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Wu C, Li Y, Liu S, Wang L, Wang X. Catalpol inhibits HHcy-induced EndMT in endothelial cells by modulating ROS/NF-κB signaling. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2024; 24:431. [PMID: 39148029 PMCID: PMC11328392 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-04046-z] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis (AS). Endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT) refers to the process in which endothelial cells lose endothelial cell morphology and characteristic gene expression, and acquire phenotypic characteristics and gene expression related to mesenchymal cells. Numerous studies have confirmed that EndMT is involved in the formation of atherosclerosis. Catalpol is one of the active components of Rehmannia, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neuroprotective and other biological activities. Studies have shown that catalpol can reduce atherosclerotic plaque induced by high sugar or fat. However, the effect of catalpol on HHCY-induced EndMT is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS In vitro HHcy-treated primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to construct a cell model, and the antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and catalase alcohol were administered. In vivo C57BL/6N mice were given a diet fed with 4.4% high methionine chow to construct a HHcy mice model and were treated with catalpol. The results showed that hhcy could induce morphological transformation of endothelial cells into mesenchymal cells, increase intracellular ROS content, up-regulate α-SMA, N-cadherin, p-p65 protein expression, down-regulate VE-cadherin, CD31 protein expression, induce pathological changes of aortic root endothelium, and increase aortic endothelial ROS content. Catalpol reversed these hhcy induced outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Catalpol inhibits HHcy-induced EndMT, and the underlying mechanism may be related to the ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway. Catalpol may be a potential drug for the treatment of HHcy-related AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyan Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center of Xinxiang Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical, University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yuanhao Li
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center of Xinxiang Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical, University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Shuangshuang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center of Xinxiang Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical, University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Libo Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center of Xinxiang Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical, University, Xinxiang, China.
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.
| | - Xuehui Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center of Xinxiang Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical, University, Xinxiang, China.
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2
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Jakubowski H. Homocysteine Thiolactone Detoxifying Enzymes and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8095. [PMID: 39125665 PMCID: PMC11312131 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158095] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Elevated levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and related metabolites are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Severe hyperhomocysteinemia causes neurological deficits and worsens behavioral and biochemical traits associated with AD. Although Hcy is precluded from entering the Genetic Code by proofreading mechanisms of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and thus is a non-protein amino acid, it can be attached to proteins via an N-homocysteinylation reaction mediated by Hcy-thiolactone. Because N-homocysteinylation is detrimental to a protein's function and biological integrity, Hcy-thiolactone-detoxifying enzymes-PON1, BLMH, BPHL-have evolved. This narrative review provides an account of the biological function of these enzymes and of the consequences of their impairments, leading to the phenotype characteristic of AD. Overall, accumulating evidence discussed in this review supports a hypothesis that Hcy-thiolactone contributes to neurodegeneration associated with a dysregulated Hcy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hieronim Jakubowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznań, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-973-972-8733; Fax: +48-973-972-8981
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, International Center for Public Health, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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3
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Dhillon VS, Deo P, Fenech M. Low magnesium in conjunction with high homocysteine increases DNA damage in healthy middle aged Australians. Eur J Nutr 2024:10.1007/s00394-024-03449-0. [PMID: 38864865 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03449-0] [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: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Magnesium is one of the most common elements in the human body and plays an important role as a cofactor of enzymes required for DNA replication and repair and many other biochemical mechanisms including sensing and regulating one-carbon metabolism deficiencies. Low intake of magnesium can increase the risk of many diseases, in particular, chronic degenerative disorders. However, its role in prevention of DNA damage has not been studied fully in humans so far. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that magnesium deficiency either on its own or in conjunction with high homocysteine (Hcy) induces DNA damage in vivo in humans. METHODS The present study was carried out in 172 healthy middle aged subjects from South Australia. Blood levels of magnesium, Hcy, folate and vitamin B12 were measured. Cytokinesis-Block Micronucleus cytome assay was performed to measure three DNA damage biomarkers: micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) and nuclear buds (NBuds) in peripheral blood lymphocytes. RESULTS Data showed that magnesium and Hcy are significantly inversely correlated with each other (r = - 0.299, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, magnesium is positively correlated both with folate (p = 0.002) and vitamin B12 (p = 0.007). Magnesium is also significantly inversely correlated with MN (p < 0.0001) and NPB (p < 0.0001). Individuals with low magnesium and high Hcy exhibited significantly higher frequency of MN and NPBs compared to those with high magnesium and low Hcy (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, there was an interactive effect between these two factors as well in inducing MN (p = 0.01) and NPB (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in the present study indicate for the first time that low in vivo levels of magnesium either on its own or in the presence of high Hcy increases DNA damage as evident by higher frequencies of MN and NPBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varinderpal S Dhillon
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5000, Australia.
| | - Permal Deo
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Michael Fenech
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
- Genome Health Foundation, North Brighton, 5048, Australia
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4
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Guo T, Zhou L, Xiong M, Xiong J, Huang J, Li Y, Zhang G, Chen G, Wang Z, Xiao T, Hu D, Bao A, Zhang Z. N-homocysteinylation of DJ-1 promotes neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. Aging Cell 2024; 23:e14124. [PMID: 38380563 PMCID: PMC11113254 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
DJ-1, also known as Parkinson's disease protein 7 (Park7), is a multifunctional protein that regulates oxidative stress and mitochondrial function. Dysfunction of DJ-1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with an increased risk of PD. Here we show that homocysteine thiolactone (HTL), a reactive thioester of homocysteine (Hcy), covalently modifies DJ-1 on the lysine 182 (K182) residue in an age-dependent manner. The N-homocysteinylation (N-hcy) of DJ-1 abolishes its neuroprotective effect against oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, exacerbating cell toxicity. Blocking the N-hcy of DJ-1 restores its protective effect. These results indicate that the N-hcy of DJ-1 abolishes its neuroprotective effect and promotes the progression of PD. Inhibiting the N-hcy of DJ-1 may exert neuroprotective effect against PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Guo
- Department of NeurologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Lingyan Zhou
- Department of NeurologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Min Xiong
- Department of NeurologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jing Xiong
- Department of NeurologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Juan Huang
- Department of NeurologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Yiming Li
- Department of NeurologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Guoxin Zhang
- Department of NeurologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Guiqin Chen
- Department of NeurologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Zhi‐Hao Wang
- Department of NeurologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Tingting Xiao
- Department of NeurologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Dan Hu
- Department of NeurologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Anyu Bao
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Zhentao Zhang
- Department of NeurologyRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical SciencesWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
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Salmani F, Mohammadi M, Seif R, Khatami SH, Noori S, Tehrani HS, Riazi G, Balalaie S, Moosavi-Movahedi AA, Fard AM, Mahnam K, Keramatinia A, Tafakhori A, Aghamollaii V, Toutounchi AH, Shahmohammadi MR, Karima S. Lysine ε-aminolysis and incorporation of sulfhydryl groups into human brain tau 4R/1N and 306VQIVYK 311 enhances the formation of beta structures and toxicity. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130223. [PMID: 38365146 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the effects of N-homocysteine thiolactone (tHcy) modification on expressed and purified tau protein and the synthesized VQIVYK target peptide. The modified constructs were subjected to comprehensive validation using various methodologies, including mass spectrometry. Subsequently, in vivo, in vitro, and in silico characterizations were performed under both reducing and non-reducing conditions, as well as in the presence and absence of heparin as a cofactor. Our results unequivocally confirmed that under reducing conditions and in the presence of heparin, the modified constructs exhibited a greater propensity for aggregation. This enhanced aggregative behavior can be attributed to the disruption of lysine positive charges and the subsequent influence of hydrophobic and p-stacking intermolecular forces. Notably, the modified oligomeric species induced apoptosis in the SH-SY5Y cell line, and this effect was further exacerbated with longer incubation times and higher concentrations of the modifier. These observations suggest a potential mechanism involving reactive oxygen species (ROS). To gain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the neurotoxic effects, further investigations are warranted. Elucidating these mechanisms will contribute to the development of more effective strategies to counteract aggregation and mitigate neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Salmani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roozbeh Seif
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyed Hossein Khatami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Shokoofeh Noori
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Gholamhossein Riazi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Balalaie
- Peptide Chemistry Research Center, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Karim Mahnam
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Nanotechnology Research Center, Sharekord University, Sharekord, Iran
| | - Aliasghar Keramatinia
- Department of Community Medicine,Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Tafakhori
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Vajiheh Aghamollaii
- Neurology Department, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Haghbin Toutounchi
- Department of general surgery, Imam Hosein medical and educational center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences,Tehran,Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Shahmohammadi
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Karima
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Tehran, Iran.
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6
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Zhang Q, Cong P, Tian L, Wu T, Huang X, Zhang Y, Wu H, Liang H, Xiong L. Exercise attenuates the perioperative neurocognitive disorder induced by hyperhomocysteinemia in mice. Brain Res Bull 2024; 209:110913. [PMID: 38428506 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a severe complication that affects millions of surgical patients each year. Homocysteine (Hcy) is known to increase the risk of developing PND in both young and elderly mice. However, whether Hcy alone can induce cognitive deficits in middle-aged mice (12-month-old), whether exercise can attenuate Hcy-induced hippocampus-related cognitive deficits after surgery through suppressing neuroinflammation, synaptic elimination, and the level of Hcy remains unknown. The present study aimed to answer these questions through testing the possibility of establishing a PND model using 12-month-old mice which received homocysteine injections before exploratory laparotomy and the therapeutic mechanism of exercise. In the present study, it was found that levels of serum homocysteine were age-dependently increased in mice with a significant difference between that of 18-month-old mice and 6-week, 6-month, and 12-month-old mice. PND occurred in 18-month but not in 12-month-old mice after exploratory laparotomy under isoflurane anesthesia. Intraperitoneal injection of Hcy for 3 consecutive days before surgery rendered 12-month-old mice to develop PND after abdominal laparotomy under isoflurane anesthesia at a minimal dosage of 20 mg/kg. Neuroinflammation and synaptic elimination was present in 12-month-old preoperative Hcy-injected mice. Preoperative voluntary wheel exercise could prevent PND in 12-month-old mice that have received Hcy injection before surgery, which might be related to the decreased level of serum Hcy. Activation of glial cells, proinflammatory phenotype markers and synaptic elimination were attenuated in the hippocampus of 12-month-old preoperative Hcy-injected mice by this exercise. These results provide direct evidence that hyperhomocysteinemia can induce postoperative cognitive deficits in middle-aged mice. Pre-surgery exercise can effectively prevent Hcy-precipitated postoperative cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
| | - Peilin Cong
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Tian
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingmei Wu
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinwei Huang
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
| | - Huanghui Wu
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
| | - Huazheng Liang
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China; Suzhou Monash Research Institute, China.
| | - Lize Xiong
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China.
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7
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Qi XH, Chen P, Wang YJ, Zhou ZP, Liu XC, Fang H, Wang CW, Liu J, Liu RY, Liu HK, Zhang ZX, Zhou JN. Increased cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase drives neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:3. [PMID: 38191451 PMCID: PMC10773087 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00394-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is not only a response to pathophysiological events, but also plays a causative role in neurodegeneration. Cytoplasmic cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase (CARS) is considered to be a stimulant for immune responses to diseases; however, it remains unknown whether CARS is involved in the pathogenesis of AD. METHODS Postmortem human temporal cortical tissues at different Braak stages and AD patient-derived serum samples were used to investigate the changes of CARS levels in AD by immunocytochemical staining, real-time PCR, western blotting and ELISA. After that, C57BL/6J and APP/PS1 transgenic mice and BV-2 cell line were used to explore the role of CARS protein in memory and neuroinflammation, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Finally, the associations of morphological features among CARS protein, microglia and dense-core plaques were examined by immunocytochemical staining. RESULTS A positive correlation was found between aging and the intensity of CARS immunoreactivity in the temporal cortex. Both protein and mRNA levels of CARS were increased in the temporal cortex of AD patients. Immunocytochemical staining revealed increased CARS immunoreactivity in neurons of the temporal cortex in AD patients. Moreover, overexpression of CARS in hippocampal neurons induced and aggravated cognitive dysfunction in C57BL/6J and APP/PS1 mice, respectively, accompanied by activation of microglia and the TLR2/MyD88 signaling pathway as well as upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. In vitro experiments showed that CARS treatment facilitated the production of proinflammatory cytokines and the activation of the TLR2/MyD88 signaling pathway of BV-2 cells. The accumulation of CARS protein occurred within dense-core Aβ plaques accompanied by recruitment of ameboid microglia. Significant upregulation of TLR2/MyD88 proteins was also observed in the temporal cortex of AD. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that the neuronal CARS drives neuroinflammation and induces memory deficits, which might be involved in the pathogenesis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Hong Qi
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Institute of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Yue-Ju Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Zhe-Ping Zhou
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Xue-Chun Liu
- Department of Neurology, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230011, China
| | - Hui Fang
- Anhui Institute of Pediatric Research, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, 230051, China
| | - Chen-Wei Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ji Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology and Application, School of Information Science and Technology, and The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Rong-Yu Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Han-Kui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Diseases and Genomes, BGI-Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Zhen-Xin Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100007, China
| | - Jiang-Ning Zhou
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Institute of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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8
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Ehtewish H, Mesleh A, Ponirakis G, Lennard K, Al Hamad H, Chandran M, Parray A, Abdesselem H, Wijten P, Decock J, Alajez NM, Ramadan M, Khan S, Ayadathil R, Own A, Elsotouhy A, Albagha O, Arredouani A, Blackburn JM, Malik RA, El-Agnaf OMA. Profiling the autoantibody repertoire reveals autoantibodies associated with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1256745. [PMID: 38107644 PMCID: PMC10722091 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1256745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dementia is a debilitating neurological disease affecting millions of people worldwide. The exact mechanisms underlying the initiation and progression of the disease remain to be fully defined. There is an increasing body of evidence for the role of immune dysregulation in the pathogenesis of dementia, where blood-borne autoimmune antibodies have been studied as potential markers associated with pathological mechanisms of dementia. Methods This study included plasma from 50 cognitively normal individuals, 55 subjects with MCI (mild cognitive impairment), and 22 subjects with dementia. Autoantibody profiling for more than 1,600 antigens was performed using a high throughput microarray platform to identify differentially expressed autoantibodies in MCI and dementia. Results The differential expression analysis identified 33 significantly altered autoantibodies in the plasma of patients with dementia compared to cognitively normal subjects, and 38 significantly altered autoantibodies in the plasma of patients with dementia compared to subjects with MCI. And 20 proteins had significantly altered autoantibody responses in MCI compared to cognitively normal individuals. Five autoantibodies were commonly dysregulated in both dementia and MCI, including anti-CAMK2A, CKS1B, ETS2, MAP4, and NUDT2. Plasma levels of anti-ODF3, E6, S100P, and ARHGDIG correlated negatively with the cognitive performance scores (MoCA) (r2 -0.56 to -0.42, value of p < 0.001). Additionally, several proteins targeted by autoantibodies dysregulated in dementia were significantly enriched in the neurotrophin signaling pathway, axon guidance, cholinergic synapse, long-term potentiation, apoptosis, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Conclusion We have shown multiple dysregulated autoantibodies in the plasma of subjects with MCI and dementia. The corresponding proteins for these autoantibodies are involved in neurodegenerative pathways, suggesting a potential impact of autoimmunity on the etiology of dementia and the possible benefit for future therapeutic approaches. Further investigations are warranted to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Ehtewish
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Areej Mesleh
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Georgios Ponirakis
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Katie Lennard
- Sengenics Corporation, Level M, Plaza Zurich, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hanadi Al Hamad
- Geriatric and Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Mani Chandran
- Geriatric and Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Aijaz Parray
- The Neuroscience Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Houari Abdesselem
- Proteomics Core Facility, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Patrick Wijten
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Julie Decock
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Nehad M. Alajez
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Marwan Ramadan
- Geriatric and Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Shafi Khan
- Geriatric and Memory Clinic, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Raheem Ayadathil
- The Neuroscience Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Own
- The Neuroscience Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
- Department of Neuroradiology, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Elsotouhy
- The Neuroscience Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Omar Albagha
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdelilah Arredouani
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Jonathan M. Blackburn
- Sengenics Corporation, Level M, Plaza Zurich, Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rayaz A. Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Omar M. A. El-Agnaf
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
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9
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Wang X, Liu L, Jiang X, Saredy J, Xi H, Cueto R, Sigler D, Khan M, Wu S, Ji Y, Snyder NW, Hu W, Yang X, Wang H. Identification of methylation-regulated genes modulating microglial phagocytosis in hyperhomocysteinemia-exacerbated Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:164. [PMID: 37789414 PMCID: PMC10546779 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01311-9] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been linked to development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathologically characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ). Microglia (MG) play a crucial role in uptake of Aβ fibrils, and its dysfunction worsens AD. However, the effect of HHcy on MG Aβ phagocytosis remains unstudied. METHODS We isolated MG from the cerebrum of HHcy mice with genetic cystathionine-β-synthase deficiency (Cbs-/-) and performed bulk RNA-seq. We performed meta-analysis over transcriptomes of Cbs-/- mouse MG, human and mouse AD MG, MG Aβ phagocytosis model, human AD methylome, and GWAS AD genes. RESULTS HHcy and hypomethylation conditions were identified in Cbs-/- mice. Through Cbs-/- MG transcriptome analysis, 353 MG DEGs were identified. Phagosome formation and integrin signaling pathways were found suppressed in Cbs-/- MG. By analyzing MG transcriptomes from 4 AD patient and 7 mouse AD datasets, 409 human and 777 mouse AD MG DEGs were identified, of which 37 were found common in both species. Through further combinatory analysis with transcriptome from MG Aβ phagocytosis model, we identified 130 functional-validated Aβ phagocytic AD MG DEGs (20 in human AD, 110 in mouse AD), which reflected a compensatory activation of Aβ phagocytosis. Interestingly, we identified 14 human Aβ phagocytic AD MG DEGs which represented impaired MG Aβ phagocytosis in human AD. Finally, through a cascade of meta-analysis of transcriptome of AD MG, functional phagocytosis, HHcy MG, and human AD brain methylome dataset, we identified 5 HHcy-suppressed phagocytic AD MG DEGs (Flt1, Calponin 3, Igf1, Cacna2d4, and Celsr) which were reported to regulate MG/MΦ migration and Aβ phagocytosis. CONCLUSIONS We established molecular signatures for a compensatory response of Aβ phagocytosis activation in human and mouse AD MG and impaired Aβ phagocytosis in human AD MG. Our discoveries suggested that hypomethylation may modulate HHcy-suppressed MG Aβ phagocytosis in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianwei Wang
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Lu Liu
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Jason Saredy
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Hang Xi
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Ramon Cueto
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Danni Sigler
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Mohsin Khan
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Sheng Wu
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Yong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nathaniel W Snyder
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Wenhui Hu
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Hong Wang
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Kats School of Medicine, Temple University, MERB, Room 1060, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, USA.
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10
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Petrović DJ, Jagečić D, Krasić J, Sinčić N, Mitrečić D. Effect of Fetal Bovine Serum or Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on Cell Survival and the Proliferation of Neural Stem Cells: The Influence of Homocysteine Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14161. [PMID: 37762465 PMCID: PMC10531752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro cell culture is a routinely used method which is also applied for in vitro modeling of various neurological diseases. On the other hand, media used for cell culture are often not strictly standardized between laboratories, which hinders the comparison of the obtained results. Here, we compared the effects of homocysteine (Hcy), a molecule involved in neurodegeneration, on immature cells of the nervous system cultivated in basal medium or media supplemented by either fetal bovine serum or basic fibroblast growth factor. The number of cells in basal media supplemented with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was 2.5 times higher in comparison to the number of cells in basal media supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS). We also found that the neuron-specific β-3-tubulin protein expression dose dependently decreased with increasing Hcy exposure. Interestingly, bFGF exerts a protective effect on β-3-tubulin protein expression at a concentration of 1000 µM Hcy compared to FBS-treated neural stem cells on Day 7. Supplementation with bFGF increased SOX2 protein expression two-fold compared to FBS supplementation. GFAP protein expression increased five-fold on Day 3 in FBS-treated neural stem cells, whereas on Day 7, bFGF increased GFAP expression two-fold compared to FBS-treated neural stem cells. Here, we have clearly shown that the selection of culturing media significantly influences various cellular parameters, which, in turn, can lead to different conclusions in experiments based on in vitro models of pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dražen Juraj Petrović
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.J.P.); (D.J.)
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Glycoscience Research Laboratory, Genos Ltd., 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- BIMIS—Biomedical Research Center Šalata, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Denis Jagečić
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.J.P.); (D.J.)
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- BIMIS—Biomedical Research Center Šalata, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jure Krasić
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.J.P.); (D.J.)
- BIMIS—Biomedical Research Center Šalata, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Laboratory for Neurogenomics and In Situ Hybridization, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nino Sinčić
- BIMIS—Biomedical Research Center Šalata, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Scientific Group for Research on Epigenetic Biomarkers (epiMark), Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dinko Mitrečić
- Laboratory for Stem Cells, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.J.P.); (D.J.)
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- BIMIS—Biomedical Research Center Šalata, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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11
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Wu C, Duan X, Wang X, Wang L. Advances in the role of epigenetics in homocysteine-related diseases. Epigenomics 2023; 15:769-795. [PMID: 37718931 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Homocysteine has a wide range of biological effects. However, the specific molecular mechanism of its pathogenicity is still unclear. The diseases induced by hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) are called homocysteine-related diseases. Clinical treatment of HHcy is mainly through folic acid and B-complex vitamins, which are not effective in reducing the associated end point events. Epigenetics is the alteration of heritable genes caused by DNA methylation, histone modification, noncoding RNAs and chromatin remodeling without altering the DNA sequence. In recent years the role of epigenetics in homocysteine-associated diseases has been gradually discovered. This article summarizes the latest evidence on the role of epigenetics in HHcy, providing new directions for its prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyan Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Xulei Duan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Xuehui Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Libo Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
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12
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van Hummel A, Taleski G, Sontag J, Feiten AF, Ke YD, Ittner LM, Sontag E. Methyl donor supplementation reduces phospho-Tau, Fyn and demethylated protein phosphatase 2A levels and mitigates learning and motor deficits in a mouse model of tauopathy. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2023; 49:e12931. [PMID: 37565253 PMCID: PMC10947299 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12931] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reduced folate status and elevated levels of circulating homocysteine are modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia. Disturbances in one-carbon metabolism are associated with the pathological accumulation of phosphorylated tau, a hallmark feature of prevalent dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and subgroups of frontotemporal dementia. METHODS Here, using transgenic TAU58/2 mouse models of human tauopathy, we tested whether dietary supplementation with L-methylfolate (the active folate form), choline and betaine can reduce tau phosphorylation and associated behavioural phenotypes. RESULTS TAU58/2 mice fed with the methyl donor-enriched diet showed reduced phosphorylation of tau at the pathological S202 (CP13) and S396/S404 (PHF-1) epitopes and alleviation of associated motor and learning deficits. Compared with mice on the control diet, the decrease in cortical phosphorylated tau levels in mice fed with the methyl donor-enriched diet was associated with enhanced methylation of protein phosphatase 2A, the major brain tau Ser/Thr phosphatase. It also correlated with a reduction in protein levels of Fyn, a tau tyrosine kinase that plays a central role in mediating pathological tau-induced neurodegeneration. Conversely, Fyn expression levels were increased in mice with deficiencies in folate metabolism. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide the first experimental evidence that boosting one-carbon metabolism with L-methylfolate, choline and betaine can mitigate key pathological, learning and motor deficits in a tauopathy mouse model. They give support to using a combination of methyl donors as a preventive or disease-modifying strategy for tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika van Hummel
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Goce Taleski
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteNew Lambton HeightsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jean‐Marie Sontag
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteNew Lambton HeightsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Astrid Feentje Feiten
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Yazi D. Ke
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Lars M. Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Estelle Sontag
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNew South WalesAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteNew Lambton HeightsNew South WalesAustralia
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13
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Zhou L, Guo T, Meng L, Zhang X, Tian Y, Dai L, Niu X, Li Y, Liu C, Chen G, Liu C, Ke W, Zhang Z, Bao A, Zhang Z. N-homocysteinylation of α-synuclein promotes its aggregation and neurotoxicity. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13745. [PMID: 36437524 PMCID: PMC10014048 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aggregation of α-synuclein plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Epidemiological evidence indicates that high level of homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with an increased risk of PD. However, the molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we report that homocysteine thiolactone (HTL), a reactive thioester of Hcy, covalently modifies α-synuclein on the K80 residue. The levels of α-synuclein K80Hcy in the brain are increased in an age-dependent manner in the TgA53T mice, correlating with elevated levels of Hcy and HTL in the brain during aging. The N-homocysteinylation of α-synuclein stimulates its aggregation and forms fibrils with enhanced seeding activity and neurotoxicity. Intrastriatal injection of homocysteinylated α-synuclein fibrils induces more severe α-synuclein pathology and motor deficits when compared with unmodified α-synuclein fibrils. Increasing the levels of Hcy aggravates α-synuclein neuropathology in a mouse model of PD. In contrast, blocking the N-homocysteinylation of α-synuclein ameliorates α-synuclein pathology and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. These findings suggest that the covalent modification of α-synuclein by HTL promotes its aggregation. Targeting the N-homocysteinylation of α-synuclein could be a novel therapeutic strategy against PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lanxia Meng
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingyu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lijun Dai
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuan Niu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiming Li
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Congcong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guiqin Chen
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Chaoyang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Ke
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Anyu Bao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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14
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Witucki Ł, Borowczyk K, Suszyńska-Zajczyk J, Warzych E, Pawlak P, Jakubowski H. Deletion of the Homocysteine Thiolactone Detoxifying Enzyme Bleomycin Hydrolase, in Mice, Causes Memory and Neurological Deficits and Worsens Alzheimer's Disease-Related Behavioral and Biochemical Traits in the 5xFAD Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:1735-1755. [PMID: 37718819 PMCID: PMC10578231 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bleomycin hydrolase (BLMH), a homocysteine (Hcy)-thiolactone detoxifying enzyme, is attenuated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. Blmh loss causes astrogliosis in mice while the loss of histone demethylase Phf8, which controls mTOR signaling, causes neuropathy in mice and humans. OBJECTIVE To examine how Blmh gene deletion affects the Phf8/H4K20me1/mTOR/autophagy pathway, amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation, and cognitive/neuromotor performance in mice. METHODS We generated a new mouse model of AD, the Blmh-/-5xFAD mouse. Behavioral assessments were conducted by cognitive/neuromotor testing. Blmh and Phf8 genes were silenced in mouse neuroblastoma N2a-APPswe cells by RNA interference. mTOR- and autophagy-related proteins, and AβPP were quantified by western blotting and the corresponding mRNAs by RT-qPCR. Aβ was quantified by western blotting (brains) and by confocal microscopy (cells). RESULTS Behavioral testing showed cognitive/neuromotor deficits in Blmh-/- and Blmh-/-5xFAD mice. Phf8 was transcriptionally downregulated in Blmh-/- and Blmh-/-5xFAD brains. H4K20me1, mTOR, phospho-mTOR, and AβPP were upregulated while autophagy markers Becn1, Atg5, and Atg7 were downregulated in Blmh-/- and Blmh-/-5xFAD brains. Aβ was elevated in Blmh-/-5xFAD brains. These biochemical changes were recapitulated in Blmh-silenced N2a-APPswe cells, which also showed increased H4K20me1-mTOR promoter binding and impaired autophagy flux (Lc3-I, Lc3-II, p62). Phf8-silencing or treatments with Hcy-thiolactone or N-Hcy-protein, metabolites elevated in Blmh-/- mice, induced biochemical changes in N2a-APPswe cells like those induced by the Blmh-silencing. However, Phf8-silencing elevated Aβ without affecting AβPP. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that Blmh interacts with AβPP and the Phf8/H4K20me1/mTOR/autophagy pathway, and that disruption of those interactions causes Aβ accumulation and cognitive/neuromotor deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Witucki
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, International Center for Public Health, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Kamila Borowczyk
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, International Center for Public Health, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Joanna Suszyńska-Zajczyk
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Ewelina Warzych
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Piotr Pawlak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Hieronim Jakubowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, International Center for Public Health, Newark, NJ, USA
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15
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Bretes E, Wróblewski J, Wyszczelska-Rokiel M, Jakubowski H. Cystathionine β-synthase gene inactivation dysregulates major urinary protein biogenesis and impairs sexual signaling in mice. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22547. [PMID: 36098436 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200969r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive success in mice depends on sexually dimorphic major urinary proteins (Mup) that facilitate interactions between females and males. Deletion of cystathionine β-synthase (Cbs) gene, a metabolic gene important for homeostasis of one-carbon metabolism, impairs reproduction by causing female infertility in mice. Here, we examined Mup biogenesis and sexual signaling in Cbs-/- versus Cbs+/- mice. We found significantly reduced levels of total urinary Mup protein in male and female Cbs-/- versus Cbs+/- mice. SDS-PAGE/Western blot, ESI-MS, and RT-qPCR analyses of the liver, plasma, and urinary proteins identified a male-specific Mup20 in Cbs-/- , but not in Cbs+/- females. The 18 893 Da Mup20 became the most abundant in urine of Cbs-/- females and males. Effects of Cbs genotype on 18 645 Da, 18 693 Da, and 18 709 Da Mup species abundance were Mup- and sex-specific. Cbs genotype-dependent changes in hepatic Mups and Mup20 expression were similar at the protein and mRNA level. Changes in Mups, but not in Mup20, can be explained by downregulation of hepatic Zhx2 and Ghr receptors in Cbs-/- mice. Behavioral testing showed that Cbs+/- females ignored Cbs-/- male urine but were attracted to Cbs+/- male urine. Cbs+/- males ignored urine of Cbs-/- males but countermarked urine of other Cbs+/- males and were attracted to urines of Cbs-/- as well as Cbs+/- females. Cbs-/- males did not countermark urine of Cbs+/- males but were attracted to urines of Cbs+/- females. Taken together, these findings show that Cbs, a metabolic gene, interacts with the processes involved in Mup biogenesis that are essential for the maintenance of sexual dimorphism and signaling and suggest that dysregulation of these interactions impairs reproductive fitness in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Bretes
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jacek Wróblewski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland.,Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Poznań, Poland
| | - Monika Wyszczelska-Rokiel
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, International Center for Public Health, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Hieronim Jakubowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland.,Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, International Center for Public Health, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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16
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Chen SM, Tang XQ. Homocysteinylation and Sulfhydration in Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1726-1735. [PMID: 34951391 PMCID: PMC9881069 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666211223125448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Homocysteine (Hcy) is an important intermediate in methionine metabolism and generation of one-carbon units, and its dysfunction is associated with many pathological states. Although Hcy is a non-protein amino acid, many studies have demonstrated protein-related homocysteine metabolism and possible mechanisms underlying homocysteinylation. Homocysteinylated proteins lose their original biological function and have a negative effect on the various disease phenotypes. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been recognized as an important gaseous signaling molecule with mounting physiological properties. H2S modifies small molecules and proteins via sulfhydration, which is supposed to be essential in the regulation of biological functions and signal transduction in human health and disorders. This review briefly introduces Hcy and H2S, further discusses pathophysiological consequences of homocysteine modification and sulfhydryl modification, and ultimately makes a prediction that H2S might exert a protective effect on the toxicity of homocysteinylation of target protein via sulfhydration. The highlighted information here yields new insights into the role of protein modification by Hcy and H2S in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Min Chen
- Emergency Intensive Care Unit, Department of Emergency, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, 411100, Hunan, P.R. China; ,The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neurology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, P.R. China; ,Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Qing Tang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neurology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, P.R. China; ,Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, P.R. China,Address correspondence to this author at the The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Neurology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China 69 Chuanshan Road, Hengyang 421001, Hunan Province, P.R. China; E-mails: ;
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17
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Karayel-Basar M, Uras I, Kiris I, Sahin B, Akgun E, Baykal AT. Spatial proteomic alterations detected via MALDI-MS imaging implicate neuronal loss in a Huntington's disease mouse (YAC128) brain. Mol Omics 2022; 18:336-347. [PMID: 35129568 DOI: 10.1039/d1mo00440a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that occurs with the increase of CAG trinucleotide repeats in the huntingtin gene. To understand the mechanisms of HD, powerful proteomics techniques, such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were employed. However, one major drawback of these methods is loss of the region-specific quantitative information of the proteins due to analysis of total tissue lysates. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) is a MS-based label-free technique that works directly on tissue sections and gathers m/z values with their respective regional information. In this study, we established a data processing protocol that includes several software programs and methods to determine spatial protein alterations between the brain samples of a 12 month-old YAC128 HD mouse model and their non-transgenic littermates. 22 differentially expressed proteins were revealed with their respective regional information, and possible relationships of several proteins were discussed. As a validation of the MALDI-MSI analysis, a differentially expressed protein (GFAP) was verified using immunohistochemical staining. Furthermore, since several proteins detected in this study have previously been associated with neuronal loss, neuronal loss in the cortical region was demonstrated using an anti-NeuN immunohistochemical staining method. In conclusion, the findings of this research have provided insights into the spatial proteomic changes between HD transgenic and non-transgenic littermates and therefore, we suggest that MALDI-MSI is a powerful technique to determine spatial proteomic alterations between biological samples, and the data processing that we present here can be employed as a complementary tool for the data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Karayel-Basar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Irep Uras
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Irem Kiris
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Betul Sahin
- Acibadem Labmed Clinical Laboratories, R&D Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emel Akgun
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Tarik Baykal
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
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18
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Smith AD, Refsum H. Homocysteine - from disease biomarker to disease prevention. J Intern Med 2021; 290:826-854. [PMID: 33660358 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We have reviewed the literature and have identified more than 100 diseases or conditions that are associated with raised concentrations of plasma total homocysteine. The commonest associations are with cardiovascular diseases and diseases of the central nervous system, but a large number of developmental and age-related conditions are also associated. Few other disease biomarkers have so many associations. The clinical importance of these associations becomes especially relevant if lowering plasma total homocysteine by B vitamin treatment can prevent disease and so improve health. Five diseases can at least in part be prevented by lowering total homocysteine: neural tube defects, impaired childhood cognition, macular degeneration, primary stroke, and cognitive impairment in the elderly. We conclude from our review that total homocysteine values in adults of 10 μmol/L or below are probably safe, but that values of 11 μmol/L or above may justify intervention. Homocysteine is more than a disease biomarker: it is a guide for the prevention of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Smith
- From the, University Department of Pharmacology, Oxford, UK
| | - H Refsum
- From the, University Department of Pharmacology, Oxford, UK.,Department Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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19
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Kiris I, Basar MK, Sahin B, Gurel B, Coskun J, Mroczek T, Baykal AT. Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Lycoramine on Alzheimer's Disease in Mouse Model. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:3449-3473. [PMID: 33200692 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327999201116193126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is one of the leading health problems characterized by the accumulation of Aβ and hyperphosphorylated tau that account for the senile plaque formations causing extensive cognitive decline. Many of the clinical diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease are made in the late stages, when the pathological changes have already progressed. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to evaluate the promising therapeutic effects of a natural compound, lycoramine, which has been shown to have therapeutic potential in several studies and to understand its mechanism of action on the molecular level via differential protein expression analyses. METHODS Lycoramine and galantamine, an FDA approved drug used in the treatment of mild to moderate AD, were administered to 12 month-old 5xFAD mice. Effects of the compounds were investigated by Morris water maze, immunohistochemistry and label- free differential protein expression analyses. RESULTS Here we demonstrated the reversal of cognitive decline via behavioral testing and the clearance of Aβ plaques. Proteomics analysis provided in-depth information on the statistically significant protein perturbations in the cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum sections to hypothesize the possible clearance mechanisms of the plaque formation and the molecular mechanism of the reversal of cognitive decline in a transgenic mouse model. Bioinformatics analyses showed altered molecular pathways that can be linked with the reversal of cognitive decline observed after lycoramine administration but not with galantamine. CONCLUSION Lycoramine shows therapeutic potential to halt and reverse cognitive decline at the late stages of disease progression, and holds great promise for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irem Kiris
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Karayel Basar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Betul Sahin
- Acibadem Labmed Clinical Laboratories, R&D Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Busra Gurel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Julide Coskun
- Acibadem Labmed Clinical Laboratories, R&D Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tomasz Mroczek
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ahmet Tarik Baykal
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
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20
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Jakubowski H. Proteomic exploration of cystathionine β-synthase deficiency: implications for the clinic. Expert Rev Proteomics 2021; 17:751-765. [PMID: 33320032 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2020.1865160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Homocystinuria due to cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) deficiency, the most frequent inborn error of sulfur amino acid metabolism, is characterized biochemically by severely elevated homocysteine (Hcy) and related metabolites, such as Hcy-thiolactone and N-Hcy-protein. CBS deficiency reduces life span and causes pathological abnormalities affecting most organ systems in the human body, including the cardiovascular (thrombosis, stroke), skeletal/connective tissue (osteoporosis, thin/non-elastic skin, thin hair), and central nervous systems (mental retardation, seizures), as well as the liver (fatty changes), and the eye (ectopia lentis, myopia). Molecular basis of these abnormalities were largely unknown and available treatments remain ineffective. Areas covered: Proteomic and transcriptomic studies over the past decade or so, have significantly contributed to our understanding of mechanisms by which the CBS enzyme deficiency leads to clinical manifestations associated with it. Expert opinion: Recent findings, discussed in this review, highlight the involvement of dysregulated proteostasis in pathologies associated with CBS deficiency, including thromboembolism, stroke, neurologic impairment, connective tissue/collagen abnormalities, hair defects, and hepatic toxicity. To ameliorate these pathologies, pharmacological, enzyme replacement, and gene transfer therapies are being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hieronim Jakubowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Poznań University of Life Sciences , Poznań, Poland.,Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School, International Center for Public Health , Newark, NJ USA
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21
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Li C, Wang Y, Yan XL, Guo ZN, Yang Y. Pathological changes in neurovascular units: Lessons from cases of vascular dementia. CNS Neurosci Ther 2021; 27:17-25. [PMID: 33423390 PMCID: PMC7804924 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VD) is the second leading cause of dementia after Alzheimer's disease (AD). The decrease of cerebral blood flow (CBF) to different degrees is one of the main causes of VD. Neurovascular unit (NVU) is a vessel‐centered concept, emphasizing all the cellular components play an integrated role in maintaining the normal physiological functions of the brain. More and more evidence shows that reduced CBF causes a series of changes in NVU, such as impaired neuronal function, abnormal activation of glial cells, and changes in vascular permeability, all of which collectively play a role in the pathogenesis of VD. In this paper, we review NVU changes as CBF decreases, focusing on each cellular component of NVU. We also highlight remote ischemic preconditioning as a promising approach for VD prevention and treatment from the NVU perspective of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Xiu-Li Yan
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Zhen-Ni Guo
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Center & Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,China National Comprehensive Stroke Center, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Changchun, China
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22
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Tawfik A, Mohamed R, Kira D, Alhusban S, Al-Shabrawey M. N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation, novel mechanism of homocysteine-induced blood-retinal barrier dysfunction. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:119-130. [PMID: 33159240 PMCID: PMC7785674 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-02000-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Elevated levels of amino acid homocysteine (Hcy) recognized as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) was reported in several human visual disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Breakdown of blood-retinal barrier (BRB) is concomitant with vision loss in DR and AMD. We previously reported that HHcy alters BRB. Here, we tested the hypothesis that HHcy alters BRB via activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Human retinal endothelial cells subjected to high level of Hcy and mouse model of HHcy were used. We injected Hcy intravitreal and used a mouse model of HHcy that lacks cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS). RT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence showed that retinal endothelial cells (RECs) express NMDAR at the gene and protein levels both in vitro and in vivo and this was increased by HHcy. We assessed BRB function and retinal morphology using fluorescein angiogram and optical coherence tomography (OCT) under HHcy with and without pharmacological inhibition of NMDAR by (MK801) or in mice lacking endothelial NMDAR (NMDARE-/- mouse). Additionally, retinal albumin leakage and tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin were assessed by western blotting analysis. Inhibition or elimination of NMDAR was able to improve the altered retinal hyperpermeability and morphology under HHcy as indicated by significant decrease in retinal albumin leakage and restoration of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin. Our findings underscore a potential role for endothelial NMDAR in mediating Hcy-induced breakdown of BRB and subsequently as a potential therapeutic target in retinal diseases associated with HHcy such as DR and AMD. KEY MESSAGES: • Elevated levels of homocysteine (Hcy) are defined as hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). • HHcy is implicated in diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. • HHcy alters BRB via activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany Tawfik
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, CB 1114, Augusta, GA, 30912-2000, USA.
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia (MCG), Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia (MCG), Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia (MCG), Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Riyaz Mohamed
- Department of Physiology Medical College of Georgia (MCG), Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Dina Kira
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, CB 1114, Augusta, GA, 30912-2000, USA
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia (MCG), Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Suhib Alhusban
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, CB 1114, Augusta, GA, 30912-2000, USA
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia (MCG), Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Mohamed Al-Shabrawey
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, CB 1114, Augusta, GA, 30912-2000, USA
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia (MCG), Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia (MCG), Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia (MCG), Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
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23
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Yan Y, Yin Y, Feng X, Chen Y, Shi J, Weng H, Wang D. Homocysteine aggravates DNA damage by impairing the FA/Brca1 Pathway in NE4C murine neural stem cells. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:2477-2486. [PMID: 33029090 PMCID: PMC7532487 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.49246] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
There is existing evidence that elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels are risk factors for some neurodegenerative disorders. The pathogenesis of neurological diseases could be contributed to excessive cell dysfunction and death caused by defective DNA damage response (DDR) and accumulated DNA damage. Hcy is a neurotoxic amino acid and acts as a DNA damage inducer. However, it is not clear whether Hcy participates in the DDR. To investigate the effects of Hcy on DNA damage and the DDR, we employed mitomycin C (MMC) to cause DNA damage in NE4C murine neural stem cells (NSCs). Compared to treatment with MMC alone, we found that co-treatment with MMC and Hcy worsened DNA damage and increased death in NE4C cells. Intriguingly, in this DNA damage model mimicked by MMC, immunoblotting results showed that the monoubiquitination levels of Fanconi anemia complementation group I (Fanci) and Fanconi anemia complementation group D2 (Fancd2) were decreased to about 60.3% and 55.7% by supplementing cell culture medium with Hcy, indicating Hcy inactivates the function of Fanci and Fancd2 in DNA damage conditions. Given Breast Cancer 1 (BRCA1) is an important downstream of FANCD2, we next detected the interaction between Fancd2 and Brca1 in NE4C cells. Compared to treatment with MMC alone, the Fancd2-Brca1 interaction and the amount of Brca1 on chromatin were decreased when cells were co-exposed to MMC and Hcy, suggesting Hcy could impair the Fanconi anemia (FA)/Brca1 pathway. Taken together, our study demonstrates that Hcy may enhance cell death, which contributes to the accumulation of DNA damage and promotion of hypersensitivity to cytotoxicity by impairing the FA/Brca1 pathway in murine NSCs in the presence of DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Yandan Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Taizhou Women and Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou 318000, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofang Feng
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Jiamin Shi
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Huachun Weng
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, P. R. China
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24
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Kang X, Li C, Xie X, Zhan KB, Yang SQ, Tang YY, Zou W, Zhang P, Tang XQ. Hydrogen Sulfide Inhibits Homocysteine-Induced Neuronal Senescence by Up-Regulation of SIRT1. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:310-319. [PMID: 32132865 PMCID: PMC7053352 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.38602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Homocysteine (Hcy) accelerates neuronal senescence and induces age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Silence signal regulating factor 1 (SIRT1) prolongs lifespan and takes neuroprotective effects. We have previously demonstrated that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) prevents Hcy-induced apoptosis of neuronal cells and has neuroprotective effect. In the present work, we aimed to investigate whether H2S protects HT22 cells against Hcy-induced neuronal senescence and whether SIRT1 mediates this role of H2S. We found that Hcy induced cellular senescence in HT22 cells, as determined by β-galactosidase staining, expressions of P16INK4a, P21CIPL, and trypan blue Staining, which are the markers of cellular senescence. However, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, the donor of H2S) significantly reversed Hcy-induced cellular senescence. Interestingly, NaHS not only up-regulated the expression of SIRT1 in HT22 cells but also reversed Hcy-downregulated the expression of SIRT1 in HT22 cells. Furthermore, we found that pretreatment with Sirtinol (an inhibitor of SIRT1) markedly reversed the protection of NaHS against Hcy-induced HT22 cells senescence and apoptosis. Our findings illustrated that H2S protects HT22 cells against Hcy-induced senescence by up-regulating SIRT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Kang
- Institute of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, 42100, Hunan, P.R. China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 42100, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Cheng Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 42100, Hunan, P.R. China.,Department of Emergency, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Xi Xie
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 42100, Hunan, P.R. China.,Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Ke-Bin Zhan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 42100, Hunan, P.R. China.,Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - San-Qiao Yang
- Institute of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, 42100, Hunan, P.R. China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 42100, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Yun Tang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 42100, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zou
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 42100, Hunan, P.R. China.,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 42100, Hunan, P.R. China.,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Qing Tang
- Institute of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, 42100, Hunan, P.R. China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 42100, Hunan, P.R. China
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25
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Dysregulation of Epigenetic Mechanisms of Gene Expression in the Pathologies of Hyperhomocysteinemia. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133140. [PMID: 31252610 PMCID: PMC6651274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) exerts a wide range of biological effects and is associated with a number of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, dementia, neural tube defects, and cancer. Although mechanisms of HHcy toxicity are not fully uncovered, there has been a significant progress in their understanding. The picture emerging from the studies of homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism and pathophysiology is a complex one, as Hcy and its metabolites affect biomolecules and processes in a tissue- and sex-specific manner. Because of their connection to one carbon metabolism and editing mechanisms in protein biosynthesis, Hcy and its metabolites impair epigenetic control of gene expression mediated by DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA, which underlies the pathology of human disease. In this review we summarize the recent evidence showing that epigenetic dysregulation of gene expression, mediated by changes in DNA methylation and histone N-homocysteinylation, is a pathogenic consequence of HHcy in many human diseases. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of human disease induced by Hcy and its metabolites, and suggest therapeutic targets for the prevention and/or treatment.
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