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Chang CJ, Taoufiq Z, Yamada H, Takei K, Tomiyama T, Umeda T, Hori T, Takahashi T. The microtubule-dynamin binding inhibitor peptide PHDP5 rescues spatial learning and memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease model mice. Brain Res 2024; 1838:148987. [PMID: 38718851 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148987] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Dynamin is a microtubule (MT) binding protein playing a key role in vesicle endocytosis. In a brain slice model, tau loaded in presynaptic terminals assembles MTs, thereby impairing vesicle endocytosis via depletion of cytosolic dynamin. The peptide PHDP5, derived from the pleckstrin homology domain of dynamin 1, inhibits dynamin-MT interaction and rescues endocytosis and synaptic transmission impaired by tau when co-loaded in presynaptic terminals. We tested whether in vivo administration of PHDP5 could rescue the learning/memory deficits observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) model mice. A modified PHDP5 incorporating a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) and a FITC fluorescent marker was delivered intranasally to Tau609 transgenic (Tg) and 3xTg-AD mice. FITC-positive puncta were observed in the hippocampus of mice infused with PHDP5 or scrambled (SPHDP5) peptide, but not in saline-infused controls. In the Morris water maze (MWM) test for spatial learning/memory, AD model mice treated with FITC-PHDP5-CPP showed prominent improvements in learning and memory, performing close to the level of saline-infused WT mice control. In contrast, mice treated with a scrambled construct (FITC-SPHDP5-CPP) showed no significant improvement. We conclude that PHDP5 can be a candidate for human AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Jung Chang
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Zacharie Taoufiq
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yamada
- Department of Neuroscience. Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Kohji Takei
- Department of Neuroscience. Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Takami Tomiyama
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine School of Medicine, 530-0001 Osaka Japan
| | - Tomohiro Umeda
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine School of Medicine, 530-0001 Osaka Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hori
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan.
| | - Tomoyuki Takahashi
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan.
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2
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Hulse J, Maphis N, Peabody J, Chackerian B, Bhaskar K. Virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccine targeting tau phosphorylated at Ser396/Ser404 (PHF1) site outperforms phosphorylated S199/S202 (AT8) site in reducing tau pathology and restoring cognitive deficits in the rTg4510 mouse model of tauopathy. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4390998. [PMID: 38946961 PMCID: PMC11213181 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4390998/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), are histopathologically defined by the aggregation of hyperphosphorylated pathological tau (pTau) as neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Site-specific phosphorylation of tau occurs early in the disease process and correlates with progressive cognitive decline, thus serving as targetable pathological epitopes for immunotherapeutic development. Previously, we developed a vaccine (Qβ-pT181) displaying phosphorylated Thr181 tau peptides on the surface of a Qβ bacteriophage virus-like particle (VLP) that induced robust antibody responses, cleared pathological tau, and rescued memory deficits in a transgenic mouse model of tauopathy. Here we report the characterization and comparison of two additional Qβ VLP-based vaccines targeting the dual phosphorylation sites Ser199/Ser202 (Qβ-AT8) and Ser396/Ser404 (Qβ-PHF1). Both Qβ-AT8 and Qβ-PHF1 vaccines elicited high-titer antibody responses against their pTau epitopes. However, only Qβ-PHF1 rescued cognitive deficits, reduced soluble and insoluble pathological tau, and reactive microgliosis in a 4-month rTg4510 model of FTD. Both sera from Qβ-AT8 and Qβ-PHF1 vaccinated mice were specifically reactive to tau pathology in human AD post-mortem brain sections. These studies further support the use of VLP-based immunotherapies to target pTau in AD and related tauopathies and provide potential insight into the clinical efficacy of various pTau epitopes in the development of immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Hulse
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University Of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. USA
| | - Nicole Maphis
- Department of Neurosciences, University Of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. USA
| | - Julianne Peabody
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University Of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. USA
| | - Bryce Chackerian
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University Of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. USA
| | - Kiran Bhaskar
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University Of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. USA
- Department of Neurology, University Of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. USA
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Ren Z, Zhao L, Zhao M, Bao T, Chen T, Zhao A, Zheng X, Gu X, Sun T, Guo Y, Tang Y, Xie G, Jia W. Increased intestinal bile acid absorption contributes to age-related cognitive impairment. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101543. [PMID: 38697101 PMCID: PMC11148718 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment in the elderly is associated with alterations in bile acid (BA) metabolism. In this study, we observe elevated levels of serum conjugated primary bile acids (CPBAs) and ammonia in elderly individuals, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and aging rodents, with a more pronounced change in females. These changes are correlated with increased expression of the ileal apical sodium-bile acid transporter (ASBT), hippocampal synapse loss, and elevated brain CPBA and ammonia levels in rodents. In vitro experiments confirm that a CPBA, taurocholic acid, and ammonia induced synaptic loss. Manipulating intestinal BA transport using ASBT activators or inhibitors demonstrates the impact on brain CPBA and ammonia levels as well as cognitive decline in rodents. Additionally, administration of an intestinal BA sequestrant, cholestyramine, alleviates cognitive impairment, normalizing CPBAs and ammonia in aging mice. These findings highlight the potential of targeting intestinal BA absorption as a therapeutic strategy for age-related cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxing Ren
- Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- School of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mingliang Zhao
- Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Tianhao Bao
- The Affiliated Mental Health Center of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650224, China
| | - Tianlu Chen
- Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Aihua Zhao
- Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Xiaojiao Zheng
- Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Xinru Gu
- Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yuhuai Guo
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yajun Tang
- Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Guoxiang Xie
- Human Metabolomics Institute, Inc., Shenzhen, Guangdong 518109, China
| | - Wei Jia
- Center for Translational Medicine and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Rastogi M, Bartolucci M, Nanni M, Aloisio M, Vozzi D, Petretto A, Contestabile A, Cancedda L. Integrative multi-omic analysis reveals conserved cell-projection deficits in human Down syndrome brains. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00329-5. [PMID: 38810652 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of cognitive disability. However, it is largely unclear how triplication of a small gene subset may impinge on diverse aspects of DS brain physiopathology. Here, we took a multi-omic approach and simultaneously analyzed by RNA-seq and proteomics the expression signatures of two diverse regions of human postmortem DS brains. We found that the overexpression of triplicated genes triggered global expression dysregulation, differentially affecting transcripts, miRNAs, and proteins involved in both known and novel biological candidate pathways. Among the latter, we observed an alteration in RNA splicing, specifically modulating the expression of genes involved in cytoskeleton and axonal dynamics in DS brains. Accordingly, we found an alteration in axonal polarization in neurons from DS human iPSCs and mice. Thus, our study provides an integrated multilayer expression database capable of identifying new potential targets to aid in designing future clinical interventions for DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Rastogi
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Martina Bartolucci
- Core Facilities - Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16147, Italy
| | - Marina Nanni
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | | | - Diego Vozzi
- Central RNA Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16152, Italy
| | - Andrea Petretto
- Core Facilities - Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova 16147, Italy
| | - Andrea Contestabile
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy.
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy; Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Rome 00185, Italy.
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Hojjati SH, Babajani-Feremi A. Seeing beyond the symptoms: biomarkers and brain regions linked to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1356656. [PMID: 38813532 PMCID: PMC11135344 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1356656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Early Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis remains challenging, necessitating specific biomarkers for timely detection. This study aimed to identify such biomarkers and explore their associations with cognitive decline. Methods A cohort of 1759 individuals across cognitive aging stages, including healthy controls (HC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD, was examined. Utilizing nine biomarkers from structural MRI (sMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and positron emission tomography (PET), predictions were made for Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDRSB), and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS). Biomarkers included four sMRI (e.g., average thickness [ATH]), four DTI (e.g., mean diffusivity [MD]), and one PET Amyloid-β (Aβ) measure. Ensemble regression tree (ERT) technique with bagging and random forest approaches were applied in four groups (HC/MCI, HC/AD, MCI/AD, and HC/MCI/AD). Results Aβ emerged as a robust predictor of cognitive scores, particularly in late-stage AD. Volumetric measures, notably ATH, consistently correlated with cognitive scores across early and late disease stages. Additionally, ADAS demonstrated links to various neuroimaging biomarkers in all subject groups, highlighting its efficacy in monitoring brain changes throughout disease progression. ERT identified key brain regions associated with cognitive scores, such as the right transverse temporal region for Aβ, left and right entorhinal cortex, left inferior temporal gyrus, and left middle temporal gyrus for ATH, and the left uncinate fasciculus for MD. Conclusion This study underscores the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in understanding AD mechanisms, offering potential contributions to early biomarker development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Hani Hojjati
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Brain Health Imaging Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Abbas Babajani-Feremi
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG) Lab, The Norman Fixel Institute of Neurological Diseases, University of Florida Health, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Hulse J, Maphis N, Peabody J, Chackerian B, Bhaskar K. Virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccine targeting tau phosphorylated at Ser396/Ser404 (PHF1) site outperforms phosphorylated S199/S202 (AT8) site in reducing tau pathology and restoring cognitive deficits in the rTg4510 mouse model of tauopathy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.05.588338. [PMID: 38644999 PMCID: PMC11030413 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.05.588338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), are histopathologically defined by the aggregation of hyperphosphorylated pathological tau (pTau) as neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Site-specific phosphorylation of tau occurs early in the disease process and correlates with progressive cognitive decline, thus serving as targetable pathological epitopes for immunotherapeutic development. Previously, we developed a vaccine (Qβ-pT181) displaying phosphorylated Thr181 tau peptides on the surface of a Qβ bacteriophage virus-like particle (VLP) that induced robust antibody responses, cleared pathological tau, and rescued memory deficits in a transgenic mouse model of tauopathy. Here we report the characterization and comparison of two additional Qβ VLP-based vaccines targeting the dual phosphorylation sites Ser199/Ser202 (Qβ-AT8) and Ser396/Ser404 (Qβ-PHF1). Both Qβ-AT8 and Qβ-PHF1 vaccines elicited high-titer antibody responses against their pTau epitopes. However, only Qβ-PHF1 rescued cognitive deficits, reduced soluble and insoluble pathological tau, and reactive microgliosis in a 4-month rTg4510 model of FTD. Both sera from Qβ-AT8 and Qβ-PHF1 vaccinated mice were specifically reactive to tau pathology in human AD post-mortem brain sections. These studies further support the use of VLP-based immunotherapies to target pTau in AD and related tauopathies and provide potential insight into the clinical efficacy of various pTau epitopes in the development of immunotherapeutics.
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7
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Alhadidy MM, Kanaan NM. Biochemical approaches to assess the impact of post-translational modifications on pathogenic tau conformations using recombinant protein. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:301-318. [PMID: 38348781 PMCID: PMC10903483 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230596] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Tau protein is associated with many neurodegenerative disorders known as tauopathies. Aggregates of tau are thought of as a main contributor to neurodegeneration in these diseases. Increasingly, evidence points to earlier, soluble conformations of abnormally modified monomers and multimeric tau as toxic forms of tau. The biological processes driving tau from physiological species to pathogenic conformations remain poorly understood, but certain avenues are currently under investigation including the functional consequences of various pathological tau changes (e.g. mutations, post-translational modifications (PTMs), and protein-protein interactions). PTMs can regulate several aspects of tau biology such as proteasomal and autophagic clearance, solubility, and aggregation. Moreover, PTMs can contribute to the transition of tau from normal to pathogenic conformations. However, our understating of how PTMs specifically regulate the transition of tau into pathogenic conformations is partly impeded by the relative lack of structured frameworks to assess and quantify these conformations. In this review, we describe a set of approaches that includes several in vitro assays to determine the contribution of PTMs to tau's transition into known pathogenic conformations. The approaches begin with different methods to create recombinant tau proteins carrying specific PTMs followed by validation of the PTMs status. Then, we describe a set of biochemical and biophysical assays that assess the contribution of a given PTM to different tau conformations, including aggregation, oligomerization, exposure of the phosphatase-activating domain, and seeding. Together, these approaches can facilitate the advancement of our understanding of the relationships between PTMs and tau conformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M. Alhadidy
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, U.S.A
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
| | - Nicholas M. Kanaan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, U.S.A
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
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8
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Malik N, Miah MU, Galgani A, McAleese K, Walker L, LeBeau FE, Attems J, Outeiro TF, Thomas A, Koss DJ. Regional AT-8 reactive tau species correlate with intracellular Aβ levels in cases of low AD neuropathologic change. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:40. [PMID: 38353753 PMCID: PMC10866780 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02691-4] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The amyloid cascade hypothesis states that Aβ aggregates induce pathological changes in tau, leading to neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and cell death. A caveat with this hypothesis is the spatio-temporal divide between plaques and NFTs. This has been addressed by the inclusion of soluble Aβ and tau species in the revised amyloid cascade hypothesis. Nevertheless, despite the potential for non-plaque Aβ to contribute to tau pathology, few studies have examined relative correlative strengths between total Aβ, plaque Aβ and intracellular Aβ with tau pathology within a single tissue cohort. Employing frozen and fixed frontal cortex grey and white matter tissue from non-AD controls (Con; n = 39) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases (n = 21), biochemical and immunohistochemical (IHC) measures of Aβ and AT-8 phosphorylated tau were assessed. Biochemical native-state dot blots from crude tissue lysates demonstrated robust correlations between total Aβ and AT-8 tau, when considered as a combined cohort (Con and AD) and when as Con and AD cases, separately. In contrast, no associations between Aβ plaques and AT-8 were reported when using IHC measurements in either Con or AD cases. However, when intracellular Aβ was measured via the Aβ specific antibody MOAB-2, a correlative relationship with AT-8 tau was reported in non-AD controls but not in AD cases. Collectively the data suggests that accumulating intracellular Aβ may influence AT-8 pathology, early in AD-related neuropathological change. Despite the lower levels of phospho-tau and Aβ in controls, the robust correlative relationships observed suggest a physiological association of Aβ production and tau phosphorylation, which may be modified during disease. This study is supportive of a revised amyloid cascade hypothesis and demonstrates regional associative relationships between tau pathology and intracellular Aβ, but not extracellular Aβ plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nauman Malik
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mohi-Uddin Miah
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Alessandro Galgani
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kirsty McAleese
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lauren Walker
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona E LeBeau
- Biosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Johannes Attems
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alan Thomas
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - David J Koss
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
- Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK.
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9
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Lalwani RC, Volmar CH, Wahlestedt C, Webster KA, Shehadeh LA. Contextualizing the Role of Osteopontin in the Inflammatory Responses of Alzheimer's Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3232. [PMID: 38137453 PMCID: PMC10741223 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive accumulations of extracellular amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregates from soluble oligomers to insoluble plaques and hyperphosphorylated intraneuronal tau, also from soluble oligomers to insoluble neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Tau and Aβ complexes spread from the entorhinal cortex of the brain to interconnected regions, where they bind pattern recognition receptors on microglia and astroglia to trigger inflammation and neurotoxicity that ultimately lead to neurodegeneration and clinical AD. Systemic inflammation is initiated by Aβ's egress into the circulation, which may be secondary to microglial activation and can confer both destructive and reparative actions. Microglial activation pathways and downstream drivers of Aβ/NFT neurotoxicity, including inflammatory regulators, are primary targets for AD therapy. Osteopontin (OPN), an inflammatory cytokine and biomarker of AD, is implicated in Aβ clearance and toxicity, microglial activation, and inflammation, and is considered to be a potential therapeutic target. Here, using the most relevant works from the literature, we review and contextualize the evidence for a central role of OPN and associated inflammation in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshni C. Lalwani
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Claude-Henry Volmar
- Department of Psychiatry, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.-H.V.); (C.W.)
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Department of Psychiatry, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.-H.V.); (C.W.)
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Keith A. Webster
- Integene International Holdings, LLC, Miami, FL 33137, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Everglades BioPharma, Houston, TX 77098, USA
| | - Lina A. Shehadeh
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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10
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Ondrejcak T, Klyubin I, Hu NW, O'Malley TT, Corbett GT, Winters R, Perkinton MS, Billinton A, Prenderville JA, Walsh DM, Rowan MJ. Tau and Amyloid β Protein in Patient-Derived Aqueous Brain Extracts Act Concomitantly to Disrupt Long-Term Potentiation in Vivo. J Neurosci 2023; 43:5870-5879. [PMID: 37491315 PMCID: PMC10423043 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0082-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid β protein (Aβ) and tau, the two main proteins implicated in causing Alzheimer's disease (AD), are posited to trigger synaptic dysfunction long before significant synaptic loss occurs in vulnerable circuits. Whereas soluble Aβ aggregates from AD brain are well recognized potent synaptotoxins, less is known about the synaptotoxicity of soluble tau from AD or other tauopathy patient brains. Minimally manipulated patient-derived aqueous brain extracts contain the more diffusible native forms of these proteins. Here, we explore how intracerebral injection of Aβ and tau present in such aqueous extracts of patient brain contribute to disruption of synaptic plasticity in the CA1 area of the male rat hippocampus. Aqueous extracts of certain AD brains acutely inhibited long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission in a manner that required both Aβ and tau. Tau-containing aqueous extracts of a brain from a patient with Pick's disease (PiD) also impaired LTP, and diffusible tau from either AD or PiD brain lowered the threshold for AD brain Aβ to inhibit LTP. Remarkably, the disruption of LTP persisted for at least 2 weeks after a single injection. These findings support a critical role for diffusible tau in causing rapid onset, persistent synaptic plasticity deficits, and promoting Aβ-mediated synaptic dysfunction.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The microtubule-associated protein tau forms relatively insoluble fibrillar deposits in the brains of people with neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Pick's diseases. More soluble aggregates of disease-associated tau may diffuse between cells and could cause damage to synapses in vulnerable circuits. We prepared aqueous extracts of diseased cerebral cortex and tested their ability to interfere with synaptic function in the brains of live rats. Tau in these extracts rapidly and persistently disrupted synaptic plasticity and facilitated impairments caused by amyloid β protein, the other major pathologic protein in Alzheimer's disease. These findings show that certain diffusible forms of tau can mediate synaptic dysfunction and may be a target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Ondrejcak
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Igor Klyubin
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Neng-Wei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Tiernan T O'Malley
- Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Research, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Hale Building for Transformative Medicine, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Grant T Corbett
- Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Research, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Hale Building for Transformative Medicine, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Róisín Winters
- Transpharmation Ireland, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Michael S Perkinton
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca UK, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Billinton
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca UK, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, United Kingdom
| | - Jack A Prenderville
- Transpharmation Ireland, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Dominic M Walsh
- Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Research, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Hale Building for Transformative Medicine, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Michael J Rowan
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
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11
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Sil A, Souza Matos M, Delibegovic M, Platt B. How stra(i)nge are your controls? A comparative analysis of metabolic phenotypes in commonly used C57BL/6 substrains. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289472. [PMID: 37531359 PMCID: PMC10395817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, insufficiently characterised controls have been a contributing factor to irreproducibility in biomedical research including neuroscience and metabolism. There is now a growing awareness of phenotypic differences between the C57BL/6 substrains which are commonly used as control animals. We here investigated baseline metabolic characteristics such as glucose regulation, fasted serum insulin levels and hepatic insulin signalling in five different C57BL/6 substrains (N, J, JOla, JRcc) of both sexes, obtained from two commercial vendors, Charles River Laboratories (Crl) and Envigo (Env). Our results indicate systematic and tissue-specific differences between substrains, affected by both vendor and sex, in all parameters investigated, and not necessarily mediated by the presence of the NntC57BL/6J mutation. Not only were there differences between 6J and 6N as expected, all three 6J substrains exhibited different profiles, even from the same breeder. Two distinct metabolic profiles were identified, one in which low insulin levels resulted in impaired glucose clearance (6JCrl; both sexes) and the other, where sustained elevations in fasted basal insulin levels led to glucose intolerance (male 6JRccEnv). Further, 6JRccEnv displayed sex differences in both glucose clearance and hepatic insulin signalling markers. In comparison, the two 6N substrains of either sex, irrespective of vendor, did not exhibit considerable differences, with 6NCrl animals presenting a good choice as a healthy baseline 'control' for many types of experiments. Overall, our data emphasise the importance of selecting and characterising control subjects regarding background, sex, and supplier to ensure proper experimental outcomes in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annesha Sil
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Marina Souza Matos
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Mirela Delibegovic
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Bettina Platt
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
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12
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Rayman JB. Focusing on oligomeric tau as a therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37140480 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2206561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tau has commanded much attention as a potential therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases. Tau pathology is a hallmark of primary tauopathies, such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal syndrome (CBS), and subtypes of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), as well as secondary tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The development of tau therapeutics must reconcile with the structural complexity of the tau proteome, as well as an incomplete understanding of the role of tau in both physiology and disease. AREAS COVERED This review offers a current perspective on tau biology, discusses key barriers to the development of effective tau-based therapeutics, and promotes the idea that pathogenic (as opposed to merely pathological) tau should be at the center of drug development efforts. EXPERT OPINION An efficacious tau therapeutic will exhibit several primary features: 1) selectivity for pathogenic tau versus other tau species; 2) blood-brain barrier and cell membrane permeability, enabling access to intracellular tau in disease-relevant brain regions; and 3) minimal toxicity. Oligomeric tau is proposed as a major pathogenic form of tau and a compelling drug target in tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B Rayman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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13
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Franklin ZJ, Croce L, Dekeryte R, Delibegovic M, Platt B. BACE cleavage of APP does not drive the diabetic phenotype of PLB4 mice. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 182:106142. [PMID: 37137417 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), two prevalent diseases related to ageing, often share common pathologies including increased inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and impaired metabolic homeostasis predominantly affecting different organs. Therefore, it was unexpected to find in a previous study that neuronal hBACE1 knock-in (PLB4 mouse) leads to both an AD- and T2DM- like phenotype. The complexity of this co-morbidity phenotype required a deeper systems approach to explore the age-related changes in AD and T2DM-like pathologies of the PLB4 mouse. Therefore, we here analysed key neuronal and metabolic tissues comparing associated pathologies to those of normal ageing. METHODS Glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and protein turnover were assessed in 5-h fasted 3- and 8-month-old male PLB4 and wild-type mice. Western Blot and quantitative PCR were performed to determine regulation of homeostatic and metabolic pathways in insulin-stimulated brain, liver and muscle tissue. RESULTS Neuronal hBACE1 expression caused early pathological cleavage of APP (increased monomeric Aβ (mAβ) levels at 3-months), in parallel with brain ER stress (increased phosphorylation of the translation regulation factor (p-eIF2α) and the chaperone binding immunoglobulin protein (BIP)). However, APP processing shifted over time (higher full-length APP and sAPPβ levels, alongside lower mAβ and secreted APPα at 8 months), along with increased ER stress (phosphorylated/total inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α)) in brain and liver. Metabolically, systemic glucose intolerance was evident from 3 months, yet metabolic signalling varied greatly between tissues and ages, and was confined to the periphery (muscle insulin receptors (IR), dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (DPP4) levels, and decreased phosphorylated protein Kinase B (p-Akt), alongside increased liver DPP4 and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21)), all of which normalised to wild-type levels at 8 months. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that the murine nervous system is affected early by APP misprocessing as a result of hBACE1 introduction, which coincided with ER stress, but not IR changes, and was alleviated with age. Peripheral metabolic alterations occurred early and revealed tissue-specific (liver vs. muscle) adaptations in metabolic markers but did not correlate with neuronal APP processing. Compensatory vs. contributory neuronal mechanisms associated with hBACE1 expression at different ages may explain why mice intrinsically do not develop AD pathologies and may offer new insights for future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z J Franklin
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - L Croce
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - R Dekeryte
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - M Delibegovic
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - B Platt
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK.
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14
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Hsiao WWW, Angela S, Le TN, Ku CC, Hu PS, Chiang WH. Evolution of Detecting Early Onset of Alzheimer's Disease: From Neuroimaging to Optical Immunoassays. J Alzheimers Dis 2023:JAD221202. [PMID: 37125550 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a pathological disorder defined by the symptoms of memory loss and deterioration of cognitive abilities over time. Although the etiology is complex, it is mainly associated with the accumulation of toxic amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) aggregates and tau protein-induced neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Even now, creating non-invasive, sensitive, specific, and cost-effective diagnostic methods for AD remains challenging. Over the past few decades, polymers, and nanomaterials (e.g., nanodiamonds, nanogold, quantum dots) have become attractive and practical tools in nanomedicine for diagnosis and treatment. This review focuses on current developments in sensing methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to boost the sensitivity in detecting related biomarkers for AD. In addition, optical analysis platforms such as ELISA and SERS have found increasing popularity among researchers due to their excellent sensitivity and specificity, which may go as low as the femtomolar range. While ELISA offers easy technological usage and high throughput, SERS has the advantages of improved mobility, simple electrical equipment integration, and lower cost. Both portable optical sensing techniques are highly superior in terms of sensitivity, specificity, human application, and practicality, enabling the early identification of AD biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley Wei-Wen Hsiao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Stefanny Angela
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Trong-Nghia Le
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Ku
- Graduate Institute of Immunology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Po-Sheng Hu
- College of Photonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hung Chiang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
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15
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Islam A, Saito T, Saido T, Ali AB. Presubiculum principal cells are preserved from degeneration in knock-in APP/TAU mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 139:55-72. [PMID: 35292192 PMCID: PMC10439011 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The presubiculum (PRS) is an integral component of the perforant pathway that has recently been recognised as a relatively unscathed region in clinical Alzheimer's disease (AD), despite neighbouring components of the perforant pathway, CA1 and the entorhinal cortex, responsible for formation of episodic memory and storage, showing severe hallmarks of AD including, amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, tau tangles and marked gliosis. However, the question remains whether this anatomical resilience translates into functional resilience of the PRS neurons. Using neuroanatomy combined with whole-cell electrophysiological recordings, we investigated whether the unique spatial profile of the PRS was replicable in two knock-in mouse models of AD, APPNL-F/NL-F, and APPNL-F/MAPTHTAU and whether the intrinsic properties and morphological integrity of the PRS principal neurons was maintained compared to the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) and hippocampal CA1 principal cells. Our data revealed an age-dependent Aβ and tau pathology with neuroinflammation in the LEC and CA1, but a presence of fleece-like Aβ deposits with an absence of tau tangles and cellular markers of gliosis in the PRS of the mouse models at 11-16 and 18-22 months. These observations were consistent in human post-mortem AD tissue. This spatial profile also correlated with functional resilience of strong burst firing PRS pyramidal cells that showed unaltered sub- and suprathreshold intrinsic biophysical membrane properties and gross morphology in the AD models that were similar to the properties of pyramidal cells recorded in age-matched wild-type mice (11-14 months). This was in contrast to the LEC and CA1 principal cells which showed altered subthreshold intrinsic properties such as a higher input resistance, longer membrane time constants and hyperexcitability in response to suprathreshold stimulation that correlated with atrophied dendrites in both AD models. In conclusion, our data show for the first time that the unique anatomical profile of the PRS constitutes a diffuse AD pathology that is correlated with the preservation of principal pyramidal cell intrinsic biophysical and morphological properties despite alteration of LEC and CA1 pyramidal cells in two distinct genetic models of AD. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of this resilience could be beneficial in preventing the spread of disease pathology before cognitive deficits are precipitated in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anam Islam
- UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Takashi Saito
- Department of Neurocognitive Science, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Takaomi Saido
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Afia B Ali
- UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
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16
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Griffiths J, Grant SGN. Synapse pathology in Alzheimer's disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 139:13-23. [PMID: 35690535 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Synapse loss and damage are central features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and contribute to the onset and progression of its behavioural and physiological features. Here we review the literature describing synapse pathology in AD, from what we have learned from microscopy in terms of its impacts on synapse architecture, to the mechanistic role of Aβ, tau and glial cells, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the link with AD risk genes. We consider the emerging view that synapse pathology may operate at a further level, that of synapse diversity, and discuss the prospects for leveraging new synaptome mapping methods to comprehensively understand the molecular properties of vulnerable and resilient synapses. Uncovering AD impacts on brain synapse diversity should inform therapeutic approaches targeted at preserving or replenishing lost and damaged synapses and aid the interpretation of clinical imaging approaches that aim to measure synapse damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Griffiths
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Seth G N Grant
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK.
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17
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Stouffer KM, Chen C, Kulason S, Xu E, Witter MP, Ceritoglu C, Albert MS, Mori S, Troncoso J, Tward DJ, Miller MI. Early amygdala and ERC atrophy linked to 3D reconstruction of rostral neurofibrillary tau tangle pathology in Alzheimer's disease. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 38:103374. [PMID: 36934675 PMCID: PMC10034129 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has emphasized the unique impact of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathology on the medial temporal lobe (MTL), a reflection that tau pathology is particularly striking in the entorhinal and transentorhinal cortex (ERC, TEC) early in the course of disease. However, other brain regions are affected by AD pathology during its early phases. Here, we use longitudinal diffeomorphometry to measure the atrophy rate from MRI of the amygdala compared with that in the ERC and TEC in cognitively unimpaired (CU) controls, CU individuals who progressed to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and individuals with MCI who progressed to dementia of the AD type (DAT), using a dataset from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Our results show significantly higher atrophy rates of the amygdala in both groups of 'converters' (CU→MCI, MCI→DAT) compared to controls, with rates of volume loss comparable to rates of thickness loss in the ERC and TEC. We localize atrophy within the amygdala within each of these groups using fixed effects modeling. Controlling for the familywise error rate highlights the medial regions of the amygdala as those with significantly higher atrophy in both groups of converters than in controls. Using our recently developed method, referred to as Projective LDDMM, we map measures of neurofibrillary tau tangles (NFTs) from digital pathology to MRI atlases and reconstruct dense 3D spatial distributions of NFT density within regions of the MTL. The distribution of NFTs is consistent with the spatial distribution of MR measured atrophy rates, revealing high densities (and atrophy) in the amygdala (particularly medial), ERC, and rostral third of the MTL. The similarity of the location of NFTs in AD and shape changes in a well-defined clinical population suggests that amygdalar atrophy rate, as measured through MRI may be a viable biomarker for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin M Stouffer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore 21218, MD, USA.
| | - Claire Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore 21218, MD, USA
| | - Sue Kulason
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore 21218, MD, USA
| | - Eileen Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore 21218, MD, USA
| | - Menno P Witter
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Can Ceritoglu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore 21218, MD, USA
| | - Marilyn S Albert
- Departments of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore 21205, MD, USA
| | - Susumu Mori
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore 21205, MD, USA
| | - Juan Troncoso
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore 21205, MD, USA
| | - Daniel J Tward
- Departments of Computational Medicine and Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA Brain Mapping Center, 660 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles 90095, CA, USA
| | - Michael I Miller
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore 21218, MD, USA
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18
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Kagusa H, Yamaguchi I, Shono K, Mizobuchi Y, Shikata E, Matsuda T, Miyamoto T, Hara K, Kitazato KT, Uto Y, Kanematsu Y, Takagi Y. Differences in amyloid-β and tau/p-tau deposition in blood-injected mouse brains using micro-syringe to mimic traumatic brain microhemorrhages. J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 130:102258. [PMID: 36925083 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102258] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) due to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have been shown to lead to cognitive decline and impairment. CMBs caused by TBI may be associated with pathophysiological mechanisms involving inflammation and the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ), tau, and phosphorylated tau (p-tau), contributing to cognitive abnormalities. However, their relationships remain unclear. OBJECTIVES To test our hypothesis that Aβ, tau, and p-tau are accumulated and regulated separately in mice with injuries imitating CMBs from TBI, we studied. METHODS Seven-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were injected with 15 μL of heparinized autologous blood or saline by micro-syringe into the front lobe. Expression profiles and regulation of Aβ, tau, and p-tau were assessed immunohistochemically over time. RESULTS On day 7 after blood injection, Iba-1+ and S100B+ cells in damaged cortex adjacent to the injection site were higher than saline injection group and non-injected sham. On days 3-14, Aβ deposition were gradually increased but normalized by day 28. In contrast, tau/p-tau deposition gradually increased during days 14-28 and dispersed along the corticomedullary junction adjacent to hem deposits, indicating different expression profiles from Aβ. Deposits of Aβ, but not tau/p-tau, were phagocytosed by CD163+ macrophages increased by Gc-protein macrophage-activating factor during days 7-28, suggesting different mechanisms of deposition and regulation between Aβ and tau/p-tau. CONCLUSION Deposition and regulation differ between Aβ and tau/p-tau in mice with injuries mimicking CMBs from TBI. Further clarification of relationships between the pathologies of cognitive impairment and their neurodegenerative consequences is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kagusa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan.
| | - Izumi Yamaguchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kenji Shono
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Mizobuchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Eiji Shikata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Taku Matsuda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Miyamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Keijiro Hara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Keiko T Kitazato
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Uto
- Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Science, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Kanematsu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yasushi Takagi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
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Ailioaie LM, Ailioaie C, Litscher G. Photobiomodulation in Alzheimer's Disease-A Complementary Method to State-of-the-Art Pharmaceutical Formulations and Nanomedicine? Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:916. [PMID: 36986776 PMCID: PMC10054386 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), as a neurodegenerative disorder, usually develops slowly but gradually worsens. It accounts for approximately 70% of dementia cases worldwide, and is recognized by WHO as a public health priority. Being a multifactorial disease, the origins of AD are not satisfactorily understood. Despite huge medical expenditures and attempts to discover new pharmaceuticals or nanomedicines in recent years, there is no cure for AD and not many successful treatments are available. The current review supports introspection on the latest scientific results from the specialized literature regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of brain photobiomodulation, as a complementary method with implications in AD. State-of-the-art pharmaceutical formulations, development of new nanoscale materials, bionanoformulations in current applications and perspectives in AD are highlighted. Another goal of this review was to discover and to speed transition to completely new paradigms for the multi-target management of AD, to facilitate brain remodeling through new therapeutic models and high-tech medical applications with light or lasers in the integrative nanomedicine of the future. In conclusion, new insights from this interdisciplinary approach, including the latest results from photobiomodulation (PBM) applied in human clinical trials, combined with the latest nanoscale drug delivery systems to easily overcome protective brain barriers, could open new avenues to rejuvenate our central nervous system, the most fascinating and complex organ. Picosecond transcranial laser stimulation could be successfully used to cross the blood-brain barrier together with the latest nanotechnologies, nanomedicines and drug delivery systems in AD therapy. Original, smart and targeted multifunctional solutions and new nanodrugs may soon be developed to treat AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marinela Ailioaie
- Department of Medical Physics, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 11 Carol I Boulevard, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Constantin Ailioaie
- Department of Medical Physics, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, 11 Carol I Boulevard, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Gerhard Litscher
- President of ISLA (International Society for Medical Laser Applications), Research Unit of Biomedical Engineering in Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Research Unit for Complementary and Integrative Laser Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Research Center Graz, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 39, 8036 Graz, Austria
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20
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Arjmandi-Rad S, Ebrahimnejad M, Zarrindast MR, Vaseghi S. Do Sleep Disturbances have a Dual Effect on Alzheimer's Disease? Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:711-727. [PMID: 35568778 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01228-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disturbances and Alzheimer's disease have deleterious effects on various physiological and cognitive functions including synaptic plasticity, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and memory. In addition, clock genes expression is significantly altered following sleep disturbances, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. In this review article, we aimed to discuss the role of sleep disturbances and Alzheimer's disease in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and clock genes expression. Also, we aimed to find significant relationships between sleep disturbances and Alzheimer's disease in the modulation of these mechanisms. We referred to the controversial effects of sleep disturbances (particularly those related to the duration of sleep deprivation) on the modulation of synaptic function and neuroinflammation. We aimed to know that, do sleep disturbances have a dual effect on the progression of Alzheimer's disease? Although numerous studies have discussed the association between sleep disturbances and Alzheimer's disease, the new point of this study was to focus on the controversial effects of sleep disturbances on different biological functions, and to evaluate the potential dualistic role of sleep disturbances in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Arjmandi-Rad
- Institute for Cognitive & Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Ebrahimnejad
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, PO Box: 1419815477, Karaj, Iran.
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Muschol M, Hoyer W. Amyloid oligomers as on-pathway precursors or off-pathway competitors of fibrils. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1120416. [PMID: 36845541 PMCID: PMC9947291 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1120416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid Diseases involve the growth of disease specific proteins into amyloid fibrils and their deposition in protein plaques. Amyloid fibril formation is typically preceded by oligomeric intermediates. Despite significant efforts, the specific role fibrils or oligomers play in the etiology of any given amyloid disease remains controversial. In neurodegenerative disease, though, amyloid oligomers are widely considered critical contributors to disease symptoms. Aside from oligomers as inevitable on-pathway precursors of fibril formation, there is significant evidence for off-pathway oligomer formation competing with fibril growth. The distinct mechanisms and pathways of oligomer formation directly affect our understanding under which conditions oligomers emerge in vivo, and whether their formation is directly coupled to, or distinct from, amyloid fibril formation. In this review, we will discuss the basic energy landscapes underlying the formation of on-pathway vs. off-pathway oligomers, their relation to the related amyloid aggregation kinetics, and their resulting implications for disease etiology. We will review evidence on how differences in the local environment of amyloid assembly can dramatically shift the relative preponderance of oligomers vs. fibrils. Finally, we will comment on gaps in our knowledge of oligomer assembly, of their structure, and on how to assess their relevance to disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Muschol
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States,*Correspondence: Martin Muschol, ; Wolfgang Hoyer,
| | - Wolfgang Hoyer
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany,Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7) and JuStruct, Jülich Center for Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany,*Correspondence: Martin Muschol, ; Wolfgang Hoyer,
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22
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Oatman SR, Reddy JS, Quicksall Z, Carrasquillo MM, Wang X, Liu CC, Yamazaki Y, Nguyen TT, Malphrus K, Heckman M, Biswas K, Nho K, Baker M, Martens YA, Zhao N, Kim JP, Risacher SL, Rademakers R, Saykin AJ, DeTure M, Murray ME, Kanekiyo T, Dickson DW, Bu G, Allen M, Ertekin-Taner N. Genome-wide association study of brain biochemical phenotypes reveals distinct genetic architecture of Alzheimer's disease related proteins. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:2. [PMID: 36609403 PMCID: PMC9825010 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-022-00592-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is neuropathologically characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The main protein components of these hallmarks include Aβ40, Aβ42, tau, phosphor-tau, and APOE. We hypothesize that genetic variants influence the levels and solubility of these AD-related proteins in the brain; identifying these may provide key insights into disease pathogenesis. METHODS Genome-wide genotypes were collected from 441 AD cases, imputed to the haplotype reference consortium (HRC) panel, and filtered for quality and frequency. Temporal cortex levels of five AD-related proteins from three fractions, buffer-soluble (TBS), detergent-soluble (Triton-X = TX), and insoluble (Formic acid = FA), were available for these same individuals. Variants were tested for association with each quantitative biochemical measure using linear regression, and GSA-SNP2 was used to identify enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Implicated variants and genes were further assessed for association with other relevant variables. RESULTS We identified genome-wide significant associations at seven novel loci and the APOE locus. Genes and variants at these loci also associate with multiple AD-related measures, regulate gene expression, have cell-type specific enrichment, and roles in brain health and other neuropsychiatric diseases. Pathway analysis identified significant enrichment of shared and distinct biological pathways. CONCLUSIONS Although all biochemical measures tested reflect proteins core to AD pathology, our results strongly suggest that each have unique genetic architecture and biological pathways that influence their specific biochemical states in the brain. Our novel approach of deep brain biochemical endophenotype GWAS has implications for pathophysiology of proteostasis in AD that can guide therapeutic discovery efforts focused on these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie R. Oatman
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Joseph S. Reddy
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA
| | - Zachary Quicksall
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA
| | | | - Xue Wang
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA
| | - Chia-Chen Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Yu Yamazaki
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Thuy T. Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Kimberly Malphrus
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Michael Heckman
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA
| | - Kristi Biswas
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Kwangsik Nho
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
- School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Matthew Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Yuka A. Martens
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Jun Pyo Kim
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Shannon L. Risacher
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Rosa Rademakers
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
- VIB-UA Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Andrew J. Saykin
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Michael DeTure
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Melissa E. Murray
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Takahisa Kanekiyo
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
- School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
- VIB-UA Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Birdsall 3, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Dennis W. Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Guojun Bu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Mariet Allen
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Nilüfer Ertekin-Taner
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Birdsall 3, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
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Sandberg A, Berenjeno-Correa E, Rodriguez RC, Axenhus M, Weiss SS, Batenburg K, Hoozemans JJM, Tjernberg LO, Scheper W. Aβ42 oligomer-specific antibody ALZ-201 reduces the neurotoxicity of Alzheimer's disease brain extracts. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:196. [PMID: 36578089 PMCID: PMC9798723 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01141-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyloid-β 1-42 (Aβ42) neurotoxicity stems mostly from its soluble oligomeric aggregates. Studies of such aggregates have been hampered by the lack of oligomer-specific research tools and their intrinsic instability and heterogeneity. Here, we developed a monoclonal antibody with a unique oligomer-specific binding profile (ALZ-201) using oligomer-stabilising technology. Subsequently, we assessed the etiological relevance of the Aβ targeted by ALZ-201 on physiologically derived, toxic Aβ using extracts from post-mortem brains of AD patients and controls in primary mouse neuron cultures. METHODS Mice were immunised with stable oligomers derived from the Aβ42 peptide with A21C/A30C mutations (AβCC), and ALZ-201 was developed using hybridoma technology. Specificity for the oligomeric form of the Aβ42CC antigen and Aβ42 was confirmed using ELISA, and non-reactivity against plaques by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The antibody's potential for cross-protective activity against pathological Aβ was evaluated in brain tissue samples from 10 individuals confirmed as AD (n=7) and non-AD (n=3) with IHC staining for Aβ and phosphorylated tau (p-Tau) aggregates. Brain extracts were prepared and immunodepleted using the positive control 4G8 antibody, ALZ-201 or an isotype control to ALZ-201. Fractions were biochemically characterised, and toxicity assays were performed in primary mouse neuronal cultures using automated high-content microscopy. RESULTS AD brain extracts proved to be more toxic than controls as demonstrated by neuronal loss and morphological determinants (e.g. synapse density and measures of neurite complexity). Immunodepletion using 4G8 reduced Aβ levels in both AD and control samples compared to ALZ-201 or the isotype control, which showed no significant difference. Importantly, despite the differential effect on the total Aβ content, the neuroprotective effects of 4G8 and ALZ-201 immunodepletion were similar, whereas the isotype control showed no effect. CONCLUSIONS ALZ-201 depletes a toxic species in post-mortem AD brain extracts causing a positive physiological and protective impact on the integrity and morphology of mouse neurons. Its unique specificity indicates that a low-abundant, soluble Aβ42 oligomer may account for much of the neurotoxicity in AD. This critical attribute identifies the potential of ALZ-201 as a novel drug candidate for achieving a true, clinical therapeutic effect in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Sandberg
- grid.451585.8Alzinova AB, Pepparedsleden 1, SE-431 83, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Ernesto Berenjeno-Correa
- grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands ,grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Functional Genomics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rosa Crespo Rodriguez
- grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Department of Neurochemistry, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michael Axenhus
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophia Schedin Weiss
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kevin Batenburg
- grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands ,grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Functional Genomics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J. M. Hoozemans
- grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lars O. Tjernberg
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wiep Scheper
- grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands ,grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Functional Genomics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Ng CAS, Biran LP, Galvano E, Mandelblatt J, Vicini S, Rebeck GW. Chemotherapy promotes astrocytic response to Aβ deposition, but not Aβ levels, in a mouse model of amyloid and APOE. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 175:105915. [PMID: 36336241 PMCID: PMC9794416 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cancer survivors experience cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), which is characterized by problems of attention, working memory, and executive function following chemotherapy and/or hormonal treatment. APOE4, the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's Disease (AD), is also a risk factor for CRCI, especially among survivors exposed to chemotherapy. We explored whether the effects of APOE genotype to chemotherapy were associated with an increase in AD pathological processes, using a mouse model of amyloid (5XFAD) along with the E3 or E4 alleles of human APOE (E3FAD and E4FAD). Six-month-old female E3FAD mice (control n = 5, treated n = 5) and E4FAD (control n = 6, treated n = 6) were treated with two doses of doxorubicin (total 10 mg/kg) or DMSO vehicle. After six weeks, mice were euthanized and brains were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and biochemical assays. Doxorubicin-treated mice had the same level of Aβ in the brain as control mice, as measured by 6E10 immunohistochemistry, Aβ40 and Aβ42 ELISAs, and plaque morphologies. Doxorubicin significantly increased the level of the astrocytic response to Aβ deposits, which was independent of APOE genotype; no effects of doxorubicin were observed on the microglial responses. These data are consistent with a model in which the effects of doxorubicin on risk of CRCI are unrelated amyloid accumulation, but possibly related to glial responses to damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christi Anne S. Ng
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Lucas P. Biran
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Elena Galvano
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jeanne Mandelblatt
- Department of Oncology, Cancer Prevention and Control Program and Georgetown Lombardi Institute for Cancer and Aging Research, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Stefano Vicini
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - G. William Rebeck
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America,Corresponding author at: 3970 Reservoir Rd, NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States of America. (G.W. Rebeck)
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Fišar Z. Linking the Amyloid, Tau, and Mitochondrial Hypotheses of Alzheimer's Disease and Identifying Promising Drug Targets. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1676. [PMID: 36421690 PMCID: PMC9687482 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Damage or loss of brain cells and impaired neurochemistry, neurogenesis, and synaptic and nonsynaptic plasticity of the brain lead to dementia in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Injury to synapses and neurons and accumulation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles are considered the main morphological and neuropathological features of AD. Age, genetic and epigenetic factors, environmental stressors, and lifestyle contribute to the risk of AD onset and progression. These risk factors are associated with structural and functional changes in the brain, leading to cognitive decline. Biomarkers of AD reflect or cause specific changes in brain function, especially changes in pathways associated with neurotransmission, neuroinflammation, bioenergetics, apoptosis, and oxidative and nitrosative stress. Even in the initial stages, AD is associated with Aβ neurotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and tau neurotoxicity. The integrative amyloid-tau-mitochondrial hypothesis assumes that the primary cause of AD is the neurotoxicity of Aβ oligomers and tau oligomers, mitochondrial dysfunction, and their mutual synergy. For the development of new efficient AD drugs, targeting the elimination of neurotoxicity, mutual potentiation of effects, and unwanted protein interactions of risk factors and biomarkers (mainly Aβ oligomers, tau oligomers, and mitochondrial dysfunction) in the early stage of the disease seems promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdeněk Fišar
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 11, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
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26
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Davies ES, Morphew RM, Cutress D, Morton AJ, McBride S. Characterization of microtubule-associated protein tau isoforms and Alzheimer's disease-like pathology in normal sheep (Ovis aries): relevance to their potential as a model of Alzheimer's disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:560. [PMID: 36269420 PMCID: PMC9587068 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04572-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that accounts for up to 80% of all dementias. Characterised by deteriorations of memory and cognitive function, the key neuropathological features are accumulations of β-amyloid and hyperphosphorylated tau, as 'plaques' and 'tangles', respectively. Despite extensive study, however, the exact mechanism underlying aggregate formation in Alzheimer's disease remains elusive, as does the contribution of these aggregates to disease progression. Importantly, a recent evaluation of current Alzheimer's disease animal models suggested that rodent models are not able to fully recapitulate the pathological intricacies of the disease as it occurs in humans. Therefore, increasing attention is being paid to species that might make good alternatives to rodents for studying the molecular pathology of Alzheimer's disease. The sheep (Ovis aries) is one such species, although to date, there have been few molecular studies relating to Alzheimer's disease in sheep. Here, we investigated the Alzheimer's disease relevant histopathological characteristics of 22 sheep, using anti-β-amyloid (Abcam 12267 and mOC64) and phosphorylation specific anti-tau (AT8 and S396) antibodies. We identified numerous intraneuronal aggregates of both β-amyloid and tau that are consistent with early Alzheimer's disease-like pathology. We confirmed the expression of two 3-repeat (1N3R, 2N3R) and two 4-repeat (1N4R, 2N4R) tau isoforms in the ovine brain, which result from the alternative splicing of two tau exons. Finally, we investigated the phosphorylation status of the serine396 residue in 30 sheep, and report that the phosphorylation of this residue begins in sheep aged as young as 2 years. Together, these data show that sheep exhibit naturally occurring β-amyloid and tau pathologies, that reflect those that occur in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. This is an important step towards the validation of the sheep as a feasible large animal species in which to model Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma S. Davies
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | | | - David Cutress
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - A. Jennifer Morton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sebastian McBride
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
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Maharjan S, Tsai AP, Lin PB, Ingraham C, Jewett MR, Landreth GE, Oblak AL, Wang N. Age-dependent microstructure alterations in 5xFAD mice by high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:964654. [PMID: 36061588 PMCID: PMC9428354 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.964654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the age-dependent microstructure changes in 5xFAD mice using high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Methods The 5xFAD mice at 4, 7.5, and 12 months and the wild-type controls at 4 months were scanned at 9.4T using a 3D echo-planar imaging (EPI) pulse sequence with the isotropic spatial resolution of 100 μm. The b-value was 3000 s/mm2 for all the diffusion MRI scans. The samples were also acquired with a gradient echo pulse sequence at 50 μm isotropic resolution. The microstructure changes were quantified with DTI metrics, including fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). The conventional histology was performed to validate with MRI findings. Results The FA values (p = 0.028) showed significant differences in the cortex between wild-type (WT) and 5xFAD mice at 4 months, while hippocampus, anterior commissure, corpus callosum, and fornix showed no significant differences for either FA and MD. FA values of 5xFAD mice gradually decreased in cortex (0.140 ± 0.007 at 4 months, 0.132 ± 0.008 at 7.5 months, 0.126 ± 0.013 at 12 months) and fornix (0.140 ± 0.007 at 4 months, 0.132 ± 0.008 at 7.5 months, 0.126 ± 0.013 at 12 months) with aging. Both FA (p = 0.029) and MD (p = 0.037) demonstrated significant differences in corpus callosum between 4 and 12 months age old. FA and MD were not significantly different in the hippocampus or anterior commissure. The age-dependent microstructure alterations were better captured by FA when compared to MD. Conclusion FA showed higher sensitivity to monitor amyloid deposition in 5xFAD mice. DTI may be utilized as a sensitive biomarker to monitor beta-amyloid progression for preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Maharjan
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Andy P. Tsai
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Peter B. Lin
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Cynthia Ingraham
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Megan R. Jewett
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Gary E. Landreth
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Adrian L. Oblak
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Nian Wang
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Nian Wang,
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Stathas S, Alvarez VE, Xia W, Nicks R, Meng G, Daley S, Pothast M, Shah A, Kelley H, Esnault C, McCormack R, Dixon E, Fishbein L, Cherry JD, Huber BR, Tripodis Y, Alosco ML, Mez J, McKee AC, Stein TD. Tau phosphorylation sites serine202 and serine396 are differently altered in chronic traumatic encephalopathy and Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2022; 18:1511-1522. [PMID: 34854540 PMCID: PMC9160206 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative tauopathy associated with repetitive head impacts (RHI) typically sustained by contact sport athletes. Post-translation modifications to tau in CTE have not been well delineated or compared to Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS We measured phosphorylated tau epitopes within dorsolateral frontal cortex from post mortem brains with neither CTE nor AD (n = 108), CTE (n = 109), AD (n = 223), and both CTE and AD (n = 33). RESULTS Levels of hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau)202 , p-tau231 , and p-tau396 were significantly increased in CTE. Total years of RHI exposure was significantly associated with increased p-tau202 levels (P = .001), but not p-tau396 . Instead, p-tau396 was most closely related to amyloid beta (Aβ)1-42 levels (P < .001). The p-tau202 :p-tau396 ratio was significantly increased in early and late CTE compared to AD. DISCUSSION In frontal cortex, p-tau202 is the most upregulated p-tau species in CTE, while p-tau396 is most increased in AD. p-tau202 and p-tau396 measurements may aid in developing biomarkers for disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- SpiroAnthony Stathas
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
| | - Victor E. Alvarez
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 20118, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Weiming Xia
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
| | - Raymond Nicks
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
| | - Gaoyuan Meng
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Sarah Daley
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
| | - Morgan Pothast
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Arsal Shah
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Hunter Kelley
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Camille Esnault
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Robert McCormack
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Erin Dixon
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Lucas Fishbein
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Cherry
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 20118, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Bertrand R. Huber
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 20118, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Yorghos Tripodis
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 20118, USA
| | - Michael L. Alosco
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 20118, USA
| | - Jesse Mez
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 20118, USA
| | - Ann C. McKee
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 20118, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Thor D. Stein
- Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 20118, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord Street, B7800, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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Koss DJ, Erskine D, Porter A, Palmoski P, Menon H, Todd OGJ, Leite M, Attems J, Outeiro TF. Nuclear alpha-synuclein is present in the human brain and is modified in dementia with Lewy bodies. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:98. [PMID: 35794636 PMCID: PMC9258129 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01403-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is pathologically defined by the cytoplasmic accumulation of alpha-synuclein (aSyn) within neurons in the brain. Predominately pre-synaptic, aSyn has been reported in various subcellular compartments in experimental models. Indeed, nuclear alpha-synuclein (aSynNuc) is evident in many models, the dysregulation of which is associated with altered DNA integrity, transcription and nuclear homeostasis. However, the presence of aSynNuc in human brain cells remains controversial, yet the determination of human brain aSynNuc and its pathological modification is essential for understanding synucleinopathies. Here, using a multi-disciplinary approach employing immunohistochemistry, immunoblot, and mass-spectrometry (MS), we confirm aSynNuc in post-mortem brain tissue obtained from DLB and control cases. Highly dependent on antigen retrieval methods, in optimal conditions, intra-nuclear pan and phospho-S129 positive aSyn puncta were observed in cortical neurons and non-neuronal cells in fixed brain sections and in isolated nuclear preparations in all cases examined. Furthermore, an increase in nuclear phospho-S129 positive aSyn immunoreactivity was apparent in DLB cases compared to controls, in both neuronal and non-neuronal cell types. Our initial histological investigations identified that aSynNuc is affected by epitope unmasking methods but present under optimal conditions, and this presence was confirmed by isolation of nuclei and a combined approach of immunoblotting and mass spectrometry, where aSynNuc was approximately tenfold less abundant in the nucleus than cytoplasm. Notably, direct comparison of DLB cases to aged controls identified increased pS129 and higher molecular weight species in the nuclei of DLB cases, suggesting putative pathogenic modifications to aSynNuc in DLB. In summary, using multiple approaches we provide several lines of evidence supporting the presence of aSynNuc in autoptic human brain tissue and, notably, that it is subject to putative pathogenic modifications in DLB that may contribute to the disease phenotype.
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Blood phospho-tau in Alzheimer disease: analysis, interpretation, and clinical utility. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:400-418. [PMID: 35585226 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00665-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Well-authenticated biomarkers can provide critical insights into the biological basis of Alzheimer disease (AD) to enable timely and accurate diagnosis, estimate future burden and support therapeutic trials. Current cerebrospinal fluid and molecular neuroimaging biomarkers fulfil these criteria but lack the scalability and simplicity necessary for widespread application. Blood biomarkers of adequate effectiveness have the potential to act as first-line diagnostic and prognostic tools, and offer the possibility of extensive population screening and use that is not limited to specialized centres. Accelerated progress in our understanding of the biochemistry of brain-derived tau protein and advances in ultrasensitive technologies have enabled the development of AD-specific phosphorylated tau (p-tau) biomarkers in blood. In this Review we discuss how new information on the molecular processing of brain p-tau and secretion of specific fragments into biofluids is informing blood biomarker development, enabling the evaluation of preanalytical factors that affect quantification, and informing harmonized protocols for blood handling. We also review the performance of blood p-tau biomarkers in the context of AD and discuss their potential contexts of use for clinical and research purposes. Finally, we highlight outstanding ethical, clinical and analytical challenges, and outline the steps that need to be taken to standardize inter-laboratory and inter-assay measurements.
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Jordan KL, Koss DJ, Outeiro TF, Giorgini F. Therapeutic Targeting of Rab GTPases: Relevance for Alzheimer’s Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051141. [PMID: 35625878 PMCID: PMC9138223 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rab GTPases (Rabs) are small proteins that play crucial roles in vesicle transport and membrane trafficking. Owing to their widespread functions in several steps of vesicle trafficking, Rabs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several disorders, including cancer, diabetes, and multiple neurodegenerative diseases. As treatments for neurodegenerative conditions are currently rather limited, the identification and validation of novel therapeutic targets, such as Rabs, is of great importance. This review summarises proof-of-concept studies, demonstrating that modulation of Rab GTPases in the context of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can ameliorate disease-related phenotypes, and provides an overview of the current state of the art for the pharmacological targeting of Rabs. Finally, we also discuss the barriers and challenges of therapeutically targeting these small proteins in humans, especially in the context of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L. Jordan
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK;
| | - David J. Koss
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (D.J.K.); (T.F.O.)
| | - Tiago F. Outeiro
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (D.J.K.); (T.F.O.)
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Natural Sciences, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Scientific Employee with a Honorary Contract at Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK;
- Correspondence:
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Hori T, Eguchi K, Wang HY, Miyasaka T, Guillaud L, Taoufiq Z, Mahapatra S, Yamada H, Takei K, Takahashi T. Microtubule assembly by soluble tau impairs vesicle endocytosis and excitatory neurotransmission via dynamin sequestration in Alzheimer's disease mice synapse model. eLife 2022; 11:73542. [PMID: 35471147 PMCID: PMC9071263 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevation of soluble wild-type (WT) tau occurs in synaptic compartments in Alzheimer’s disease. We addressed whether tau elevation affects synaptic transmission at the calyx of Held in slices from mice brainstem. Whole-cell loading of WT human tau (h-tau) in presynaptic terminals at 10–20 µM caused microtubule (MT) assembly and activity-dependent rundown of excitatory neurotransmission. Capacitance measurements revealed that the primary target of WT h-tau is vesicle endocytosis. Blocking MT assembly using nocodazole prevented tau-induced impairments of endocytosis and neurotransmission. Immunofluorescence imaging analyses revealed that MT assembly by WT h-tau loading was associated with an increased MT-bound fraction of the endocytic protein dynamin. A synthetic dodecapeptide corresponding to dynamin 1-pleckstrin-homology domain inhibited MT-dynamin interaction and rescued tau-induced impairments of endocytosis and neurotransmission. We conclude that elevation of presynaptic WT tau induces de novo assembly of MTs, thereby sequestering free dynamins. As a result, endocytosis and subsequent vesicle replenishment are impaired, causing activity-dependent rundown of neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Hori
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology - Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Kohgaku Eguchi
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Han-Ying Wang
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology - Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Miyasaka
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Laurent Guillaud
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology - Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Zacharie Taoufiq
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit,, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology - Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Satyajit Mahapatra
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit,, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology - Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yamada
- Department of Neuroscience, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kohji Takei
- Department of Neuroscience, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Takahashi
- Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology - Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
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Plucińska K, Mody N, Dekeryte R, Shearer K, Mcilroy GD, Delibegovic M, Platt B. High-fat diet exacerbates cognitive and metabolic abnormalities in neuronal BACE1 knock-in mice - partial prevention by Fenretinide. Nutr Neurosci 2022; 25:719-736. [PMID: 32862802 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2020.1806190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a rate-limiting step in β-amyloid (Aβ) production in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains, but recent evidence suggests that BACE1 is also involved in metabolic regulation. Here, we aimed to assess the effects of highfat diet (HFD) on metabolic and cognitive phenotypes in the diabetic BACE1 knock-in mice (PLB4) and WT controls; we additionally examined whether these phenotypes can be normalized with a synthetic retinoid (Fenretinide, Fen) targeting weight loss.Methods: Five-month old male WT and PLB4 mice were fed either (1) control chow diet, (2) 45%-saturated fat diet (HFD), (3) HFD with 0.04% Fen (HFD + Fen) or (4) control chow diet with 0.04% Fen (Fen) for 10 weeks. We assessed basic metabolic parameters, circadian rhythmicity, spatial habituation (Phenotyper) and working memory (Y-maze). Hypothalami, forebrain and liver tissues were assessed using Western blots, qPCR and ELISAs.Results: HFD feeding drastically worsened metabolism and induced early mortality (-40%) in otherwise viable PLB4 mice. This was ameliorated by Fen, despite no effects on glucose intolerance. In HFD-fed WT mice, Fen reduced weight gain, glucose intolerance and hepatic steatosis. The physiological changes induced in WT and PLB4 mice by HFD (+/-Fen) were accompanied by enhanced cerebral astrogliosis, elevated PTP1B, phopsho-eIF2α and altered hypothalamic transcription of Bace1, Pomc and Mc4r. Behaviourally, HFD feeding exacerbated spatial memory deficits in PLB4 mice, which was prevented by Fen and linked with increased full-length APP, normalized brain Aβ*56 oligomerization and astrogliosis.Conclusions: HFD induces early mortality and worsened cognition in the Alzheimer's-like BACE1 mice- partial prevention was achieved with Fenretinide, without improvements in glucose homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Plucińska
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR), Integrative Physiology and Environmental Influences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nimesh Mody
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Ruta Dekeryte
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Kirsty Shearer
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - George D Mcilroy
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Mirela Delibegovic
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Bettina Platt
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Puangmalai N, Sengupta U, Bhatt N, Gaikwad S, Montalbano M, Bhuyan A, Garcia S, McAllen S, Sonawane M, Jerez C, Zhao Y, Kayed R. Lysine 63-linked ubiquitination of tau oligomers contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101766. [PMID: 35202653 PMCID: PMC8942844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-modified tau aggregates are abundantly found in human brains diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. Soluble tau oligomers (TauO) are the most neurotoxic tau species that propagate pathology and elicit cognitive deficits, but whether ubiquitination contributes to tau formation and spreading is not fully understood. Here, we observed that K63-linked, but not K48-linked, ubiquitinated TauO accumulated at higher levels in AD brains compared with age-matched controls. Using mass spectrometry analyses, we identified 11 ubiquitinated sites on AD brain-derived TauO (AD TauO). We found that K63-linked TauO are associated with enhanced seeding activity and propagation in human tau-expressing primary neuronal and tau biosensor cells. Additionally, exposure of tau-inducible HEK cells to AD TauO with different ubiquitin linkages (wild type, K48, and K63) resulted in enhanced formation and secretion of K63-linked TauO, which was associated with impaired proteasome and lysosome functions. Multipathway analysis also revealed the involvement of K63-linked TauO in cell survival pathways, which are impaired in AD. Collectively, our study highlights the significance of selective TauO ubiquitination, which could influence tau aggregation, accumulation, and subsequent pathological propagation. The insights gained from this study hold great promise for targeted therapeutic intervention in AD and related tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicha Puangmalai
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Urmi Sengupta
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Sagar Gaikwad
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Mauro Montalbano
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Arijit Bhuyan
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Stephanie Garcia
- School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Salome McAllen
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Minal Sonawane
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Cynthia Jerez
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Yingxin Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.
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Jeong YY, Han S, Jia N, Zhang M, Sheshadri P, Tammineni P, Cheung J, Nissenbaum M, Baskar SS, Kwan K, Margolis DJ, Jiang P, Kusnecov AW, Cai Q. Broad activation of the Parkin pathway induces synaptic mitochondrial deficits in early tauopathy. Brain 2022; 145:305-323. [PMID: 35022692 PMCID: PMC8967101 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial defects are a hallmark of early pathophysiology in Alzheimer's disease, with pathologically phosphorylated tau reported to induce mitochondrial toxicity. Mitophagy constitutes a key pathway in mitochondrial quality control by which damaged mitochondria are targeted for autophagy. However, few details are known regarding the intersection of mitophagy and pathologies in tauopathy. Here, by applying biochemical and cell biological approaches including time-lapse confocal imaging in live tauopathy neurons, combined with gene rescue experiments via stereotactic injections of adeno-associated virus particles into tauopathy mouse brains, electrophysiological recordings and behavioural tests, we demonstrate for the first time that mitochondrial distribution deficits at presynaptic terminals are an early pathological feature in tauopathy brains. Furthermore, Parkin-mediated mitophagy is extensively activated in tauopathy neurons, which accelerates mitochondrial Rho GTPase 1 (Miro1) turnover and consequently halts Miro1-mediated mitochondrial anterograde movement towards synaptic terminals. As a result, mitochondrial supply at tauopathy synapses is disrupted, impairing synaptic function. Strikingly, increasing Miro1 levels restores the synaptic mitochondrial population by enhancing mitochondrial anterograde movement and thus reverses tauopathy-associated synaptic failure. In tauopathy mouse brains, overexpression of Miro1 markedly elevates synaptic distribution of mitochondria and protects against synaptic damage and neurodegeneration, thereby counteracting impairments in learning and memory as well as synaptic plasticity. Taken together, our study reveals that activation of the Parkin pathway triggers an unexpected effect-depletion of mitochondria from synaptic terminals, a characteristic feature of early tauopathy. We further provide new mechanistic insights into how parkin activation-enhanced Miro1 degradation and impaired mitochondrial anterograde transport drive tauopathy-linked synaptic pathogenesis and establish a foundation for future investigations into new therapeutic strategies to prevent synaptic deterioration in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Young Jeong
- Division of Life Science, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Sinsuk Han
- Division of Life Science, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Nuo Jia
- Division of Life Science, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Mingyang Zhang
- Division of Life Science, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Preethi Sheshadri
- Division of Life Science, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Prasad Tammineni
- Division of Life Science, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Jasmine Cheung
- Division of Life Science, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Marialaina Nissenbaum
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Sindhuja S Baskar
- Division of Life Science, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kelvin Kwan
- Division of Life Science, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - David J Margolis
- Division of Life Science, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Peng Jiang
- Division of Life Science, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Alexander W. Kusnecov
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Qian Cai
- Division of Life Science, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA,Correspondence to: Qian Cai, MD, PhD Division of Life Science, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA E-mail:
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Imbimbo BP, Watling M. What have we learned from past failures of investigational drugs for Alzheimer's disease? Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:1175-1182. [PMID: 34890262 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.2017881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the last 15 years, huge efforts against Alzheimer's disease (AD) with drugs targeting β-amyloid (Aβ) and tau have produced poor clinical results. Aducanumab, a recently FDA-approved anti-Aβ monoclonal antibody has been greeted with distrust by most experts, hospitals and insurance companies for its level of efficacy and poor tolerability. AREA COVERED We reviewed literature on Alzheimer trials using PubMed, meeting abstracts and ClnicalTrials.gov and discuss what we can learn from past failures of investigational drugs for Alzheimer's disease, especially anti-Aβ and anti-tau drugs. EXPERT OPINION It is our opinion that previous failures of anti-AD drugs suggest that soluble Aβ and tau are not appropriate drug targets. In addition, pivotal clinical trials of future clinical candidates should avoid major protocol amendments and futility analyses. Study protocols should adopt better measures to protect study blinding and minimize the potential introduction of major biases in the evaluation of clinical results. Finally, alternative biological targets should be pursued as well as more multimodal approaches to addressing neurodegeneration in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno P Imbimbo
- Department of Research & Development, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma, Italy
| | - Mark Watling
- CNS & Pain Department, TranScrip Ltd, Reading, UK
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Sil A, Erfani A, Lamb N, Copland R, Riedel G, Platt B. Sex Differences in Behavior and Molecular Pathology in the 5XFAD Model. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 85:755-778. [PMID: 34864660 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is greater in women compared to men, but the reasons for this remain unknown. This sex difference has been widely neglected in experimental studies using transgenic mouse models of AD. OBJECTIVE Here, we studied behavior and molecular pathology of 5-month-old 5XFAD mice, which express mutated human amyloid precursor protein and presenilin-1 on a C57BL/6J background, versus their wild-type littermate controls, to compared both sex- and genotype-dependent differences. METHODS A novel behavioral paradigm was utilized (OF-NO-SI), comprising activity measures (Open Field, OF) arena, followed by Novel Object exploration (NO) and Social Interaction (SI) of a sex-matched conspecific. Each segment consisted of two repeated trials to assess between-trial habituation. Subsequently, brain pathology (amyloid load, stress response and inflammation markers, synaptic integrity, trophic support) was assessed using qPCR and western blotting. RESULTS Female 5XFAD mice had higher levels of human APP and amyloid-β and heightened inflammation versus males. These markers correlated with hyperactivity observed in both sexes, yet only female 5XFAD mice presented with deficits in object and social exploration. Male animals had higher expression of stress markers and neurotrophic factors irrespective of genotype, this correlated with cognitive performance. CONCLUSION The impact of sex on AD-relevant phenotypes is in line with human data and emphasizes the necessity of appropriate study design and reporting. Differential molecular profiles observed in male versus female mice offer insights into possible protective mechanisms, and hence treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annesha Sil
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Arina Erfani
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Nicola Lamb
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Rachel Copland
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Gernot Riedel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Bettina Platt
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
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38
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Wu M, Zhang M, Yin X, Chen K, Hu Z, Zhou Q, Cao X, Chen Z, Liu D. The role of pathological tau in synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's diseases. Transl Neurodegener 2021; 10:45. [PMID: 34753506 PMCID: PMC8579533 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-021-00270-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline, accompanied by amyloid-β (Aβ) overload and hyperphosphorylated tau accumulation in the brain. Synaptic dysfunction, an important pathological hallmark in AD, is recognized as the main cause of the cognitive impairments. Accumulating evidence suggests that synaptic dysfunction could be an early pathological event in AD. Pathological tau, which is detached from axonal microtubules and mislocalized into pre- and postsynaptic neuronal compartments, is suggested to induce synaptic dysfunction in several ways, including reducing mobility and release of presynaptic vesicles, decreasing glutamatergic receptors, impairing the maturation of dendritic spines at postsynaptic terminals, disrupting mitochondrial transport and function in synapses, and promoting the phagocytosis of synapses by microglia. Here, we review the current understanding of how pathological tau mediates synaptic dysfunction and contributes to cognitive decline in AD. We propose that elucidating the mechanism by which pathological tau impairs synaptic function is essential for exploring novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moxin Wu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, 332000, China.,Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, 332000, China
| | - Manqing Zhang
- Medical College of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, 332000, China
| | - Xiaoping Yin
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, 332000, China.,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, 332000, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhijian Hu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, 332000, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, 332000, China
| | - Xianming Cao
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, 332000, China.,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, 332000, China
| | - Zhiying Chen
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, 332000, China. .,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, 332000, China.
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Jiang L, Lin W, Zhang C, Ash PEA, Verma M, Kwan J, van Vliet E, Yang Z, Cruz AL, Boudeau S, Maziuk BF, Lei S, Song J, Alvarez VE, Hovde S, Abisambra JF, Kuo MH, Kanaan N, Murray ME, Crary JF, Zhao J, Cheng JX, Petrucelli L, Li H, Emili A, Wolozin B. Interaction of tau with HNRNPA2B1 and N 6-methyladenosine RNA mediates the progression of tauopathy. Mol Cell 2021; 81:4209-4227.e12. [PMID: 34453888 PMCID: PMC8541906 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau oligomerizes, but the actions of oligomeric tau (oTau) are unknown. We have used Cry2-based optogenetics to induce tau oligomers (oTau-c). Optical induction of oTau-c elicits tau phosphorylation, aggregation, and a translational stress response that includes stress granules and reduced protein synthesis. Proteomic analysis identifies HNRNPA2B1 as a principle target of oTau-c. The association of HNRNPA2B1 with endogenous oTau was verified in neurons, animal models, and human Alzheimer brain tissues. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that HNRNPA2B1 functions as a linker, connecting oTau with N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modified RNA transcripts. Knockdown of HNRNPA2B1 prevents oTau or oTau-c from associating with m6A or from reducing protein synthesis and reduces oTau-induced neurodegeneration. Levels of m6A and the m6A-oTau-HNRNPA2B1 complex are increased up to 5-fold in the brains of Alzheimer subjects and P301S tau mice. These results reveal a complex containing oTau, HNRNPA2B1, and m6A that contributes to the integrated stress response of oTau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Weiwei Lin
- Center for Network Systems Biology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Peter E A Ash
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Mamta Verma
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Julian Kwan
- Center for Network Systems Biology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Emily van Vliet
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Zhuo Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Anna Lourdes Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Samantha Boudeau
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Brandon F Maziuk
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Shuwen Lei
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jaehyup Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Victor E Alvarez
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Stacy Hovde
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jose F Abisambra
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Min-Hao Kuo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Nicholas Kanaan
- Department of Translational Science and Molecular Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Melissa E Murray
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - John F Crary
- Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jian Zhao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02459, USA
| | - Ji-Xin Cheng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02459, USA
| | | | - Hu Li
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Andrew Emili
- Center for Network Systems Biology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Benjamin Wolozin
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Center for Neurophotonics, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Qian C, Yang C, Lu M, Bao J, Shen H, Deng B, Li S, Li W, Zhang M, Cao C. Activating AhR alleviates cognitive deficits of Alzheimer's disease model mice by upregulating endogenous Aβ catabolic enzyme Neprilysin. Theranostics 2021; 11:8797-8812. [PMID: 34522212 PMCID: PMC8419060 DOI: 10.7150/thno.61601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Neprilysin (NEP) is a major endogenous catabolic enzyme of amyloid β (Aβ). Previous studies have suggested that increasing NEP expression in animal models of Alzheimer's disease had an ameliorative effect. However, the underlying signaling pathway that regulates NEP expression remains unclear. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated cytoplasmic receptor and transcription factor. Recent studies have shown that AhR plays essential roles in the central nervous system (CNS), but its physiological and pathological roles in regulating NEP are not entirely known. Methods: Western blotting, immunofluorescence, quantitative RT-PCR and enzyme activity assay were used to verify the effects of AhR agonists on NEP in a cell model (N2a) and a mouse model (APP/PS1). Luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were conducted to investigate the roles of AhR in regulating NEP transcription. Object recognition test and the Morris water maze task were performed to assess the cognitive capacity of the mice. Results: Activating AhR by the endogenous ligand L-Kynurenine (L-KN) or FICZ, or by the exogenous ligand diosmin or indole-3-carbinol (I3C) significantly increases NEP expression and enzyme activity in N2a cells and APP/PS1 mice. We also found that AhR is a direct transcription factor of NEP. Diosmin treatment effectively ameliorated the cognitive disorder and memory deficit of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. By knocking down AhR or using a small molecular inhibitor targeting AhR or NEP, we found that diosmin enhanced Aβ degradation through activated AhR and increased NEP expression. Conclusions: These results indicate a novel pathway for regulating NEP expression in neurons and that AhR may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Robbins M, Clayton E, Kaminski Schierle GS. Synaptic tau: A pathological or physiological phenomenon? Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:149. [PMID: 34503576 PMCID: PMC8428049 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01246-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the synaptic aspects of Tau pathology occurring during Alzheimer's disease (AD) and how this may relate to memory impairment, a major hallmark of AD. Whilst the clinical diagnosis of AD patients is a loss of working memory and long-term declarative memory, the histological diagnosis is the presence of neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated Tau and Amyloid-beta plaques. Tau pathology spreads through synaptically connected neurons to impair synaptic function preceding the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, synaptic loss, axonal retraction and cell death. Alongside synaptic pathology, recent data suggest that Tau has physiological roles in the pre- or post- synaptic compartments. Thus, we have seen a shift in the research focus from Tau as a microtubule-stabilising protein in axons, to Tau as a synaptic protein with roles in accelerating spine formation, dendritic elongation, and in synaptic plasticity coordinating memory pathways. We collate here the myriad of emerging interactions and physiological roles of synaptic Tau, and discuss the current evidence that synaptic Tau contributes to pathology in AD.
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Martinisi A, Flach M, Sprenger F, Frank S, Tolnay M, Winkler DT. Severe oligomeric tau toxicity can be reversed without long-term sequelae. Brain 2021; 144:963-974. [PMID: 33484116 PMCID: PMC8041046 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule stabilizing protein that forms abnormal aggregates in many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. We have previously shown that co-expression of fragmented and full-length tau in P301SxTAU62on tau transgenic mice results in the formation of oligomeric tau species and causes severe paralysis. This paralysis is fully reversible once expression of the tau fragment is halted, even though P301S tau expression is maintained. Whereas various strategies to target tau aggregation have been developed, little is known about the long-term consequences of reverted tau toxicity. Therefore, we studied the long-term motor fitness of recovered, formerly paralysed P301SxTAU62on-off mice. To assess the seeding competence of oligomeric toxic tau species, we also inoculated ALZ17 mice with brainstem homogenates from paralysed P301SxTAU62on mice. Counter-intuitively, after recovery from paralysis due to oligomeric tau species expression, ageing P301SxTAU62on-off mice did not develop more motor impairment or tau pathology when compared to heterozygous P301S tau transgenic littermates. Thus, toxic tau species causing extensive neuronal dysfunction can be cleared without inducing seeding effects. Moreover, these toxic tau species also lack long-term tau seeding effects upon intrahippocampal inoculation into ALZ17 mice. In conclusion, tau species can be neurotoxic in the absence of seeding-competent tau aggregates, and mice can clear these tau forms permanently without tau seeding or spreading effects. These observations suggest that early targeting of non-fibrillar tau species may represent a therapeutically effective intervention in tauopathies. On the other hand, the absent seeding competence of early toxic tau species also warrants caution when using seeding-based tests for preclinical tauopathy diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Martinisi
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Flach
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frederik Sprenger
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Frank
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Tolnay
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - David T Winkler
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Neurology, Medical University Clinic, Kantonsspital Baselland, 4410 Liestal, Switzerland
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Wang D, Chen F, Han Z, Yin Z, Ge X, Lei P. Relationship Between Amyloid-β Deposition and Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:695479. [PMID: 34349624 PMCID: PMC8326917 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.695479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) is the predominant pathologic protein in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The production and deposition of Aβ are important factors affecting AD progression and prognosis. The deposition of neurotoxic Aβ contributes to damage of the blood-brain barrier. However, the BBB is also crucial in maintaining the normal metabolism of Aβ, and dysfunction of the BBB aggravates Aβ deposition. This review characterizes Aβ deposition and BBB damage in AD, summarizes their interactions, and details their respective mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Zhaoli Han
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenyu Yin
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Xintong Ge
- Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Lei
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin, China
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Tommasi NS, Gonzalez C, Briggs D, Properzi MJ, Gatchel JR, Marshall GA. Affective symptoms and regional cerebral tau burden in early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 36:1050-1058. [PMID: 33682933 PMCID: PMC8187284 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are often present in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. NPS are associated with structural and functional changes in the brain such as atrophy, regional hypometabolism, and hypoperfusion, considered proxies of neurodegeneration. Our objective was to evaluate the association between NPS and regional cerebral tau burden, a more direct representation of neurodegeneration, in cognitively normal (CN), MCI, and AD dementia individuals. METHODS Cross-sectional NPS were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) in 410 CN, 199 MCI, and 61 AD dementia participants who underwent flortaucipir tau positron emission tomography as part of the AD Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Total NPI score and two factors of NPS (affective and hyperactive) were used in analyses. Linear regression models with backward elimination were employed with NPI as dependent variable and regional tau or tau-amyloid interaction as predictor of interest. Covariates included education, age, sex, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test Total Learning, and Trail Making Test B. RESULTS There were significant associations (p < 0.05) between the NPI variables (total score, Affective factor) and entorhinal and precuneus tau across all participants. These associations were also significant for the tau-amyloid interaction. These effects were significant in cognitively symptomatic participants (MCI and AD dementia), but not in CN participants. CONCLUSIONS Increased tau burden in the entorhinal and precuneus cortices was modestly associated with greater NPS in MCI and AD dementia. Further evaluation of NPS and their effect on early-stage AD could aid in finding new interventions and slowing disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S. Tommasi
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA;,Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Christopher Gonzalez
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA;,Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA;,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Danielle Briggs
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA;,Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA;,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Michael J. Properzi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Gatchel
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;,Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Gad A. Marshall
- Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA;,Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA;,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;,Correspondence to: Gad A. Marshall, MD, Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 60 Fenwood Road, 9016P, Boston, MA 02115, P: 617-732-8085, F: 617-264-6831,
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Bandyopadhyay S. Role of Neuron and Glia in Alzheimer's Disease and Associated Vascular Dysfunction. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:653334. [PMID: 34211387 PMCID: PMC8239194 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.653334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloidogenicity and vascular dysfunction are the key players in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), involving dysregulated cellular interactions. An intricate balance between neurons, astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes and vascular cells sustains the normal neuronal circuits. Conversely, cerebrovascular diseases overlap neuropathologically with AD, and glial dyshomeostasis promotes AD-associated neurodegenerative cascade. While pathological hallmarks of AD primarily include amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, microvascular disorders, altered cerebral blood flow (CBF), and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability induce neuronal loss and synaptic atrophy. Accordingly, microglia-mediated inflammation and astrogliosis disrupt the homeostasis of the neuro-vascular unit and stimulate infiltration of circulating leukocytes into the brain. Large-scale genetic and epidemiological studies demonstrate a critical role of cellular crosstalk for altered immune response, metabolism, and vasculature in AD. The glia associated genetic risk factors include APOE, TREM2, CD33, PGRN, CR1, and NLRP3, which correlate with the deposition and altered phagocytosis of Aβ. Moreover, aging-dependent downregulation of astrocyte and microglial Aβ-degrading enzymes limits the neurotrophic and neurogenic role of glial cells and inhibits lysosomal degradation and clearance of Aβ. Microglial cells secrete IGF-1, and neurons show a reduced responsiveness to the neurotrophic IGF-1R/IRS-2/PI3K signaling pathway, generating amyloidogenic and vascular dyshomeostasis in AD. Glial signals connect to neural stem cells, and a shift in glial phenotype over the AD trajectory even affects adult neurogenesis and the neurovascular niche. Overall, the current review informs about the interaction of neuronal and glial cell types in AD pathogenesis and its critical association with cerebrovascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology & Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Kobro-Flatmoen A, Lagartos-Donate MJ, Aman Y, Edison P, Witter MP, Fang EF. Re-emphasizing early Alzheimer's disease pathology starting in select entorhinal neurons, with a special focus on mitophagy. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 67:101307. [PMID: 33621703 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The entorhinal-hippocampal system contains distinct networks subserving declarative memory. This system is selectively vulnerable to changes of ageing and pathological processes. The entorhinal cortex (EC) is a pivotal component of this memory system since it serves as the interface between the neocortex and the hippocampus. EC is heavily affected by the proteinopathies of Alzheimer's disease (AD). These appear in a stereotypical spatiotemporal manner and include increased levels of intracellular amyloid-beta Aβ (iAβ), parenchymal deposition of Aβ plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) containing abnormally processed Tau. Increased levels of iAβ and the formation of NFTs are seen very early on in a population of neurons belonging to EC layer II (EC LII), and recent evidence leads us to believe that this population is made up of highly energy-demanding reelin-positive (RE+) projection neurons. Mitochondria are fundamental to the energy supply, metabolism, and plasticity of neurons. Evidence from AD postmortem brain tissues supports the notion that mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the initial pathological events in AD, and this is likely to take place in the vulnerable RE + EC LII neurons. Here we review and discuss these notions, anchored to the anatomy of AD, and formulate a hypothesis attempting to explain the vulnerability of RE + EC LII neurons to the formation of NFTs. We attempt to link impaired mitochondrial clearance to iAβ and signaling involving both apolipoprotein 4 and reelin, and argue for their relevance to the formation of NFTs specifically in RE + EC LII neurons during the prodromal stages of AD. We believe future studies on these interactions holds promise to advance our understanding of AD etiology and provide new ideas for drug development.
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Reiss AB, Montufar N, DeLeon J, Pinkhasov A, Gomolin IH, Glass AD, Arain HA, Stecker MM. Alzheimer Disease Clinical Trials Targeting Amyloid: Lessons Learned From Success in Mice and Failure in Humans. Neurologist 2021; 26:52-61. [PMID: 33646990 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of slowing or halting the development of Alzheimer disease (AD) has resulted in the huge allocation of resources by academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies to the development of new treatments. The etiology of AD is elusive, but the aggregation of amyloid-β and tau peptide and oxidative processes are considered critical pathologic mechanisms. The failure of drugs with multiple mechanisms to meet efficacy outcomes has caused several companies to decide not to pursue further AD studies and has left the field essentially where it has been for the past 15 years. Efforts are underway to develop biomarkers for detection and monitoring of AD using genetic, imaging, and biochemical technology, but this is of minimal use if no intervention can be offered. REVIEW SUMMARY In this review, we consider the natural progression of AD and how it continues despite present attempts to modify the amyloid-related machinery to alter the disease trajectory. We describe the mechanisms and approaches to AD treatment targeting amyloid, including both passive and active immunotherapy as well as inhibitors of enzymes in the amyloidogenic pathway. CONCLUSION Lessons learned from clinical trials of amyloid reduction strategies may prove crucial for the leap forward toward novel therapeutic targets to treat AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison B Reiss
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY
| | - Natalie Montufar
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY
| | - Joshua DeLeon
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY
| | - Aaron Pinkhasov
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY
| | - Irving H Gomolin
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY
| | - Amy D Glass
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY
| | - Hirra A Arain
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY
| | - Mark M Stecker
- Fresno Center for Medical Education and Research, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, Fresno, CA
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Boutajangout A, Zhang W, Kim J, Abdali WA, Prelli F, Wisniewski T. Passive Immunization With a Novel Monoclonal Anti-PrP Antibody TW1 in an Alzheimer's Mouse Model With Tau Pathology. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:640677. [PMID: 33716717 PMCID: PMC7947695 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.640677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are a major pathologic hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Several studies have shown that amyloid β oligomers (Aβo) and tau oligomers mediate their toxicity, in part, via binding to cellular prion protein (PrPC) and that some anti-PrP antibodies can block this interaction. We have generated a novel monoclonal anti-PrP antibody (TW1) and assessed the efficacy of passive immunization with it in a mouse model of AD with extensive tau pathology: hTau/PS1 transgenic (Tg) mice. These mice were injected intraperitoneally once a week with TW1 starting at 5 months of age. Behavior was assessed at 8 months of age and brain tissue was subsequently harvested for analysis of treatment efficacy at 9 months. Mice treated with TW1 did not show any significant difference in sensorimotor testing including traverse beam, rotarod, and locomotor activity compared to controls. Significant cognitive benefits were observed with the novel object recognition test (ORT) in the immunized mice (two-tailed, t-test p = 0.0019). Immunized mice also showed cognitive benefits on the closed field symmetrical maze (day 1 two-tailed t-test p = 0.0001; day 2 two-tailed t-test p = 0.0015; day 3 two-tailed t-test p = 0.0002). Reduction of tau pathology was observed with PHF-1 immunohistochemistry in the piriform cortex by 60% (two-tailed t-test p = 0.01) and in the dentate gyrus by 50% (two-tailed t-test p = 0.02) in animals treated with TW1 compared to controls. There were no significant differences in astrogliosis or microgliosis observed between treated and control mice. As assessed by Western blots using PHF-1, the TW1 therapy reduced phosphorylated tau pathology (two-tailed t-test p = 0.03) and improved the ratio of pathological soluble tau to tubulin (PHF1/tubulin; two-tailed t-test p = 0.0006). Reduction of tau pathology also was observed using the CP13 antibody (two-tailed t-test p = 0.0007). These results indicate that passive immunization with the TW1 antibody can significantly decrease tau pathology as assessed by immunohistochemical and biochemical methods, resulting in improved cognitive function in a tau transgenic mouse model of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allal Boutajangout
- Center for Cognitive Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education) Shanghai, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Justin Kim
- Center for Cognitive Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wed Ali Abdali
- Center for Cognitive Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Frances Prelli
- Center for Cognitive Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Thomas Wisniewski
- Center for Cognitive Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
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Maturation of neuronal AD-tau pathology involves site-specific phosphorylation of cytoplasmic and synaptic tau preceding conformational change and fibril formation. Acta Neuropathol 2021; 141:173-192. [PMID: 33427938 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-020-02251-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD), tau-protein undergoes a multi-step process involving the transition from a natively unfolded monomer to large, aggregated structures such as neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). However, it is not yet clear which events initiate the early preclinical phase of AD tauopathy and whether they have impact on the propagation of tau pathology in later disease stages. To address this question, we analyzed the distribution of tau species phosphorylated at T231, S396/S404 and S202/T205, conformationally modified at the MC1 epitope and fibrillary tau detected by the Gallyas method (Gallyas-tau), in the brains of 15 symptomatic and 20 asymptomatic cases with AD pathology as well as of 19 nonAD cases. As initial tau lesions, we identified phosphorylated-T231-tau diffusely distributed within the somatodendritic compartment (IC-tau) and phosphorylated-S396/pS404-tau in axonal lesions of the white matter and in the neuropil (IN-tau). The subcellular localization of pT231-tau in the cell body and pS396/pS404-tau in the presynapse was confirmed in hP301L mutant Drosophila larvae. Phosphorylated-S202/T205-tau, MC1-tau and Gallyas-tau were negative for these lesions. IC- and IN-tau were observed in all analyzed regions of the human brain, including early affected regions in nonAD cases (entorhinal cortex) and late affected regions in symptomatic AD cases (cerebellum), indicating that tau pathology initiation follows similar processes when propagating into previously unaffected regions. Furthermore, a sequence of AD-related maturation of tau-aggregates was observed, initiated by the appearance of IC- and IN-tau, followed by the formation of pretangles exhibiting pT231-tau, pS396/pS404-tau and pS202/pT205-tau, then by MC1-conformational tau, and, finally, by the formation of Gallyas-positive NFTs. Since cases classified as nonAD [Braak NFT stages < I (including a-1b)] already showed IC- and IN-tau, our findings suggest that these lesions are a prerequisite for the development of AD.
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Solovyev N, El-Khatib AH, Costas-Rodríguez M, Schwab K, Griffin E, Raab A, Platt B, Theuring F, Vogl J, Vanhaecke F. Cu, Fe, and Zn isotope ratios in murine Alzheimer's disease models suggest specific signatures of amyloidogenesis and tauopathy. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100292. [PMID: 33453282 PMCID: PMC7949056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by accumulation of tau and amyloid-beta in the brain, and recent evidence suggests a correlation between associated protein aggregates and trace elements, such as copper, iron, and zinc. In AD, a distorted brain redox homeostasis and complexation by amyloid-beta and hyperphosphorylated tau may alter the isotopic composition of essential mineral elements. Therefore, high-precision isotopic analysis may reveal changes in the homeostasis of these elements. We used inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)-based techniques to determine the total Cu, Fe, and Zn contents in the brain, as well as their isotopic compositions in both mouse brain and serum. Results for male transgenic tau (Line 66, L66) and amyloid/presenilin (5xFAD) mice were compared with those for the corresponding age- and sex-matched wild-type control mice (WT). Our data show that L66 brains showed significantly higher Fe levels than did those from the corresponding WT. Significantly less Cu, but more Zn was found in 5xFAD brains. We observed significantly lighter isotopic compositions of Fe (enrichment in the lighter isotopes) in the brain and serum of L66 mice compared with WT. For 5xFAD mice, Zn exhibited a trend toward a lighter isotopic composition in the brain and a heavier isotopic composition in serum compared with WT. Neither mouse model yielded differences in the isotopic composition of Cu. Our findings indicate significant pathology-specific alterations of Fe and Zn brain homeostasis in mouse models of AD. The associated changes in isotopic composition may serve as a marker for proteinopathies underlying AD and other types of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Solovyev
- Department of Chemistry, Atomic & Mass Spectrometry-A&MS Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ahmed H El-Khatib
- BAM Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Division 1.1 Inorganic Trace Analysis, Berlin, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, African Union Authority St, Abbassia, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marta Costas-Rodríguez
- Department of Chemistry, Atomic & Mass Spectrometry-A&MS Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karima Schwab
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Griffin
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory (TESLA), Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Raab
- Trace Element Speciation Laboratory (TESLA), Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom; Institute of Chemistry, Environmental Analytical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Bettina Platt
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Foresterhill, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Franz Theuring
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jochen Vogl
- BAM Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Division 1.1 Inorganic Trace Analysis, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Vanhaecke
- Department of Chemistry, Atomic & Mass Spectrometry-A&MS Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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