5-HT6 Receptor Agonist and Antagonist Against β-Amyloid-Peptide-Induced Neurotoxicity in PC-12 Cells

5-HT6 receptor neutral antagonists protect astrocytes: A lesson from 2-phenylpyrrole derivatives

The serotonin type 6 receptor (5-HT6R) displays a strong constitutive activity, suggesting it participates largely in the physiological and pathological processes controlled by the receptor. The active states of 5-HT6R engage particular signal transduction pathways that lead to different biological responses. In this study, we present the development of 5-HT6R neutral antagonists at Gs signaling built upon the 2-phenylpyrrole scaffold. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we outline the relationship between the exposure of the basic center of the molecules and their ability to target the agonist-activated state of the receptor. Our study identifies compound 30 as a potent and selective neutral antagonist at 5-HT6R-operated Gs signaling. Furthermore, we demonstrate the cytoprotective effects of 30 and structurally diverse 5-HT6R neutral antagonists at Gs signaling in C8-D1A cells and human astrocytes exposed to rotenone. This effect is not observed for 5-HT6R agonists or inverse agonists. In light of these findings, we propose compound 30 as a valuable molecular probe to study the biological effects associated with the agonist-activated state of 5-HT6R and provide insight into the glioprotective properties of 5-HT6R neutral antagonists at Gs signaling.

Dual 5-HT6/SERT ligands for mitigating neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia exerting neuroprotection against amyloid-β toxicity, memory preservation, and antidepressant-like properties

In light of the biological targets alterations in dementia patients suffering from neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly in the 5-HT6 receptor and SERT transporters, this study aimed to develop dual-acting molecules targeting both these targets. By combining a 5-substituted indole with piperazine scaffolds, we synthesized molecules with nanomolar affinities for these sites, avoiding interaction with off-targets detrimental to dementia patients. Preliminary pharmacodynamic and ADMET assays let the identification of compound 15 as a lead molecule. In vitro studies showed that 15 provided neuroprotection against Aβ toxicity and reduced the levels of proapoptotic enzymes: caspase 3 and 7. In vivo, 15 reversed MK-801-induced memory deficits and exhibited antidepressant-like effects. Further studies showed that acute administration of compound 15 at a dose of 5 mg/kg increased BDNF levels, which are crucial for supporting neuronal survival and potentially slowing cognitive decline in dementia. These findings suggest 15's potential as a therapeutic for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), warranting further investigation.

Understanding How Physical Exercise Improves Alzheimer’s Disease: Cholinergic and Monoaminergic Systems

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the accumulation of proteinaceous aggregates and neurofibrillary lesions composed of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide and hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau, respectively. It has long been known that dysregulation of cholinergic and monoaminergic (i.e., dopaminergic, serotoninergic, and noradrenergic) systems is involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Abnormalities in neuronal activity, neurotransmitter signaling input, and receptor function exaggerate Aβ deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation. Maintenance of normal neurotransmission is essential to halt AD progression. Most neurotransmitters and neurotransmitter-related drugs modulate the pathology of AD and improve cognitive function through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Exercise therapies provide an important alternative or adjunctive intervention for AD. Cumulative evidence indicates that exercise can prevent multiple pathological features found in AD and improve cognitive function through delaying the degeneration of cholinergic and monoaminergic neurons; increasing levels of acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine; and modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitter-related GPCRs. Emerging insights into the mechanistic links among exercise, the neurotransmitter system, and AD highlight the potential of this intervention as a therapeutic approach for AD.

PC12 and THP-1 Cell Lines as Neuronal and Microglia Model in Neurobiological Research

Models based on cell cultures have become a useful tool in modern scientific research. Since primary cell lines are difficult to obtain and handle, neoplasm-derived lines like PC12 and THP-1 offer a cheap and flexible solution for neurobiological studies but require prior differentiation to serve as a neuronal or microglia model. PC12 cells constitute a suitable research model only after differentiation by incubation with nerve growth factor (NGF) and THP-1 cells after administering a differentiation factor such as phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Still, quite often, studies are performed on these cancer cells without differentiation. The study aimed to assess the impact of PC12 or THP-1 cell differentiation on sensitivity to harmful factors such as Aβ25-35 (0.001–5 µM) (considered as one of the major detrimental factors in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease) or lipopolysaccharide (1–100 µM) (LPS; a pro-inflammatory factor of bacterial origin). Results showed that in most of the tests performed, the response of PC12 and THP-1 cells induced to differentiation varied significantly from the effect in undifferentiated cells. In general, differentiated cells showed greater sensitivity to harmful factors in terms of metabolic activity and DNA damage, while in the case of the free radicals, the results were heterogeneous. Obtained data emphasize the importance of proper differentiation of cell lines of neoplastic origin in neurobiological research and standardization of cell culture handling protocols to ensure reliable results.

Comparison of Aβ (1-40, 1-28, 11-22, and 29-40) aggregation processes and inhibition of toxic species generated in early stages of aggregation by a water-soluble ruthenium complex

Neurotoxicity of amyloid beta (Aβ) species generated in early stages of aggregation has been associated with development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Consequently, the field of action of compounds that can identify and inhibit the formation of these species has enlarged considerably. This study investigates the effect and influence of the luminescent, water soluble metal complex cis-[Ru(phen)₂(3,4Apy)₂]²⁺ (RuApy, 3,4Apy = 3,4-diaminopyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) on the aggregation process and toxicity of Aβ_1-40 and its Aβ_1-28, Aβ_11-22 and Aβ_29-40 fragments since their early stages. The absence of correlation between the conformations generated by Aβ fragments and the full length 1-40 peptide during aggregation and the absence of toxicity of Aβ fragments to PC12 cells in all stages of aggregation indicated that the aggregation pathway and toxicity found to the full-length Aβ_1-40 depends on specific interactions between the three fragments. The toxicity of Aβ_1-40 was dependent on the aggregation step investigated: species generated at the beginning (15 min) of aggregation were toxic, whereas mature (120 min) fibrils were not. The RuApy complex is not toxic to PC12 cells up to 60 μM, and does not interfere with the aggregation pathway of the Aβ fragments, but interferes with the aggregation of Aβ_1-40 and protects the PC12 cells, maintaining 100% of cell viability against the toxicity of Aβ_1-40 species generated in early stages of aggregation.

Dual-acting agents for improving cognition and real-world function in Alzheimer's disease: Focus on 5-HT6 and D3 receptors as hubs

To date, there are no interventions that impede the inexorable progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and currently-available drugs cholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors and the N-Methyl-d-Aspartate receptor antagonist, memantine, offer only modest symptomatic benefit. Moreover, a range of mechanistically-diverse agents (glutamatergic, histaminergic, monoaminergic, cholinergic) have disappointed in clinical trials, alone and/or in association with AChE inhibitors. This includes serotonin (5-HT) receptor-6 antagonists, despite compelling preclinical observations in rodents and primates suggesting a positive influence on cognition. The emphasis has so far been on high selectivity. However, for a multi-factorial disorder like idiopathic AD, 5-HT6 antagonists possessing additional pharmacological actions might be more effective, by analogy to "multi-target" antipsychotics. Based on this notion, drug discovery programmes have coupled 5-HT6 blockade to 5-HT4 agonism and inhibition of AchE. Further, combined 5-HT6/dopamine D3 receptor (D3) antagonists are of especial interest since D3 blockade mirrors 5-HT6 antagonism in exerting broad-based pro-cognitive properties in animals. Moreover, 5-HT6 and dopamine D3 antagonists promote neurocognition and social cognition via both distinctive and convergent actions expressed mainly in frontal cortex, including suppression of mTOR over-activation and reinforcement of cholinergic and glutamatergic transmission. In addition, 5-HT6 blockade affords potential anti-anxiety, anti-depressive and anti-epileptic properties, and antagonising 5-HT6 receptors may be associated with neuroprotective ("disease-modifying") properties. Finally D3 antagonism may counter psychotic episodes and D3 receptors themselves offer a promising hub for multi-target agents. The present article reviews the status of "R and D" into multi-target 5-HT6 and D3 ligands for improved treatment of AD and other neurodegenerative disorders of aging. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'Serotonin Research: Crossing Scales and Boundaries'.

5-HT6 receptor agonist and antagonist improve memory impairments and hippocampal BDNF signaling alterations induced by MK-801

The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the effects of acute and chronic (21-day) administration of agonist (WAY-181187) and antagonist (SB-742457) of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 6 receptor (5-HT₆R) on MK-801-induced memory impairments in novel object recognition (NORT) and Y-maze continuous spontaneous alternation tests (Y-CAT). Further, the expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in rat hippocampus was measured after 21-day administration to investigate BDNF participation in the pro-cognitive effects of 5-HT₆R ligands. We found that acute administration of WAY-181187, as well as SB-742457, reversed the effects of MK-801 in NORT and Y-CAT, and that this influence persisted after prolonged application in NORT but not in Y-CAT. Both 5-HT₆R ligands increased hippocampal BDNF protein expression, but WAY-181187 was much more potent than SB-742457 and alleviated the MK-801-induced inhibition of BDNF signaling pathways better, which seems to translate into a stronger WAY-181187 effect in behavioral tests. Collectively, both the 5-HT₆R agonist and the antagonist, administered acutely and chronically, prevent memory impairments and alterations in BDNF signaling induced by MK-801 in rats. The present results confirm the pro-cognitive properties of both types of 5-HT₆R ligands and suggest that BDNF pathways may be involved in their mechanism of action.

Serotonin type 6 receptor antagonist attenuates the impairment of long-term potentiation and memory induced by Abeta

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, characterized by memory impairment and synaptic loss. Long-term potentiation (LTP), a type of synaptic plasticity, is impaired during AD. Serotonin type 6 receptor (5-HT6R) inactivation is proposed as a therapeutic target for AD. This study examined the effects of chronic administration of the 5-HT6R antagonist, SB-258585, on cognitive, memory, and hippocampal plasticity in a rat model of AD. Abeta neurotoxicity was induced in rats using Aβ (1.35 pmol intracerebroventricular [ICV] injection). The following groups were formed: control sustained surgery and saline-treated, Aβ+saline (1 μL ICV for 30 days), and Aβ+SB-258585 (0.024 mg/kg, ICV for 30 days). The learning and memory were tested using the novel object recognition and passive avoidance tests. Next, anesthetized rats were placed in a stereotaxic apparatus. The population spike (PS) amplitude and the slope of the excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) of the LTP were measured following high-frequency stimulation in the dentate gyrus. The Aβ injection reduced step-through latency in the passive avoidance test and decreased the discrimination index in the novel object test. Aβ diminished both the amplitude of hippocampal neuron population spikes and the slope of excitatory postsynaptic potentials, compared to the control group. The administration of SB-258585 in rats receiving Aβ attenuated the Aβ-induced deficits in cognition, memory, and LTP in comparison with the Aβ group. It can be concluded that chronic treatment with SB-258585 antagonist can prevent Aβ-related deficiencies in learning and memory performance by improving neuronal plasticity. SB-258585 can prevent the progression of AD.

5-HT6 receptor agonist and antagonist modulates ICV-STZ-induced memory impairment in rats

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

5-HT6 receptors are mainly expressed in brain areas associated with learning and memory. Several studies have reported procognitive effects of both 5-HT6 agonist and antagonists. However, the exact mechanism 5-HT6 receptor modulation has not been properly studied especially in the context of cholinergic functions, cerebral blood flow (CBF), brain-derived neural factor (BDNF), oxidative stress, and behavioral changes.

METHODS

In the present study, memory impairment was induced in albino Wistar rats by two doses of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 3 mg/kg) on first and third day. These rats were evaluated in a battery of behavioral tasks after 14 days from the first day of ICV-STZ.

RESULTS

Significant memory impairment was seen when ICV-STZ induced rats are assessed by Morris water maze, novel object recognition, social recognition, and passive avoidance tests. There was a significant reduction in CBF, increased oxidative stress (MDA, GSH, and ROS), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and a decrease in BDNF. Treatment with selective 5-HT6 agonist EMD-386088 (5 mg/kg) and antagonist SB-399885 (10 mg/kg) prevented ICV-STZ-induced memory impairment when assessed by behavioral tests. Treatment with 5-HT6 ligands significantly prevented the change in CBF and BDNF. Further, protected from MDA and ROS and decreasing GSH in the brain compared to ICV-STZ rats. The rice in brain AChE activity was normalized by both ligands. The changes in locomotor activity by EMD-386088 and SB-399885 treatment were negligible.

CONCLUSION

The findings in this study support the therapeutic potential of 5-HT6 receptor ligands in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction.

Computer-Aided Design and Synthesis of 1-{4-[(3,4-Dihydroxybenzylidene)amino]phenyl}-5-oxopyrrolidine-3-carboxylic Acid as an Nrf2 Enhancer

The design and synthesis of a novel nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) enhancer is reported. Using a structure-based virtual screening approach, several commercially available compounds were identified as having high probability to interact with the Nrf2-binding pocket in the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Keap1 is an adaptor protein that recruits Nrf2 to a cullin-3-dependent ubiquitin ligase complex. The identified compounds were tested against rat pheochromocytoma PC-12 cells for their cytoprotective activity, and one compound (SKT359126) demonstrated an Nrf2-mediated cell-protective effect. Based on the structure of SKT359126, 23 novel derivatives were synthesized and evaluated. Of the screened derivatives, 1-{4-[(3,4-dihydroxybenzylidene)amino]phenyl}-5-oxopyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid demonstrated better activity than the parent molecules in activating the Nrf2 transduction pathway in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This compound represents a promising starting point for the development of therapeutics for the treatment of oxidative-stress-related diseases.