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Cho Y, Bae HG, Okun E, Arumugam TV, Jo DG. Physiology and pharmacology of amyloid precursor protein. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 235:108122. [PMID: 35114285 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is an evolutionarily conserved transmembrane protein and a well-characterized precursor protein of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides, which accumulate in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related pathologies. Aβ has been extensively investigated since the amyloid hypothesis in AD was proposed. Besides Aβ, previous studies on APP and its proteolytic cleavage products have suggested their diverse pathological and physiological functions. However, their roles still have not been thoroughly understood. In this review, we extensively discuss the evolutionarily-conserved biology of APP, including its structure and processing pathway, as well as recent findings on the physiological roles of APP and its fragments in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. We have also elaborated upon the current status of APP-targeted therapeutic approaches for AD treatment by discussing inhibitors of several proteases participating in APP processing, including α-, β-, and γ-secretases. Finally, we have highlighted the future perspectives pertaining to further research and the potential clinical role of APP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonsuk Cho
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Han-Gyu Bae
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Eitan Okun
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; The Pauld Feder Laboratory on Alzheimer's Disease Research, Israel
| | - Thiruma V Arumugam
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea; School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Dong-Gyu Jo
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea; Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, South Korea; Biomedical Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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2
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Galvin J, Curran E, Arteaga F, Goossens A, Aubuchon-Endsley N, McMurray MA, Moore J, Hansen KC, Chial HJ, Potter H, Brodsky JL, Coughlan CM. Proteasome activity modulates amyloid toxicity. FEMS Yeast Res 2022; 22:foac004. [PMID: 35150241 PMCID: PMC8906389 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foac004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is responsible for 60%-80% of identified cases of dementia. While the generation and accumulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) fragments is accepted as a key step in AD pathogenesis, the precise role of these fragments remains poorly understood. To overcome this deficit, we induced the expression of the soluble C-terminal fragment of APP (C99), the rate-limiting peptide for the generation of amyloid fragments, in yeast that contain thermosensitive mutations in genes encoding proteasome subunits. Our previous work with this system demonstrated that these proteasome-deficient yeast cells, expressing C99 when proteasome activity was blunted, generated amyloid fragments similar to those observed in AD patients. We now report the phenotypic repercussions of inducing C99 expression in proteasome-deficient cells. We show increased levels of protein aggregates, cellular stress and chaperone expression, electron-dense accumulations in the nuclear envelope/ER, abnormal DNA condensation, and an induction of apoptosis. Taken together, these findings suggest that the generation of C99 and its associated fragments in yeast cells with compromised proteasomal activity results in phenotypes that may be relevant to the neuropathological processes observed in AD patients. These data also suggest that this yeast model should be useful for testing therapeutics that target AD-associated amyloid, since it allows for the assessment of the reversal of the perturbed cellular physiology observed when degradation pathways are dysfunctional.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Galvin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver , Denver CO 80208, United States
| | - Elizabeth Curran
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver , Denver CO 80208, United States
| | - Francisco Arteaga
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver , Denver CO 80208, United States
| | - Alicia Goossens
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver , Denver CO 80208, United States
| | - Nicki Aubuchon-Endsley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver , Denver CO 80208, United States
| | - Michael A McMurray
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Jeffrey Moore
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Kirk C Hansen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Heidi J Chial
- University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center (CUACC), Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045, United States
| | - Huntington Potter
- University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center (CUACC), Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045, United States
| | - Jeffrey L Brodsky
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Christina M Coughlan
- University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center (CUACC), Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045, United States
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Bencze J, Szarka M, Bencs V, Szabó RN, Módis LV, Aarsland D, Hortobágyi T. Lemur Tyrosine Kinase 2 (LMTK2) Level Inversely Correlates with Phospho-Tau in Neuropathological Stages of Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E68. [PMID: 32012723 PMCID: PMC7071479 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10020068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative dementia. Mapping the pathomechanism and providing novel therapeutic options have paramount significance. Recent studies have proposed the role of LMTK2 in AD. However, its expression pattern and association with the pathognomonic neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in different brain regions and neuropathological stages of AD is not clear. We performed chromogenic (CHR) LMTK2 and fluorescent phospho-tau/LMTK2 double-labelling (FDL) immunohistochemistry (IHC) on 10-10 postmortem middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and anterior hippocampus (aHPC) samples with early and late neuropathological Braak tau stages of AD. MFG in early stage was our 'endogenous control' region as it is not affected by NFTs. Semiquantitative CHR-IHC intensity scoring revealed significantly higher (p < 0.001) LMTK2 values in this group compared to NFT-affected regions. FDL-IHC demonstrated LMTK2 predominance in the endogenous control region, while phospho-tau overburden and decreased LMTK2 immunolabelling were detected in NFT-affected groups (aHPC in early and both regions in late stage). Spearman's correlation coefficient showed strong negative correlation between phospho-tau/LMTK2 signals within each group. According to our results, LMTK2 expression is inversely proportionate to the extent of NFT pathology, and decreased LMTK2 level is not a general feature in AD brain, rather it is characteristic of the NFT-affected regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Bencze
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Máté Szarka
- Horvath Csaba Memorial Institute of Bioanalytical Research, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Vitrolink Ltd., 4033 Debrecen, Hungary
- Institute for Nuclear Research of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (ATOMKI), 4026 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Viktor Bencs
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Renáta Nóra Szabó
- MTA-DE Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László V. Módis
- MTA-DE Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Dag Aarsland
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Centre for Age-Related Medicine, SESAM, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Tibor Hortobágyi
- MTA-DE Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Centre for Age-Related Medicine, SESAM, Stavanger University Hospital, 4011 Stavanger, Norway
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4
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Bencze J, Szarka M, Bencs V, Szabó RN, Smajda M, Aarsland D, Hortobágyi T. Neuropathological characterization of Lemur tyrosine kinase 2 (LMTK2) in Alzheimer's disease and neocortical Lewy body disease. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17222. [PMID: 31748522 PMCID: PMC6868282 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53638-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and neocortical Lewy body disease (LBD) are the most common neurodegenerative dementias, with no available curative treatment. Elucidating pathomechanism and identifying novel therapeutic targets are of paramount importance. Lemur tyrosine kinase 2 (LMTK2) is involved in several physiological and pathological cellular processes. Herewith a neuropathological characterization is presented in AD and neocortical LBD samples using chromogenic and fluorescent LMTK2 immunohistochemistry on post-mortem brain tissues and compared them to age-matched controls (CNTs). LMTK2 immunopositivity was limited to the neuronal cytoplasm. Neurons, including tau-positive tangle-bearing ones, showed decreased chromogenic and immunofluorescent labelling in AD in every cortical layer compared to CNT and neocortical LBD. Digital image analysis was performed to measure the average immunopositivity of groups. Mean grey values were calculated for each group after measuring the grey scale LMTK2 signal intensity of each individual neuron. There was significant difference between the mean grey values of CNT vs. AD and neocortical LBD vs. AD. The moderate decrease in neocortical LBD suggests the effect of coexisting AD pathology. We provide neuropathological evidence on decreased neuronal LMTK2 immunolabelling in AD, with implications for pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Bencze
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- MTA-DE Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Máté Szarka
- Horvath Csaba Memorial Institute of Bioanalytical Research, Research Centre for Molecular Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Vitrolink Ltd., Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Viktor Bencs
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Renáta Nóra Szabó
- MTA-DE Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Dag Aarsland
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Centre for Age-Related Medicine, SESAM, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Tibor Hortobágyi
- MTA-DE Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
- Centre for Age-Related Medicine, SESAM, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
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5
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Bencze J, Mórotz GM, Seo W, Bencs V, Kálmán J, Miller CCJ, Hortobágyi T. Biological function of Lemur tyrosine kinase 2 (LMTK2): implications in neurodegeneration. Mol Brain 2018; 11:20. [PMID: 29631601 PMCID: PMC5891947 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-018-0363-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are frequent, incurable diseases characterised by abnormal protein accumulation and progressive neuronal loss. Despite their growing prevalence, the underlying pathomechanism remains unclear. Lemur tyrosine kinase 2 (LMTK2) is a member of a transmembrane serine/threonine-protein kinase family. Although it was described more than a decade ago, our knowledge on LMTK2’s biological functions is still insufficient. Recent evidence has suggested that LMTK2 is implicated in neurodegeneration. After reviewing the literature, we identified three LMTK2-mediated mechanisms which may contribute to neurodegenerative processes: disrupted axonal transport, tau hyperphosphorylation and enhanced apoptosis. Moreover, LMTK2 gene expression is decreased in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model. According to these features, LMTK2 might be a promising therapeutic target in near future. However, further investigations are required to clarify the exact biological functions of this unique protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Bencze
- Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98., Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - Gábor Miklós Mórotz
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Woosung Seo
- Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98., Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - Viktor Bencs
- Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98., Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary
| | - János Kálmán
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Christopher Charles John Miller
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Tibor Hortobágyi
- Division of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98., Debrecen, H-4032, Hungary. .,MTA-DE Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary. .,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary. .,Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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6
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Kong Y, Li K, Fu T, Wan C, Zhang D, Song H, Zhang Y, Liu N, Gan Z, Yuan L. Quercetin ameliorates Aβ toxicity in Drosophila AD model by modulating cell cycle-related protein expression. Oncotarget 2018; 7:67716-67731. [PMID: 27626494 PMCID: PMC5356514 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by β amyloid (Aβ) deposition and neurofibril tangles. It has been reported that a bioflavonoid, quercetin, could ameliorate AD phenotypes in C. elegans and mice. However, the mechanism underlying the ameliorative effect of quercetin is not fully understood yet. Drosophila models could recapitulate AD-like phenotypes, such as shortened lifespan, impaired locomotive ability as well as defects in learning and memory. So in this study, we investigated the effects of quercetin on AD in Drosophila model and explored the underlying mechanisms. We found quercetin could effectively intervene in AD pathogenesis in vivo. Mechanism study showed quercetin could restore the expression of genes perturbed by Aβ accumulation, such as those involved in cell cycle and DNA replication. Cyclin B, an important cell cycle protein, was chosen to test whether it participated in the AD ameliorative effects of quercetin. We found that cyclin B RNAi in the brain could alleviate AD phenotypes. Taken together, the current study suggested that the neuroprotective effects of quercetin were mediated at least partially by targeting cell cycle-related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ke Li
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease and Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tingting Fu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Wan
- State Education Ministry's Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- State Education Ministry's Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, China
| | - Hang Song
- State Education Ministry's Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- State Education Ministry's Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, China
| | - Na Liu
- State Education Ministry's Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, China
| | - Zhenji Gan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animal for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liudi Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,State Education Ministry's Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, China
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7
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Small things matter: Implications of APP intracellular domain AICD nuclear signaling in the progression and pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 156:189-213. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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8
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López-Sánchez N, Fontán-Lozano Á, Pallé A, González-Álvarez V, Rábano A, Trejo JL, Frade JM. Neuronal tetraploidization in the cerebral cortex correlates with reduced cognition in mice and precedes and recapitulates Alzheimer's-associated neuropathology. Neurobiol Aging 2017; 56:50-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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9
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Wang HH, Li Y, Li A, Yan F, Li ZL, Liu ZY, Zhang L, Zhang J, Dong WR, Zhang L. Forskolin Induces Hyperphosphorylation of Tau Accompanied by Cell Cycle Reactivation in Primary Hippocampal Neurons. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 55:696-706. [PMID: 27995573 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0348-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau is the major protein constituent of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain of Alzheimer disease (AD) patients. Cell cycle reactivation is considered an important neuropathological feature of AD, and re-expression and activation of cell cycle regulators are known to occur in neurons containing NFTs. The aim of the present study was to investigate cell cycle reactivation during tau hyperphosphorylation in primary hippocampal neurons. We used forskolin, a specific activator of PKA, to induce tau hyperphosphorylation in cultured primary hippocampal neurons, and then measured levels of cyclin D1 and cyclin B1. We found that forskolin induced hyperphosphorylation of tau at Ser214, Ser396, and Ser202/Thr205 sites, attaining peak levels at 6, 12, and 12 h, respectively, while returning to normal levels at 24 h. Forskolin also induced a sustained cAMP elevation and PKA activation, which peaked at 6 h, in association with activation and overexpression of protein phosphatase-2A (PP-2A) at 24 h. The tau hyperphosphorylation was accompanied by increases in cyclin D1 and cyclin B1 levels; immunostaining showed overlapping distribution of hyperphosphorylated tau and cyclin D1 and cyclin B1 in primary hippocampal neurons. Forskolin induced hyperphosphorylation of tau and increased cyclin D1 and cyclin B1 protein levels in HEK293/tau441 cells, but not in the HEK293/vector cells, whereas the PKA inhibitor H89 inhibited the effects of forskolin on tau hyperphosphorylation and cyclin D1 and cyclin B1 protein levels. These findings suggest that forskolin induces tau hyperphosphorylation, which is itself necessary for the subsequent increases of cyclin D1 and cyclin B1 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Hong Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Fang Yan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhen-Lin Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhong-Ying Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China
| | - Wei-Ren Dong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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10
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Atwood CS, Bowen RL. A Unified Hypothesis of Early- and Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 47:33-47. [PMID: 26402752 DOI: 10.3233/jad-143210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (EOFAD) and late-onset sporadic AD (LOSAD) both follow a similar pathological and biochemical course that includes: neuron and synapse loss and dysfunction, microvascular damage, microgliosis, extracellular amyloid-β deposition, tau phosphorylation, formation of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, endoreduplication and related cell cycle events in affected brain regions. Any mechanistic explanation of AD must accommodate these biochemical and neuropathological features for both forms of the disease. In this insight paper we provide a unifying hypothesis for EOFAD and LOSAD that proposes that the aberrant re-entry of terminally differentiated, post-mitotic neurons into the cell division cycle is a common pathway that explains both early and late-onset forms of AD. Cell cycle abnormalities appear very early in the disease process, prior to the appearance of plaques and tangles, and explain the biochemical (e.g. tau phosphorylation), neuropathological (e.g. neuron hypertrophy; polypoidy) and cognitive changes observed in EOFAD and LOSAD. Genetic mutations in AβPP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 that alter amyloid-β precursor protein and Notch processing drive reactivation of the cell cycle in EOFAD, while age-related reproductive endocrine dyscrasia that upregulates mitogenic TNF signaling and AβPP processing toward the amyloidogenic pathway drives reactivation of the cell cycle in LOSAD. In essence, AβPP and presenilin mutations initiate early, what endocrine dyscrasia initiates later: aberrant cell cycle re-entry of post-mitotic neurons leading to neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in AD. Inhibition of cell cycle re-entry in post-mitotic neurons may be a useful therapeutic strategy to prevent, slow or halt disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig S Atwood
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.,School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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11
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Atwood CS, Bowen RL. The endocrine dyscrasia that accompanies menopause and andropause induces aberrant cell cycle signaling that triggers re-entry of post-mitotic neurons into the cell cycle, neurodysfunction, neurodegeneration and cognitive disease. Horm Behav 2015; 76:63-80. [PMID: 26188949 PMCID: PMC4807861 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "SBN 2014". Sex hormones are physiological factors that promote neurogenesis during embryonic and fetal development. During childhood and adulthood these hormones support the maintenance of brain structure and function via neurogenesis and the formation of dendritic spines, axons and synapses required for the capture, processing and retrieval of information (memories). Not surprisingly, changes in these reproductive hormones that occur with menopause and during andropause are strongly correlated with neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. In this connection, much evidence now indicates that Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves aberrant re-entry of post-mitotic neurons into the cell cycle. Cell cycle abnormalities appear very early in the disease, prior to the appearance of plaques and tangles, and explain the biochemical, neuropathological and cognitive changes observed with disease progression. Intriguingly, a recent animal study has demonstrated that induction of adult neurogenesis results in the loss of previously encoded memories while decreasing neurogenesis after memory formation during infancy mitigated forgetting. Here we review the biochemical, epidemiological and clinical evidence that alterations in sex hormone signaling associated with menopause and andropause drive the aberrant re-entry of post-mitotic neurons into an abortive cell cycle that leads to neurite retraction, neuron dysfunction and neuron death. When the reproductive axis is in balance, gonadotropins such as luteinizing hormone (LH), and its fetal homolog, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), promote pluripotent human and totipotent murine embryonic stem cell and neuron proliferation. However, strong evidence supports menopausal/andropausal elevations in the LH:sex steroid ratio as driving aberrant mitotic events. These include the upregulation of tumor necrosis factor; amyloid-β precursor protein processing towards the production of mitogenic Aβ; and the activation of Cdk5, a key regulator of cell cycle progression and tau phosphorylation (a cardinal feature of both neurogenesis and neurodegeneration). Cognitive and biochemical studies confirm the negative consequences of a high LH:sex steroid ratio on dendritic spine density and human cognitive performance. Prospective epidemiological and clinical evidence in humans supports the premise that rebalancing the ratio of circulating gonadotropins:sex steroids reduces the incidence of AD. Together, these data support endocrine dyscrasia and the subsequent loss of cell cycle control as an important etiological event in the development of neurodegenerative diseases including AD, stroke and Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig S Atwood
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA; School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, 6027 WA, Australia.
| | - Richard L Bowen
- OTB Research, 217 Calhoun St, Unit 1, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
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Silva ART, Santos ACF, Farfel JM, Grinberg LT, Ferretti REL, Campos AHJFM, Cunha IW, Begnami MD, Rocha RM, Carraro DM, de Bragança Pereira CA, Jacob-Filho W, Brentani H. Repair of oxidative DNA damage, cell-cycle regulation and neuronal death may influence the clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99897. [PMID: 24936870 PMCID: PMC4061071 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive decline associated with a featured neuropathology (neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles). Several studies have implicated oxidative damage to DNA, DNA repair, and altered cell-cycle regulation in addition to cell death in AD post-mitotic neurons. However, there is a lack of studies that systematically assess those biological processes in patients with AD neuropathology but with no evidence of cognitive impairment. We evaluated markers of oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG, H2AX), DNA repair (p53, BRCA1, PTEN), and cell-cycle (Cdk1, Cdk4, Cdk5, Cyclin B1, Cyclin D1, p27Kip1, phospho-Rb and E2F1) through immunohistochemistry and cell death through TUNEL in autopsy hippocampal tissue samples arrayed in a tissue microarray (TMA) composed of three groups: I) “clinical-pathological AD” (CP-AD) - subjects with neuropathological AD (Braak≥IV and CERAD = B or C) and clinical dementia (CDR≥2, IQCODE>3.8); II) “pathological AD” (P-AD) - subjects with neuropathological AD (Braak≥IV and CERAD = B or C) and without cognitive impairment (CDR 0, IQCODE<3.2); and III) “normal aging” (N) - subjects without neuropathological AD (Braak≤II and CERAD 0 or A) and with normal cognitive function (CDR 0, IQCODE<3.2). Our results show that high levels of oxidative DNA damage are present in all groups. However, significant reductions in DNA repair and cell-cycle inhibition markers and increases in cell-cycle progression and cell death markers in subjects with CP-AD were detected when compared to both P-AD and N groups, whereas there were no significant differences in the studied markers between P-AD individuals and N subjects. This study indicates that, even in the setting of pathological AD, healthy cognition may be associated with a preserved repair to DNA damage, cell-cycle regulation, and cell death in post-mitotic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aderbal R. T. Silva
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology - Laboratory of Medical Investigations 23 (LIM 23), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Cecília Feio Santos
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology - Laboratory of Medical Investigations 23 (LIM 23), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose M. Farfel
- Brazilian Brain Bank of the Aging Brain Study Group - Laboratory of Medical Investigations 22 (LIM 22), University of São Paulo, Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Geriatrics, University of São Paulo, Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lea T. Grinberg
- Brazilian Brain Bank of the Aging Brain Study Group - Laboratory of Medical Investigations 22 (LIM 22), University of São Paulo, Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Renata E. L. Ferretti
- Brazilian Brain Bank of the Aging Brain Study Group - Laboratory of Medical Investigations 22 (LIM 22), University of São Paulo, Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Geriatrics, University of São Paulo, Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rafael M. Rocha
- Research Center (CIPE), A. C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dirce M. Carraro
- Research Center (CIPE), A. C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Wilson Jacob-Filho
- Brazilian Brain Bank of the Aging Brain Study Group - Laboratory of Medical Investigations 22 (LIM 22), University of São Paulo, Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
- Division of Geriatrics, University of São Paulo, Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helena Brentani
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology - Laboratory of Medical Investigations 23 (LIM 23), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Grimm MOW, Mett J, Stahlmann CP, Haupenthal VJ, Zimmer VC, Hartmann T. Neprilysin and Aβ Clearance: Impact of the APP Intracellular Domain in NEP Regulation and Implications in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2013; 5:98. [PMID: 24391587 PMCID: PMC3870290 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2013.00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the characteristic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) leading to plaque formation and toxic oligomeric Aβ complexes. Besides the de novo synthesis of Aβ caused by amyloidogenic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), Aβ levels are also highly dependent on Aβ degradation. Several enzymes are described to cleave Aβ. In this review we focus on one of the most prominent Aβ degrading enzymes, the zinc-metalloprotease Neprilysin (NEP). In the first part of the review we discuss beside the general role of NEP in Aβ degradation the alterations of the enzyme observed during normal aging and the progression of AD. In vivo and cell culture experiments reveal that a decreased NEP level results in an increased Aβ level and vice versa. In a pathological situation like AD, it has been reported that NEP levels and activity are decreased and it has been suggested that certain polymorphisms in the NEP gene result in an increased risk for AD. Conversely, increasing NEP activity in AD mouse models revealed an improvement in some behavioral tests. Therefore it has been suggested that increasing NEP might be an interesting potential target to treat or to be protective for AD making it indispensable to understand the regulation of NEP. Interestingly, it is discussed that the APP intracellular domain (AICD), one of the cleavage products of APP processing, which has high similarities to Notch receptor processing, might be involved in the transcriptional regulation of NEP. However, the mechanisms of NEP regulation by AICD, which might be helpful to develop new therapeutic strategies, are up to now controversially discussed and summarized in the second part of this review. In addition, we review the impact of AICD not only in the transcriptional regulation of NEP but also of further genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus O W Grimm
- Experimental Neurology, Saarland University , Homburg, Saar , Germany ; Neurodegeneration and Neurobiology, Saarland University , Homburg, Saar , Germany ; Deutsches Institut für DemenzPrävention, Saarland University , Homburg, Saar , Germany
| | - Janine Mett
- Experimental Neurology, Saarland University , Homburg, Saar , Germany
| | | | | | - Valerie C Zimmer
- Experimental Neurology, Saarland University , Homburg, Saar , Germany
| | - Tobias Hartmann
- Experimental Neurology, Saarland University , Homburg, Saar , Germany ; Neurodegeneration and Neurobiology, Saarland University , Homburg, Saar , Germany ; Deutsches Institut für DemenzPrävention, Saarland University , Homburg, Saar , Germany
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Esteras N, Bartolomé F, Alquézar C, Antequera D, Muñoz Ú, Carro E, Martín-Requero Á. Altered cell cycle-related gene expression in brain and lymphocytes from a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease [amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (PS1)]. Eur J Neurosci 2012; 36:2609-18. [PMID: 22702220 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2012.08178.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cumulative evidence indicates that aberrant re-expression of many cell cycle-related proteins and inappropriate neuronal cell cycle control are critical events in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Evidence of cell cycle activation in post-mitotic neurons has also been observed in murine models of AD, despite the fact that most of these mice do not show massive loss of neuronal bodies. Dysfunction of the cell cycle appears to affect cells other than neurons, as peripheral cells, such as lymphocytes and fibroblasts from patients with AD, show an altered response to mitogenic stimulation. We sought to determine whether cell cycle disturbances are present simultaneously in both brain and peripheral cells from the amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) mouse model of AD, in order to validate the use of peripheral cells from patients not only to study cell cycle abnormalities as a pathogenic feature of AD, but also as a means to test novel therapeutic approaches. By using cell cycle pathway-specific RT(2)Profiler™ PCR Arrays, we detected changes in a number of cell cycle-related genes in brain as well as in lymphocytes from APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, we found enhanced 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation into DNA in lymphocytes from APP/PS1 mice, and increased expression of the cell proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor Cdkn2a, as detected by immunohistochemistry in cortical neurons of the APP/PS1 mice. Taken together, the cell cycle-related changes in brain and blood cells reported here support the mitosis failure hypothesis in AD and validate the use of peripheral cells as surrogate tissue to study the molecular basis of AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemí Esteras
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Pardossi-Piquard R, Checler F. The physiology of the β-amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain AICD. J Neurochem 2011; 120 Suppl 1:109-124. [PMID: 22122663 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07475.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The amyloid-β precursor protein (βAPP) undergoes several cleavages by enzymatic activities called secretases. Numerous studies aimed at studying the biogenesis and catabolic fate of Aβ peptides, the proteinaceous component of the senile plaques that accumulate in Alzheimer's disease-affected brains. Relatively recently, another secretase-mediated β-APP-derived catabolite called APP IntraCellular Domain (AICD) entered the game. Whether AICD corresponded to a biologically inert by-pass product of βAPP processing or whether it could harbor its own function remained questionable. In this study, we review the mechanisms by which AICD is generated and how its production is regulated. Furthermore, we discuss the degradation mechanism underlying its rapid catabolic fate. Finally, we review putative AICD-related functions and more particularly, the numerous studies indicating that AICD could translocate to the nucleus and control at a transcriptional level, the expression of a series of proteins involved in various functions including the control of cell death and Aβ degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaëlle Pardossi-Piquard
- Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire UMR6097 CNRS, Equipe labellisée Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale, Sophia-Antipolis, Valbonne, France
| | - Frédéric Checler
- Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire UMR6097 CNRS, Equipe labellisée Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale, Sophia-Antipolis, Valbonne, France
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Lopes JP, Agostinho P. Cdk5: multitasking between physiological and pathological conditions. Prog Neurobiol 2011; 94:49-63. [PMID: 21473899 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2011.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Revised: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a peculiar proline-directed serine/threonine kinase. Unlike the other members of the Cdk family, Cdk5 is not directly involved in cell cycle regulation, being normally associated with neuronal processes such as migration, cortical layering and synaptic plasticity. This kinase is present mainly in post-mitotic neurons and its activity is tightly regulated by the interaction with the specific activators, p35 and p39. Despite its pivotal role in CNS development, Cdk5 dysregulation has been implicated in different pathologies, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD) and, most recently, prion-related encephalopathies (PRE). In these neurodegenerative conditions, Cdk5 overactivation and relocalization occurs upon association with p25, a truncated form of the normal activator p35. This activator switching will cause a shift in the phosphorylative pattern of Cdk5, with an alteration both in targets and activity, ultimately leading to neuronal demise. In AD and PRE, two disorders that share clinical and neuropathological features, Cdk5 dysregulation is a linking event between the major neuropathological markers: amyloid plaques, tau hyperphosphorylation and synaptic and neuronal loss. Moreover, this kinase was shown to be involved in abortive cell cycle re-entry, a feature recently proposed as a possible step in the neuronal apoptosis mechanism of several neurological diseases. This review focuses on the role of Cdk5 in neurons, namely in the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics, synaptic function and cell survival, both in physiological and in pathological conditions, highlighting the relevance of Cdk5 in the main mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and other brain pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao P Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Biochemistry Institute, University of Coimbra, 3004 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Lopes JP, Oliveira CR, Agostinho P. Neurodegeneration in an Abeta-induced model of Alzheimer's disease: the role of Cdk5. Aging Cell 2010; 9:64-77. [PMID: 19895631 DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-9726.2009.00536.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cdk5 dysregulation is a major event in the neurodegenerative process of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In vitro studies using differentiated neurons exposed to Abeta exhibit Cdk5-mediated tau hyperphosphorylation, cell cycle re-entry and neuronal loss. In this study we aimed to determine the role of Cdk5 in neuronal injury occurring in an AD mouse model obtained through the intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of the Abeta(1-40) synthetic peptide. In mice icv-injected with Abeta, Cdk5 activator p35 is cleaved by calpains, leading to p25 formation and Cdk5 overactivation. Subsequently, there was an increase in tau hyperphosphorylation, as well as decreased levels of synaptic markers. Cell cycle reactivation and a significant neuronal loss were also observed. These neurotoxic events in Abeta-injected mice were prevented by blocking calpain activation with MDL28170, which was administered intraperitoneally (ip). As MDL prevents p35 cleavage and subsequent Cdk5 overactivation, it is likely that this kinase is involved in tau hyperphosphorylation, cell cycle re-entry, synaptic loss and neuronal death triggered by Abeta. Altogether, these data demonstrate that Cdk5 plays a pivotal role in tau phosphorylation, cell cycle induction, synaptotoxicity, and apoptotic death in postmitotic neurons exposed to Abeta peptides in vivo, acting as a link between diverse neurotoxic pathways of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao P Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Biochemistry Institute, University of Coimbra, 3004 Coimbra, Portugal
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Camins A, Verdaguer E, Junyent F, Yeste-Velasco M, Pelegrí C, Vilaplana J, Pallás M. Potential mechanisms involved in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases by lithium. CNS Neurosci Ther 2010; 15:333-44. [PMID: 19889130 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2009.00086.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lithium is a monovalent cation that was introduced in 1949 by John Cade for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Clinical reports and subsequent studies confirmed this application and the beneficial effects of this compound. However, over the last 15 years, various authors have also demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of lithium against several neurotoxic paradigms. Thus, experimental studies in neuronal cell cultures and animal models of Alzheimer disease and others pathologies have provided strong evidence for the potential benefits of lithium. The main mechanism underlying its neuroprotective effects is thought to be inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), although other biochemical pathways in the brain could also be affected. In this review, the main mechanisms of lithium action are summarized, including the modulation of glutamate receptors, effects on arachidonic acid metabolism, its role with respect to AKT, and other potential mechanisms. In addition, its effects on neuroprotective proteins such as Bcl-2 and p53 are also discussed. Although the cellular and molecular biological effects of lithium may constitute an effective therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer disease, further clinical and experimental studies with this drug and specific GSK-3 inhibitors are necessary to confirm the use of lithium in therapeutic approaches to neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Camins
- Unitat de Farmacologia i Farmacognòsia Facultat de Farmàcia, Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB). Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Wang W, Bu B, Xie M, Zhang M, Yu Z, Tao D. Neural cell cycle dysregulation and central nervous system diseases. Prog Neurobiol 2009; 89:1-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2009.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2008] [Revised: 12/04/2008] [Accepted: 01/27/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Variations in the neuropathology of familial Alzheimer's disease. Acta Neuropathol 2009; 118:37-52. [PMID: 19306098 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-009-0521-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2008] [Revised: 03/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin 1 (PSEN1) and presenilin 2 (PSEN2) genes cause autosomal dominant familial Alzheimer's disease (AD). PSEN1 and PSEN2 are essential components of the gamma-secretase complex, which cleaves APP to affect Abeta processing. Disruptions in Abeta processing have been hypothesised to be the major cause of AD (the amyloid cascade hypothesis). These genetic cases exhibit all the classic hallmark pathologies of AD including neuritic plaques, neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), tissue atrophy, neuronal loss and inflammation, often in significantly enhanced quantities. In particular, these cases have average greater hippocampal atrophy and NFT, more significant cortical Abeta42 plaque deposition and more substantial inflammation. Enhanced cerebral Abeta40 angiopathy is a feature of many cases, but particularly those with APP mutations where it can be the dominant pathology. Additional frontotemporal neuronal loss in association with increased tau pathology appears unique to PSEN mutations, with mutations in exons 8 and 9 having enlarged cotton wool plaques throughout their cortex. The mechanisms driving these pathological differences in AD are discussed.
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Giliberto L, Zhou D, Weldon R, Tamagno E, De Luca P, Tabaton M, D'Adamio L. Evidence that the Amyloid beta Precursor Protein-intracellular domain lowers the stress threshold of neurons and has a "regulated" transcriptional role. Mol Neurodegener 2008; 3:12. [PMID: 18764939 PMCID: PMC2538519 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-3-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2008] [Accepted: 09/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regulated intramembrane proteolysis of the β-amyloid precursor protein by the γ-secretase yields two peptides. One, amyloid-β, is the major component of the amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer's disease patients. The other, APP IntraCellular Domain, has been involved in regulation of apoptosis, calcium flux and gene transcription. To date, a few potential target genes transcriptionally controlled by AID, alone or complexed with Fe65/Tip60, have been described. Although the reports are controversial: these include KAI1, Neprilysin, p53, EGFR, LRP and APP itself. Furthermore, p53 has been implicated in AID mediated susceptibility to apoptosis. To extend these findings, and assess their in vivo relevance, we have analyzed the expression of the putative target genes and of the total brain basal transriptoma in transgenic mice expressing AID in the forebrain. Also, we have studied the susceptibility of primary neurons from such mice to stress and pro-apoptotic agents. Results We found that AID-target genes and the mouse brain basal transcriptoma are not influenced by transgenic expression of AID alone, in the absence of Fe65 over-expression. Also, experiments conducted on primary neurons from AID transgenic mice, suggest a role for AID in sensitizing these cells to toxic stimuli. Overall, these findings hint that a role for AID, in regulating gene transcription, could be induced by yet undefined, and possibly stressful, stimuli in vivo. Conclusion Overall, these data suggest that the release of the APP intracellular domain may modulate the sensitivity of neuronal cells to toxic stimuli, and that a transcriptional role of AID could be inscribed in signaling pathways thatare not activated in basal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Giliberto
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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