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Weber MA, Kerr G, Thangavel R, Conlon MM, Gumusoglu SB, Gupta K, Abdelmotilib HA, Halhouli O, Zhang Q, Geerling JC, Narayanan NS, Aldridge GM. Alpha-Synuclein Pre-Formed Fibrils Injected into Prefrontal Cortex Primarily Spread to Cortical and Subcortical Structures. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2024; 14:81-94. [PMID: 38189765 PMCID: PMC10836574 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-230129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are characterized by diffuse spread of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) throughout the brain. Patients with PDD and DLB have a neuropsychological pattern of deficits that include executive dysfunction, such as abnormalities in planning, timing, working memory, and behavioral flexibility. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a major role in normal executive function and often develops α-syn aggregates in DLB and PDD. OBJECTIVE To investigate the long-term behavioral and cognitive consequences of α-syn pathology in the cortex and characterize pathological spread of α-syn. METHODS We injected human α-syn pre-formed fibrils into the PFC of wild-type male mice. We then assessed the behavioral and cognitive effects between 12- and 21-months post-injection and characterized the spread of pathological α-syn in cortical, subcortical, and brainstem regions. RESULTS We report that PFC PFFs: 1) induced α-syn aggregation in multiple cortical and subcortical regions with sparse aggregation in midbrain and brainstem nuclei; 2) did not affect interval timing or spatial learning acquisition but did mildly alter behavioral flexibility as measured by intraday reversal learning; and 3) increased open field exploration. CONCLUSIONS This model of cortical-dominant pathology aids in our understanding of how local α-syn aggregation might impact some symptoms in PDD and DLB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A. Weber
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Gemma Kerr
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ramasamy Thangavel
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Mackenzie M. Conlon
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Serena B. Gumusoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kalpana Gupta
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Hisham A. Abdelmotilib
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Oday Halhouli
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Joel C. Geerling
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nandakumar S. Narayanan
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Georgina M. Aldridge
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Trinh D, Israwi AR, Brar H, Villafuerte JEA, Laylo R, Patel H, Jafri S, Al Halabi L, Sinnathurai S, Reehal K, Shi A, Gnanamanogaran V, Garabedian N, Pham I, Thrasher D, Monnier PP, Volpicelli-Daley LA, Nash JE. Parkinson's disease pathology is directly correlated to SIRT3 in human subjects and animal models: Implications for AAV.SIRT3-myc as a disease-modifying therapy. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 187:106287. [PMID: 37704058 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In Parkinson's disease (PD), post-mortem studies in affected brain regions have demonstrated a decline in mitochondrial number and function. This combined with many studies in cell and animal models suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction is central to PD pathology. We and others have shown that the mitochondrial protein deacetylase, SIRT3, has neurorestorative effects in PD models. In this study, to determine whether there is a link between PD pathology and SIRT3, we analysed SIRT3 levels in human subjects with PD, and compared to age-matched controls. In the SNc of PD subjects, SIRT3 was reduced by 56.8 ± 15.5% compared to control, regardless of age (p < 0.05, R = 0.6539). Given that age is the primary risk factor for PD, this finding suggests that reduced SIRT3 may contribute to PD pathology. Next, we measured whether there was a correlation between α-synuclein and SIRT3. In a parallel study, we assessed the disease-modifying potential of SIRT3 over-expression in a seeding model of α-synuclein. In PFF rats, infusion of rAAV1.SIRT3-myc reduced abundance of α-synuclein inclusions by 30.1 ± 18.5%. This was not observed when deacetylation deficient SIRT3H248Y was transduced, demonstrating the importance of SIRT3 deacetylation in reducing α-synuclein aggregation. These studies confirm that there is a clear difference in SIRT3 levels in subjects with PD compared to age-matched controls, suggesting a link between SIRT3 and the progression of PD. We also demonstrate that over-expression of SIRT3 reduces α-synuclein aggregation, further validating AAV.SIRT3-myc as a potential disease-modifying solution for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennison Trinh
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmad R Israwi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harsimar Brar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jose E A Villafuerte
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruella Laylo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Humaiyra Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sabika Jafri
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lina Al Halabi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shaumia Sinnathurai
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kiran Reehal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alyssa Shi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Natalie Garabedian
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ivy Pham
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Drake Thrasher
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Philippe P Monnier
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Joanne E Nash
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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3
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Weber MA, Kerr G, Thangavel R, Conlon MM, Abdelmotilib HA, Halhouli O, Zhang Q, Geerling JC, Narayanan NS, Aldridge GM. Alpha-synuclein pre-formed fibrils injected into prefrontal cortex primarily spread to cortical and subcortical structures and lead to isolated behavioral symptoms. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.31.526365. [PMID: 36778400 PMCID: PMC9915664 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.31.526365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are characterized by diffuse spread of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) throughout the brain. Patients with PDD and DLB have a neuropsychological pattern of deficits that include executive dysfunction, such as abnormalities in planning, timing, working memory, and behavioral flexibility. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a major role in normal executive function and often develops α-syn aggregates in DLB and PDD. To investigate the consequences of α-syn pathology in the cortex, we injected human α-syn pre-formed fibrils into the PFC of wildtype mice. We report that PFC PFFs: 1) induced α-syn aggregation in multiple cortical and subcortical regions with sparse aggregation in midbrain and brainstem nuclei; 2) did not affect interval timing or spatial learning acquisition but did mildly alter behavioral flexibility as measured by intraday reversal learning; 3) increased open field exploration; and 4) did not affect susceptibility to an inflammatory challenge. This model of cortical-dominant pathology aids in our understanding of how local α-syn aggregation might impact some symptoms in PDD and DLB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A. Weber
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Gemma Kerr
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Ramasamy Thangavel
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Mackenzie M. Conlon
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | | | - Oday Halhouli
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Joel C. Geerling
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | | | - Georgina M. Aldridge
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City
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4
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Kuan W, Alfaidi M, Horne CB, Vallin B, Fox S, Fazal SV, Williams‐Gray CH, Barker RA. Selective neurodegeneration generated by intravenous α-synuclein pre-formed fibril administration is not associated with endogenous α-synuclein levels in the rat brain. Brain Pathol 2023; 33:e13128. [PMID: 36321260 PMCID: PMC10154377 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13128] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Selective loss of discrete neuronal populations is a prominent feature of many neurodegenerative conditions, but the molecular basis of this is poorly understood. A central role of α-synuclein in the selective neurodegeneration of Parkinson's disease has been speculated, as its level of expression critically determines the propensity of this protein to misfold. To investigate whether the propensity of neuronal cell loss is associated with the level of endogenous α-synuclein expression, non-transgenic rats were given a single intravenous administration of α-synuclein pre-formed fibrils (PFFs) reversibly complexed with the rabies virus glycoprotein peptide (RVG9R). The number of surviving cells in different neuronal populations was systematically quantified using unbiased stereology. Our data demonstrated that a non-selective, transvascular delivery of α-synuclein PFFs led to a time-dependent loss of specific populations of midbrain (but not olfactory) dopaminergic neurons, medullary (but not pontine) cholinergic neurons, and brainstem serotonergic neurons. Contrary to the central role of endogenous α-synuclein expression in determining the seeding and aggregation propensity of pathological α-synuclein, we did not observe an association between the levels of α-synuclein expression in different regions of the rodent brain (although did not ascertain this at the individual cell level) and neurodegenerative propensity. The results from our study highlight the complexity of the neurodegenerative process generated by α-synuclein seeding. Further investigations are therefore required to elucidate the molecular basis of neurodegeneration driven by exogenous pathogenic α-synuclein spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei‐Li Kuan
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Maha Alfaidi
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Catherine B. Horne
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Benjamin Vallin
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Sarah Fox
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Shaline V. Fazal
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Caroline H. Williams‐Gray
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Roger A. Barker
- John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, Department of Clinical NeuroscienceUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Department of NeurologyAddenbrooke's HospitalCambridgeUK
- Wellcome Trust MRC Cambridge Stem Cell CentreCambridgeUK
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5
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Endothelial LRP1-ICD Accelerates Cognition-Associated Alpha-Synuclein Pathology and Neurodegeneration through PARP1 Activation in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:979-1003. [PMID: 36394710 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03119-4] [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: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein (αSyn) into Lewy bodies. In addition to motor impairment, PD commonly presents with cognitive impairment, a non-motor symptom with poor outcome. Cortical αSyn pathology correlates closely with vascular risk factors and vascular degeneration in cognitive impairment. However, how the brain microvasculature regulates αSyn pathology and neurodegeneration remains unclear. Here, we constructed a rapidly progressive PD model by injecting alpha-synuclein preformed fibrils (αSyn PFFs) into the cerebral cortex and striatum. Brain capillaries in mice with cognitive impairment showed a reduction in diameter and length after 6 months, along with string vessel formation. The intracellular domain of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1-ICD) was upregulated in brain microvascular endothelium. LRP1-ICD promoted αSyn PFF uptake and exacerbated endothelial damage and neuronal apoptosis. Then, we overexpressed LRP1-ICD in brain capillaries using an adeno-associated virus carrying an endothelial-specific promoter. Endothelial LRP1-ICD worsened αSyn PFF-induced vascular damage, αSyn pathology, or neuron death in the cortex and hippocampus, resulting in severe motor and cognitive impairment. LRP1-ICD increased the synthesis of poly(adenosine 5'-diphosphate-ribose) (PAR) in the presence of αSyn PFFs. Inhibition of PAR polymerase 1 (PARP1) prevented vascular-derived injury, as did loss of PARP1 in the endothelium, which was further implicated in endothelial cell proliferation and inflammation. Together, we demonstrate a novel vascular mechanism of cognitive impairment in PD. These findings support a role for endothelial LRP1-ICD/PARP1 in αSyn pathology and neurodegeneration, and provide evidence for vascular protection strategies in PD therapy.
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6
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Gubinelli F, Sarauskyte L, Venuti C, Kulacz I, Cazzolla G, Negrini M, Anwer D, Vecchio I, Jakobs F, Manfredsson F, Davidsson M, Heuer A. Characterisation of functional deficits induced by AAV overexpression of alpha-synuclein in rats. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 4:100065. [PMID: 36632447 PMCID: PMC9827042 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2022.100065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the last decades different preclinical animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) have been generated, aiming to mimic the progressive neuronal loss of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) cells as well as motor and non-motor impairment. Among all the available models, AAV-based models of human alpha-synuclein (h-aSYN) overexpression are promising tools for investigation of disease progression and therapeutic interventions. Objectives The goal with this work was to characterise the impairment in motor and non-motor domains following nigrostriatal overexpression of h-aSYN and correlate the behavioural deficits with histological assessment of associated pathology. Methods Intranigral injection of an AAV9 expressing h-aSYN was compared with untreated animals, 6-OHDA and AAV9 expressing either no transgene or GFP. The animals were assessed on a series of simple and complex behavioural tasks probing motor and non-motor domains. Post-mortem neuropathology was analysed using immunohistochemical methods. Results Overexpression of h-aSYN led to progressive degeneration of DA neurons of the SN and axonal terminals in the striatum (STR). We observed extensive nigral and striatal pathology, resembling that of human PD brain, as well as the development of stable progressive deficit in simple motor tasks and in non-motor domains such as deficits in motivation and lateralised neglect. Conclusions In the present work we characterized a rat model of PD that closely resembles human PD pathology at the histological and behavioural level. The correlation of cell loss with behavioural performance enables the selection of rats which can be used in neuroprotective or neurorestorative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Gubinelli
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - L. Sarauskyte
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - C. Venuti
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - I. Kulacz
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - G. Cazzolla
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - M. Negrini
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - D. Anwer
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - I. Vecchio
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - F. Jakobs
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - F.P. Manfredsson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - M. Davidsson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA,Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - A. Heuer
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden,Corresponding author. Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19, 22 184, Lund, Sweden.
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7
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Unveiling the Hidden Therapeutic Potential of Carnosine, a Molecule with a Multimodal Mechanism of Action: A Position Paper. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27103303. [PMID: 35630780 PMCID: PMC9143376 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring endogenous dipeptide and an over-the-counter food supplement with a well-demonstrated multimodal mechanism of action that includes the detoxification of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, the down-regulation of the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, the inhibition of aberrant protein formation, and the modulation of cells in the peripheral (macrophages) and brain (microglia) immune systems. Since its discovery more than 100 years ago, a plethora of in vivo preclinical studies have been carried out; however, there is still substantial heterogeneity regarding the route of administration, the dosage, the duration of the treatment, and the animal model selected, underlining the urgent need for "coordinated/aligned" preclinical studies laying the foundations for well-defined future clinical trials. The main aim of the present position paper is to critically and concisely consider these key points and open a discussion on the possible "alignment" for future studies, with the goal of validating the full therapeutic potential of this intriguing molecule.
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8
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Alzghool OM, van Dongen G, van de Giessen E, Schoonmade L, Beaino W. α-Synuclein Radiotracer Development and In Vivo Imaging: Recent Advancements and New Perspectives. Mov Disord 2022; 37:936-948. [PMID: 35289424 PMCID: PMC9310945 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Synucleinopathies including idiopathic Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple systems atrophy share overlapping symptoms and pathological hallmarks. Selective neurodegeneration and Lewy pathology are the main hallmarks of α-synucleinopathies. Currently, there is no imaging biomarker suitable for a definitive early diagnosis of α-synucleinopathies. Although dopaminergic deficits detected with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers can support clinical diagnosis by confirming the presence of dopaminergic neurodegeneration, dopaminergic imaging cannot visualize the preceding disease process, nor distinguish α-synucleinopathies from tauopathies with dopaminergic neurodegeneration, especially at early symptomatic disease stage when clinical presentation is often overlapping. Aggregated α-synuclein (αSyn) could be a suitable imaging biomarker in α-synucleinopathies, because αSyn aggregation and therefore, Lewy pathology is evidently an early driver of α-synucleinopathies pathogenesis. Additionally, several antibodies and small molecule compounds targeting aggregated αSyn are in development for therapy. However, there is no way to directly measure if or how much they lower the levels of aggregated αSyn in the brain. There is clearly a paramount diagnostic and therapeutic unmet medical need. To date, aggregated αSyn and Lewy pathology inclusion bodies cannot be assessed ante-mortem with SPECT or PET imaging because of the suboptimal binding characteristics and/or physicochemical properties of current radiotracers. The aim of this narrative review is to highlight the suitability of aggregated αSyn as an imaging biomarker in α-synucleinopathies, the current limitations with and lessons learned from αSyn radiotracer development, and finally to propose antibody-based ligands for imaging αSyn aggregates as a complementary tool rather than an alternative to small molecule ligands. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obada M Alzghool
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tracer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Guus van Dongen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tracer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elsmarieke van de Giessen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tracer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Schoonmade
- Medical Library, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wissam Beaino
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Tracer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Animal models of action control and cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2022; 269:227-255. [PMID: 35248196 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) has historically been considered a motor disorder induced by a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. More recently, it has been recognized to have significant non-motor symptoms, most prominently cognitive symptoms associated with a dysexecutive syndrome. It is common in the literature to see motor and cognitive symptoms treated separately and, indeed, there has been a general call for specialized treatment of the latter, particularly in the more severe cases of PD with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Animal studies have similarly been developed to model the motor or non-motor symptoms. Nevertheless, considerable research has established that segregating consideration of cognition from the precursors to motor movement, particularly movement associated with goal-directed action, is difficult if not impossible. Indeed, on some contemporary views cognition is embodied in action control, something that is particularly prevalent in theory and evidence relating to the integration of goal-directed and habitual control processes. The current paper addresses these issues within the literature detailing animal models of cognitive dysfunction in PD and their neural and neurochemical bases. Generally, studies using animal models of PD provide some of the clearest evidence for the integration of these action control processes at multiple levels of analysis and imply that consideration of this integrative process may have significant benefits for developing new approaches to the treatment of PD.
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Zhang H, Iranzo A, Högl B, Arnulf I, Ferini‐Strambi L, Manni R, Miyamoto T, Oertel WH, Dauvilliers Y, Ju Y, Puligheddu M, Sonka K, Pelletier A, Montplaisir JY, Stefani A, Ibrahim A, Frauscher B, Leu‐Semenescu S, Zucconi M, Terzaghi M, Miyamoto M, Janzen A, Figorilli M, Fantini ML, Postuma RB. Risk factors for phenoconversion in
REM
sleep behavior disorder. Ann Neurol 2022; 91:404-416. [DOI: 10.1002/ana.26298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Department of Neurology Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Department of Neurology McGill University, Montreal General Hospital Montreal Canada
| | - Alex Iranzo
- Neurology Service, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona IDIBAPS, CIBERNED Barcelona Spain
| | - Birgit Högl
- Department of Neurology Innsbruck Medical University Innsbruck Austria
| | - Isabelle Arnulf
- Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute and sleep disorder unit Pitie‐Salpetriere Hospital, APHP Paris France
| | | | | | - Tomoyuki Miyamoto
- Department of Neurology, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center Saitama Japan
| | | | - Yves Dauvilliers
- Department of Neurology, Hôpital Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, INSERM U1061 Montpellier F‐34093 Cedex 5 France
| | - Yo‐EI Ju
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology St. Louis Missouri USA
| | - Monica Puligheddu
- Sleep Center, Department of Cardiovascular and Neurological Sciences University of Cagliari Italy
| | - Karel Sonka
- Department of Neurology First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital Prague Czech Republic
| | - Amélie Pelletier
- Centre d'Études Avancées en Médecine du Sommeil Hôpital du Sacré‐Cœur de Montréal Montréal Canada
| | - Jacques Y Montplaisir
- Centre d'Études Avancées en Médecine du Sommeil Hôpital du Sacré‐Cœur de Montréal Montréal Canada
- Department of Psychiatry University of Montreal Montreal Canada
| | - Ambra Stefani
- Department of Neurology Innsbruck Medical University Innsbruck Austria
| | - Abubaker Ibrahim
- Department of Neurology Innsbruck Medical University Innsbruck Austria
| | - Birgit Frauscher
- Department of Neurology Innsbruck Medical University Innsbruck Austria
| | - Smaranda Leu‐Semenescu
- Sorbonne University, Paris Brain Institute and sleep disorder unit Pitie‐Salpetriere Hospital, APHP Paris France
| | - Marco Zucconi
- Sleep Disorders Center Università Vita‐Salute San Raffaele Milan Italy
| | | | - Masayuki Miyamoto
- Department of Neurology Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine Tochigi Japan
| | - Annette Janzen
- Department of Neurology Philipps‐Universität Marburg Germany
| | - Michela Figorilli
- Sleep Center, Department of Cardiovascular and Neurological Sciences University of Cagliari Italy
| | - Maria L Fantini
- Sleep Center, Department of Cardiovascular and Neurological Sciences University of Cagliari Italy
- Department of Neurology Université d'Auvergne Clermont‐Ferrand France
| | - Ronald B Postuma
- Department of Neurology McGill University, Montreal General Hospital Montreal Canada
- Centre d'Études Avancées en Médecine du Sommeil Hôpital du Sacré‐Cœur de Montréal Montréal Canada
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11
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Negrini M, Tomasello G, Davidsson M, Fenyi A, Adant C, Hauser S, Espa E, Gubinelli F, Manfredsson FP, Melki R, Heuer A. Sequential or Simultaneous Injection of Preformed Fibrils and AAV Overexpression of Alpha-Synuclein Are Equipotent in Producing Relevant Pathology and Behavioral Deficits. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2022; 12:1133-1153. [PMID: 35213388 PMCID: PMC9198765 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-212555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical rodent models for Parkinson's disease (PD) based on viral human alpha-synuclein (h-αSyn) overexpression recapitulate some of the pathological hallmarks as it presents in humans, such as progressive cell loss and additional synucleinopathy in cortical and subcortical structures. Recent studies have combined viral vector-based overexpression of human wild-type αSyn with the sequential or simultaneous inoculation of preformed fibrils (PFFs) derived from human αSyn. OBJECTIVE The goal of the study was to investigate whether sequential or combined delivery of the AAV vector and the PFFs are equipotent in inducing stable neurodegeneration and behavioral deficits. METHODS Here we compare between four experimental paradigms (PFFs only, AAV-h-αSyn only, AAV-h-αSyn with simultaneous PFFs, and AAV-h-αSyn with sequential PFFs) and their respective GFP control groups. RESULTS We observed reduction of TH expression and loss of neurons in the midbrain in all AAV (h-αSyn or GFP) injected groups, with or without additional PFFs inoculation. The overexpression of either h-αSyn or GFP alone induced motor deficits and dysfunctional dopamine release/reuptake in electrochemical recordings in the ipsilateral striatum. However, we observed a substantial formation of insoluble h-αSyn aggregates and inflammatory response only when h-αSyn and PFFs were combined. Moreover, the presence of h-αSyn induced higher axonal pathology compared to control groups. CONCLUSION Simultaneous AAV and PFFs injections are equipotent in the presented experimental setup in inducing histopathological and behavioral changes. This model provides new and interesting possibilities for characterizing PD pathology in preclinical models and means to assess future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Negrini
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Giuseppe Tomasello
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcus Davidsson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Molecular Neuromodulation, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Alexis Fenyi
- Institut Francois Jacob (MIRCen), CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, CNRS, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Cécile Adant
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Swantje Hauser
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Elena Espa
- Basal Ganglia Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Francesco Gubinelli
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Fredric P. Manfredsson
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Ronald Melki
- Institut Francois Jacob (MIRCen), CEA and Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, CNRS, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Andreas Heuer
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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12
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Dauer Née Joppe K, Tatenhorst L, Caldi Gomes L, Zhang S, Parvaz M, Carboni E, Roser AE, El DeBakey H, Bähr M, Vogel-Mikuš K, Wang Ip C, Becker S, Zweckstetter M, Lingor P. Brain iron enrichment attenuates α-synuclein spreading after injection of preformed fibrils. J Neurochem 2021; 159:554-573. [PMID: 34176164 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Regional iron accumulation and α-synuclein (α-syn) spreading pathology within the central nervous system are common pathological findings in Parkinson's disease (PD). Whereas iron is known to bind to α-syn, facilitating its aggregation and regulating α-syn expression, it remains unclear if and how iron also modulates α-syn spreading. To elucidate the influence of iron on the propagation of α-syn pathology, we investigated α-syn spreading after stereotactic injection of α-syn preformed fibrils (PFFs) into the striatum of mouse brains after neonatal brain iron enrichment. C57Bl/6J mouse pups received oral gavage with 60, 120, or 240 mg/kg carbonyl iron or vehicle between postnatal days 10 and 17. At 12 weeks of age, intrastriatal injections of 5-µg PFFs were performed to induce seeding of α-syn aggregates. At 90 days post-injection, PFFs-injected mice displayed long-term memory deficits, without affection of motor behavior. Interestingly, quantification of α-syn phosphorylated at S129 showed reduced α-syn pathology and attenuated spreading to connectome-specific brain regions after brain iron enrichment. Furthermore, PFFs injection caused intrastriatal microglia accumulation, which was alleviated by iron in a dose-dependent way. In primary cortical neurons in a microfluidic chamber model in vitro, iron application did not alter trans-synaptic α-syn propagation, possibly indicating an involvement of non-neuronal cells in this process. Our study suggests that α-syn PFFs may induce cognitive deficits in mice independent of iron. However, a redistribution of α-syn aggregate pathology and reduction of striatal microglia accumulation in the mouse brain may be mediated via iron-induced alterations of the brain connectome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Dauer Née Joppe
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Lars Tatenhorst
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Lucas Caldi Gomes
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Shuyu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mojan Parvaz
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eleonora Carboni
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Anna-Elisa Roser
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Hazem El DeBakey
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Mathias Bähr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Katarina Vogel-Mikuš
- Biotechnical faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Chi Wang Ip
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Department of NMR Based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Goettingen, Germany
- Research group Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Paul Lingor
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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13
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Galbiati A, Carli G, Fasiello E, Casoni F, Zucconi M, De Gennaro L, Perani D, Ferini-Strambi L. Exploring the functional role and neural correlates of K-complexes in isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. Cortex 2021; 145:105-114. [PMID: 34710676 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2021.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Underlying neural mechanisms and cognitive implications of non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep in isolated Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) are not yet fully elucidated. This study aims to evaluate brain metabolic connectivity of the anterior default mode network (ADMN) underlying a waveform that is an hallmark of NREM sleep, namely K-complex (KC) and their implication for neuropsychological functioning in iRBD patients. Combining polysomnographic and multivariate molecular imaging (FDG-PET) approaches may provide crucial insights regarding KCs role in the prodromal stages of synucleinopathies. We applied a seed-based interregional correlation analysis on FDG-PET data. iRBD patients with cognitive decline displayed a reduced KC density (KCd) in comparison to patients without cognitive impairments. KCd showed a significant positive correlation with global cognitive functioning, specifically with visuo-spatial and executive performances, two cognitive domains known to be relevant in predicting conversion into neurodegenerative disorders. Increased KCd was associated with a more preserved ADMN connectivity. Our study underlines the importance of NREM sleep in prodromal stages of synucleinopathies, and future investigations might clarify its role in iRBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Galbiati
- "Vita-Salute" San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology - Sleep Disorders Center, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giulia Carli
- "Vita-Salute" San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; In vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Fasiello
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology - Sleep Disorders Center, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Casoni
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology - Sleep Disorders Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Zucconi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology - Sleep Disorders Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Perani
- "Vita-Salute" San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; In vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Nuclear Medicine Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Ferini-Strambi
- "Vita-Salute" San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology - Sleep Disorders Center, Milan, Italy
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14
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Alpha-Synuclein PET Tracer Development-An Overview about Current Efforts. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14090847. [PMID: 34577548 PMCID: PMC8466155 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) are manifested by inclusion bodies of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) also called α-synucleinopathies. Detection of these inclusions is thus far only possible by histological examination of postmortem brain tissue. The possibility of non-invasively detecting α-syn will therefore provide valuable insights into the disease progression of α-synucleinopathies. In particular, α-syn imaging can quantify changes in monomeric, oligomeric, and fibrillic α-syn over time and improve early diagnosis of various α-synucleinopathies or monitor treatment progress. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive in vivo imaging technique that can quantify target expression and drug occupancies when a suitable tracer exists. As such, novel α-syn PET tracers are highly sought after. The development of an α-syn PET tracer faces several challenges. For example, the low abundance of α-syn within the brain necessitates the development of a high-affinity ligand. Moreover, α-syn depositions are, in contrast to amyloid proteins, predominantly localized intracellularly, limiting their accessibility. Furthermore, another challenge is the ligand selectivity over structurally similar amyloids such as amyloid-beta or tau, which are often co-localized with α-syn pathology. The lack of a defined crystal structure of α-syn has also hindered rational drug and tracer design efforts. Our objective for this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of current efforts in the development of selective α-syn PET tracers.
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15
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Huntington TE, Srinivasan R. Adeno-Associated Virus Expression of α-Synuclein as a Tool to Model Parkinson's Disease: Current Understanding and Knowledge Gaps. Aging Dis 2021; 12:1120-1137. [PMID: 34221553 PMCID: PMC8219504 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.0517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the aging population and is characterized by a constellation of motor and non-motor symptoms. The abnormal aggregation and spread of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is thought to underlie the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), leading to the development of PD. It is in this context that the use of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to express a-syn in the rodent midbrain has become a popular tool to model SNc DA neuron loss during PD. In this review, we summarize results from two decades of experiments using AAV-mediated a-syn expression in rodents to model PD. Specifically, we outline aspects of AAV vectors that are particularly relevant to modeling a-syn dysfunction in rodent models of PD such as changes in striatal neurochemistry, a-syn biochemistry, and PD-related behaviors resulting from AAV-mediated a-syn expression in the midbrain. Finally, we discuss the emerging role of astrocytes in propagating a-syn pathology, and point to future directions for employing AAVs as a tool to better understand how astrocytes contribute to a-syn pathology during the development of PD. We envision that lessons learned from two decades of utilizing AAVs to express a-syn in the rodent brain will enable us to develop an optimized set of parameters for gaining a better understanding of how a-syn leads to the development of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor E Huntington
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807, USA.
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience (TAMIN), College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Rahul Srinivasan
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807, USA.
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience (TAMIN), College Station, TX 77843, USA
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16
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Khan A, Johnson R, Wittmer C, Maile M, Tatsukawa K, Wong JL, Gill MB, Stocking EM, Natala SR, Paulino AD, Bowden-Verhoek JK, Wrasidlo W, Masliah E, Bonhaus DW, Price DL. NPT520-34 improves neuropathology and motor deficits in a transgenic mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Brain 2021; 144:3692-3709. [PMID: 34117864 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
NPT520-34 is a clinical-stage, small molecule being developed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The therapeutic potential of NPT520-34 was first suggested by findings from cell-based assays of alpha-synuclein (ASYN) clearance. As reported here, NPT520-34 was subsequently evaluated for therapeutically relevant actions in a transgenic animal model of Parkinson's disease that overexpresses human ASYN and in an acute lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenge model using wild-type mice. Daily administration of NPT520-34 to mThy1-ASYN (Line 61) transgenic mice for one or three months resulted in reduced ASYN pathology, reduced expression of markers of neuroinflammation, and improvements in multiple indices of motor function. In an LPS-challenge model using wild-type mice, a single-dose of NPT520-34 reduced LPS-evoked increases in the expression of several pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma. These findings demonstrate the beneficial effects of NPT520-34 on both inflammation and protein-pathology endpoints, with consequent improvements in motor function in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. These findings further suggest that NPT520-34 may have two complementary actions: (1) to increase the clearance of neurotoxic protein aggregates and (2) to directly attenuate inflammation. NPT520-34 treatment may thereby address two of the predominate underlying pathophysiological aspects of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Khan
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., 10835 Road to the Cure, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Robert Johnson
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., 10835 Road to the Cure, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Carrie Wittmer
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., 10835 Road to the Cure, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Michelle Maile
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., 10835 Road to the Cure, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Keith Tatsukawa
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., 10835 Road to the Cure, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Julian L Wong
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., 10835 Road to the Cure, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Martin B Gill
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., 10835 Road to the Cure, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Emily M Stocking
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., 10835 Road to the Cure, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Srinivasa R Natala
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., 10835 Road to the Cure, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Amy D Paulino
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., 10835 Road to the Cure, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Jon K Bowden-Verhoek
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., 10835 Road to the Cure, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Wolfgang Wrasidlo
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., 10835 Road to the Cure, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Departments of Neuroscience and Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Douglas W Bonhaus
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., 10835 Road to the Cure, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Diana L Price
- Neuropore Therapies, Inc., 10835 Road to the Cure, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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17
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The Therapeutic Potential of Carnosine/Anserine Supplementation against Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030253. [PMID: 33806459 PMCID: PMC7998783 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Carnosine is a natural occurring endogenous dipeptide that was proposed as an anti-aging agent more than 20 years ago. Carnosine can be found at low millimolar concentrations at brain level and different preclinical studies have demonstrated its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aggregation activity with neuroprotective effects in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A selective deficit of carnosine has also been linked to cognitive decline in AD. Different clinical studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of carnosine supplementation against cognitive decline in elderly and AD subjects. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines coupled to the PICOS approach, to investigate the therapeutic potential of carnosine against cognitive decline and depressive symptoms in elderly subjects. We found five studies matching the selection criteria. Carnosine/anserine was administered for 12 weeks at a dose of 1 g/day and improved global cognitive function, whereas no effects were detected on depressive symptoms. These data suggest a preliminary evidence of clinical efficacy of carnosine against cognitive decline both in elderly subjects and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, although larger and long-term clinical studies are needed in MCI patients (with or without depression) to confirm the therapeutic potential of carnosine.
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18
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Boi L, Pisanu A, Palmas MF, Fusco G, Carboni E, Casu MA, Satta V, Scherma M, Janda E, Mocci I, Mulas G, Ena A, Spiga S, Fadda P, De Simone A, Carta AR. Modeling Parkinson's Disease Neuropathology and Symptoms by Intranigral Inoculation of Preformed Human α-Synuclein Oligomers. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8535. [PMID: 33198335 PMCID: PMC7696693 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of aggregated α-synuclein (αSyn) is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). Current evidence indicates that small soluble αSyn oligomers (αSynOs) are the most toxic species among the forms of αSyn aggregates, and that size and topological structural properties are crucial factors for αSynOs-mediated toxicity, involving the interaction with either neurons or glial cells. We previously characterized a human αSynO (H-αSynO) with specific structural properties promoting toxicity against neuronal membranes. Here, we tested the neurotoxic potential of these H-αSynOs in vivo, in relation to the neuropathological and symptomatic features of PD. The H-αSynOs were unilaterally infused into the rat substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Phosphorylated αSyn (p129-αSyn), reactive microglia, and cytokine levels were measured at progressive time points. Additionally, a phagocytosis assay in vitro was performed after microglia pre-exposure to αsynOs. Dopaminergic loss, motor, and cognitive performances were assessed. H-αSynOs triggered p129-αSyn deposition in SNpc neurons and microglia and spread to the striatum. Early and persistent neuroinflammatory responses were induced in the SNpc. In vitro, H-αSynOs inhibited the phagocytic function of microglia. H-αsynOs-infused rats displayed early mitochondrial loss and abnormalities in SNpc neurons, followed by a gradual nigrostriatal dopaminergic loss, associated with motor and cognitive impairment. The intracerebral inoculation of structurally characterized H-αSynOs provides a model of progressive PD neuropathology in rats, which will be helpful for testing neuroprotective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Boi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.B.); (M.F.P.); (E.C.); (V.S.); (M.S.); (A.E.); (P.F.)
| | | | - Maria Francesca Palmas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.B.); (M.F.P.); (E.C.); (V.S.); (M.S.); (A.E.); (P.F.)
| | - Giuliana Fusco
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1EW Cambridge, UK;
| | - Ezio Carboni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.B.); (M.F.P.); (E.C.); (V.S.); (M.S.); (A.E.); (P.F.)
| | - Maria Antonietta Casu
- CNR Institute of Translational Pharmacology, 09010 Cagliari, Italy; (M.A.C.); (I.M.)
| | - Valentina Satta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.B.); (M.F.P.); (E.C.); (V.S.); (M.S.); (A.E.); (P.F.)
| | - Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.B.); (M.F.P.); (E.C.); (V.S.); (M.S.); (A.E.); (P.F.)
| | - Elzbieta Janda
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Ignazia Mocci
- CNR Institute of Translational Pharmacology, 09010 Cagliari, Italy; (M.A.C.); (I.M.)
| | - Giovanna Mulas
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy; (G.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Anna Ena
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.B.); (M.F.P.); (E.C.); (V.S.); (M.S.); (A.E.); (P.F.)
| | - Saturnino Spiga
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09126 Cagliari, Italy; (G.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.B.); (M.F.P.); (E.C.); (V.S.); (M.S.); (A.E.); (P.F.)
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
- Italian Neuroscience Institute (INN), 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Alfonso De Simone
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna R. Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.B.); (M.F.P.); (E.C.); (V.S.); (M.S.); (A.E.); (P.F.)
- Italian Neuroscience Institute (INN), 10126 Torino, Italy
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19
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Airavaara M, Parkkinen I, Konovalova J, Albert K, Chmielarz P, Domanskyi A. Back and to the Future: From Neurotoxin-Induced to Human Parkinson's Disease Models. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 91:e88. [PMID: 32049438 DOI: 10.1002/cpns.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor, slowness of movement, rigidity, and postural instability, as well as non-motor features like sleep disturbances, loss of ability to smell, depression, constipation, and pain. Motor symptoms are caused by depletion of dopamine in the striatum due to the progressive loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Approximately 10% of PD cases are familial arising from genetic mutations in α-synuclein, LRRK2, DJ-1, PINK1, parkin, and several other proteins. The majority of PD cases are, however, idiopathic, i.e., having no clear etiology. PD is characterized by progressive accumulation of insoluble inclusions, known as Lewy bodies, mostly composed of α-synuclein and membrane components. The cause of PD is currently attributed to cellular proteostasis deregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction, which are likely interdependent. In addition, neuroinflammation is present in brains of PD patients, but whether it is the cause or consequence of neurodegeneration remains to be studied. Rodents do not develop PD or PD-like motor symptoms spontaneously; however, neurotoxins, genetic mutations, viral vector-mediated transgene expression and, recently, injections of misfolded α-synuclein have been successfully utilized to model certain aspects of the disease. Here, we critically review the advantages and drawbacks of rodent PD models and discuss approaches to advance pre-clinical PD research towards successful disease-modifying therapy. © 2020 The Authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko Airavaara
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilmari Parkkinen
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Julia Konovalova
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katrina Albert
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Piotr Chmielarz
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrii Domanskyi
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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20
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Murgia F, Atzori L, Carboni E, Santoru ML, Hendren A, Pisanu A, Caboni P, Boi L, Fusco G, Carta AR. Metabolomics Fingerprint Induced by the Intranigral Inoculation of Exogenous Human Alpha-Synuclein Oligomers in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186745. [PMID: 32937957 PMCID: PMC7555976 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is considered a synucleinopathy because of the intraneuronal accumulation of aggregated α-synuclein (αSyn). Recent evidence points to soluble αSyn-oligomers (αSynO) as the main cytotoxic species responsible for cell death. Given the pivotal role of αSyn in PD, αSyn-based models are crucial for the investigation of toxic mechanisms and the identification of new therapeutic targets in PD. By using a metabolomics approach, we evaluated the metabolic profile of brain and serum samples of rats infused unilaterally with preformed human αSynOs (HαSynOs), or vehicle, into the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Three months postinfusion, the striatum was dissected for striatal dopamine (DA) measurements via High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis and mesencephalon and serum samples were collected for the evaluation of metabolite content via gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. Multivariate, univariate and correlation statistics were applied. A 40% decrease of DA content was measured in the HαSynO-infused striatum as compared to the contralateral and the vehicle-infused striata. Decreased levels of dehydroascorbic acid, myo-inositol, and glycine, and increased levels of threonine, were found in the mesencephalon, while increased contents of fructose and mannose, and a decrease in glycine and urea, were found in the serum of HαSynO-infused rats. The significant correlation between DA and metabolite content indicated that metabolic variations reflected the nigrostriatal degeneration. Collectively, the metabolomic fingerprint of HαSynO-infused rats points to an increase of oxidative stress markers, in line with PD neuropathology, and provides hints for potential biomarkers of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Murgia
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.A.); (M.L.S.); (A.H.)
- Correspondence: (F.M.); (A.R.C.)
| | - Luigi Atzori
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.A.); (M.L.S.); (A.H.)
| | - Ezio Carboni
- Neuroscience Section, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Maria Laura Santoru
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.A.); (M.L.S.); (A.H.)
| | - Aran Hendren
- Clinical Metabolomics Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (L.A.); (M.L.S.); (A.H.)
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, London GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Augusta Pisanu
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Pierluigi Caboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Laura Boi
- Neuroscience Section, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Giuliana Fusco
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Misfolding Diseases, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK;
| | - Anna R. Carta
- Neuroscience Section, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Monserrato, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.C.); (L.B.)
- Correspondence: (F.M.); (A.R.C.)
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21
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Lu J, Zhang S, Ma X, Jia C, Liu Z, Huang C, Liu C, Li D. Structural basis of the interplay between α-synuclein and Tau in regulating pathological amyloid aggregation. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:7470-7480. [PMID: 32291284 PMCID: PMC7247300 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.012284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid aggregation of pathological proteins is closely associated with a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, and α-synuclein (α-syn) deposition and Tau tangles are considered hallmarks of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, respectively. Intriguingly, α-syn and Tau have been found to co-deposit in the brains of individuals with dementia and parkinsonism, suggesting a potential role of cross-talk between these two proteins in neurodegenerative pathologies. Here we show that monomeric α-syn and the two variants of Tau, Tau23 and K19, synergistically promote amyloid fibrillation, leading to their co-aggregation in vitro NMR spectroscopy experiments revealed that α-syn uses its highly negatively charged C terminus to directly interact with Tau23 and K19. Deletion of the C terminus effectively abolished its binding to Tau23 and K19 as well as its synergistic effect on promoting their fibrillation. Moreover, an S129D substitution of α-syn, mimicking C-terminal phosphorylation of Ser129 in α-syn, which is commonly observed in the brains of Parkinson's disease patients with elevated α-syn phosphorylation levels, significantly enhanced the activity of α-syn in facilitating Tau23 and K19 aggregation. These results reveal the molecular basis underlying the direct interaction between α-syn and Tau. We proposed that this interplay might contribute to pathological aggregation of α-syn and Tau in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Lu
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 26 Qiuyue Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xiaojuan Ma
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 26 Qiuyue Road, Shanghai 201210, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunyu Jia
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 26 Qiuyue Road, Shanghai 201210, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhenying Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 26 Qiuyue Road, Shanghai 201210, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chengan Huang
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 26 Qiuyue Road, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Dan Li
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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Cinar E, Yalcin-Cakmakli G, Saka E, Ulusoy A, Yuruker S, Elibol B, Tel BC. Modelling cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease: Is CA2 a gateway for hippocampal synucleinopathy? Exp Neurol 2020; 330:113357. [PMID: 32437708 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive dysfunction is one of the most disabling non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), though its pathological correlates still remain elusive. Hippocampal Lewy pathology has recently been correlated by compelling evidence from post-mortem and imaging studies. Animal models recapitulating cognitive impairment in PD are essential to better understand the underlying pathophysiology. To investigate the hippocampal involvement in cognitive dysfunction of PD, we generated an experimental model by inducing midbrain and hippocampal α-synuclein pathology simultaneously. METHODS Rats were injected either with human α-synuclein or green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressing adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV), or saline bilaterally into substantia nigra (SN) and dentate gyrus (DG). A group of untreated animals were used as naïve controls. Cognitive and behavioral changes were evaluated with tests probing for spatial learning, short-term memory, anxiety and hedonistic behavior. Immunohistochemical staining, immunoblotting and stereological analysis were performed for pathological characterization. RESULTS Bilateral α-synuclein overexpression in SN and DG led to mild but significant motor impairment as well as dysfunctions in short-term memory and spatial learning. There was no hedonistic deficit, whereas a hypo-anxious state was induced. While stereological analysis revealed no significant neuronal loss in any sectors of cornu ammonis, there was considerable decrease (43%) in TH+-neurons in SN pars compacta supporting the well-known vulnerability of nigral dopaminergic neurons to α-synuclein mediated neurodegeneration. On the other hand, synaptophysin levels decreased in similar amounts both in striatum and hippocampus, suggesting comparable synaptic loss in target areas. Interestingly, phosphorylated-S129-α-synuclein staining revealed significant expression in CA2 characterized by more mature and dense cellular accumulations compared to CA1-CA3 sub-regions displaying more diffuse grain-like aggregates, suggesting preferential susceptibility of CA2 to produce α-synuclein induced pathology. CONCLUSION Bilateral α-synuclein overexpression in DG and SN reproduced partial motor and hippocampus related cognitive deficits. Using this model, we showed a predisposition of CA2 for pathological α-synuclein accumulation, which may provide further insights for future experimental and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Cinar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
| | | | - Esen Saka
- Department of Neurology, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayse Ulusoy
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sinan Yuruker
- Usak University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Usak, Turkey
| | - Bulent Elibol
- Department of Neurology, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Banu C Tel
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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23
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Advances in modelling alpha-synuclein-induced Parkinson’s diseases in rodents: Virus-based models versus inoculation of exogenous preformed toxic species. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 338:108685. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Cenci MA, Björklund A. Animal models for preclinical Parkinson's research: An update and critical appraisal. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2020; 252:27-59. [PMID: 32247366 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) are essential to investigate pathogenic pathways at the whole-organism level. Moreover, they are necessary for a preclinical investigation of potential new therapies. Different pathological features of PD can be induced in a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate species using toxins, drugs, or genetic perturbations. Each model has a particular utility and range of applicability. Invertebrate PD models are particularly useful for high throughput-screening applications, whereas mammalian models are needed to explore complex motor and non-motor features of the human disease. Here, we provide a comprehensive review and critical appraisal of the most commonly used mammalian models of PD, which are produced in rats and mice. A substantial loss of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons is necessary for the animal to exhibit a hypokinetic motor phenotype responsive to dopaminergic agents, thus resembling clinical PD. This level of dopaminergic neurodegeneration can be induced using specific neurotoxins, environmental toxicants, or proteasome inhibitors. Alternatively, nigrostriatal dopamine degeneration can be induced via overexpression of α-synuclein using viral vectors or transgenic techniques. In addition, protein aggregation pathology can be triggered by inoculating preformed fibrils of α-synuclein in the substantia nigra or the striatum. Thanks to the conceptual and technical progress made in the past few years a vast repertoire of well-characterized animal models are currently available to address different aspects of PD in the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Angela Cenci
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Centre, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Anders Björklund
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Centre, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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