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Żukowska J, Moss SJ, Subramanian V, Acharya KR. Molecular basis of selective amyloid-β degrading enzymes in Alzheimer's disease. FEBS J 2024; 291:2999-3029. [PMID: 37622248 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of the small 42-residue long peptide amyloid-β (Aβ) has been proposed as a major trigger for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Within the brain, the concentration of Aβ peptide is tightly controlled through production and clearance mechanisms. Substantial experimental evidence now shows that reduced levels of Aβ clearance are present in individuals living with AD. This accumulation of Aβ can lead to the formation of large aggregated amyloid plaques-one of two detectable hallmarks of the disease. Aβ-degrading enzymes (ADEs) are major players in the clearance of Aβ. Stimulating ADE activity or expression, in order to compensate for the decreased clearance in the AD phenotype, provides a promising therapeutic target. It has been reported in mice that upregulation of ADEs can reduce the levels of Aβ peptide and amyloid plaques-in some cases, this led to improved cognitive function. Among several known ADEs, neprilysin (NEP), endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1), insulin degrading enzyme (IDE) and angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE) from the zinc metalloprotease family have been identified as important. These ADEs have the capacity to digest soluble Aβ which, in turn, cannot form the toxic oligomeric species. While they are known for their amyloid degradation, they exhibit complexity through promiscuous nature and a broad range of substrates that they can degrade. This review highlights current structural and functional understanding of these key ADEs, giving some insight into the molecular interactions that leads to the hydrolysis of peptide substrates, the crucial tasks performed by them and the potential for therapeutic use in the future.
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Kumari S, Kamiya A, Karnik SS, Rohilla S, Dubey SK, Taliyan R. Novel Gene Therapy Approaches for Targeting Neurodegenerative Disorders: Focusing on Delivering Neurotrophic Genes. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04260-y. [PMID: 38856793 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04260-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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative illnesses (NDDs) like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and Huntington's disease have demonstrated considerable potential for gene therapy as a viable therapeutic intervention. NDDs are marked by the decline of neurons, resulting in changes in both behavior and pathology within the body. Strikingly, only symptomatic management is available without a cure for the NDDs. There is an unmet need for a permanent therapeutic approach. Many studies have been going on to target the newer therapeutic molecular targets for NDDs including gene-based therapy. Gene therapy has the potential to provide therapeutic benefits to a large number of patients with NDDs by offering mechanisms including neuroprotection, neuro-restoration, and rectification of pathogenic pathways. Gene therapy is a medical approach that aims to modify the biological characteristics of living cells by controlling the expression of specific genes in certain neurological disorders. Despite being the most complex and well-protected organ in the human body, there is clinical evidence to show that it is possible to specifically target the central nervous system (CNS). This provides hope for the prospective application of gene therapy in treating NDDs in the future. There are several advanced techniques available for using viral or non-viral vectors to deliver the therapeutic gene to the afflicted region. Neurotrophic factors (NTF) in the brain are crucial for the development, differentiation, and survival of neurons in the CNS, making them important in the context of various neurological illnesses. Gene delivery of NTF has the potential to be used as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurological problems in the brain. This review primarily focuses on the methodologies employed for delivering the genes of different NTFs to treat neurological disorders. These techniques are currently being explored as a viable therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. The article exclusively addresses gene delivery approaches and does not cover additional therapy strategies for NDDs. Gene therapy offers a promising alternative treatment for NDDs by stimulating neuronal growth instead of solely relying on symptom relief from drugs and their associated adverse effects. It can serve as a long-lasting and advantageous treatment choice for the management of NDDs. The likelihood of developing NDDs increases with age as a result of neuronal degradation in the brain. Gene therapy is an optimal approach for promoting neuronal growth through the introduction of nerve growth factor genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobha Kumari
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Aayush Kamiya
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sanika Sanjay Karnik
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sumedha Rohilla
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Rajeev Taliyan
- Indian Council of Medical Research-Senior Research Fellow (ICMR-SRF), Neuropsychopharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, 333031, Rajasthan, India.
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3
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Hammadi SH, Hassan MA, Allam EA, Elsharkawy AM, Shams SS. Effect of sacubitril/valsartan on cognitive impairment in colchicine-induced Alzheimer's model in rats. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2023; 37:275-286. [PMID: 36203311 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease. There is epidemiological evidence that heart failure (HF) patients are at higher risk of developing AD, and the impact of sacubitril/valsartan, the first angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) approved for HF, on cognitive functions is still controversial. To investigate the effect of sacubitril/valsartan on cognitive functions in colchicine-induced AD rat model. Forty adult male Wistar rats were equally allocated into four groups (each of 10 rats): Group I: normal control, Group II: intracerebroventricular injection of colchicine (15 μg/5 μl/bilaterally), Group III: colchicine (15 μg/5 μl/bilaterally, icv) + oral sacubitril/valsartan (100 mg/kg/day) for 25 days, and Group IV: colchicine (15 μg/5 μl/bilaterally, icv) + oral valsartan (50 mg/kg/day) for 25 days. Behavioral assessment was done using Morris water maze and passive avoidance tasks. Biochemically, β-amyloid (1-40 and 1-42) peptides, oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase) and inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor-alpha) parameters were measured in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Sacubitril/valsartan exaggerated colchicine-induced cognitive impairment in both Morris water maze and passive avoidance tasks and was associated with significant increase in β-amyloid accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation versus valsartan. Sacubitril/valsartan caused deleterious effect on cognitive impairment and biochemical alterations in colchicine-induced AD rat model. Hence, special caution should be taken following long-term intake of ARNI on cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami H Hammadi
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Madiha A Hassan
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eman A Allam
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amal M Elsharkawy
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sherouk S Shams
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Alan E, Kerry Z, Sevin G. Molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease: From therapeutic targets to promising drugs. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2022; 37:397-427. [PMID: 36576325 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12861] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive impairment so widespread that it interferes with a person's ability to complete daily activities. AD is becoming increasingly common, and it is estimated that the number of patients will reach 152 million by 2050. Current treatment options for AD are symptomatic and have modest benefits. Therefore, considering the human, social, and economic burden of the disease, the development of drugs with the potential to alter disease progression has become a global priority. In this review, the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathology of AD were evaluated as therapeutic targets. The main aim of the review is to focus on new knowledge about mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuronal transmission in AD, as well as a range of cellular signaling mechanisms and associated treatments. Important molecular interactions leading to AD were described in amyloid cascade and in tau protein function, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, cholinergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, cAMP-regulatory element-binding protein (CREB), the silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT-1), neuroinflammation (glial cells), and synaptic alterations. This review summarizes recent experimental and clinical research in AD pathology and analyzes the potential of therapeutic applications based on molecular disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Alan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zeliha Kerry
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulnur Sevin
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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5
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Zeng Y, Li Y, Shen H, Lin N, Zhang J. Tripchlorolide attenuates β-amyloid generation by inducing NEP activity in N2a/APP695 cells. Transl Neurosci 2021; 12:301-308. [PMID: 34316383 PMCID: PMC8294110 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2020-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegeneration disease. The previous work from our research group demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of tripchlorolide (T4) in AD animal models. Materials and methods Neprilysin (NEP) is known as an important physiological amyloid-β protein (Aβ) peptide-degrading enzyme in the brain due to its apparent rate-limiting function. In this study, we explored the effect of NEP on AD model N2a/APP695 cells. Western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to assess the expression of proteins, while quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were used to evaluate RNA levels. Cell vitality was detected by the MTT assay, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed using a ROS activity assay kit. Results We discovered that T4 was able to enhance the enzyme activity of NEP. T4 administration decreased the protein levels of the soluble amyloid precursor protein. In further experiments, we found that by using thiorphan the secretion of Aβ, oxidative stress, nitrosative stress, and inflammatory factors, which were suppressed by T4, were reversed. Due to its ability to attenuate Aβ generation and to protect neurons against the neurotoxicity of Aβ, T4 may be a potential therapy in the regulation of Aβ-related pathology in AD by affecting NEP activity. Conclusion Tripchlorolide attenuates Aβ generation by inducing NEP activity in N2a/APP695 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Zeng
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Clinical Neurology, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Yongkun Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361002, China.,The School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Nan Lin
- Department of Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, 29 Xinquan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Clinical Neurology, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, 88 Jiaotong Road, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
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Rintz E, Gaffke L, Podlacha M, Brokowska J, Cyske Z, Węgrzyn G, Pierzynowska K. Transcriptomic Changes Related to Cellular Processes with Particular Emphasis on Cell Activation in Lysosomal Storage Diseases from the Group of Mucopolysaccharidoses. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093194. [PMID: 32366041 PMCID: PMC7246638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), inherited metabolic diseases from the group of lysosomal storage diseases (LSD), are monogenic disorders, recent studies indicated that their molecular mechanisms are complicated. Storage of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), arising from a deficiency in one of the enzymes involved in the degradation of these compounds, is the primary cause of each MPS type. However, dysfunctions of various cellular organelles and disturbance of cellular processes have been reported which contribute considerably to pathomechanisms of the disease. Here, we present a complex transcriptomic analysis in which all types and subtypes of MPS were investigated, with special emphasis on genes related to cell activation processes. Complex changes in expression of these genes were found in fibroblasts of all MPS types, with number of transcripts revealing higher or lower levels (relative to control fibroblasts) between 19 and over 50, depending on MPS type. Genes in which expression was significantly affected in most MPS types code for proteins involved in following processes, classified according to Gene Ontology knowledge database: cell activation, cell growth, cell recognition, and cell division. Levels of some transcripts (including CD9, CLU, MME and others) were especially significantly changed (over five times relative to controls). Our results are discussed in the light of molecular pathomechanisms of MPS, indicating that secondary and/or tertiary changes, relative to GAG storage, might significantly modulate cellular dysfunctions and contribute to molecular mechanisms of the disease. This may influence the efficacy of various therapies and suggests why various treatments are not fully effective in improving the complex symptoms of MPS.
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Li Y, Wang Y, Wang J, Chong KY, Xu J, Liu Z, Shan C. Expression of Neprilysin in Skeletal Muscle by Ultrasound-Mediated Gene Transfer (Sonoporation) Reduces Amyloid Burden for AD. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:300-308. [PMID: 32021878 PMCID: PMC6994414 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation in the brain is considered to be one of the major pathological changes in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Neprilysin (NEP) is a zinc metallopeptidase that efficiently degrades Aβ. However, conventional approaches for increasing NEP levels or inducing its activation via viral-vector gene delivery have been shown to be problematic due to complications involving secondary toxicity, immune responses, and/or low gene transfer efficiency. Thus, in the present study, a physical and tractable NEP gene-delivery system via ultrasound (US) combined with microbubbles was developed for AD therapy. We introduced the plasmid, human NEP (hNEP), into skeletal muscle of 6-month-old amyloid precursor protein/presenilin-1 (APP/PS1) AD mice. Interestingly, we found a significantly reduced Aβ burden in the brain at 1 month after the delivery of overexpressed hNEP into skeletal muscle. Moreover, hNEP-treated AD mice exhibited improved performance in the Morris water maze compared to that of untreated AD mice. In addition, there were no apparent injuries in the injected muscle or in the lungs or kidneys at 1 month after the delivery of hNEP into skeletal muscle. These findings suggest that the introduction of hNEP into skeletal muscle via US represents an effective and safe therapeutic strategy for ameliorating AD-like symptoms in APP/PS1 mice, which may have the potential for clinical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanli Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.,School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yadi Wang
- Department of Surgery, Xi'an Health School, Xi'an, Shannxi 710054, China
| | - Jue Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Ka Yee Chong
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jingjing Xu
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhaohui Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Chunlei Shan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, China.,School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
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8
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Tsujimura M, Kusamori K, Katsumi H, Sakane T, Yamamoto A, Nishikawa M. Cell-based interferon gene therapy using proliferation-controllable, interferon-releasing mesenchymal stem cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18869. [PMID: 31827180 PMCID: PMC6906518 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55269-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
An important safety concern on cell-based gene therapy is that few methods have been available to control the proliferation and functioning of therapeutic protein-expressing cells after transplantation. We previously reported that the proliferation and functioning of the cells transfected with herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk) gene, a suicide gene, can be controlled by administration of ganciclovir. In this study, we tried to control the amount of murine interferon-γ (IFN-γ) secreted from transplanted murine mesenchymal stem cell line C3H10T1/2 cells to achieve safe cell-based IFN-γ gene therapy for cancer. C3H10T1/2 cells were transfected with HSVtk- and murine IFN-γ-expressing plasmid vectors to obtain C3H10T1/2/HSVtk/IFN-γ cells. C3H10T1/2/HSVtk/IFN-γ cells released IFN-γ and were sensitive to ganciclovir. C3H10T1/2/HSVtk/IFN-γ cells significantly suppressed the proliferation of murine adenocarcinoma cell line colon26 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, subcutaneous administration of ganciclovir to mice transplanted with NanoLuc luciferase-expressing C3H10T1/2/HSVtk cells for three consecutive days reduced the luminescence signals from the transplanted cells. These results indicate that the cell regulation system using HSVtk gene and ganciclovir can be useful for safe and efficient cell-based IFN-γ gene therapy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Tsujimura
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Kosuke Kusamori
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan.
| | - Hidemasa Katsumi
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, 607-8414, Japan
| | - Toshiyasu Sakane
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, 607-8414, Japan
| | - Akira Yamamoto
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho, Misasagi, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, 607-8414, Japan
| | - Makiya Nishikawa
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
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Eslam M, George J. Genetic Insights for Drug Development in NAFLD. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2019; 40:506-516. [PMID: 31160124 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Drug development is a costly, time-consuming, and challenging endeavour, with only a few agents reaching the threshold of approval for clinical use. Therefore, approaches to more efficiently identify targets that are likely to translate to clinical benefit are required. Interrogation of the human genome in large patient cohorts has rapidly advanced our knowledge of the genetic architecture and underlying mechanisms of many diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There are no approved pharmacotherapies for NAFLD currently. Genetic insights provide a powerful and new approach to infer and prioritise candidate drugs, with such selection avoiding myriad pitfalls, while defining likely benefits. In this review, we discuss the prospects and challenges for the optimal utilisation of genetic findings for improving and accelerating the NAFLD drug discovery pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
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Sharma HS, Muresanu DF, Lafuente JV, Patnaik R, Tian ZR, Ozkizilcik A, Castellani RJ, Mössler H, Sharma A. Co-Administration of TiO2 Nanowired Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Cerebrolysin Potentiates Neprilysin Level and Reduces Brain Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 55:300-311. [PMID: 28844104 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0742-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Neprilysin (NPL), the rate-limiting enzyme for amyloid beta peptide (AβP), appears to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and/or cerebrolysin (CBL, a combination of neurotrophic factors and active peptide fragments) have neuroprotective effects in various CNS disorders, we examined nanowired delivery of MSCs and CBL on NPL content and brain pathology in AD using a rat model. AD-like symptoms were produced by intraventricular (i.c.v.) administration of AβP (1-40) in the left lateral ventricle (250 ng/10 μl, once daily) for 4 weeks. After 30 days, the rats were examined for NPL and AβP concentrations in the brain and related pathology. Co-administration of TiO2-nanowired MSCs (106 cells) with 2.5 ml/kg CBL (i.v.) once daily for 1 week after 2 weeks of AβP infusion significantly increased the NPL in the hippocampus (400 pg/g) from the untreated control group (120 pg/g; control 420 ± 8 pg/g brain) along with a significant decrease in the AβP deposition (45 pg/g from untreated control 75 pg/g; saline control 40 ± 4 pg/g). Interestingly, these changes were much less evident when the MSCs or CBL treatment was given alone. Neuronal damages, gliosis, and myelin vesiculation were also markedly reduced by the combined treatment of TiO2, MSCs, and CBL in AD. These observations are the first to show that co-administration of TiO2-nanowired CBL and MSCs has superior neuroprotective effects in AD probably due to increasing the brain NPL level effectively, not reported earlier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Shanker Sharma
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, SE-75185, Uppsala, Sweden. .,International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), University Hospital, Uppsala University, Frödingsgatan 12, Bldg. 28, SE-75421, Uppsala, Sweden. .,Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Medicine & Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. .,Department of Neurosciences, University of Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Dafin Fior Muresanu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Medicine & Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,"RoNeuro" Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, 37 Mircea Eliade Street, 400364, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - José Vicente Lafuente
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain.,Nanoneurosurgery Group, BioCruces Health Research Institute, 48903, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain.,Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Ranjana Patnaik
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Biomaterials, Indian Institute of technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Z Ryan Tian
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Asya Ozkizilcik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | | | - Herbert Mössler
- "RoNeuro" Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, 37 Mircea Eliade Street, 400364, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Aruna Sharma
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, SE-75185, Uppsala, Sweden.,International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), University Hospital, Uppsala University, Frödingsgatan 12, Bldg. 28, SE-75421, Uppsala, Sweden.,"RoNeuro" Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, 37 Mircea Eliade Street, 400364, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Neurosciences, University of Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
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Nanowired delivery of cerebrolysin with neprilysin and p-Tau antibodies induces superior neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2019; 245:145-200. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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12
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Choudhury SR, Hudry E, Maguire CA, Sena-Esteves M, Breakefield XO, Grandi P. Viral vectors for therapy of neurologic diseases. Neuropharmacology 2017; 120:63-80. [PMID: 26905292 PMCID: PMC5929167 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neurological disorders - disorders of the brain, spine and associated nerves - are a leading contributor to global disease burden with a shockingly large associated economic cost. Various treatment approaches - pharmaceutical medication, device-based therapy, physiotherapy, surgical intervention, among others - have been explored to alleviate the resulting extent of human suffering. In recent years, gene therapy using viral vectors - encoding a therapeutic gene or inhibitory RNA into a "gutted" viral capsid and supplying it to the nervous system - has emerged as a clinically viable option for therapy of brain disorders. In this Review, we provide an overview of the current state and advances in the field of viral vector-mediated gene therapy for neurological disorders. Vector tools and delivery methods have evolved considerably over recent years, with the goal of providing greater and safer genetic access to the central nervous system. Better etiological understanding of brain disorders has concurrently led to identification of improved therapeutic targets. We focus on the vector technology, as well as preclinical and clinical progress made thus far for brain cancer and various neurodegenerative and neurometabolic disorders, and point out the challenges and limitations that accompany this new medical modality. Finally, we explore the directions that neurological gene therapy is likely to evolve towards in the future. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "Beyond small molecules for neurological disorders".
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav R Choudhury
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Eloise Hudry
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Casey A Maguire
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Miguel Sena-Esteves
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Xandra O Breakefield
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Paola Grandi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
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13
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Abstract
The amyloid β-protein (Aβ) plays an indispensable role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD). Aβ is subject to proteolytic degradation by a diverse array of peptidases and proteinases, known collectively as Aβ-degrading proteases (AβDPs). A growing number of AβDPs have been identified that impact Aβ powerfully and in a surprising variety of ways. As such, AβDPs hold considerable therapeutic potential for the treatment and/or prevention of AD. Here, we critically review the relative merits of therapeutic strategies targeting AβDPs compared with current Aβ-lowering strategies focused on immunotherapies and pharmacological modulation of Aβ-producing enzymes. Several innovative advances have increased considerably the feasibility of delivering AβDPs to the brain or enhancing their activity in a non-invasive manner. We argue that therapies targeting AβDPs offer numerous potential advantages that should be explored through continued research into this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm A Leissring
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND), University of California, Office: 5212 Natural Sciences II, Irvine, CA, 92697-1450, USA.
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14
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Lother A, Hein L. Pharmacology of heart failure: From basic science to novel therapies. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 166:136-49. [PMID: 27456554 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Chronic heart failure is one of the leading causes for hospitalization in the United States and Europe, and is accompanied by high mortality. Current pharmacological therapy of chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is largely based on compounds that inhibit the detrimental action of the adrenergic and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems on the heart. More than one decade after spironolactone, two novel therapeutic principles have been added to the very recently released guidelines on heart failure therapy: the HCN-channel inhibitor ivabradine and the combined angiotensin and neprilysin inhibitor valsartan/sacubitril. New compounds that are in phase II or III clinical evaluation include novel non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, guanylate cyclase activators or myosine activators. A variety of novel candidate targets have been identified and the availability of gene transfer has just begun to accelerate translation from basic science to clinical application. This review provides an overview of current pharmacology and pharmacotherapy in chronic heart failure at three stages: the updated clinical guidelines of the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology, new drugs which are in clinical development, and finally innovative drug targets and their mechanisms in heart failure which are emerging from preclinical studies will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achim Lother
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Heart Center, Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Lutz Hein
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; BIOSS Centre for Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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15
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Lee NS, Daniels LB. Current Understanding of the Compensatory Actions of Cardiac Natriuretic Peptides in Cardiac Failure: A Clinical Perspective. Card Fail Rev 2016; 2:14-19. [PMID: 28848655 PMCID: PMC5565993 DOI: 10.15420/cfr.2016:4:2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natriuretic peptides play a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis. Among their properties are vasodilation, natriuresis, diuresis, and inhibition of cardiac remodeling. As heart failure progresses, however, natriuretic peptides fail to compensate. Knowledge of their processing and signaling pathways has guided the development of pharmacological therapies aimed at bolstering their effects. The drugs that have achieved the most clinical success have also stirred the most controversy. Nesiritide, the synthetic B-type natriuretic peptide, yielded significant symptomatic relief and improved haemodynamics but its use was plagued with questions surrounding its possibly harmful impact on renal function. More recently, compounds containing inhibitors of neprilysin, the enzyme responsible for degrading natriuretic peptides, have demonstrated morbidity and mortality benefit, but have also been linked to possible negative side effects. Clearly, potentiating the actions of natriuretic peptides for the benefit of patients is not as simple as just raising their serum concentration. This article reviews the current understanding of the compensatory actions of cardiac natriuretic peptides in heart failure and how this knowledge is revolutionizing heart failure therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel S Lee
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lori B Daniels
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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16
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Feldman AM. Neprilysin Inhibition in the Time of Precision Medicine. JACC. HEART FAILURE 2016; 4:S2213-1779(16)30049-X. [PMID: 27107556 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchf.2016.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur M Feldman
- Department of Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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17
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Tammam SN, Azzazy HME, Lamprecht A. How successful is nuclear targeting by nanocarriers? J Control Release 2016; 229:140-153. [PMID: 26995759 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The nucleus is ultimately the final target for many therapeutics treating various disorders including cancers, heart dysfunction and brain disorders. Owing to their specialized cell uptake and trafficking mechanisms, nanoparticles (NPs) allow drug targeting where degradation sensitive therapeutics could be delivered to their target tissues and cell in active form and sufficient concentration. However, it has recently become increasingly obvious that cytosolic internalization of a drug molecule does not entail its interaction with its subcellular target and hence careful nanoparticle design and optimization is required to enable nuclear targeting. This review, discusses the barriers to NP nuclear delivery; crossing the cell membrane, endo/lysosomal escape, cytoplasmic trafficking and finally nuclear entry focusing on how NP synthesis and modification could allow for bypassing each of the aforementioned barriers and successfully reaching the nucleus. Examples of nuclear targeted NPs are also discussed, stressing on the critical aspects of nuclear targeting and pointing out how the disease state might change the normal NP path and how such change could be exploited to increase efficiency of nuclear targeting. Finally, the criteria set for the evaluation of nanocarriers for nuclear delivery are discussed highlighting that quantitative rather than qualitative evaluation is required to evaluate how successful nanocarriers for nuclear delivery are, particularly with regards to the amount of drug delivered and released in the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma N Tammam
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bonn, 53121, Germany; Department of Chemistry, The American University in Cairo, 11835, Egypt.
| | - Hassan M E Azzazy
- Department of Chemistry, The American University in Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Alf Lamprecht
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bonn, 53121, Germany; Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Engineering, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon 25000, France
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