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Linsley JW, Reisine T, Finkbeiner S. Three dimensional and four dimensional live imaging to study mechanisms of progressive neurodegeneration. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107433. [PMID: 38825007 PMCID: PMC11261153 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107433] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are complex and progressive, posing challenges to their study and understanding. Recent advances in microscopy imaging technologies have enabled the exploration of neurons in three spatial dimensions (3D) over time (4D). When applied to 3D cultures, tissues, or animals, these technologies can provide valuable insights into the dynamic and spatial nature of neurodegenerative diseases. This review focuses on the use of imaging techniques and neurodegenerative disease models to study neurodegeneration in 4D. Imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy, two-photon microscopy, miniscope imaging, light sheet microscopy, and robotic microscopy offer powerful tools to visualize and analyze neuronal changes over time in 3D tissue. Application of these technologies to in vitro models of neurodegeneration such as mouse organotypic culture systems and human organoid models provide versatile platforms to study neurodegeneration in a physiologically relevant context. Additionally, use of 4D imaging in vivo, including in mouse and zebrafish models of neurodegenerative diseases, allows for the investigation of early dysfunction and behavioral changes associated with neurodegeneration. We propose that these studies have the power to overcome the limitations of two-dimensional monolayer neuronal cultures and pave the way for improved understanding of the dynamics of neurodegenerative diseases and the development of effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy W Linsley
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA; Operant Biopharma, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Terry Reisine
- Independent Scientific Consultant, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Steven Finkbeiner
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA; Operant Biopharma, San Francisco, California, USA; Taube/Koret Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA; Departments of Neurology and Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
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Rombaut B, Schepers M, Tiane A, Mussen F, Koole L, Kessels S, Trippaers C, Jacobs R, Wouters K, Willems E, van Veggel L, Koulousakis P, Deluyker D, Bito V, Prickaerts J, Wens I, Brône B, van den Hove DLA, Vanmierlo T. Early Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) Instills Cognitive Resilience in APPswe/PS1dE9 Mice. Cells 2024; 13:1000. [PMID: 38920631 PMCID: PMC11201979 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121000] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia activity can drive excessive synaptic loss during the prodromal phase of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is associated with lowered cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) due to cAMP phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B). This study aimed to investigate whether long-term inhibition of PDE4B by A33 (3 mg/kg/day) can prevent synapse loss and its associated cognitive decline in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. This model is characterized by a chimeric mouse/human APP with the Swedish mutation and human PSEN1 lacking exon 9 (dE9), both under the control of the mouse prion protein promoter. The effects on cognitive function of prolonged A33 treatment from 20 days to 4 months of age, was assessed at 7-8 months. PDE4B inhibition significantly improved both the working and spatial memory of APPswe/PSdE9 mice after treatment ended. At the cellular level, in vitro inhibition of PDE4B induced microglial filopodia formation, suggesting that regulation of PDE4B activity can counteract microglia activation. Further research is needed to investigate if this could prevent microglia from adopting their 'disease-associated microglia (DAM)' phenotype in vivo. These findings support the possibility that PDE4B is a potential target in combating AD pathology and that early intervention using A33 may be a promising treatment strategy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Rombaut
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, 3900 Pelt, Belgium
| | - Assia Tiane
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, 3900 Pelt, Belgium
| | - Femke Mussen
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Lisa Koole
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
| | - Sofie Kessels
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
| | - Chloë Trippaers
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Ruben Jacobs
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
| | - Kristiaan Wouters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+), 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Emily Willems
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
| | - Lieve van Veggel
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, 3900 Pelt, Belgium
| | - Philippos Koulousakis
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
| | - Dorien Deluyker
- UHasselt, Cardio & Organ Systems (COST), BIOMED, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (D.D.); (V.B.)
| | - Virginie Bito
- UHasselt, Cardio & Organ Systems (COST), BIOMED, Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (D.D.); (V.B.)
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
| | - Inez Wens
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, 3900 Pelt, Belgium
| | - Bert Brône
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
| | - Daniel L. A. van den Hove
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, 97070 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium; (B.R.); (M.S.); (A.T.); (F.M.); (L.K.); (S.K.); (C.T.); (R.J.); (E.W.); (L.v.V.); (P.K.); (I.W.); (B.B.)
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute (MHeNs), Division Translational Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (J.P.); (D.L.A.v.d.H.)
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, 3900 Pelt, Belgium
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Almeida VN. Somatostatin and the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 96:102270. [PMID: 38484981 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102270] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Among the central features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression are altered levels of the neuropeptide somatostatin (SST), and the colocalisation of SST-positive interneurons (SST-INs) with amyloid-β plaques, leading to cell death. In this theoretical review, I propose a molecular model for the pathogenesis of AD based on SST-IN hypofunction and hyperactivity. Namely, hypofunctional and hyperactive SST-INs struggle to control hyperactivity in medial regions in early stages, leading to axonal Aβ production through excessive presynaptic GABAB inhibition, GABAB1a/APP complex downregulation and internalisation. Concomitantly, excessive SST-14 release accumulates near SST-INs in the form of amyloids, which bind to Aβ to form toxic mixed oligomers. This leads to differential SST-IN death through excitotoxicity, further disinhibition, SST deficits, and increased Aβ release, fibrillation and plaque formation. Aβ plaques, hyperactive networks and SST-IN distributions thereby tightly overlap in the brain. Conversely, chronic stimulation of postsynaptic SST2/4 on gulutamatergic neurons by hyperactive SST-INs promotes intense Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) p38 activity, leading to somatodendritic p-tau staining and apoptosis/neurodegeneration - in agreement with a near complete overlap between p38 and neurofibrillary tangles. This model is suitable to explain some of the principal risk factors and markers of AD progression, including mitochondrial dysfunction, APOE4 genotype, sex-dependent vulnerability, overactive glial cells, dystrophic neurites, synaptic/spine losses, inter alia. Finally, the model can also shed light on qualitative aspects of AD neuropsychology, especially within the domains of spatial and declarative (episodic, semantic) memory, under an overlying pattern of contextual indiscrimination, ensemble instability, interference and generalisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor N Almeida
- Institute of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil; Faculty of Languages, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil.
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Dorado-Martínez C, Montiel-Flores E, Ordoñez-Librado JL, Gutierrez-Valdez AL, Garcia-Caballero CA, Sanchez-Betancourt J, Reynoso-Erazo L, Tron-Alvarez R, Rodríguez-Lara V, Avila-Costa MR. Histological and Memory Alterations in an Innovative Alzheimer's Disease Animal Model by Vanadium Pentoxide Inhalation. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:121-143. [PMID: 38640149 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230818] [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: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Background Previous work from our group has shown that chronic exposure to Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) causes cytoskeletal alterations suggesting that V2O5 can interact with cytoskeletal proteins through polymerization and tyrosine phosphatases inhibition, causing Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like hippocampal cell death. Objective This work aims to characterize an innovative AD experimental model through chronic V2O5 inhalation, analyzing the spatial memory alterations and the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), amyloid-β (Aβ) senile plaques, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and dendritic spine loss in AD-related brain structures. Methods 20 male Wistar rats were divided into control (deionized water) and experimental (0.02 M V2O5 1 h, 3/week for 6 months) groups (n = 10). The T-maze test was used to assess spatial memory once a month. After 6 months, histological alterations of the frontal and entorhinal cortices, CA1, subiculum, and amygdala were analyzed by performing Congo red, Bielschowsky, and Golgi impregnation. Results Cognitive results in the T-maze showed memory impairment from the third month of V2O5 inhalation. We also noted NFTs, Aβ plaque accumulation in the vascular endothelium and pyramidal neurons, dendritic spine, and neuronal loss in all the analyzed structures, CA1 being the most affected. Conclusions This model characterizes neurodegenerative changes specific to AD. Our model is compatible with Braak AD stage IV, which represents a moment where it is feasible to propose therapies that have a positive impact on stopping neuronal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Dorado-Martínez
- Neuromorphology Lab, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. Mex., Mexico
| | - Enrique Montiel-Flores
- Neuromorphology Lab, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. Mex., Mexico
| | - Jose Luis Ordoñez-Librado
- Neuromorphology Lab, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. Mex., Mexico
| | - Ana Luisa Gutierrez-Valdez
- Neuromorphology Lab, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. Mex., Mexico
| | - Cesar Alfonso Garcia-Caballero
- Neuromorphology Lab, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. Mex., Mexico
| | | | - Leonardo Reynoso-Erazo
- Health Education Project, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rocio Tron-Alvarez
- Health Education Project, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Vianey Rodríguez-Lara
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, Faculty of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maria Rosa Avila-Costa
- Neuromorphology Lab, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. Mex., Mexico
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Li X, Quan M, Wei Y, Wang W, Xu L, Wang Q, Jia J. Critical thinking of Alzheimer's transgenic mouse model: current research and future perspective. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:2711-2754. [PMID: 37480469 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2357-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic models are useful tools for studying the pathogenesis of and drug development for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). AD models are constructed usually using overexpression or knock-in of multiple pathogenic gene mutations from familial AD. Each transgenic model has its unique behavioral and pathological features. This review summarizes the research progress of transgenic mouse models, and their progress in the unique mechanism of amyloid-β oligomers, including the first transgenic mouse model built in China based on a single gene mutation (PSEN1 V97L) found in Chinese familial AD. We further summarized the preclinical findings of drugs using the models, and their future application in exploring the upstream mechanisms and multitarget drug development in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Li
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Meina Quan
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- National Medical Center for Neurological Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Yiping Wei
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- National Medical Center for Neurological Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Lingzhi Xu
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- National Medical Center for Neurological Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Jianping Jia
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
- National Medical Center for Neurological Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Clinical Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Memory Impairment, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Center of Alzheimer's Disease, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100053, China.
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Sharma H, Chang KA, Hulme J, An SSA. Mammalian Models in Alzheimer's Research: An Update. Cells 2023; 12:2459. [PMID: 37887303 PMCID: PMC10605533 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A form of dementia distinct from healthy cognitive aging, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex multi-stage disease that currently afflicts over 50 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, previous therapeutic strategies developed from murine models emulating different aspects of AD pathogenesis were limited. Consequently, researchers are now developing models that express several aspects of pathogenesis that better reflect the clinical situation in humans. As such, this review seeks to provide insight regarding current applications of mammalian models in AD research by addressing recent developments and characterizations of prominent transgenic models and their contributions to pathogenesis as well as discuss the advantages, limitations, and application of emerging models that better capture genetic heterogeneity and mixed pathologies observed in the clinical situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himadri Sharma
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun-A Chang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
| | - John Hulme
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Soo A. An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Bionano Research Institute, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si 461-701, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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Bhembre N, Bonthron C, Opazo P. Synaptic Compensatory Plasticity in Alzheimer's Disease. J Neurosci 2023; 43:6833-6840. [PMID: 37821232 PMCID: PMC10573755 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0379-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The loss of excitatory synapses is known to underlie the cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although much is known about the mechanisms underlying synaptic loss in AD, how neurons compensate for this loss and whether this provides cognitive benefits remain almost completely unexplored. In this review, we describe two potential compensatory mechanisms implemented following synaptic loss: the enlargement of the surviving neighboring synapses and the regeneration of synapses. Because dendritic spines, the postsynaptic site of excitatory synapses, are easily visualized using light microscopy, we focus on a range of microscopy approaches to monitor synaptic loss and compensation. Here, we stress the importance of longitudinal dendritic spine imaging, as opposed to fixed-tissue imaging, to gain insights into the temporal dynamics of dendritic spine compensation. We believe that understanding the molecular mechanisms behind these and other forms of synaptic compensation and regeneration will be critical for the development of therapeutics aiming at delaying the onset of cognitive deficits in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishita Bhembre
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Calum Bonthron
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Patricio Opazo
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
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8
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Lu K, Li C, Liu J, Wang J, Li Y, He B, Li J, Zhang X, Wei M, Tian Y, Zhang R, Zhang C, Zhang Y. Impairments in endogenous AMPA receptor dynamics correlates with learning deficits in Alzheimer's disease model mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2303878120. [PMID: 37748061 PMCID: PMC10556575 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2303878120] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
AMPA receptors (AMPARs) play a critical role in synaptic plasticity and learning and memory, and dysfunction or dysregulation of AMPARs could lead to various neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the dynamics and/or longitudinal changes of AMPARs in vivo during AD pathogenesis remain elusive. Here, employing 5xFAD SEP-GluA1 KI mice, we investigated endogenous AMPA receptor dynamics in a whisker deflection-associated Go/No-go learning paradigm. We found a significant increase in synaptosomal AMPA receptor subunits GluA1 in WT mice after learning, while no such changes were detected in 7-mo-old 5xFAD mice. Daily training led to an increase in endogenous spine surface GluA1 in Control mice, while this increase was absent in 5xFAD-KI mice which correlates with its learning defects in Go/No-go paradigm. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the onset of abnormal AMPAR dynamics corresponds temporally with microglia and astrocyte overactivation. Our results have shown that impairments in endogenous AMPA receptor dynamics play an important role in learning deficits in 5xFAD mice and AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kongjie Lu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing100083, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing100871, China
| | - Chenyang Li
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing100083, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing100871, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Center of Medical and Health Analysis, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing100083, China
| | - Jinpeng Wang
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing100083, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing100871, China
| | - Yongfeng Li
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing100083, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing100871, China
| | - Bin He
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing100083, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing100871, China
| | - Junzhao Li
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing100083, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing100871, China
| | - Xiaochen Zhang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
| | - Mengping Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing100069, China
| | - Yonglu Tian
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing100871, China
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing100871, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing100083, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing100871, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing100069, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China and National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing100083, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing100871, China
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9
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Mishra P, Silva A, Sharma J, Nguyen J, Pizzo DP, Hinz D, Sahoo D, Cherqui S. Rescue of Alzheimer's disease phenotype in a mouse model by transplantation of wild-type hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112956. [PMID: 37561625 PMCID: PMC10617121 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112956] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent cause of dementia; microglia have been implicated in AD pathogenesis, but their role is still matter of debate. Our study showed that single systemic wild-type (WT) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) transplantation rescued the AD phenotype in 5xFAD mice and that transplantation may prevent microglia activation. Indeed, complete prevention of memory loss and neurocognitive impairment and decrease of β-amyloid plaques in the hippocampus and cortex were observed in the WT HSPC-transplanted 5xFAD mice compared with untreated 5xFAD mice and with mice transplanted with 5xFAD HSPCs. Neuroinflammation was also significantly reduced. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant decrease in gene expression related to "disease-associated microglia" in the cortex and "neurodegeneration-associated endothelial cells" in the hippocampus of the WT HSPC-transplanted 5xFAD mice compared with diseased controls. This work shows that HSPC transplant has the potential to prevent AD-associated complications and represents a promising therapeutic avenue for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Mishra
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Silva
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jay Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Nguyen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Donald P Pizzo
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Denise Hinz
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Debashis Sahoo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, La Jolla, La Jolla, CA, USA; Moores Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, La Jolla, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie Cherqui
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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10
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Xiong H, Tang F, Guo Y, Xu R, Lei P. Neural Circuit Changes in Neurological Disorders: Evidence from in vivo Two-photon Imaging. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 87:101933. [PMID: 37061201 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101933] [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: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Neural circuits, such as synaptic plasticity and neural activity, are critical components of healthy brain function. The consequent dynamic remodeling of neural circuits is an ongoing procedure affecting neuronal activities. Disruption of this essential process results in diseases. Advanced microscopic applications such as two-photon laser scanning microscopy have recently been applied to understand neural circuit changes during disease since it can visualize fine structural and functional cellular activation in living animals. In this review, we have summarized the latest work assessing the dynamic rewiring of postsynaptic dendritic spines and modulation of calcium transients in neurons of the intact living brain, focusing on their potential roles in neurological disorders (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and epilepsy). Understanding the fine changes that occurred in the brain during disease is crucial for future clinical intervention developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China; Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Fei Tang
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yujie Guo
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ruxiang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Peng Lei
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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11
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Cummings J, Ortiz A, Castellino J, Kinney J. Diabetes: Risk factor and translational therapeutic implications for Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:5727-5757. [PMID: 35128745 PMCID: PMC9393901 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) commonly co-occur. T2DM increases the risk for AD by approximately twofold. Animal models provide one means of interrogating the relationship of T2DM to AD and investigating brain insulin resistance in the pathophysiology of AD. Animal models show that persistent hyperglycaemia results in chronic low-grade inflammation that may contribute to the development of neuroinflammation and accelerate the pathobiology of AD. Epidemiological studies suggest that patients with T2DM who received treatment with specific anti-diabetic agents have a decreased risk for the occurrence of AD and all-cause dementia. Agents such as metformin ameliorate T2DM and may have other important systemic effects that lower the risk of AD. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists have been associated with a decreased risk for AD in patients with T2DM. Both insulin and non-insulin anti-diabetic treatments have been evaluated for the treatment of AD in clinical trials. In most cases, patients included in the trials have clinical features of AD but do not have T2DM. Many of the trials were conducted prior to the use of diagnostic biomarkers for AD. Trials have had a wide range of durations and population sizes. Many of the agents used to treat T2DM do not cross the blood brain barrier, and the effects are posited to occur via lowering of peripheral hyperglycaemia and reduction of peripheral and central inflammation. Clinical trials of anti-diabetic agents to treat AD are ongoing and will provide insight into the therapeutic utility of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Cummings
- Chambers‐Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health SciencesUniversity of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV)Las VegasNevadaUSA
| | - Andrew Ortiz
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health SciencesUniversity of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV)Las VegasNevadaUSA
| | | | - Jefferson Kinney
- Chambers‐Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health SciencesUniversity of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV)Las VegasNevadaUSA,Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health SciencesUniversity of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV)Las VegasNevadaUSA
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12
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Early Changes in Transcriptomic Profiles in Synaptodendrosomes Reveal Aberrant Synaptic Functions in Alzheimer’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168888. [PMID: 36012153 PMCID: PMC9408306 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the progressive decline of cognitive functions, and is closely associated with the dysfunction of synapses, which comprise the basic structure that mediates the communication between neurons. Although the protein architecture and machinery for protein translation at synapses are extensively studied, the impact that local changes in the mRNA reservoir have on AD progression is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the changes in transcriptomic profiles in the synaptodendrosomes purified from the cortices of AD mice at ages 3 and 6 months, a stage when early signatures of synaptic dysfunction are revealed. The transcriptomic profiles of synaptodendrosomes showed a greater number of localized differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in 6-month-old AD mice compared with mice 3 months of age. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that these DEGs are majorly enriched in mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic activity. More specifically, we further identified three representative DEGs in mitochondrial and metabolic pathways—Prnp, Cst3, and Cox6c—that regulate the dendritic spine density and morphology in neurons. Taken together, this study provides insights into the transcriptomic changes in synaptodendrosomes during AD progression, which may facilitate the development of intervention strategies targeting local translation to ameliorate the pathological progression of AD.
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13
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Thomas J, Martinez-Reza MF, Thorwirth M, Zarb Y, Conzelmann KK, Hauck SM, Grade S, Götz M. Excessive local host-graft connectivity in aging and amyloid-loaded brain. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabg9287. [PMID: 35687689 PMCID: PMC9187230 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg9287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Transplantation is a clinically relevant approach for brain repair, but much remains to be understood about influences of the disease environment on transplant connectivity. To explore the effect of amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and aging, we examined graft connectivity using monosynaptic rabies virus tracing in APP/PS1 mice and in 16- to 18-month-old wild-type (WT) mice. Transplanted neurons differentiated within 4 weeks and integrated well into the host visual cortex, receiving input from the appropriate brain regions for this area. Unexpectedly, we found a prominent several-fold increase in local inputs, in both amyloid-loaded and aged environments. State-of-the-art deep proteome analysis using mass spectrometry highlights complement system activation as a common denominator of environments promoting excessive local input connectivity. These data therefore reveal the key role of the host pathology in shaping the input connectome, calling for caution in extrapolating results from one pathological condition to another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Thomas
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Maria Fernanda Martinez-Reza
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Manja Thorwirth
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Yvette Zarb
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Karl-Klaus Conzelmann
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty and Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-81377 Muenchen, Germany
| | - Stefanie M. Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science and Metabolomics and Proteomics Core, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sofia Grade
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- SYNERGY, Excellence Cluster for Systems Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet Muenchen, D-82152 Planegg, Germany
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14
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Yin X, Zhang X, Zhang J, Yang W, Sun X, Zhang H, Gao Z, Jiang H. High-Resolution Digital Panorama of Multiple Structures in Whole Brain of Alzheimer's Disease Mice. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:870520. [PMID: 35516801 PMCID: PMC9067162 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.870520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simultaneously visualizing Amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque with its surrounding brain structures at the subcellular level in the intact brain is essential for understanding the complex pathology of Alzheimer's disease, but is still rarely achieved due to the technical limitations. Combining the micro-optical sectioning tomography (MOST) system, whole-brain Nissl staining, and customized image processing workflow, we generated a whole-brain panorama of Alzheimer's disease mice without specific labeling. The workflow employed the steps that include virtual channel splitting, feature enhancement, iso-surface rendering, direct volume rendering, and feature fusion to extract and reconstruct the different signals with distinct gray values and morphologies. Taking advantage of this workflow, we found that the denser-distribution areas of Aβ plaques appeared with relatively more somata and smaller vessels, but show a dissimilar distributing pattern with nerve tracts. In addition, the entorhinal cortex and adjacent subiculum regions present the highest density and biggest diameter of plaques. The neuronal processes in the vicinity of these Aβ plaques showed significant structural alternation such as bending or abrupt branch ending. The capillaries inside or adjacent to the plaques were observed with abundant distorted micro-vessels and abrupt ending. Depicting Aβ plaques, somata, nerve processes and tracts, and blood vessels simultaneously, this panorama enables us for the first time, to analyze how the Aβ plaques interact with capillaries, somata, and processes at a submicron resolution of 3D whole-brain scale, which reveals potential pathological effects of Aβ plaques from a new cross-scale view. Our approach opens a door to routine systematic studies of complex interactions among brain components in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhen Yin
- Center for MOST and Image Fusion Analysis, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xianzhen Yin
| | - Xiaochuan Zhang
- Center for MOST and Image Fusion Analysis, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Weicheng Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xian Sun
- Center for MOST and Image Fusion Analysis, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Haiyan Zhang
| | - Zhaobing Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Zhongshan Institute of Drug Discovery, Institution for Drug Discovery Innovation, Chinese Academy of Science, Zhongshan, China
- Zhaobing Gao
| | - Hualiang Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Hualiang Jiang
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15
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Cortical axon sub-population maintains density, but not turnover, of en passant boutons in the aged APP/PS1 amyloidosis model. Neurobiol Aging 2022; 115:29-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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16
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Pelucchi S, Gardoni F, Di Luca M, Marcello E. Synaptic dysfunction in early phases of Alzheimer's Disease. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2022; 184:417-438. [PMID: 35034752 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819410-2.00022-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The synapse is the locus of plasticity where short-term alterations in synaptic strength are converted to long-lasting memories. In addition to the presynaptic terminal and the postsynaptic compartment, a more holistic view of the synapse includes the astrocytes and the extracellular matrix to form a tetrapartite synapse. All these four elements contribute to synapse health and are crucial for synaptic plasticity events and, thereby, for learning and memory processes. Synaptic dysfunction is a common pathogenic trait of several brain disorders. In Alzheimer's Disease, the degeneration of synapses can be detected at the early stages of pathology progression before neuronal degeneration, supporting the hypothesis that synaptic failure is a major determinant of the disease. The synapse is the place where amyloid-β peptides are generated and is the target of the toxic amyloid-β oligomers. All the elements constituting the tetrapartite synapse are altered in Alzheimer's Disease and can synergistically contribute to synaptic dysfunction. Moreover, the two main hallmarks of Alzheimer's Disease, i.e., amyloid-β and tau, act in concert to cause synaptic deficits. Deciphering the mechanisms underlying synaptic dysfunction is relevant for the development of the next-generation therapeutic strategies aimed at modifying the disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pelucchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Gardoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Di Luca
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Marcello
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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17
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Sanchez-Varo R, Sanchez-Mejias E, Fernandez-Valenzuela JJ, De Castro V, Mejias-Ortega M, Gomez-Arboledas A, Jimenez S, Sanchez-Mico MV, Trujillo-Estrada L, Moreno-Gonzalez I, Baglietto-Vargas D, Vizuete M, Davila JC, Vitorica J, Gutierrez A. Plaque-Associated Oligomeric Amyloid-Beta Drives Early Synaptotoxicity in APP/PS1 Mice Hippocampus: Ultrastructural Pathology Analysis. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:752594. [PMID: 34803589 PMCID: PMC8600261 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.752594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by initial memory impairments that progress to dementia. In this sense, synaptic dysfunction and loss have been established as the pathological features that best correlate with the typical early cognitive decline in this disease. At the histopathological level, post mortem AD brains typically exhibit intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) along with the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides in the form of extracellular deposits. Specifically, the oligomeric soluble forms of Abeta are considered the most synaptotoxic species. In addition, neuritic plaques are Abeta deposits surrounded by activated microglia and astroglia cells together with abnormal swellings of neuronal processes named dystrophic neurites. These periplaque aberrant neurites are mostly presynaptic elements and represent the first pathological indicator of synaptic dysfunction. In terms of losing synaptic proteins, the hippocampus is one of the brain regions most affected in AD patients. In this work, we report an early decline in spatial memory, along with hippocampal synaptic changes, in an amyloidogenic APP/PS1 transgenic model. Quantitative electron microscopy revealed a spatial synaptotoxic pattern around neuritic plaques with significant loss of periplaque synaptic terminals, showing rising synapse loss close to the border, especially in larger plaques. Moreover, dystrophic presynapses were filled with autophagic vesicles in detriment of the presynaptic vesicular density, probably interfering with synaptic function at very early synaptopathological disease stages. Electron immunogold labeling showed that the periphery of amyloid plaques, and the associated dystrophic neurites, was enriched in Abeta oligomers supporting an extracellular location of the synaptotoxins. Finally, the incubation of primary neurons with soluble fractions derived from 6-month-old APP/PS1 hippocampus induced significant loss of synaptic proteins, but not neuronal death. Indeed, this preclinical transgenic model could serve to investigate therapies targeted at initial stages of synaptic dysfunction relevant to the prodromal and early AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Sanchez-Varo
- Departamento Biologia Celular, Genetica y Fisiologia, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga-IBIMA, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento Fisiologia Humana, Histologia Humana, Anatomia Patologica y Educacion Fisica y Deportiva, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Sanchez-Mejias
- Departamento Biologia Celular, Genetica y Fisiologia, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga-IBIMA, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Jose Fernandez-Valenzuela
- Departamento Biologia Celular, Genetica y Fisiologia, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga-IBIMA, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanessa De Castro
- Departamento Biologia Celular, Genetica y Fisiologia, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga-IBIMA, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Marina Mejias-Ortega
- Departamento Biologia Celular, Genetica y Fisiologia, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga-IBIMA, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Angela Gomez-Arboledas
- Departamento Biologia Celular, Genetica y Fisiologia, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga-IBIMA, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sebastian Jimenez
- Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Maria Virtudes Sanchez-Mico
- Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Laura Trujillo-Estrada
- Departamento Biologia Celular, Genetica y Fisiologia, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga-IBIMA, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ines Moreno-Gonzalez
- Departamento Biologia Celular, Genetica y Fisiologia, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga-IBIMA, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - David Baglietto-Vargas
- Departamento Biologia Celular, Genetica y Fisiologia, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga-IBIMA, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marisa Vizuete
- Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Jose Carlos Davila
- Departamento Biologia Celular, Genetica y Fisiologia, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga-IBIMA, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Vitorica
- Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento Bioquimica y Biologia Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Antonia Gutierrez
- Departamento Biologia Celular, Genetica y Fisiologia, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga-IBIMA, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomedica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
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18
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Ji Z, Liu C, Zhao W, Soto C, Zhou X. Multi-scale modeling for systematically understanding the key roles of microglia in AD development. Comput Biol Med 2021; 133:104374. [PMID: 33864975 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of age-related dementia, affecting over 5 million people in the United States. Unfortunately, current therapies are largely palliative and several potential drug candidates have failed in late-stage clinical trials. Studies suggest that microglia-mediated neuroinflammation might be responsible for the failures of various therapies. Microglia contribute to Aβ clearance in the early stage of neurodegeneration and may contribute to AD development at the late stage by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the activation profile and phenotypic changes of microglia during the development of AD are poorly understood. To systematically understand the key role of microglia in AD progression and predict the optimal therapeutic strategy in silico, we developed a 3D multi-scale model of AD (MSMAD) by integrating multi-level experimental data, to manipulate the neurodegeneration in a simulated system. Based on our analysis, we revealed that how TREM2-related signal transduction leads to an imbalance in the activation of different microglia phenotypes, thereby promoting AD development. Our MSMAD model also provides an optimal therapeutic strategy for improving the outcome of AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Ji
- College of Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China; School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Changan Liu
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Weiling Zhao
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Claudio Soto
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease & Brain Disorder, Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xiaobo Zhou
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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19
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Nakai T, Yamada K, Mizoguchi H. Alzheimer's Disease Animal Models: Elucidation of Biomarkers and Therapeutic Approaches for Cognitive Impairment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5549. [PMID: 34074018 PMCID: PMC8197360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related and progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It is widely accepted that AD is mainly caused by the accumulation of extracellular amyloid β (Aβ) and intracellular neurofibrillary tau tangles. Aβ begins to accumulate years before the onset of cognitive impairment, suggesting that the benefit of currently available interventions would be greater if they were initiated in the early phases of AD. To understand the mechanisms of AD pathogenesis, various transgenic mouse models with an accelerated accumulation of Aβ and tau tangles have been developed. However, none of these models exhibit all pathologies present in human AD. To overcome these undesirable phenotypes, APP knock-in mice, which were presented with touchscreen-based tasks, were developed to better evaluate the efficacy of candidate therapeutics in mouse models of early-stage AD. This review assesses several AD mouse models from the aspect of biomarkers and cognitive impairment and discusses their potential as tools to provide novel AD therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Nakai
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Japan; (T.N.); (K.Y.)
| | - Kiyofumi Yamada
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Japan; (T.N.); (K.Y.)
| | - Hiroyuki Mizoguchi
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Japan; (T.N.); (K.Y.)
- Medical Interactive Research and Academia Industry Collaboration Center, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
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20
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Sosulina L, Mittag M, Geis HR, Hoffmann K, Klyubin I, Qi Y, Steffen J, Friedrichs D, Henneberg N, Fuhrmann F, Justus D, Keppler K, Cuello AC, Rowan MJ, Fuhrmann M, Remy S. Hippocampal hyperactivity in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2021; 157:2128-2144. [PMID: 33583024 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal network dysfunction is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the underlying pathomechanisms remain unknown. We analyzed the hippocampal micronetwork in transgenic McGill-R-Thy1-APP rats (APPtg) at the beginning of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition. We established two-photon Ca2+ -imaging in vivo in the hippocampus of rats and found hyperactivity of CA1 neurons. Patch-clamp recordings in brain slices in vitro revealed increased neuronal input resistance and prolonged action potential width in CA1 pyramidal neurons. We did neither observe changes in synaptic inhibition, nor in excitation. Our data support the view that increased intrinsic excitability of CA1 neurons may precede inhibitory dysfunction at an early stage of Aβ-deposition and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liudmila Sosulina
- Neuronal Networks Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Department of Cellular Neuroscience, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Manuel Mittag
- Neuroimmunology and Imaging Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Hans-Rüdiger Geis
- Neuronal Networks Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hoffmann
- Neuroimmunology and Imaging Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Igor Klyubin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yingjie Qi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Julia Steffen
- Neuroimmunology and Imaging Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Detlef Friedrichs
- Neuronal Networks Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Niklas Henneberg
- Neuronal Networks Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Falko Fuhrmann
- Neuronal Networks Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniel Justus
- Neuronal Networks Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Kevin Keppler
- Light Microscopy Facility, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - A Claudio Cuello
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael J Rowan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martin Fuhrmann
- Neuroimmunology and Imaging Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Remy
- Neuronal Networks Group, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Department of Cellular Neuroscience, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
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21
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Compta Y, Revesz T. Neuropathological and Biomarker Findings in Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease: From Protein Aggregates to Synaptic Dysfunction. JOURNAL OF PARKINSONS DISEASE 2021; 11:107-121. [PMID: 33325398 PMCID: PMC7990431 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-202323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is mounting evidence that Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) share neuropathological hallmarks, while similar types of biomarkers are being applied to both. In this review we aimed to explore similarities and differences between PD and AD at both the neuropathology and the biomarker levels, specifically focusing on protein aggregates and synapse dysfunction. Thus, amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) and tau lesions of the Alzheimer-type are common in PD and α-synuclein Lewy-type aggregates are frequent findings in AD. Modern neuropathological techniques adding to routine immunohistochemistry might take further our knowledge of these diseases beyond protein aggregates and down to their presynaptic and postsynaptic terminals, with potential mechanistic and even future therapeutic implications. Translation of neuropathological discoveries to the clinic remains challenging. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and positron emission tomography (PET) markers of Aβ and tau have been shown to be reliable for AD diagnosis. Conversely, CSF markers of α-synuclein have not been that consistent. In terms of PET markers, there is no PET probe available for α-synuclein yet, while the AD PET markers range from consistent evidence of their specificity (amyloid imaging) to greater uncertainty of their reliability due to off-target binding (tau imaging). CSF synaptic markers are attractive, still needing more evidence, which currently suggests those might be non-specific markers of disease progression. It can be summarized that there is neuropathological evidence that protein aggregates of AD and PD are present both at the soma and the synapse. Thus, a number of CSF and PET biomarkers beyond α-synuclein, tau and Aβ might capture these different faces of protein-related neurodegeneration. It remains to be seen what the longitudinal outcomes and the potential value as surrogate markers of these biomarkers are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaroslau Compta
- Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic / IDIBAPS / CIBERNED, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Maextu's excellence center, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Tamas Revesz
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK.,Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK
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22
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He P, Schulz P, Sierks MR. A conformation-specific antibody against oligomeric β-amyloid restores neuronal integrity in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100241. [PMID: 33376140 PMCID: PMC7948963 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.015327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Conformationally distinct aggregates of the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide accumulate in brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the roles of the different aggregates in disease progression are not clear. We previously isolated two single-chain variable domain antibody fragments (scFvs), C6T and A4, that selectively bind different toxic conformational variants of oligomeric Aβ. Here, we utilize these scFvs to localize the presence of these Aβ variants in human AD brain and to demonstrate their potential as therapeutic agents for treating AD. Both A4 and C6T label oligomeric Aβ in extracellular amyloid plaques, whereas C6T also labels intracellular oligomeric Aβ in human AD brain tissue and in an AD mouse model. For therapeutic studies, the A4 and C6T scFvs were expressed in the AD mice by viral infection of liver cells. The scFvs were administered at 2 months of age, and mice sacrificed at 9 months. The scFvs contained a peptide tag to facilitate transport across the blood brain barrier. While treatment with C6T only slightly decreased Aβ deposits and plaque-associated inflammation, it restored neuronal integrity to WT levels, significantly promoted growth of new neurons, and impressively rescued survival rates to WT levels. Treatment with A4 on the other hand significantly decreased Aβ deposits but did not significantly decrease neuroinflammation or promote neuronal integrity, neurogenesis, or survival rate. These results suggest that the specific Aβ conformation targeted in therapeutic applications greatly affects the outcome, and the location of the targeted Aβ variants may also play a critical factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping He
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Philip Schulz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Michael R Sierks
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA.
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23
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Subramanian J, Savage JC, Tremblay MÈ. Synaptic Loss in Alzheimer's Disease: Mechanistic Insights Provided by Two-Photon in vivo Imaging of Transgenic Mouse Models. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:592607. [PMID: 33408613 PMCID: PMC7780885 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.592607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Synapse loss is the strongest correlate for cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The mechanisms underlying synapse loss have been extensively investigated using mouse models expressing genes with human familial Alzheimer's disease mutations. In this review, we summarize how multiphoton in vivo imaging has improved our understanding of synapse loss mechanisms associated with excessive amyloid in the living animal brain. We also discuss evidence obtained from these imaging studies for the role of cell-intrinsic calcium dyshomeostasis and cell-extrinsic activities of microglia, which are the immune cells of the brain, in mediating synapse loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaichandar Subramanian
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Julie C Savage
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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24
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Kartalou GI, Salgueiro-Pereira AR, Endres T, Lesnikova A, Casarotto P, Pousinha P, Delanoe K, Edelmann E, Castrén E, Gottmann K, Marie H, Lessmann V. Anti-Inflammatory Treatment with FTY720 Starting after Onset of Symptoms Reverses Synaptic Deficits in an AD Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238957. [PMID: 33255764 PMCID: PMC7734581 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic approaches providing effective medication for Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients after disease onset are urgently needed. Previous studies in AD mouse models suggested that physical exercise or changed lifestyle can delay AD-related synaptic and memory dysfunctions when treatment started in juvenile animals long before onset of disease symptoms, while a pharmacological treatment that can reverse synaptic and memory deficits in AD mice was thus far not identified. Repurposing food and drug administration (FDA)-approved drugs for treatment of AD is a promising way to reduce the time to bring such medication into clinical practice. The sphingosine-1 phosphate analog fingolimod (FTY720) was approved recently for treatment of multiple sclerosis patients. Here, we addressed whether fingolimod rescues AD-related synaptic deficits and memory dysfunction in an amyloid precursor protein/presenilin-1 (APP/PS1) AD mouse model when medication starts after onset of symptoms (at five months). Male mice received intraperitoneal injections of fingolimod for one to two months starting at five to six months. This treatment rescued spine density as well as long-term potentiation in hippocampal cornu ammonis-1 (CA1) pyramidal neurons, that were both impaired in untreated APP/PS1 animals at six to seven months of age. Immunohistochemical analysis with markers of microgliosis (ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1; Iba1) and astrogliosis (glial fibrillary acid protein; GFAP) revealed that our fingolimod treatment regime strongly down regulated neuroinflammation in the hippocampus and neocortex of this AD model. These effects were accompanied by a moderate reduction of Aβ accumulation in hippocampus and neocortex. Our results suggest that fingolimod, when applied after onset of disease symptoms in an APP/PS1 mouse model, rescues synaptic pathology that is believed to underlie memory deficits in AD mice, and that this beneficial effect is mediated via anti-neuroinflammatory actions of the drug on microglia and astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia-Ioanna Kartalou
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (G.-I.K.); (T.E.); (E.E.)
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Ana Rita Salgueiro-Pereira
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, IPMC, UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (A.R.S.-P.); (P.P.); (K.D.); (H.M.)
| | - Thomas Endres
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (G.-I.K.); (T.E.); (E.E.)
| | - Angelina Lesnikova
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (A.L.); (P.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Plinio Casarotto
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (A.L.); (P.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Paula Pousinha
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, IPMC, UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (A.R.S.-P.); (P.P.); (K.D.); (H.M.)
| | - Kevin Delanoe
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, IPMC, UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (A.R.S.-P.); (P.P.); (K.D.); (H.M.)
| | - Elke Edelmann
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (G.-I.K.); (T.E.); (E.E.)
| | - Eero Castrén
- Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (A.L.); (P.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Kurt Gottmann
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
- Correspondence: (K.G.); (V.L.)
| | - Hélène Marie
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, IPMC, UMR7275, 06560 Valbonne, France; (A.R.S.-P.); (P.P.); (K.D.); (H.M.)
| | - Volkmar Lessmann
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (G.-I.K.); (T.E.); (E.E.)
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Correspondence: (K.G.); (V.L.)
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25
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Ejaz HW, Wang W, Lang M. Copper Toxicity Links to Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease and Therapeutics Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7660. [PMID: 33081348 PMCID: PMC7589751 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, age-related progressive neurological disorder, and the most common type of dementia in aged people. Neuropathological lesions of AD are neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), and senile plaques comprise the accumulated amyloid-beta (Aβ), loaded with metal ions including Cu, Fe, or Zn. Some reports have identified metal dyshomeostasis as a neurotoxic factor of AD, among which Cu ions seem to be a central cationic metal in the formation of plaque and soluble oligomers, and have an essential role in the AD pathology. Cu-Aβ complex catalyzes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and results in oxidative damage. Several studies have indicated that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of AD. The connection of copper levels in AD is still ambiguous, as some researches indicate a Cu deficiency, while others show its higher content in AD, and therefore there is a need to increase and decrease its levels in animal models, respectively, to study which one is the cause. For more than twenty years, many in vitro studies have been devoted to identifying metals' roles in Aβ accumulation, oxidative damage, and neurotoxicity. Towards the end, a short review of the modern therapeutic approach in chelation therapy, with the main focus on Cu ions, is discussed. Despite the lack of strong proofs of clinical advantage so far, the conjecture that using a therapeutic metal chelator is an effective strategy for AD remains popular. However, some recent reports of genetic-regulating copper transporters in AD models have shed light on treating this refractory disease. This review aims to succinctly present a better understanding of Cu ions' current status in several AD features, and some conflicting reports are present herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafza Wajeeha Ejaz
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road 19, Beijing 100049, China;
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth WA6027, Australia;
| | - Minglin Lang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road 19, Beijing 100049, China;
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding 071000, China
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26
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A Unifying Hypothesis for Alzheimer's Disease: From Plaques to Neurodegeneration. Trends Neurosci 2020; 42:310-322. [PMID: 31006494 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that amyloid β is highly toxic to synapses in a phospho-Tau-dependent manner. Here, I present a hypothesis that links previous evidence from the first rise of amyloid β through to Tau tangles and neurodegeneration. In the immediate vicinity of plaques, concentrated soluble amyloid β occurs in equilibrium with deposited forms. Initially, plaques cover only a small percentage of brain volume. Microglia, by efficiently removing damaged synapses, may prevent spread of damage along the axon, restricting damage to the immediate vicinity of plaques. However, as plaque load increases, as seen in Alzheimer's disease, an individual axon may suffer multiple points of damage, leading to dissociation of Tau, formation of a tangle, and loss of the axon. As more axons suffer this fate, the network eventually degenerates. According to this hypothesis, the degree of plaque load that an individual can tolerate would depend on the efficiency of their microglia in removing amyloid-β-damaged synapses and the distribution of plaques, relative to axon trajectories, would determine the eventual cognitive symptoms.
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27
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Liu Y, Xu S, Bian H, Qian Y, Li H, Shu S, Chen J, Cao X, Gu Y, Jin J, Zhang X, Xu Y, Zhu X. Xingnaojing ameliorates synaptic plasticity and memory deficits in an Aβ 1-42 induced mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. J Pharmacol Sci 2020; 143:245-254. [PMID: 32482409 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of insoluble amyloid β (Aβ) peptides is one of the pathological changes in Alzheimer's disease (AD), which induced synaptic plasticity impairment and excitatory amino acid toxicity associated with decreased memory function. Xingnaojing (XNJ), a well-known prescription in traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for the treatment of stroke for many years in China. In this study, we aim to investigate the therapeutic effects of XNJ in a hippocampus of Aβ1-42 induced mouse model of AD which showed significant memory loss and impaired synaptic morphology and function. Treatment of XNJ could attenuate spatial and working memory dysfunction, increase dendritic spine density and improve long-term potential (LTP) induction. In addition, XNJ treatment significantly increased the level of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and inhibit the NMDA/α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) ratio in AD mice. XNJ treatment also activated the AKT/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, while inhibition of the mTOR pathway by rapamycin could reverse the protective effects of XNJ treatment. In conclusion, XNJ protected against synaptic plasticity and memory impairment in AD mice via the activation of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, suggesting XNJ as an alternative treatment for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siyi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huijie Bian
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Qian
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiya Li
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Shu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Cao
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Gu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiali Jin
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xiaolei Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School and The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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Golgi-Cox impregnation combined with fluorescence staining of amyloid plaques reveals local spine loss in an Alzheimer mouse model. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 341:108797. [PMID: 32479974 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spine loss is a hallmark of Alzheimer´s and other neurodegenerative diseases, and testing candidate therapeutic drugs needs quantitative analysis of dendritic spine densities. Golgi-Cox impregnation of neurons is a classical method to visualize dendritic spines in diseased brains. Importantly, at early disease stages spine loss occurs locally in the vicinity of amyloid plaques, and concomitant fluorescence labeling of amyloid plaques is required to detect local spine damage. NEW METHOD Because Golgi-Cox impregnation is done on unsectioned brains, whereas fluorescence staining is performed on sectioned material, the combination is technically challenging. We have now developed a novel combination of Golgi-Cox impregnation with methoxy-X04 fluorescence labeling of plaques that is performed on unsectioned brains. RESULTS We used this new combination method to quantify dendritic spine densities in mouse hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Comparison of neurons from wildtype and APP/PS1 mice revealed local spine loss in the vicinity of amyloid plaques in both male and female APP/PS1 mice. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD Golgi-Cox impregnation of neurons combined with methoxy-X04 staining of amyloid plaques is a highly reliable, easy-to-use method for permanent visualization of spines as compared to the technically more sophisticated and less stable fluorescence imaging of spines. CONCLUSION Our novel combination method will be highly useful for testing potential therapeutic drugs in Alzheimer mouse models.
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Bruyère J, Abada YS, Vitet H, Fontaine G, Deloulme JC, Cès A, Denarier E, Pernet-Gallay K, Andrieux A, Humbert S, Potier MC, Delatour B, Saudou F. Presynaptic APP levels and synaptic homeostasis are regulated by Akt phosphorylation of huntingtin. eLife 2020; 9:56371. [PMID: 32452382 PMCID: PMC7269668 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have suggested that amyloid precursor protein (APP) regulates synaptic homeostasis, but the evidence has not been consistent. In particular, signaling pathways controlling APP transport to the synapse in axons and dendrites remain to be identified. Having previously shown that Huntingtin (HTT), the scaffolding protein involved in Huntington’s disease, regulates neuritic transport of APP, we used a microfluidic corticocortical neuronal network-on-a-chip to examine APP transport and localization to the pre- and post-synaptic compartments. We found that HTT, upon phosphorylation by the Ser/Thr kinase Akt, regulates APP transport in axons but not dendrites. Expression of an unphosphorylatable HTT decreased axonal anterograde transport of APP, reduced presynaptic APP levels, and increased synaptic density. Ablating in vivo HTT phosphorylation in APPPS1 mice, which overexpress APP, reduced presynaptic APP levels, restored synapse number and improved learning and memory. The Akt-HTT pathway and axonal transport of APP thus regulate APP presynaptic levels and synapse homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bruyère
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Yah-Se Abada
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Vitet
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Gaëlle Fontaine
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Deloulme
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Aurélia Cès
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Eric Denarier
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Karin Pernet-Gallay
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Annie Andrieux
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Sandrine Humbert
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Marie-Claude Potier
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Benoît Delatour
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Saudou
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, CEA, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, Grenoble, France
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Qin T, Prins S, Groeneveld GJ, Van Westen G, de Vries HE, Wong YC, Bischoff LJ, de Lange EC. Utility of Animal Models to Understand Human Alzheimer's Disease, Using the Mastermind Research Approach to Avoid Unnecessary Further Sacrifices of Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093158. [PMID: 32365768 PMCID: PMC7247586 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To diagnose and treat early-stage (preclinical) Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, we need body-fluid-based biomarkers that reflect the processes that occur in this stage, but current knowledge on associated processes is lacking. As human studies on (possible) onset and early-stage AD would be extremely expensive and time-consuming, we investigate the potential value of animal AD models to help to fill this knowledge gap. We provide a comprehensive overview of processes associated with AD pathogenesis and biomarkers, current knowledge on AD-related biomarkers derived from on human and animal brains and body fluids, comparisons of biomarkers obtained in human AD and frequently used animal AD models, and emerging body-fluid-based biomarkers. In human studies, amyloid beta (Aβ), hyperphosphorylated tau (P-tau), total tau (T-tau), neurogranin, SNAP-25, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), YKL-40, and especially neurofilament light (NfL) are frequently measured. In animal studies, the emphasis has been mostly on Aβ. Although a direct comparison between human (familial and sporadic) AD and (mostly genetic) animal AD models cannot be made, still, in brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and blood, a majority of similar trends are observed for human AD stage and animal AD model life stage. This indicates the potential value of animal AD models in understanding of the onset and early stage of AD. Moreover, animal studies can be smartly designed to provide mechanistic information on the interrelationships between the different AD processes in a longitudinal fashion and may also include the combinations of different conditions that may reflect comorbidities in human AD, according to the Mastermind Research approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Qin
- Predictive Pharmacology, Division of Systems Biomedicine and Pharmacology, Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (T.Q.); (L.J.M.B.)
| | - Samantha Prins
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), 2333 CL Leiden, The Netherlands; (S.P.); (G.J.G.)
| | - Geert Jan Groeneveld
- Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), 2333 CL Leiden, The Netherlands; (S.P.); (G.J.G.)
| | - Gerard Van Westen
- Computational Drug Discovery, Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Helga E. de Vries
- Neuro-immunology research group, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Yin Cheong Wong
- Advanced Modelling and Simulation, UCB Celltech, Slough SL1 3WE, UK;
| | - Luc J.M. Bischoff
- Predictive Pharmacology, Division of Systems Biomedicine and Pharmacology, Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (T.Q.); (L.J.M.B.)
| | - Elizabeth C.M. de Lange
- Predictive Pharmacology, Division of Systems Biomedicine and Pharmacology, Leiden Academic Centre of Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands; (T.Q.); (L.J.M.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-71-527-6330
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31
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Bastrup J, Kastaniegaard K, Asuni AA, Volbracht C, Stensballe A. Proteomic and Unbiased Post-Translational Modification Profiling of Amyloid Plaques and Surrounding Tissue in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 73:393-411. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-190652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joakim Bastrup
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg East, Denmark
- Neuroscience, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Allan Stensballe
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg East, Denmark
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32
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Poppe L, Rué L, Timmers M, Lenaerts A, Storm A, Callaerts-Vegh Z, Courtand G, de Boer A, Smolders S, Van Damme P, Van Den Bosch L, D'Hooge R, De Strooper B, Robberecht W, Lemmens R. EphA4 loss improves social memory performance and alters dendritic spine morphology without changes in amyloid pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2019; 11:102. [PMID: 31831046 PMCID: PMC6909519 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-019-0554-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background EphA4 is a receptor of the ephrin system regulating spine morphology and plasticity in the brain. These processes are pivotal in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), characterized by synapse dysfunction and loss, and the progressive loss of memory and other cognitive functions. Reduced EphA4 signaling has been shown to rescue beta-amyloid-induced dendritic spine loss and long-term potentiation (LTP) deficits in cultured hippocampal slices and primary hippocampal cultures. In this study, we investigated whether EphA4 ablation might preserve synapse function and ameliorate cognitive performance in the APPPS1 transgenic mouse model of AD. Methods A postnatal genetic ablation of EphA4 in the forebrain was established in the APPPS1 mouse model of AD, followed by a battery of cognitive tests at 9 months of age to investigate cognitive function upon EphA4 loss. A Golgi-Cox staining was used to explore alterations in dendritic spine density and morphology in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Results Upon EphA4 loss in APPPS1 mice, we observed improved social memory in the preference for social novelty test without affecting other cognitive functions. Dendritic spine analysis revealed altered synapse morphology as characterized by increased dendritic spine length and head width. These modifications were independent of hippocampal plaque load and beta-amyloid peptide levels since these were similar in mice with normal versus reduced levels of EphA4. Conclusion Loss of EphA4 improved social memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease in association with alterations in spine morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Poppe
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Rué
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke Timmers
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annette Lenaerts
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annet Storm
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zsuzsanna Callaerts-Vegh
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,mINT Animal Behavior Core Facility, Faculty of Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gilles Courtand
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d'Aquitaine, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5287, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Bordeaux, 33076, Bordeaux, France
| | - Antina de Boer
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Silke Smolders
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rudi D'Hooge
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London, UK
| | - Wim Robberecht
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robin Lemmens
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium. .,Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Abstract
Following the development of the first methods to measure the core Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers total-tau (T-tau), phosphorylated tau (P-tau) and the 42 amino acid form of amyloid-β (Aβ42), there has been an enormous expansion of this scientific research area. Today, it is generally acknowledged that these biochemical tests reflect several central pathophysiological features of AD and contribute diagnostically relevant information, also for prodromal AD. In this article in the 20th anniversary issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, we review the AD biomarkers, from early assay development to their entrance into diagnostic criteria. We also summarize the long journey of standardization and the development of assays on fully automated instruments, where we now have high precision and stable assays that will serve as the basis for common cut-off levels and a more general introduction of these diagnostic tests in clinical routine practice. We also discuss the latest expansion of the AD CSF biomarker toolbox that now also contains synaptic proteins such as neurogranin, which seemingly is specific for AD and predicts rate of future cognitive deterioration. Last, we are at the brink of having blood biomarkers that may be implemented as screening tools in the early clinical management of patients with cognitive problems and suspected AD. Whether this will become true, and whether it will be plasma Aβ42, the Aβ42/40 ratio, or neurofilament light, or a combination of these, remains to be established in future clinical neurochemical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaj Blennow
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
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34
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Bispecific Antibody Fragment Targeting APP and Inducing α-Site Cleavage Restores Neuronal Health in an Alzheimer's Mouse Model. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:7420-7432. [PMID: 31041656 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1597-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The amyloid β (Aβ) peptide, correlated with development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), is produced by sequential proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β- and γ-secretases. Alternative proteolytic cleavage of APP by α-secretase prevents formation of Aβ peptide and produces a neuroprotective protein, a soluble fragment of APPα (sAPPα). We previously generated a single-chain variable domain antibody fragment (scFv) that binds APP at the β-secretase cleavage site and blocks cleavage of APP (iBsec1), and a second scFv which has been engineered to have α-secretase-like activity that increases α-secretase cleavage of APP (Asec1a) and showed that a bispecific antibody (Diab) combining both iBsec1 and Asec1a constructs protects mammalian cells from oxidative stress. Here, we show that the diabody is an effective therapeutic agent in a mouse model of AD. An apolipoprotein B (ApoB) binding domain peptide was genetically added to the diabody to facilitate transfer across the blood-brain barrier, and a recombinant human adeno-associated virus 2/8 (rAAV2/8) was used as a vector to express the gene constructs in a APP/PS1 mouse model of AD. The diabody increased levels of sAPPα, decreased Aβ deposits and levels of oligomeric Aβ, increased neuronal health as indicated by MAP2 and synaptophysin staining, increased hippocampal neurogenesis, and most importantly dramatically increased survival rates compared with untreated mice or mice treated only with the β-secretase inhibitor. These results indicate that altering APP processing to inhibit β-site activity while simultaneously promoting α-secretase processing provides substantially increased neuronal benefits compared with inhibition of β-secretase processing alone and represents a promising new therapeutic approach for treating AD.
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35
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Unsupervised excitation: GABAergic dysfunctions in Alzheimer’s disease. Brain Res 2019; 1707:216-226. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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36
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Fibrinogen Induces Microglia-Mediated Spine Elimination and Cognitive Impairment in an Alzheimer's Disease Model. Neuron 2019; 101:1099-1108.e6. [PMID: 30737131 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cerebrovascular alterations are a key feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. However, whether vascular damage contributes to synaptic dysfunction and how it synergizes with amyloid pathology to cause neuroinflammation and cognitive decline remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the blood protein fibrinogen induces spine elimination and promotes cognitive deficits mediated by CD11b-CD18 microglia activation. 3D molecular labeling in cleared mouse and human AD brains combined with repetitive in vivo two-photon imaging showed focal fibrinogen deposits associated with loss of dendritic spines independent of amyloid plaques. Fibrinogen-induced spine elimination was prevented by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation or genetic ablation of CD11b. Genetic elimination of the fibrinogen binding motif to CD11b reduced neuroinflammation, synaptic deficits, and cognitive decline in the 5XFAD mouse model of AD. Thus, fibrinogen-induced spine elimination and cognitive decline via CD11b link cerebrovascular damage with immune-mediated neurodegeneration and may have important implications in AD and related conditions.
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37
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Abstract
Objective: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a kind of chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system, characteristics of cognitive dysfunction, and behavioral disability. The pathological changes include the formation of senile plaques-containing beta-amyloid (Aβ), neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), loss of neurons, and synapses. So far, the pathogenesis of AD is still unclear. This study was aimed to review the major pathogenesis of AD-related to the published AD studies in recent 20 years. Data Sources: The author retrieved information from the PubMed database up to January 2018, using various search terms and their combinations, including AD, Aβ, NFTs, pathogenesis, and genetic mutation. Study Selection: The author included data from peer-reviewed journals printed in English and Chinese on pathophysiological factors in AD. He organized these informations to explain the possible pathogenesis in AD. Results: There are many amounts of data supporting the view that AD pathogenesis so far there mainly are Aβ toxicity, tau protein, gene mutation, synaptic damages, intermediate neurons and network abnormalities, changes in mitochondrial function, chemokines, etc., Its nosogenesis may be involved in multiple theories and involved in multiple molecular signaling pathways, including Aβ, tau protein, and synaptic anomaly; mutual relationship between the mechanisms urge jointly neuronal degeneration. Conclusions: This review highlights the research advances in the pathogenesis of AD. Future research has needed to fully disclose the association between multiple pathogenesis at the same time to interdict multiple signaling pathways, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Gang Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430081, China
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38
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Blennow K, Zetterberg H. Biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: current status and prospects for the future. J Intern Med 2018; 284:643-663. [PMID: 30051512 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 506] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating data from the clinical research support that the core Alzheimer's disease (AD) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers amyloid-β (Aβ42), total tau (T-tau), and phosphorylated tau (P-tau) reflect key elements of AD pathophysiology. Importantly, a large number of clinical studies very consistently show that these biomarkers contribute with diagnostically relevant information, also in the early disease stages. Recent technical developments have made it possible to measure these biomarkers using fully automated assays with high precision and stability. Standardization efforts have given certified reference materials for CSF Aβ42, with the aim to harmonize results between assay formats that would allow for uniform global reference limits and cut-off values. These encouraging developments have led to that the core AD CSF biomarkers have a central position in the novel diagnostic criteria for the disease and in the recent National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association biological definition of AD. Taken together, this progress will likely serve as the basis for a more general introduction of these diagnostic tests in clinical routine practice. However, the heterogeneity of pathology in late-onset AD calls for an expansion of the AD CSF biomarker toolbox with additional biomarkers reflecting additional aspects of AD pathophysiology. One promising candidate is the synaptic protein neurogranin that seems specific for AD and predicts future rate of cognitive deterioration. Further, recent studies bring hope for easily accessible and cost-effective screening tools in the early diagnostic evaluation of patients with cognitive problems (and suspected AD) in primary care. In this respect, technical developments with ultrasensitive immunoassays and novel mass spectrometry techniques give promise of biomarkers to monitor brain amyloidosis (the Aβ42/40 or APP669-711/Aβ42 ratios) and neurodegeneration (tau and neurofilament light proteins) in plasma samples, but future studies are warranted to validate these promising results further.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Blennow
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - H Zetterberg
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
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39
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Consequences of Pharmacological BACE Inhibition on Synaptic Structure and Function. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:478-487. [PMID: 29945719 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder among elderly persons. Overt accumulation and aggregation of the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) is thought to be the initial causative factor for Alzheimer's disease. Aβ is produced by sequential proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein. Beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is the initial and rate-limiting protease for the generation of Aβ. Therefore, inhibiting BACE1 is considered one of the most promising therapeutic approaches for potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Currently, several drugs blocking this enzyme (BACE inhibitors) are being evaluated in clinical trials. However, high-dosage BACE-inhibitor treatment interferes with structural and functional synaptic plasticity in mice. These adverse side effects may mask the therapeutic benefit of lowering the Aβ concentration. In this review, we focus on the consequences of BACE inhibition-mediated synaptic deficits and the potential clinical implications.
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40
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Ovsepian SV, Blazquez-Llorca L, Freitag SV, Rodrigues EF, Herms J. Ambient Glutamate Promotes Paroxysmal Hyperactivity in Cortical Pyramidal Neurons at Amyloid Plaques via Presynaptic mGluR1 Receptors. Cereb Cortex 2018; 27:4733-4749. [PMID: 27600841 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic dysfunctions and altered neuronal activity play major role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with underlying mechanisms largely unknown. We report that in the prefrontal cortex of amyloid precursor protein-presenilin 1 and APP23 AD mice, baseline activity of pyramidal cells is disrupted by episodes of paroxysmal hyperactivity. Induced by spontaneous EPSC bursts, these incidents are prevalent in neurons proximal to amyloid plaques and involve enhanced activity of glutamate with metabotropic effects. Abolition of EPSC bursts by tetrodotoxin and SERCA ATPase blockers thapsigargin or cyclopiasonic acid suggests their presynaptic origin and sensitized store-released calcium. Accordingly, the rate of EPSC bursts activated by single axon stimulation is enhanced. Aggravation of the hyperactivity by blockers of excitatory amino acid transporter (±)-HIP-A and DL-TBOA together with histochemical and ultrastructural evidence for enrichment of plaque-related dystrophies with synaptic vesicles and SNARE protein SNAP-25 infer the later as hot-spots for ectopic release of glutamate. Inhibition of EPSC bursts by I/II mGluR1 blocker MCPG or selective mGluR1 antagonist LY367385 implicate metabotropic glutamatergic effects in generation of paroxysmal bursts. These findings demonstrate for the first time that at amyloid plaques, enhanced activity of nonsynaptic glutamate can promote irregular EPSC bursts with hyperactivity of pyramidal cells via mGluR1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak Victor Ovsepian
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilian University, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 23, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Lidia Blazquez-Llorca
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilian University, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 23, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Susana Valero Freitag
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Ferreira Rodrigues
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilian University, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 23, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Ludwig Maximilian University, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Herms
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig Maximilian University, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 23, 81377 Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Ludwig Maximilian University, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377 Munich, Germany
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41
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Heiss JK, Barrett J, Yu Z, Haas LT, Kostylev MA, Strittmatter SM. Early Activation of Experience-Independent Dendritic Spine Turnover in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Cereb Cortex 2018; 27:3660-3674. [PMID: 27365298 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic loss is critical in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the dynamics of synapse turnover are poorly defined. We imaged dendritic spines in transgenic APPswe/PSen1∆E9 (APP/PS1) cerebral cortex. Dendritic spine turnover is increased far from plaque in aged APP/PS1 mice, and in young APP/PS1 mice prior to plaque formation. Dysregulation occurs in the presence of soluble Aβ oligomer and requires cellular prion protein (PrPC). APP/PS1 mice lack responsiveness of spine turnover to sensory stimulation. Critically, enhanced spine turnover is coupled with the loss of persistent spines starting early and continuing with age. To evaluate mechanisms of experience-independent supranormal spine turnover, we analyzed the transcriptome of young APP/PS1 mouse brain when turnover is altered but synapse density and memory are normal, and plaque and inflammation are absent. Early PrPC-dependent expression changes occur in synaptic and lipid-metabolizing genes. Thus, pathologic synaptic dysregulation underlying AD begins at a young age prior to Aβ plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline K Heiss
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration & Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06520, USA
| | - Joshua Barrett
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration & Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Zizi Yu
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration & Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Laura T Haas
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration & Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Mikhail A Kostylev
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration & Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA
| | - Stephen M Strittmatter
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration & Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536, USA.,Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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42
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Peters F, Salihoglu H, Rodrigues E, Herzog E, Blume T, Filser S, Dorostkar M, Shimshek DR, Brose N, Neumann U, Herms J. BACE1 inhibition more effectively suppresses initiation than progression of β-amyloid pathology. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 135:695-710. [PMID: 29327084 PMCID: PMC5904228 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1804-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACE1 is the rate-limiting protease in the production of synaptotoxic β-amyloid (Aβ) species and hence one of the prime drug targets for potential therapy of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, so far pharmacological BACE1 inhibition failed to rescue the cognitive decline in mild-to-moderate AD patients, which indicates that treatment at the symptomatic stage might be too late. In the current study, chronic in vivo two-photon microscopy was performed in a transgenic AD model to monitor the impact of pharmacological BACE1 inhibition on early β-amyloid pathology. The longitudinal approach allowed to assess the kinetics of individual plaques and associated presynaptic pathology, before and throughout treatment. BACE1 inhibition could not halt but slow down progressive β-amyloid deposition and associated synaptic pathology. Notably, the data revealed that the initial process of plaque formation, rather than the subsequent phase of gradual plaque growth, is most sensitive to BACE1 inhibition. This finding of particular susceptibility of plaque formation has profound implications to achieve optimal therapeutic efficacy for the prospective treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finn Peters
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Hazal Salihoglu
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Rodrigues
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Etienne Herzog
- Université Bordeaux, IINS, UMR 5297, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, IINS, UMR 5297, 33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Tanja Blume
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Severin Filser
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Mario Dorostkar
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Derya R Shimshek
- Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nils Brose
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ulf Neumann
- Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Herms
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen Str. 17, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Munich Cluster of Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.
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AD-Related N-Terminal Truncated Tau Is Sufficient to Recapitulate In Vivo the Early Perturbations of Human Neuropathology: Implications for Immunotherapy. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:8124-8153. [PMID: 29508283 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-0974-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The NH2tau 26-44 aa (i.e., NH2htau) is the minimal biologically active moiety of longer 20-22-kDa NH2-truncated form of human tau-a neurotoxic fragment mapping between 26 and 230 amino acids of full-length protein (htau40)-which is detectable in presynaptic terminals and peripheral CSF from patients suffering from AD and other non-AD neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, whether its exogenous administration in healthy nontransgenic mice is able to elicit a neuropathological phenotype resembling human tauopathies has not been yet investigated. We explored the in vivo effects evoked by subchronic intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of NH2htau or its reverse counterpart into two lines of young (2-month-old) wild-type mice (C57BL/6 and B6SJL). Six days after its accumulation into hippocampal parenchyma, significant impairment in memory/learning performance was detected in NH2htau-treated group in association with reduced synaptic connectivity and neuroinflammatory response. Compromised short-term plasticity in paired-pulse facilitation paradigm (PPF) was detected in the CA3/CA1 synapses from NH2htau-impaired animals along with downregulation in calcineurin (CaN)-stimulated pCREB/c-Fos pathway(s). Importantly, these behavioral, synaptotoxic, and neuropathological effects were independent from the genetic background, occurred prior to frank neuronal loss, and were specific because no alterations were detected in the control group infused with its reverse counterpart. Finally, a 2.0-kDa peptide which biochemically and immunologically resembles the injected NH2htau was endogenously detected in vivo, being present in hippocampal synaptosomal preparations from AD subjects. Given that the identification of the neurotoxic tau species is mandatory to develop a more effective tau-based immunological approach, our evidence can have important translational implications for cure of human tauopathies.
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Beta-Site Amyloid Precursor Protein Cleaving Enzyme 1 Inhibition Impairs Synaptic Plasticity via Seizure Protein 6. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:428-437. [PMID: 28129943 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a promising drug target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Prolonged BACE1 inhibition interferes with structural and functional synaptic plasticity in mice, most likely by altering the metabolism of BACE1 substrates. Seizure protein 6 (SEZ6) is predominantly cleaved by BACE1, and Sez6 knockout mice share some phenotypes with BACE1 inhibitor-treated mice. We investigated whether SEZ6 is involved in BACE1 inhibition-induced structural and functional synaptic alterations. METHODS The function of NB-360, a novel blood-brain barrier penetrant and orally available BACE1 inhibitor, was verified by immunoblotting. In vivo microscopy was applied to monitor the impact of long-term pharmacological BACE1 inhibition on dendritic spines in the cerebral cortex of constitutive and conditional Sez6 knockout mice. Finally, synaptic functions were characterized using electrophysiological field recordings in hippocampal slices. RESULTS BACE1 enzymatic activity was strongly suppressed by NB-360. Prolonged NB-360 treatment caused a reversible spine density reduction in wild-type mice, but it did not affect Sez6-/- mice. Knocking out Sez6 in a small subset of mature neurons also prevented the structural postsynaptic changes induced by BACE1 inhibition. Hippocampal long-term potentiation was decreased in both chronic BACE1 inhibitor-treated wild-type mice and vehicle-treated Sez6-/- mice. However, chronic NB-360 treatment did not alter long-term potentiation in CA1 neurons of Sez6-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that SEZ6 plays an important role in maintaining normal dendritic spine dynamics. Furthermore, SEZ6 is involved in BACE1 inhibition-induced structural and functional synaptic alterations.
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45
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Gureviciene I, Gurevicius K, Mugantseva E, Kislin M, Khiroug L, Tanila H. Amyloid Plaques Show Binding Capacity of Exogenous Injected Amyloid-β. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 55:147-157. [PMID: 27636846 DOI: 10.3233/jad-160453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid plaques, although inducing damage to the immediately surrounding neuropil, have been proposed to provide a relatively innocuous way to deposit toxic soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) species. Here we address this hypothesis by exploring spread and absorption of fluorescent Aβ to pre-existing amyloid plaques after local application in wild-type mice versus APP/PS1 transgenic mice with amyloid plaques. Local intracortical or intracerebroventricular injection of fluorescently-labeled Aβ in APP/PS1 mice with a high plaque density resulted in preferential accumulation of the peptide in amyloid plaques in both conventional postmortem histology and in live imaging using two-photon microscopy. These findings support the contention that amyloid plaques may act as buffers to protect neurons from the toxic effects of momentary high concentrations of soluble Aβ oligomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Gureviciene
- A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Ekaterina Mugantseva
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Theoretical & Experimental Biophysics, RAS, Pushchino, Russia
| | - Mikhail Kislin
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leonard Khiroug
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Neurotar Ltd, Helsinki, Finland, http://www.neurotar.com
| | - Heikki Tanila
- A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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46
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Bagheri S, Squitti R, Haertlé T, Siotto M, Saboury AA. Role of Copper in the Onset of Alzheimer's Disease Compared to Other Metals. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 9:446. [PMID: 29472855 PMCID: PMC5810277 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by amyloid plaques in patients' brain tissue. The plaques are mainly made of β-amyloid peptides and trace elements including Zn2+, Cu2+, and Fe2+. Some studies have shown that AD can be considered a type of metal dyshomeostasis. Among metal ions involved in plaques, numerous studies have focused on copper ions, which seem to be one of the main cationic elements in plaque formation. The involvement of copper in AD is controversial, as some studies show a copper deficiency in AD, and consequently a need to enhance copper levels, while other data point to copper overload and therefore a need to reduce copper levels. In this paper, the role of copper ions in AD and some contradictory reports are reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soghra Bagheri
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Rosanna Squitti
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio-Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Thomas Haertlé
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- UR 1268 Biopolymères Interactions Assemblages, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Equipe Fonctions et Interactions des Protéines, Nantes, France
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Management, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Ali A. Saboury
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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47
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Yuan P, Condello C, Keene CD, Wang Y, Bird TD, Paul SM, Luo W, Colonna M, Baddeley D, Grutzendler J. TREM2 Haplodeficiency in Mice and Humans Impairs the Microglia Barrier Function Leading to Decreased Amyloid Compaction and Severe Axonal Dystrophy. Neuron 2017; 90:724-39. [PMID: 27196974 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 435] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2015] [Revised: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Haplodeficiency of the microglia gene TREM2 increases risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) but the mechanisms remain uncertain. To investigate this, we used high-resolution confocal and super-resolution (STORM) microscopy in AD-like mice and human AD tissue. We found that microglia processes, rich in TREM2, tightly surround early amyloid fibrils and plaques promoting their compaction and insulation. In Trem2- or DAP12-haplodeficient mice and in humans with R47H TREM2 mutations, microglia had a markedly reduced ability to envelop amyloid deposits. This led to an increase in less compact plaques with longer and branched amyloid fibrils resulting in greater surface exposure to adjacent neurites. This was associated with more severe neuritic tau hyperphosphorylation and axonal dystrophy around amyloid deposits. Thus, TREM2 deficiency may disrupt the formation of a neuroprotective microglia barrier that regulates amyloid compaction and insulation. Pharmacological modulation of this barrier could be a novel therapeutic strategy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Carlo Condello
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - C Dirk Keene
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Yaming Wang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Thomas D Bird
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Steven M Paul
- The Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Wenjie Luo
- The Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David Baddeley
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Nanobiology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06515, USA
| | - Jaime Grutzendler
- Department of Neurology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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48
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Abstract
A set of core cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) includes total tau (T-tau), phosphorylated tau (P-tau) and β-amyloid 42 (Aβ42). These biomarkers reflect some of the key aspects of AD pathophysiology, including neuronal degeneration, tau phosphorylation with tangle formation, and Aβ aggregation with deposition of the peptide into plaques. The core AD CSF biomarkers have been validated clinically in numerous studies, and found to have a very high diagnostic performance to identify AD, both in the dementia and in the mild cognitive impairment stages of the disease. CSF Aβ42 has also been found to show very high concordance with amyloid PET to identify brain amyloid deposition. The synaptic protein neurogranin is a novel candidate CSF biomarker for AD and prodromal AD. High CSF neurogranin predicts future cognitive decline and seems to be more specific for AD than, for example, T-tau. Importantly, technical developments have given ultrasensitive measurement techniques that allow measurement of brain-specific proteins such as tau and neurofilament light (NFL) in blood samples. Both plasma tau and NFL are increased in AD, and a recent study showed that plasma NFL has a diagnostic performance comparable to the core AD CSF biomarkers, and predicted future cognitive decline. Future large longitudinal clinical studies are warranted to determine the potential for plasma tau and NFL to serve as first-in-line screening tools for neurodegeneration in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden.
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.
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49
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Deleye S, Waldron AM, Verhaeghe J, Bottelbergs A, Wyffels L, Van Broeck B, Langlois X, Schmidt M, Stroobants S, Staelens S. Evaluation of Small-Animal PET Outcome Measures to Detect Disease Modification Induced by BACE Inhibition in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer Disease. J Nucl Med 2017; 58:1977-1983. [PMID: 28611242 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.116.187625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effects of chronic administration of an inhibitor of the β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) on Alzheimer-related pathology by multitracer PET imaging in transgenic APPPS1-21 (TG) mice. Methods: Wild-type (WT) and TG mice received vehicle or BACE inhibitor (60 mg/kg) starting at 7 wk of age. Outcome measures of brain metabolism, neuroinflammation, and amyloid-β pathology were obtained through small-animal PET imaging with 18F-FDG, 18F-peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (18F-PBR), and 18F-florbetapir (18F-AV45), respectively. Baseline scans were acquired at 6-7 wk of age and follow-up scans at 4, 7, and 12 mo. 18F-AV45 uptake was measured at 8 and 13 mo of age. After the final scans, histologic measures of amyloid-β (4G8), microglia (ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1), astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein), and neuronal nuclei were performed. Results: TG mice demonstrated significant age-associated increases in 18F-AV45 uptake. An effect of treatment was observed in the cortex (P = 0.0014), hippocampus (P = 0.0005), and thalamus (P < 0.0001). Histology confirmed reduction of amyloid-β pathology in TG-BACE mice. Regardless of treatment, TG mice demonstrated significantly lower 18F-FDG uptake than WT mice in the thalamus (P = 0.0004) and hippocampus (P = 0.0332). Neuronal nucleus staining was lower in both TG groups in the thalamus and cortex. 18F-PBR111 detected a significant age-related increase in TG mice (P < 0.0001) but did not detect the treatment-induced reduction in activated microglia as demonstrated by histology. Conclusion: Although 18F-FDG, 18F-PBR111, and 18F-AV45 all detected pathologic alterations between TG and WT mice, only 18F-AV45 could detect an effect of BACE inhibitor treatment. However, changes in WT binding of 18F-AV45 undermine the specificity of this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Deleye
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ann-Marie Waldron
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Verhaeghe
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Leonie Wyffels
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Nuclear Medicine Department, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; and
| | | | - Xavier Langlois
- Foundational Neuroscience Center, Abbvie, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Mark Schmidt
- Neuroscience Department, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Stroobants
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; and
| | - Steven Staelens
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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50
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Zhao R, Hu W, Tsai J, Li W, Gan WB. Microglia limit the expansion of β-amyloid plaques in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurodegener 2017; 12:47. [PMID: 28606182 PMCID: PMC5468952 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-017-0188-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Microglia are known as resident immune cells in the brain. β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are surrounded by microglia, but whether and how microglia affect the formation and maintenance of plaques remains controversial. Methods We depleted microglia by injecting diphtheria toxin (DT) in CX3CR1CreER/+:R26DTR/+ (CX3CR1-iDTR) mice crossed with APPswe/PSEN1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice. Intravital time-lapse imaging was performed to examine changes in the number and size of Congo Red-labeled amyloid plaques over 1–2 weeks. We also examined spine density and shaft diameter of dendrites passing through plaques in a PSAPP mouse model of AD (PS1M146L line 6.2 × Tg2576) crossed with Thy1 YFP H-line mice. Results We found that DT administration to CX3CR1-iDTR mice efficiently ablated microglia within one week and that microglia repopulated in the second week after DT administration. Microglia depletion didn’t affect the number of amyloid plaques, but led to ~13% increase in the size of Aβ plaques within one week. Moreover, microglia repopulation was associated with the stabilization of plaque size during the second week. In addition, we found dendritic spine loss and shaft atrophy in the distal parts of dendrites passing through plaques. Conclusion Our results demonstrate the important role of microglia in limiting the growth of Aβ plaques and plaque-associated disruption of neuronal connection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13024-017-0188-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruohe Zhao
- Drug Discovery Center, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.,Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Wanling Hu
- Drug Discovery Center, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Julia Tsai
- Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Drug Discovery Center, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China. .,Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Wen-Biao Gan
- Drug Discovery Center, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China. .,Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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