovka, Moscow Region, Russian Federation, 142432
| | - Kirill D Chaprov
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.,Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences (IPAC RAS), 1 Severniy proezd, Chernogolovka, Moscow Region, Russian Federation, 142432
| | - Ekaterina V Teterina
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences (IPAC RAS), 1 Severniy proezd, Chernogolovka, Moscow Region, Russian Federation, 142432
| | - Ruslan Ovchinnikov
- Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences (IPAC RAS), 1 Severniy proezd, Chernogolovka, Moscow Region, Russian Federation, 142432.,Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovitianov Str., 1, Moscow, Russian Federation, 117997
| | - Vladimir L Buchman
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK. .,Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds Russian Academy of Sciences (IPAC RAS), 1 Severniy proezd, Chernogolovka, Moscow Region, Russian Federation, 142432.
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Kawahara M, Sadakane Y, Mizuno K, Kato-Negishi M, Tanaka KI. Carnosine as a Possible Drug for Zinc-Induced Neurotoxicity and Vascular Dementia. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072570. [PMID: 32272780 PMCID: PMC7177235 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that the metal homeostasis is involved in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases including senile type of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and vascular dementia. In particular, synaptic Zn2+ is known to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia. In this article, we review the molecular pathways of Zn2+-induced neurotoxicity based on our and numerous other findings, and demonstrated the implications of the energy production pathway, the disruption of calcium homeostasis, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress pathway, and the stress-activated protein kinases/c-Jun amino-terminal kinases (SAPK/JNK) pathway. Furthermore, we have searched for substances that protect neurons from Zn2+-induced neurotoxicity among various agricultural products and determined carnosine (β-alanyl histidine) as a possible therapeutic agent for vascular dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Kawahara
- Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan; (M.K.-N.); (K.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81–42–468–8299
| | - Yutaka Sadakane
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka 513-8670, Japan;
| | - Keiko Mizuno
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan;
| | - Midori Kato-Negishi
- Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan; (M.K.-N.); (K.T.)
| | - Ken-ichiro Tanaka
- Department of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan; (M.K.-N.); (K.T.)
| |
Collapse
|