1
|
Koszła O, Sołek P. Misfolding and aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases: protein quality control machinery as potential therapeutic clearance pathways. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:421. [PMID: 39215343 PMCID: PMC11365204 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01791-8] [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: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary challenge in today's world of neuroscience is the search for new therapeutic possibilities for neurodegenerative disease. Central to these disorders lies among other factors, the aberrant folding, aggregation, and accumulation of proteins, resulting in the formation of toxic entities that contribute to neuronal degeneration. This review concentrates on the key proteins such as β-amyloid (Aβ), tau, and α-synuclein, elucidating the intricate molecular events underlying their misfolding and aggregation. We critically evaluate the molecular mechanisms governing the elimination of misfolded proteins, shedding light on potential therapeutic strategies. We specifically examine pathways such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and unfolded protein response (UPR), chaperones, chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), and the intersecting signaling of Keap1-Nrf2-ARE, along with autophagy connected through p62. Above all, we emphasize the significance of these pathways as protein quality control mechanisms, encompassing interventions targeting protein aggregation, regulation of post-translational modifications, and enhancement of molecular chaperones and clearance. Additionally, we focus on current therapeutic possibilities and new, multi-target approaches. In conclusion, this review systematically consolidates insights into emerging therapeutic strategies predicated on protein aggregates clearance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliwia Koszła
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodzki St., Lublin, 20-093, Poland.
| | - Przemysław Sołek
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodzki St., Lublin, 20-093, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry and Toxicology, University of Life Sciences, 13 Akademicka St, Lublin, 20-950, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Taylor LW, Simzer EM, Pimblett C, Lacey-Solymar OTT, McGeachan RI, Meftah S, Rose JL, Spires-Jones MP, Holt K, Catterson JH, Koch H, Liaquat I, Clarke JH, Skidmore J, Smith C, Booker SA, Brennan PM, Spires-Jones TL, Durrant CS. p-tau Ser356 is associated with Alzheimer's disease pathology and is lowered in brain slice cultures using the NUAK inhibitor WZ4003. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:7. [PMID: 38175261 PMCID: PMC10766794 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02667-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation is a common feature of many dementia-causing neurodegenerative diseases. Tau can be phosphorylated at up to 85 different sites, and there is increasing interest in whether tau phosphorylation at specific epitopes, by specific kinases, plays an important role in disease progression. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related enzyme NUAK1 has been identified as a potential mediator of tau pathology, whereby NUAK1-mediated phosphorylation of tau at Ser356 prevents the degradation of tau by the proteasome, further exacerbating tau hyperphosphorylation and accumulation. This study provides a detailed characterisation of the association of p-tau Ser356 with progression of Alzheimer's disease pathology, identifying a Braak stage-dependent increase in p-tau Ser356 protein levels and an almost ubiquitous presence in neurofibrillary tangles. We also demonstrate, using sub-diffraction-limit resolution array tomography imaging, that p-tau Ser356 co-localises with synapses in AD postmortem brain tissue, increasing evidence that this form of tau may play important roles in AD progression. To assess the potential impacts of pharmacological NUAK inhibition in an ex vivo system that retains multiple cell types and brain-relevant neuronal architecture, we treated postnatal mouse organotypic brain slice cultures from wildtype or APP/PS1 littermates with the commercially available NUAK1/2 inhibitor WZ4003. Whilst there were no genotype-specific effects, we found that WZ4003 results in a culture-phase-dependent loss of total tau and p-tau Ser356, which corresponds with a reduction in neuronal and synaptic proteins. By contrast, application of WZ4003 to live human brain slice cultures results in a specific lowering of p-tau Ser356, alongside increased neuronal tubulin protein. This work identifies differential responses of postnatal mouse organotypic brain slice cultures and adult human brain slice cultures to NUAK1 inhibition that will be important to consider in future work developing tau-targeting therapeutics for human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lewis W Taylor
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Elizabeth M Simzer
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Claire Pimblett
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Robert I McGeachan
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- The Hospital for Small Animals, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Soraya Meftah
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jamie L Rose
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Kristján Holt
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James H Catterson
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Henner Koch
- Department of Neurology, Epileptology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Imran Liaquat
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jonathan H Clarke
- The ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Island Research Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - John Skidmore
- The ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Island Research Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Colin Smith
- The Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sam A Booker
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul M Brennan
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, UK
- The Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Cancer Research UK Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence, CRUK Edinburgh Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tara L Spires-Jones
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Claire S Durrant
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Todarwal Y, Gustafsson C, Thi Minh NN, Ertzgaard I, Klingstedt T, Ghetti B, Vidal R, König C, Lindgren M, Nilsson KPR, Linares M, Norman P. Tau Protein Binding Modes in Alzheimer's Disease for Cationic Luminescent Ligands. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:11628-11636. [PMID: 34643404 PMCID: PMC8558859 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c06019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The bi-thiophene-vinylene-benzothiazole (bTVBT4) ligand developed for Alzheimer's disease (AD)-specific detection of amyloid tau has been studied by a combination of several theoretical methods and experimental spectroscopies. With reference to the cryo-EM tau structure of the tau protofilament ( Nature 2017, 547, 185), a periodic model system of the fibril was created, and the interactions between this fibril and bTVBT4 were studied with nonbiased molecular dynamics simulations. Several binding sites and binding modes were identified and analyzed, and the results for the most prevailing fibril site and ligand modes are presented. A key validation of the simulation work is provided by the favorable comparison of the theoretical and experimental absorption spectra of bTVBT4 in solution and bound to the protein. It is conclusively shown that the ligand-protein binding occurs at the hydrophobic pocket defined by the residues Ile360, Thr361, and His362. This binding site is not accessible in the Pick's disease (PiD) fold, and fluorescence imaging of bTVBT4-stained brain tissue samples from patients diagnosed with AD and PiD provides strong support for the proposed tau binding site.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh Todarwal
- Department of Theoretical Chemistry and Biology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Camilla Gustafsson
- Department of Theoretical Chemistry and Biology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nghia Nguyen Thi Minh
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Callinstr. 3A, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ingrid Ertzgaard
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Therése Klingstedt
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, SE 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Bernardino Ghetti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - Ruben Vidal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - Carolin König
- Leibniz University Hannover, Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Callinstr. 3A, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Mikael Lindgren
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - K Peter R Nilsson
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mathieu Linares
- Department of Theoretical Chemistry and Biology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.,Laboratory of Organic Electronics, ITN, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden.,Scientific Visualization Group, ITN, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Patrick Norman
- Department of Theoretical Chemistry and Biology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lei P, Ayton S, Bush AI. The essential elements of Alzheimer's disease. J Biol Chem 2020; 296:100105. [PMID: 33219130 PMCID: PMC7948403 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev120.008207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) directed against the prominent amyloid plaque neuropathology are yet to be proved effective despite many phase 3 clinical trials. There are several other neurochemical abnormalities that occur in the AD brain that warrant renewed emphasis as potential therapeutic targets for this disease. Among those are the elementomic signatures of iron, copper, zinc, and selenium. Here, we review these essential elements of AD for their broad potential to contribute to Alzheimer’s pathophysiology, and we also highlight more recent attempts to translate these findings into therapeutics. A reinspection of large bodies of discovery in the AD field, such as this, may inspire new thinking about pathogenesis and therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Lei
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, P.R. China; Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Scott Ayton
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shepherd CE, Affleck AJ, Bahar AY, Carew-Jones F, Gregory G, Small DH, Halliday GM. Alzheimer's amyloid-β and tau protein accumulation is associated with decreased expression of the LDL receptor-associated protein in human brain tissue. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01672. [PMID: 32484608 PMCID: PMC7375106 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One of the major neuropathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) protein in the brain. Evidence suggests that the low-density lipoprotein receptor-associated protein (RAP) binds strongly to Aβ and enhances its cellular uptake and that decreased RAP expression correlates with increased Aβ production in animal models of AD. METHODS The current study examined whether RAP levels change in AD human brain tissue and whether they are related to the amount of AD pathology. RAP and NeuN levels were determined by Western blot, while low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), tau and Aβ levels were determined by ELISA in the temporal cortex of 17 AD and 16 control cases. RESULTS An increase in total Aβ and insoluble and soluble tau protein was observed in AD brain tissue. In contrast, RAP levels were significantly decreased in AD brain tissue compared to controls. Correlation analysis revealed that levels of RAP correlated with both total Aβ and soluble and insoluble tau levels. Neither LRP1 nor NeuN levels were significantly altered in AD brain tissue homogenates and did not correlate with Aβ or tau protein levels. CONCLUSION Reduction in RAP may contribute to the accumulation and aggregation of Aβ in the AD brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Shepherd
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,University of New South Wales, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew J Affleck
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,University of New South Wales, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anita Y Bahar
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Francine Carew-Jones
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,University of New South Wales, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gillian Gregory
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David H Small
- Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Glenda M Halliday
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,University of New South Wales, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shepherd CE, Affleck AJ, Bahar AY, Carew-Jones F, Halliday GM. Intracellular and secreted forms of clusterin are elevated early in Alzheimer's disease and associate with both Aβ and tau pathology. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 89:129-131. [PMID: 31813628 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Clusterin (CLU) is a pleiotropic glycoprotein that exists as a secreted, neuroprotective or intracellular, neurotoxic form, both of which increase in Alzheimer's disease (AD) causing increased Aβ42 deposition. No studies have assessed the association between functionally distinct alloforms of CLU and tau protein or neuronal loss, despite its intracellular toxicity. We confirm previous reports of significant increases in both intracellular CLU and secreted CLU in the brain tissue of individuals with AD (p < 0.01) and show no association with neuronal loss. The increase in CLU alloforms was most closely associated with increases in both insoluble Aβ42 and tau protein (p = 0.001), supporting its role in AD pathogenesis. Further research should investigate whether altering human CLU levels may have viability as a therapeutic option for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Shepherd
- Ageing and Neurodegeneration, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Sydney, Australia; University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Andrew J Affleck
- Ageing and Neurodegeneration, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Sydney, Australia; University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anita Y Bahar
- Ageing and Neurodegeneration, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
| | - Francine Carew-Jones
- Ageing and Neurodegeneration, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Sydney, Australia; University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Glenda M Halliday
- Ageing and Neurodegeneration, Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Sydney, Australia; University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Knockout of p75 neurotrophin receptor attenuates the hyperphosphorylation of Tau in pR5 mouse model. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:6762-6791. [PMID: 31479419 PMCID: PMC6756909 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, whether p75NTR is involved in Tau hyperphosphorylation, one of the pathologies observed in AD, remains unclear. In our previous study, the extracellular domain of p75NTR blocked amyloid beta (Aβ) toxicity and attenuated Aβ-induced Tau hyperphosphorylation. Here we show that, in the absence of Aβ, p75NTR regulates Tau phosphorylation in the transgenic mice with the P301L human Tau mutation (pR5). The knockout of p75NTR in pR5 mice attenuated the phosphorylation of human Tau. In addition, the elevated activity of kinases responsible for Tau phosphorylation including glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta; cyclin-dependent-kinase 5; and Rho-associated protein kinase was also inhibited when p75NTR is knocked out in pR5 mice at 9 months of age. The increased caspase-3 activity observed in pR5 mice was also abolished in the absence of p75NTR. Our study also showed that p75NTR is required for Aβ- and pro-brain derived neurotrophin factor (proBDNF)-induced Tau phosphorylation, in vitro. Overall, our data indicate that p75NTR is required for Tau phosphorylation, a key event in the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, another hallmark of AD. Thus, targeting p75NTR could reduce or prevent the pathologic hyperphosphorylation of Tau.
Collapse
|
8
|
Lane DJ, Ayton S, Bush AI. Iron and Alzheimer’s Disease: An Update on Emerging Mechanisms. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 64:S379-S395. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-179944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Darius J.R. Lane
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Scott Ayton
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashley I. Bush
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Guedes ÁCB, Santin R, Costa ASR, Reiter KC, Hilbig A, Fernandez LL. Distinct Phospho-TDP-43 brain distribution in two cases of FTD, one associated with ALS. Dement Neuropsychol 2017; 11:249-254. [PMID: 29213521 PMCID: PMC5674668 DOI: 10.1590/1980-57642016dn11-030006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: TDP-43 is an intranuclear protein involved in many cellular processes. When altered, it shows a change in pattern of distribution, as well as in functioning, throughout the Central Nervous System structures. Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) are examples of TDP-43 proteinopathy. These disorders form a clinical spectrum, with some patients having a pure cognitive disorder while others also exhibit motor features. METHODS: We studied two donated brains from patients with a diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), one of which was associated with ALS (ALS-FTD). After fixation and macroscopic examinations, sample analyses were performed. Specific regions were chosen for the application of immunohistochemistry (IHC) with anti-Aβ, AT8, anti-α-synuclein and anti-phospho-TDP-43. RESULTS: Both brains presented anti-phospho-TDP-43 positivity, but this was not equally distributed throughout the encephalic zones. In the FTD case, the studied brain presented phosphorylated TDP-43- in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, entorhinal cortex and mesencephalon; in the ALS-FTD case, the abnormal protein was also seen in the pons and medulla oblongata. The brain in the ALS-FTD case presented Aβ and AT8 positivity in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex (Braak I and II). DISCUSSION: The hypothesis supported by scientific literature that these neurodegenerative diseases can have the same etiology with distinct encephalic region involvement is corroborated by the present study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro C B Guedes
- Students at the Medical School of Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre. Scientific initiation scholars
| | - Ricardo Santin
- Students at the Medical School of Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre. Scientific initiation scholars
| | - André S R Costa
- Students at the Medical School of Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre. Scientific initiation scholars
| | - Keli C Reiter
- Biologist, PhD, Federal University of Health Science of Porto Alegre's Laboratory of Pathology
| | - Arlete Hilbig
- Neurologists. MD, PhD, Professors at the Federal University of Health Science of Porto Alegre
| | - Liana L Fernandez
- Neurologists. MD, PhD, Professors at the Federal University of Health Science of Porto Alegre
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chua SW, Cornejo A, van Eersel J, Stevens CH, Vaca I, Cueto M, Kassiou M, Gladbach A, Macmillan A, Lewis L, Whan R, Ittner LM. The Polyphenol Altenusin Inhibits in Vitro Fibrillization of Tau and Reduces Induced Tau Pathology in Primary Neurons. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:743-751. [PMID: 28067492 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.6b00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease, the microtubule-associated protein tau forms intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). A critical step in the formation of NFTs is the conversion of soluble tau into insoluble filaments. Accordingly, a current therapeutic strategy in clinical trials is aimed at preventing tau aggregation. Here, we assessed altenusin, a bioactive polyphenolic compound, for its potential to inhibit tau aggregation. Altenusin inhibits aggregation of tau protein into paired helical filaments in vitro. This was associated with stabilization of tau dimers and other oligomers into globular structures as revealed by atomic force microscopy. Moreover, altenusin reduced tau phosphorylation in cells expressing pathogenic tau, and prevented neuritic tau pathology induced by incubation of primary neurons with tau fibrils. However, treatment of tau transgenic mice did not improve neuropathology and functional deficits. Taken together, altenusin prevents tau fibrillization in vitro and induced tau pathology in neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sook Wern Chua
- Dementia
Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Alberto Cornejo
- Dementia
Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Faculty
of Medicine, Medical Technology School, University Andrés Bello, Sazié 2315, Santiago, Chile
| | - Janet van Eersel
- Dementia
Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Claire H. Stevens
- Dementia
Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Inmaculada Vaca
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mercedes Cueto
- Institute for Natural Products and Agrobiology CSIC, 38206 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School
of Chemistry and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Amadeus Gladbach
- Dementia
Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Alex Macmillan
- Biomedical
Imaging Facility, Mark Wainright Analytical Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Lev Lewis
- Biomedical
Imaging Facility, Mark Wainright Analytical Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Renee Whan
- Biomedical
Imaging Facility, Mark Wainright Analytical Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Lars M. Ittner
- Dementia
Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lei P, Ayton S, Appukuttan AT, Moon S, Duce JA, Volitakis I, Cherny R, Wood SJ, Greenough M, Berger G, Pantelis C, McGorry P, Yung A, Finkelstein DI, Bush AI. Lithium suppression of tau induces brain iron accumulation and neurodegeneration. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:396-406. [PMID: 27400857 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Lithium is a first-line therapy for bipolar affective disorder. However, various adverse effects, including a Parkinson-like hand tremor, often limit its use. The understanding of the neurobiological basis of these side effects is still very limited. Nigral iron elevation is also a feature of Parkinsonian degeneration that may be related to soluble tau reduction. We found that magnetic resonance imaging T2 relaxation time changes in subjects commenced on lithium therapy were consistent with iron elevation. In mice, lithium treatment lowers brain tau levels and increases nigral and cortical iron elevation that is closely associated with neurodegeneration, cognitive loss and parkinsonian features. In neuronal cultures lithium attenuates iron efflux by lowering tau protein that traffics amyloid precursor protein to facilitate iron efflux. Thus, tau- and amyloid protein precursor-knockout mice were protected against lithium-induced iron elevation and neurotoxicity. These findings challenge the appropriateness of lithium as a potential treatment for disorders where brain iron is elevated (for example, Alzheimer's disease), and may explain lithium-associated motor symptoms in susceptible patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Lei
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan, China.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - S Ayton
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - A T Appukuttan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - S Moon
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - J A Duce
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - I Volitakis
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - R Cherny
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - S J Wood
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - M Greenough
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - G Berger
- ORYGEN Research Centre, University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - C Pantelis
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Neural Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - P McGorry
- ORYGEN Research Centre, University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - A Yung
- Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, University of Manchester and Greater Manchester West NHS Mental Health Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - D I Finkelstein
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - A I Bush
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rodrigues Neto E, Fonseca MK, Guedes ÁCB, Oliveira FH, Hilbig A, Fernandez LL. Neuropathological findings in entorhinal cortex of subjects aged 50 years or older and their correlation with dementia in a sample from Southern Brazil. Dement Neuropsychol 2017; 11:24-31. [PMID: 29213490 PMCID: PMC5619211 DOI: 10.1590/1980-57642016dn11-010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aims of this study were to survey neurodegenerative changes detected by
abnormal protein deposits in the Entorhinal Cortex (EC) of subjects aged 50
years or older and to correlate these findings with suspected dementia, as
detected by the IQCODE (Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the
Elderly). Methods Fourteen brains were submitted to the immunohistochemistry technique for
different proteins (beta-amyloid, tau, α-synuclein and
phospho-TDP-43) and data obtained compared with IQCODE scores. Results Fifty-seven percent of the individuals exhibited IQCODE results compatible
with dementia, being classified into the demented group (DG): 87.5% of
patients had neuropathological findings corresponding to Alzheimer's-like
brain pathology (ALBP). Of the patients in the non-demented group (NDG),
16.7% met neuropathological criteria for ALBP. All individuals in the DG
showed deposits of more than one kind of protein in the EC. The most common
association was hyperphosphorylated tau and beta-amyloid protein
(87.5%). Discussion Most individuals with dementia had neuropathological findings of ALBP, as did
one individual with no signs of dementia, characterizing a preclinical
stage. The results of this study suggest that deposits of a single type of
anomalous protein are normal findings in an aging brain, while more than one
kind of protein or the combined presence of anomalous protein deposits
indicate the presence of dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edson Rodrigues Neto
- Medical Student at the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA). Scientific initiation scholars of the Foundation for Research of Rio Grande do Sul
| | - Mariana K Fonseca
- Medical Student at the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA). Scientific initiation scholars of the Foundation for Research of Rio Grande do Sul
| | - Álvaro C B Guedes
- Medical Student at the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA). Scientific initiation scholars of the Foundation for Research of Rio Grande do Sul
| | - Francine H Oliveira
- Pathologist. Specialist in Neuropathology at the Institute of Neuropathology of the University Hospital of Zurich. MSc in Pathology at the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil
| | - Arlete Hilbig
- Neurologist. PhD in Internal Medicine at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil. Associate Professor at the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil
| | - Liana Lisboa Fernandez
- Neurologist. PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil and the University of Barcelona, and Adjunct Professor at the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Unzeta M, Esteban G, Bolea I, Fogel WA, Ramsay RR, Youdim MBH, Tipton KF, Marco-Contelles J. Multi-Target Directed Donepezil-Like Ligands for Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:205. [PMID: 27252617 PMCID: PMC4879129 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
HIGHLIGHTS ASS234 is a MTDL compound containing a moiety from Donepezil and the propargyl group from the PF 9601N, a potent and selective MAO B inhibitor. This compound is the most advanced anti-Alzheimer agent for preclinical studies identified in our laboratory.Derived from ASS234 both multipotent donepezil-indolyl (MTDL-1) and donepezil-pyridyl hybrids (MTDL-2) were designed and evaluated as inhibitors of AChE/BuChE and both MAO isoforms. MTDL-2 showed more high affinity toward the four enzymes than MTDL-1.MTDL-3 and MTDL-4, were designed containing the N-benzylpiperidinium moiety from Donepezil, a metal- chelating 8-hydroxyquinoline group and linked to a N-propargyl core and they were pharmacologically evaluated.The presence of the cyano group in MTDL-3, enhanced binding to AChE, BuChE and MAO A. It showed antioxidant behavior and it was able to strongly complex Cu(II), Zn(II) and Fe(III).MTDL-4 showed higher affinity toward AChE, BuChE.MTDL-3 exhibited good brain penetration capacity (ADMET) and less toxicity than Donepezil. Memory deficits in scopolamine-lesioned animals were restored by MTDL-3.MTDL-3 particularly emerged as a ligand showing remarkable potential benefits for its use in AD therapy. Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of adult onset dementia, is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory loss, decline in language skills, and other cognitive impairments. Although its etiology is not completely known, several factors including deficits of acetylcholine, β-amyloid deposits, τ-protein phosphorylation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation are considered to play significant roles in the pathophysiology of this disease. For a long time, AD patients have been treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil (Aricept®) but with limited therapeutic success. This might be due to the complex multifactorial nature of AD, a fact that has prompted the design of new Multi-Target-Directed Ligands (MTDL) based on the "one molecule, multiple targets" paradigm. Thus, in this context, different series of novel multifunctional molecules with antioxidant, anti-amyloid, anti-inflammatory, and metal-chelating properties able to interact with multiple enzymes of therapeutic interest in AD pathology including acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and monoamine oxidases A and B have been designed and assessed biologically. This review describes the multiple targets, the design rationale and an in-house MTDL library, bearing the N-benzylpiperidine motif present in donepezil, linked to different heterocyclic ring systems (indole, pyridine, or 8-hydroxyquinoline) with special emphasis on compound ASS234, an N-propargylindole derivative. The description of the in vitro biological properties of the compounds and discussion of the corresponding structure-activity-relationships allows us to highlight new issues for the identification of more efficient MTDL for use in AD therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Unzeta
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain
| | - Gerard Esteban
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - Irene Bolea
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain
| | - Wieslawa A. Fogel
- Department of Hormone Biochemistry, Medical University of LodzLodz, Poland
| | - Rona R. Ramsay
- Biomolecular Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St AndrewsSt. Andrews, UK
| | - Moussa B. H. Youdim
- Department of Pharmacology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Eve Topf and National Parkinson Foundation Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases ResearchHaifa, Israel
| | - Keith F. Tipton
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College DublinDublin, Ireland
| | - José Marco-Contelles
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of General Organic Chemistry, Spanish National Research CouncilMadrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
van Eersel J, Stevens CH, Przybyla M, Gladbach A, Stefanoska K, Chan CKX, Ong WY, Hodges JR, Sutherland GT, Kril JJ, Abramowski D, Staufenbiel M, Halliday GM, Ittner LM. Early-onset axonal pathology in a novel P301S-Tau transgenic mouse model of frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2015; 41:906-25. [DOI: 10.1111/nan.12233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Janet van Eersel
- Dementia Research Unit; Department of Anatomy; School of Medical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; University of New South Wales; Sydney Australia
| | - Claire H. Stevens
- Dementia Research Unit; Department of Anatomy; School of Medical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; University of New South Wales; Sydney Australia
| | - Magdalena Przybyla
- Dementia Research Unit; Department of Anatomy; School of Medical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; University of New South Wales; Sydney Australia
| | - Amadeus Gladbach
- Dementia Research Unit; Department of Anatomy; School of Medical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; University of New South Wales; Sydney Australia
| | - Kristie Stefanoska
- Dementia Research Unit; Department of Anatomy; School of Medical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; University of New South Wales; Sydney Australia
| | - Chesed Kai-Xin Chan
- Department of Anatomy; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; National University of Singapore; Singapore
| | - Wei-Yi Ong
- Department of Anatomy; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; National University of Singapore; Singapore
| | - John R. Hodges
- Neuroscience Research Australia; Sydney Australia
- Faculty of Medicine; University of New South Wales; Sydney Australia
| | | | - Jillian J. Kril
- Discipline of Pathology; University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
| | | | | | - Glenda M. Halliday
- Neuroscience Research Australia; Sydney Australia
- Faculty of Medicine; University of New South Wales; Sydney Australia
| | - Lars M. Ittner
- Dementia Research Unit; Department of Anatomy; School of Medical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; University of New South Wales; Sydney Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia; Sydney Australia
- Sydney Medical School; University of Sydney; Sydney Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Aberrant Wnt signaling pathway in medial temporal lobe structures of Alzheimer’s disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2015; 122:1303-18. [PMID: 25680440 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-015-1375-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|
16
|
Abstract
No disease modifying therapy exists for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The growing burden of this disease to our society necessitates continued investment in drug development. Over the last decade, multiple phase 3 clinical trials testing drugs that were designed to target established disease mechanisms of AD have all failed to benefit patients. There is, therefore, a need for new treatment strategies. Changes to the transition metals, zinc, copper, and iron, in AD impact on the molecular mechanisms of disease, and targeting these metals might be an alternative approach to treat the disease. Here we review how metals feature in molecular mechanisms of AD, and we describe preclinical and clinical data that demonstrate the potential for metal-based drug therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Ayton
- Oxidation Biology Unit, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052 VIC Australia
| | - Peng Lei
- Oxidation Biology Unit, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052 VIC Australia
| | - Ashley I. Bush
- Oxidation Biology Unit, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052 VIC Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fang P, Xu W, Wu C, Zhu M, Li X, Hong D. MAPT as a predisposing gene for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the Chinese Han population. Neural Regen Res 2014; 8:3116-23. [PMID: 25206632 PMCID: PMC4158701 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.33.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A previous study of European Caucasian patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis demonstrated that a polymorphism in the microtubule-associated protein Tau (MAPT) gene was significantly associated with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathogenesis. Here, we tested this association in 107 sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and 100 healthy controls from the Chinese Han population. We screened the mutation-susceptible regions of MAPT - the 3' and 5' untranslated regions as well as introns 9, 10, 11, and 12 - by direct sequencing, and identified 33 genetic variations. Two of these, 105788 A > G in intron 9 and 123972 T > A in intron 11, were not present in the control group. The age of onset in patients with the 105788 A > G and/or the 123972 T > A variant was younger than that in patients without either genetic variation. Moreover, the pa-tients with a genetic variation were more prone to bulbar palsy and breathing difficulties than those with the wild-type genotype. This led to a shorter survival period in patients with a MAPT genetic variant. Our study suggests that the MAPT gene is a potential risk gene for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the Chinese Han population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pu Fang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wenyuan Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Chengsi Wu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiaobing Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Daojun Hong
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ayton S, Lei P, Bush AI. Metallostasis in Alzheimer's disease. Free Radic Biol Med 2013; 62:76-89. [PMID: 23142767 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2012.10.558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
2012 has been another year in which multiple large-scale clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have failed to meet their clinical endpoints. With the social and financial burden of this disease increasing every year, the onus is now on the field of AD researchers to investigate alternative ideas to deliver outcomes for patients. Although several major clinical trials targeting Aβ have failed, three smaller clinical trials targeting metal interactions with Aβ have all shown benefit for patients. Here we review the genetic, pathological, biochemical, and pharmacological evidence that underlies the metal hypothesis of AD. The AD-affected brain suffers from metallostasis, or fatigue of metal trafficking, resulting in redistribution of metals into inappropriate compartments. The metal hypothesis is built upon a triad of transition elements: iron, copper, and zinc. The hypothesis has matured from early investigations showing amyloidogenic and oxidative stress consequences of these metals; recently, disease-related proteins, APP, tau, and presenilin, have been shown to have major roles in metal regulation, which provides insight into the pathway of neurodegeneration in AD and illuminates potential new therapeutic avenues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Ayton
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Peng Lei
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hare D, Ayton S, Bush A, Lei P. A delicate balance: Iron metabolism and diseases of the brain. Front Aging Neurosci 2013; 5:34. [PMID: 23874300 PMCID: PMC3715022 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2013.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron is the most abundant transition metal within the brain, and is vital for a number of cellular processes including neurotransmitter synthesis, myelination of neurons, and mitochondrial function. Redox cycling between ferrous and ferric iron is utilized in biology for various electron transfer reactions essential to life, yet this same chemistry mediates deleterious reactions with oxygen that induce oxidative stress. Consequently, there is a precise and tightly controlled mechanism to regulate iron in the brain. When iron is dysregulated, both conditions of iron overload and iron deficiencies are harmful to the brain. This review focuses on how iron metabolism is maintained in the brain, and how an alteration to iron and iron metabolism adversely affects neurological function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Hare
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of MelbourneVIC, Australia
- Elemental Bio-imaging Facility, University of TechnologySydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Scott Ayton
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of MelbourneVIC, Australia
| | - Ashley Bush
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of MelbourneVIC, Australia
| | - Peng Lei
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of MelbourneVIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Aggregation-prone proteins associated with neurodegenerative disease, such as α synuclein and β amyloid, now appear to share key prion-like features with mammalian prion protein, such as the ability to recruit normal proteins to aggregates and to translocate between neurons. These features may shed light on the genesis of stereotyped lesion development patterns in conditions such as Alzheimer disease and Lewy Body dementia. We discuss the qualifications of tau protein as a possible "prionoid" mediator of lesion spread based on recent characterizations of the secretion, uptake and transneuronal transfer of human tau isoforms in a variety of tauopathy models, and in human patients. In particular, we consider (1) the possibility that prionoid behavior of misprocessed tau in neurodegenerative disease may involve other aggregation-prone proteins, including PrP itself, and (2) whether "prionlike" tau lesion propagation might include mechanisms other than protein-protein templating.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Garth F Hall
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are characterized by the deposition of hyperphosphorylated forms of the microtubule-associated protein tau in neurons and/or glia. This unifying pathology led to the umbrella term “tauopathies” for these conditions, also emphasizing the central role of tau in AD and FTD. Generation of transgenic mouse models expressing human tau in the brain has contributed to the understanding of the pathomechanistic role of tau in disease. To reveal the physiological functions of tau in vivo, several knockout mouse strains with deletion of the tau-encoding MAPT gene have been established over the past decade, using different gene targeting constructs. Surprisingly, when initially introduced tau knockout mice presented with no overt phenotype or malformations. The number of publications using tau knockout mice has recently markedly increased, and both behavioural changes and motor deficits have been identified in aged mice of certain strains. Moreover, tau knockout mice have been instrumental in identifying novel functions of tau, both in cultured neurons and in vivo. Importantly, tau knockout mice have significantly contributed to the understanding of the pathophysiological interplay between Aβ and tau in AD. Here, we review the literature that involves tau knockout mice to summarize what we have learned so far from depleting tau in vivo.
Collapse
|
22
|
Jellinger KA. Interaction between pathogenic proteins in neurodegenerative disorders. J Cell Mol Med 2012; 16:1166-83. [PMID: 22176890 PMCID: PMC3823071 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01507.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The misfolding and progressive aggregation of specific proteins in selective regions of the nervous system is a seminal occurrence in many neurodegenerative disorders, and the interaction between pathological/toxic proteins to cause neurodegeneration is a hot topic of current neuroscience research. Despite clinical, genetic and experimental differences, increasing evidence indicates considerable overlap between synucleinopathies, tauopathies and other protein-misfolding diseases. Inclusions, often characteristic hallmarks of these disorders, suggest interactions of pathological proteins enganging common downstream pathways. Novel findings that have shifted our understanding in the role of pathologic proteins in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer, Parkinson, Huntington and prion diseases, have confirmed correlations/overlaps between these and other neurodegenerative disorders. Emerging evidence, in addition to synergistic effects of tau protein, amyloid-β, α-synuclein and other pathologic proteins, suggests that prion-like induction and spreading, involving secreted proteins, are major pathogenic mechanisms in various neurodegenerative diseases, depending on genetic backgrounds and environmental factors. The elucidation of the basic molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction and spreading of pathogenic proteins, suggesting a dualism or triad of neurodegeneration in protein-misfolding disorders, is a major challenge for modern neuroscience, to provide a deeper insight into their pathogenesis as a basis of effective diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
|
23
|
Jellinger KA. Interaction between α-synuclein and other proteins in neurodegenerative disorders. ScientificWorldJournal 2011; 11:1893-907. [PMID: 22125446 PMCID: PMC3217595 DOI: 10.1100/2011/371893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation is a common characteristic of many neurodegenerative disorders, and the interaction between pathological/toxic proteins to cause neurodegeneration is a hot topic of current neuroscience research. Despite clinical, genetic, and experimental differences, evidence increasingly indicates considerable overlap between synucleinopathies and tauopathies or other protein-misfolding diseases. Inclusions, characteristics of these disorders, also occurring in other neurodegenerative diseases, suggest interactions of pathological proteins engaging common downstream pathways. Novel findings that have shifted our understanding in the role of pathologic proteins in the pathogenesis of Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases have confirmed correlations/overlaps between these and other neurodegenerative disorders. The synergistic effects of α-synuclein, hyperphosphorylated tau, amyloid-β, and other pathologic proteins, and the underlying molecular pathogenic mechanisms, including induction and spread of protein aggregates, are critically reviewed, suggesting a dualism or triad of neurodegeneration in protein-misfolding disorders, although the etiology of most of these processes is still mysterious.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kurt A Jellinger
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, Kenyongasse 18, A-1070 Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kovacs GG, Molnár K, László L, Ströbel T, Botond G, Hönigschnabl S, Reiner-Concin A, Palkovits M, Fischer P, Budka H. A peculiar constellation of tau pathology defines a subset of dementia in the elderly. Acta Neuropathol 2011; 122:205-22. [PMID: 21437732 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-011-0819-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Revised: 03/08/2011] [Accepted: 03/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sporadic tauopathies are characterized by differential cellular and topographical predominance of phospho-tau immunoreactivity and biochemical distinction of the tau protein. Established entities include progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, Pick's disease, and argyrophilic grain disease. During a community-based longitudinal study on aging, we detected tau pathologies not compatible with these categories. We immunostained for different phospho-tau epitopes, 4R and 3R tau isoforms, α-synuclein, amyloid-β, and phospho-TDP-43, analyzed the MAPT and ApoE genes, and performed western blotting for the tau protein. The mean age of patients (4 women, 3 men) was 83.8 years. Clinical presentations combined dementia with psychiatric symptoms and/or parkinsonism. In addition to neurofibrillary tangles and diffuse neuronal cytoplasmic tau immunoreactivity, the neuropathology was characterized by peculiar cytopathologies (diffuse granular immunopositivity of astrocytic processes and patchy accumulation of thin threads) in a distinctive distribution (frontal and temporal cortices, hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia, locus coeruleus, and substantia nigra). Argyrophilic grains were detected in four patients. Few to moderate densities of neuritic plaques but widespread phospho-TDP-43 pathology was observed in five patients. There was variability in the H1/H2 and ApoE alleles and biochemical features of tau protein. We propose these cases as complex tauopathy with a characteristic constellation: some features of primary tauopathies and Alzheimer's disease mixed with additional cytopathologies including a distinctive astrogliopathy, in a characteristic distribution of lesions. These complex tauopathies in the elderly deserve specific diagnostic and eventually therapeutic considerations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabor G Kovacs
- Institute of Neurology, Medical University Vienna, Austria.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
van Eersel J, Ke YD, Gladbach A, Bi M, Götz J, Kril JJ, Ittner LM. Cytoplasmic accumulation and aggregation of TDP-43 upon proteasome inhibition in cultured neurons. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22850. [PMID: 21829535 PMCID: PMC3146516 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) are characterized by intraneuronal deposition of the nuclear TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) caused by unknown mechanisms. Here, we studied TDP-43 in primary neurons under different stress conditions and found that only proteasome inhibition by MG-132 or lactacystin could induce significant cytoplasmic accumulation of TDP-43, a histopathological hallmark in disease. This cytoplasmic accumulation was accompanied by phosphorylation, ubiquitination and aggregation of TDP-43, recapitulating major features of disease. Proteasome inhibition produced similar effects in both hippocampal and cortical neurons, as well as in immortalized motor neurons. To determine the contribution of TDP-43 to cell death, we reduced TDP-43 expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA), and found that reduced levels of TDP-43 dose-dependently rendered neurons more vulnerable to MG-132. Taken together, our data suggests a role for the proteasome in subcellular localization of TDP-43, and possibly in disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet van Eersel
- Laboratory for Translational Neurodegeneration, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yazi D. Ke
- Laboratory for Translational Neurodegeneration, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amadeus Gladbach
- Laboratory for Translational Neurodegeneration, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mian Bi
- Laboratory for Translational Neurodegeneration, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jürgen Götz
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jillian J. Kril
- Disciplines of Medicine and Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lars M. Ittner
- Laboratory for Translational Neurodegeneration, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ittner A, Ke YD, Eersel JV, Gladbach A, Götz J, Ittner LM. Brief update on different roles of tau in neurodegeneration. IUBMB Life 2011; 63:495-502. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
27
|
Götz J, Gladbach A, Pennanen L, van Eersel J, Schild A, David D, Ittner LM. Animal models reveal role for tau phosphorylation in human disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2010; 1802:860-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2009.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2009] [Revised: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 09/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
28
|
Hu WT, Chen-Plotkin A, Arnold SE, Grossman M, Clark CM, Shaw LM, McCluskey L, Elman L, Karlawish J, Hurtig HI, Siderowf A, Lee VMY, Soares H, Trojanowski JQ. Biomarker discovery for Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and Parkinson's disease. Acta Neuropathol 2010; 120:385-99. [PMID: 20652578 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-010-0723-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Revised: 07/09/2010] [Accepted: 07/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ante-mortem diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders based on clinical features alone is associated with variable sensitivity and specificity, and biomarkers can potentially improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis. In patients suspected of having Alzheimer's disease (AD), alterations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers that reflect the neuropathologic changes of AD strongly support the diagnosis, although there is a trade-off between sensitivity and specificity due to similar changes in cognitively healthy subjects. Here, we review the current approaches in using CSF AD biomarkers (total tau, p-tau(181), and Abeta42) to predict the presence of AD pathology, and our recent work using multi-analyte profiling to derive novel biomarkers for biofluid-based AD diagnosis. We also review our use of the multi-analyte profiling strategy to identify novel biomarkers that can distinguish between subtypes of frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and those at risk of developing cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease. Multi-analyte profiling is a powerful tool for biomarker discovery in complex neurodegenerative disorders, and analytes associated with one or more diseases may shed light on relevant biological pathways and potential targets for intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William T Hu
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
van Eersel J, Ke YD, Liu X, Delerue F, Kril JJ, Götz J, Ittner LM. Sodium selenate mitigates tau pathology, neurodegeneration, and functional deficits in Alzheimer's disease models. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:13888-93. [PMID: 20643941 PMCID: PMC2922247 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1009038107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains are characterized by amyloid-beta-containing plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs); however, in frontotemporal dementia, the tau pathology manifests in the absence of overt amyloid-beta plaques. Therapeutic strategies so far have primarily been targeting amyloid-beta, although those targeting tau are only slowly beginning to emerge. Here, we identify sodium selenate as a compound that reduces tau phosphorylation both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, chronic oral treatment of two independent tau transgenic mouse strains with NFT pathology, P301L mutant pR5 and K369I mutant K3 mice, reduces tau hyperphosphorylation and completely abrogates NFT formation. Furthermore, treatment improves contextual memory and motor performance, and prevents neurodegeneration. As hyperphosphorylation of tau precedes NFT formation, the effect of selenate on tau phosphorylation was assessed in more detail, a process regulated by both kinases and phosphatases. A major phosphatase implicated in tau dephosphorylation is the serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) that is reduced in both levels and activity in the AD brain. We found that selenate stabilizes PP2A-tau complexes. Moreover, there was an absence of therapeutic effects in sodium selenate-treated tau transgenic mice that coexpress a dominant-negative mutant form of PP2A, suggesting a mediating role for PP2A. Taken together, sodium selenate mitigates tau pathology in several AD models, making it a promising lead compound for tau-targeted treatments of AD and related dementias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet van Eersel
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; and
- Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2016, Australia
| | - Yazi D. Ke
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; and
| | - Xin Liu
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; and
| | - Fabien Delerue
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; and
| | - Jillian J. Kril
- Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2016, Australia
| | - Jürgen Götz
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; and
| | - Lars M. Ittner
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia; and
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bohoyo D, Le Potier I, Rivière C, Klafki H, Wiltfang J, Taverna M. A quantitative CE method to analyse tau protein isoforms using coated fused silica capillaries. J Sep Sci 2010; 33:1090-8. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.200900713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
31
|
Ke YD, Delerue F, Gladbach A, Götz J, Ittner LM. Experimental diabetes mellitus exacerbates tau pathology in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7917. [PMID: 19936237 PMCID: PMC2775636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 10/28/2009] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia caused by a lack of insulin, insulin resistance, or both. There is increasing evidence that insulin also plays a role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) as it is involved in the metabolism of β-amyloid (Aβ) and tau, two proteins that form Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), respectively, the hallmark lesions in AD. Here, we examined the effects of experimental DM on a pre-existing tau pathology in the pR5 transgenic mouse strain that is characterized by NFTs. pR5 mice express P301L mutant human tau that is associated with dementia. Experimental DM was induced by administration of streptozotocin (STZ), which causes insulin deficiency. We determined phosphorylation of tau, using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Solubility of tau was determined upon extraction with sarkosyl and formic acid, and Gallyas silver staining was employed to reveal NFTs. Insulin depletion by STZ administration in six months-old non-transgenic mice causes increased tau phosphorylation, without its deposition or NFT formation. In contrast, in pR5 mice this results in massive deposition of hyperphosphorylated, insoluble tau. Furthermore, they develop a pronounced tau-histopathology, including NFTs at this early age, while the pathology in sham-treated pR5 mice is moderate. Whereas experimental DM did not result in deposition of hyperphosphorylated tau in non-transgenic mice, a predisposition to develop a tau pathology in young pR5 mice was both sufficient and necessary to exacerbate tau deposition and NFT formation. Hence, DM can accelerate onset and increase severity of disease in individuals with a predisposition to developing tau pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yazi D. Ke
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fabien Delerue
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amadeus Gladbach
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jürgen Götz
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lars M. Ittner
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Laboratory, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|