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Kim YA, Mellen M, Kizil C, Santa-Maria I. Mechanisms linking cerebrovascular dysfunction and tauopathy: Adding a layer of epiregulatory complexity. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:879-895. [PMID: 37926507 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated misfolded tau proteins are found in many neurodegenerative tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Tau pathology can impact cerebrovascular physiology and function through multiple mechanisms. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that alterations in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and function can result in synaptic abnormalities and neuronal damage. In the present review, we will summarize how tau proteostasis dysregulation contributes to vascular dysfunction and, conversely, we will examine the factors and pathways leading to tau pathological alterations triggered by cerebrovascular dysfunction. Finally, we will highlight the role epigenetic and epitranscriptomic factors play in regulating the integrity of the cerebrovascular system and the progression of tauopathy including a few observartions on potential therapeutic interventions. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue From Alzheimer's Disease to Vascular Dementia: Different Roads Leading to Cognitive Decline. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.6/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon A Kim
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marian Mellen
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Madrid, Spain
| | - Caghan Kizil
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ismael Santa-Maria
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Eteläinen TS, Silva MC, Uhari-Väänänen JK, De Lorenzo F, Jäntti MH, Cui H, Chavero-Pieres M, Kilpeläinen T, Mechtler C, Svarcbahs R, Seppälä E, Savinainen JR, Puris E, Fricker G, Gynther M, Julku UH, Huttunen HJ, Haggarty SJ, Myöhänen TT. A prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitor reduces tau pathology in cellular models and in mice with tauopathy. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabq2915. [PMID: 37043557 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq2915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, higher-order aggregates, and tau filaments. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a major tau dephosphorylating phosphatase, and a decrease in its activity has been demonstrated in tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease. Prolyl oligopeptidase is a serine protease that is associated with neurodegeneration, and its inhibition normalizes PP2A activity without toxicity under pathological conditions. Here, we assessed whether prolyl oligopeptidase inhibition could protect against tau-mediated toxicity in cellular models in vitro and in the PS19 transgenic mouse model of tauopathy carrying the human tau-P301S mutation. We show that inhibition of prolyl oligopeptidase with the inhibitor KYP-2047 reduced tau aggregation in tau-transfected HEK-293 cells and N2A cells as well as in human iPSC-derived neurons carrying either the P301L or tau-A152T mutation. Treatment with KYP-2047 resulted in increased PP2A activity and activation of autophagic flux in HEK-293 cells and N2A cells and in patient-derived iNeurons, as indicated by changes in autophagosome and autophagy receptor markers; this contributed to clearance of insoluble tau. Furthermore, treatment of PS19 transgenic mice for 1 month with KYP-2047 reduced tau burden in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid and slowed cognitive decline according to several behavioral tests. In addition, a reduction in an oxidative stress marker was seen in mouse brains after KYP-2047 treatment. This study suggests that inhibition of prolyl oligopeptidase could help to ameliorate tau-dependent neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony S Eteläinen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - M Catarina Silva
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Johanna K Uhari-Väänänen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Francesca De Lorenzo
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Maria H Jäntti
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Hengjing Cui
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Marta Chavero-Pieres
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Tommi Kilpeläinen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Christina Mechtler
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Reinis Svarcbahs
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Erin Seppälä
- School of Medicine / Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Juha R Savinainen
- School of Medicine / Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Elena Puris
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht Karls University, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
| | - Gert Fricker
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht Karls University, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
| | - Mikko Gynther
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht Karls University, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany
| | - Ulrika H Julku
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Henri J Huttunen
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- Herantis Pharma Plc., Espoo 02600, Finland
| | - Stephen J Haggarty
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Timo T Myöhänen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy/Drug Research Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio 70211, Finland
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3
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Matti N, Javanshiri K, Haglund M, Saenz-Sardá X, Englund E. Locus Coeruleus Degeneration Differs Between Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Subtypes. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 89:463-471. [PMID: 35871340 PMCID: PMC9535600 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background: There are few studies on the locus coeruleus (LC) in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and the potential differences in the LC related to the underlying proteinopathy. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the LC in FTLD subgroups. Methods: Neuropathological cases diagnosed with FTLD were included. The subgroups consisted of FTLD with tau, transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP) and fused in sarcoma (FUS). Micro- and macroscopical degeneration of the LC were assessed with respect to the number of neurons and the degree of depigmentation. A group of cognitively healthy subjects and a group with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) served as comparison groups. Results: A total of 85 FTLD cases were included, of which 44 had FTLD-TDP, 38 had FTLD-tau, and three had FTLD-FUS. The groups were compared with 25 VCI cases and 41 cognitively healthy control cases (N = 151 for the entire study). All FTLD groups had a statistically higher microscopical degeneration of the LC compared to the controls, but the FTLD-tau group had greater micro- and macroscopical degeneration than the FTLD-TDP group. Age correlated positively with the LC score in the FTLD-tau group, but not in the FTLD-TDP group. Conclusion: A greater microscopical degeneration of the LC was observed in all FTLD cases compared to healthy controls and those with VCI. The LC degeneration was more severe in FTLD-tau than in FTLD-TDP. The macroscopically differential degeneration of the LC in FTLD subgroups may facilitate differential diagnostics, potentially with imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Matti
- Division of Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Keivan Javanshiri
- Division of Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Mattias Haglund
- Division of Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Xavier Saenz-Sardá
- Division of Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Englund
- Division of Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Sweden
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Islam M, Shen F, Regmi D, Du D. Therapeutic Strategies for Tauopathies and Drug Repurposing as a Potential Approach. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 198:114979. [PMID: 35219701 PMCID: PMC9159505 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the deposition of abnormal tau in the brain. To date, there are no disease-modifying therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for the treatment of tauopathies. In the past decades, extensive efforts have been provided to develop disease-modifying therapies to treat tauopathies. Specifically, exploring existing drugs with the intent of repurposing for the treatment of tauopathies affords a reasonable alternative to discover potent drugs for treating these formidable diseases. Drug repurposing will not only reduce formulation and development stage effort and cost but will also take a key advantage of the established toxicological studies, which is one of the main causes of clinical trial failure of new molecules. In this review, we provide an overview of the current treatment strategies for tauopathies and the recent progress in drug repurposing as an alternative approach to treat tauopathies.
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Chemical and genetic rescue of in vivo progranulin-deficient lysosomal and autophagic defects. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2022115118. [PMID: 34140407 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2022115118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2006, GRN mutations were first linked to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the leading cause of non-Alzheimer dementias. While much research has been dedicated to understanding the genetic causes of the disease, our understanding of the mechanistic impacts of GRN deficiency has only recently begun to take shape. With no known cure or treatment available for GRN-related FTD, there is a growing need to rapidly advance genetic and/or small-molecule therapeutics for this disease. This issue is complicated by the fact that, while lysosomal dysfunction seems to be a key driver of pathology, the mechanisms linking a loss of GRN to a pathogenic state remain unclear. In our attempt to address these key issues, we have turned to the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, to model, study, and find potential therapies for GRN-deficient FTD. First, we show that the loss of the nematode GRN ortholog, pgrn-1, results in several behavioral and molecular defects, including lysosomal dysfunction and defects in autophagic flux. Our investigations implicate the sphingolipid metabolic pathway in the regulation of many of the in vivo defects associated with pgrn-1 loss. Finally, we utilized these nematodes as an in vivo tool for high-throughput drug screening and identified two small molecules with potential therapeutic applications against GRN/pgrn-1 deficiency. These compounds reverse the biochemical, cellular, and functional phenotypes of GRN deficiency. Together, our results open avenues for mechanistic and therapeutic research into the outcomes of GRN-related neurodegeneration, both genetic and molecular.
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6
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Morgan JC, Ye X, Mellor JA, Golden KJ, Zamudio J, Chiodo LA, Bao Y, Xie T. Disease course and treatment patterns in progressive supranuclear palsy: A real-world study. J Neurol Sci 2020; 421:117293. [PMID: 33385754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disorder with symptoms including vertical gaze palsy, frequent falls, abnormal gait, and cognitive/language/behavioral changes, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. METHODS Descriptive analysis was undertaken of cross-sectional, real-world data for patients with PSP provided by neurologists in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, and USA. RESULTS Data on 892 PSP patients were obtained from patient records. Common initial symptoms included difficulty walking/maintaining gait, confusion/disorientation, loss of balance/falling, and rigidity. These symptoms and vertical gaze palsy commonly aided diagnosis. At data collection, dysphagia and blepharospasm were also very common. Mean times from symptom-onset to consulting a healthcare professional and PSP diagnosis were 5.2 and 15.0 months, respectively. General practitioners or movement disorder specialists were most commonly consulted initially; 98% of patients were diagnosed with PSP by a movement disorder specialist or general neurologist. Alternative diagnoses, including Parkinson's disease (67%) and dementia (10%), were considered for 41% of patients prior to PSP diagnosis. Non-wheelchair walking aids and wheelchairs were used by 60% and 23% of patients, respectively, with mean times from symptom-onset to use being 20.8 and 39.5 months, respectively. Symptomatic medication, most often levodopa and antidepressants, was prescribed for 87% of patients. CONCLUSION This study provided information on disease course and treatment for a large number of PSP patients from various countries. PSP carries a considerable clinical burden. Diagnosis is often delayed. Consulting a movement disorder specialist might expediate diagnosis. Currently, only symptomatic treatments are available with a poor satisfaction, and there is an urgent need for disease-modifying agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Morgan
- Movement & Memory Disorders Program, Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence, Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tao Xie
- Movement Disorder Program, Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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7
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Ziu I, Rettig I, Luo D, Dutta A, McCormick TM, Wu C, Martic S. The multifunctional dopamine D 2/D 3 receptor agonists also possess inhibitory activity against the full-length tau441 protein aggregation. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115667. [PMID: 32828429 PMCID: PMC10879933 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration leads to variety of diseases which are linked to aberrant protein or peptide aggregation, as a one possible mechanism. Hence, small drug molecules targeting aggregation are of interest. Tau protein aggregation is one of the biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases and is a viable drug target. Toward multifunctional inhibitors, we aim to incorporate structural elements in a potential drug in order to preserve dopamine agonist activity, which elevates disease symptoms associated with motor skills, and promote inhibitory activity against aggregation of the full-length tau (2N4R, tau441) protein. In our design, we introduced various moieties (catechol, non-catechol, biphenyl, piperazine, and thiazole) to determine which functional group leads to the greatest aggregation inhibition of tau. In vitro, tau aggregation was induced by heparin and monitored by using fluorescence aggregation assay, transmission electron microscopy and 4,4'-Dianilino-1,1'-binaphthyl-5,5'-disulfonic acid dipotassium salt (Bis-ANS) fluorescence spectroscopy. The catechol containing compounds, D-519 and D-520, prevented aggregation of tau. By contrast, non-catechol and thiazole containing compounds (D-264 and D-636) were poor inhibitors. The Bis-ANS studies revealed that the potent inhibitors bound solvent-exposed hydrophobic sites. Based on the density functional theory calculations on inhibitors tested, the compounds characterized with the high polarity and polarizability were more effective aggregation inhibitors. These findings could lead to the development of small multifunctional drug inhibitors for the treatment of tau-associated neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Ziu
- Department of Chemistry, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Irving Rettig
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Aloke Dutta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | | | - Colin Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Sanela Martic
- Department of Forensic Science, Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University, Peterborough, ON K9J 0G2, Canada.
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Caixeta L, Caixeta VDM, Nogueira YL, Aversi-Ferreira TA. Pharmacological interventions in corticobasal degeneration: a review. Dement Neuropsychol 2020; 14:243-247. [PMID: 32973978 PMCID: PMC7500816 DOI: 10.1590/1980-57642020dn14-030006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is a sporadic tauopathy that presents with a
varied combination of motor, cognitive, and behavioral features, making its
diagnosis difficult. CBD has high morbidity and poor prognosis, with no
effective therapy at present. We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE database for
articles published from 1990 to 2019, using the keywords “corticobasal
degeneration” AND “treatment.” The PRISMA method was adopted. Retrieved articles
were characterized as having one of two methodological approaches: (1) studies
aimed at primary tauopathy treatment and (2) symptomatic management. Review
articles (based on CBD expert groups), case reports, case series, and pilot
clinical trials were selected. Few attempts have been made to study drug options
and drug efficacy in CBD systematically, and an effective treatment is not yet
available. Treatment is symptomatic and based on similarity with other diseases
due to the scarcity of studies specifically addressing CBD. CBD seems not to
spark interest in more clinical trials for its low prevalence and reliability in
clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Caixeta
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Goiás - Goiânia, GO, Brazil.,Dementia Outpatient Clinic, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás - Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Victor de Melo Caixeta
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Goiás - Goiânia, GO, Brazil.,Dementia Outpatient Clinic, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás - Goiânia, GO, Brazil.,ASMIGO Hospital, Neuropsychology Research Center - Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Tales Alexandre Aversi-Ferreira
- Laboratory of Biomathematics and Physical Anthropology, Department of Structural Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Alfenas - Alfenas, Brazil
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Xenobiotics, Trace Metals and Genetics in the Pathogenesis of Tauopathies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041269. [PMID: 32079163 PMCID: PMC7068520 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Tauopathies are a disease group characterized by either pathological accumulation or release of fragments of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins originating from the central nervous system. The tau hypotheses of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases contain a clinically diverse spectrum of tauopathies. Studies of case records of various tauopathies may reveal clinical phenotype characteristics of the disease. In addition, improved understanding of different tauopathies would disclose environmental factors, such as xenobiotics and trace metals, that can precipitate or modify the progression of the disorder. Important for diagnostics and monitoring of these disorders is a further development of adequate biomarkers, including refined neuroimaging, or proteomics. Our goal is to provide an in-depth review of the current literature regarding the pathophysiological roles of tau proteins and the pathogenic factors leading to various tauopathies, with the perspective of future advances in potential therapeutic strategies.
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Silverstein HA, Hart AR, Bozorg A, Hackney ME. Improved Mobility, Cognition, and Disease Severity in Corticobasal Degeneration of an African American Man After 12 Weeks of Adapted Tango: A Case Study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2020; 99:e21-e27. [PMID: 30801264 PMCID: PMC6699931 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000001165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) has no available treatment to slow disease progression and generally resists drug therapy. Corticobasal degeneration has symptoms and decreased quality of life similar to Parkinson disease. Adapted Tango, a successful rehabilitation for Parkinson, may address CBD. A 63-yr-old African American man with CBD (alias: YD; CBD duration = 2 yrs) was evaluated for motor, cognitive, and psychosocial function before, immediately after, 1 mo after, and 6 mos after 12 wks of 20, biweekly 90-min adapted-tango lessons. After intervention, disease-related motor symptoms improved and YD reported fewer problems in nonmotor experiences of daily living, which include mood, cognition, pain, fatigue, etc. Motor symptoms remained above baseline at 6-mo posttest. YD's balance confidence improved after intervention but declined below baseline at 6-mo posttest. Quality of life was maintained despite worsened depression. YD improved or maintained executive function, and visuospatial function and attention at posttest and 1-mo posttest. At posttest, YD maintained mobility and improved on dynamic balance. At 1-mo posttest, most mobility measures had improved relative to baseline. However, YD showed executive function and overall motor decline 6 mos after intervention. Adapted tango may have temporarily slowed disease progression and improved or maintained mobility and cognition. Gains were poorly maintained after 6 mos. Further study is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley A Silverstein
- From the Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (HAS, ARH, MEH); and Atlanta Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation R&D Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Decatur, Georgia (AB, MEH)
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Areche C, Zapata F, González M, Díaz E, Montecinos R, Hernández M, Melo F, Cornejo A. Anthraquinone Derivative Reduces Tau Oligomer Progression by Inhibiting Cysteine-Cysteine Interaction. ChemistryOpen 2019; 8:554-559. [PMID: 31065505 PMCID: PMC6496470 DOI: 10.1002/open.201800222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau protein is a natively unfolded protein whose primary role is to participate in axonal transport closely associated with microtubules. Neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease and Tauopathies involved tau protein that is found hyperphosphorylated in vivo; then, tau is detached from microtubules to form toxic aggregates or oligomers, which have a deleterious effect on membranes, triggering an inflammatory response. Considering finding tau inhibitors, we isolated two compounds in the ethyl acetate extract from Xanthoria ectaneoides (Nyl.) Zahlbr; ergosterol peroxide (1) and a new anthraquinone (2). We established the structure through spectroscopic data and biogenic considerations, and we named it "2-hydroxy-3-((8-hydroxy-3-methoxy-6-methylanthraquinonyl)oxy)propanoic acid". This new anthraquinone was evaluated as a tau inhibitor by ThT fluorescence, dot blot assays and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Our results strongly suggest that this anthraquinone remodels soluble oligomers and diminishes β-sheet content. Moreover, through the fluorescence labeling of cysteine inside of the microtubule-binding domain (4R), we showed that this anthraquinone could reduce the oligomers progression by inhibiting cysteine interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Areche
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileLas Palmeras 34257800003Santiago-Chile
| | - Francisca Zapata
- Escuela Tecnología MédicaFacultad de MedicinaSazie 23158370092Santiago-Chile
| | - Mathias González
- Escuela Tecnología MédicaFacultad de MedicinaSazie 23158370092Santiago-Chile
| | - Esteban Díaz
- Escuela Tecnología MédicaFacultad de MedicinaSazie 23158370092Santiago-Chile
| | | | - Marcos Hernández
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de ChileLas Palmeras 34257800003Santiago-Chile
| | - Francisco Melo
- Departamento de FísicaAvenida Ecuador 34939170124Santiago-Chile
| | - Alberto Cornejo
- Escuela Tecnología MédicaFacultad de MedicinaSazie 23158370092Santiago-Chile
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CNS repurposing - Potential new uses for old drugs: Examples of screens for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and spasticity. Neuropharmacology 2018; 147:4-10. [PMID: 30165077 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Drug repurposing is recently gaining increasing attention, not just from pharmaceutical companies but also from government agencies in an attempt to generate new medications to address increasing unmet medical needs in a cost effective and expedite manner. There are several approaches to identify novel indications for known drugs. Many are based on rational selection e.g. the known or a new mechanism of action of a drug. This review will focus rather on phenotypic or high content screening of compounds in models that are believed to be predictive of effectiveness of compounds irrespective of their mechanism of action. Three short cases studies of screens for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and spasticity will be given as examples. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Drug Repurposing: old molecules, new ways to fast track drug discovery and development for CNS disorders'.
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13
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Cuadrado A, Kügler S, Lastres-Becker I. Pharmacological targeting of GSK-3 and NRF2 provides neuroprotection in a preclinical model of tauopathy. Redox Biol 2017; 14:522-534. [PMID: 29121589 PMCID: PMC5681345 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders where TAU protein is presented as aggregates or is abnormally phosphorylated, leading to alterations of axonal transport, neuronal death and neuroinflammation. Currently, there is no treatment to slow progression of these diseases. Here, we have investigated whether dimethyl fumarate (DMF), an inducer of the transcription factor NRF2, could mitigate tauopathy in a mouse model. The signaling pathways modulated by DMF were also studied in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEFs) from wild type or KEAP1-deficient mice. The effect of DMF on neurodegeneration, astrocyte and microglial activation was examined in Nrf2+/+ and Nrf2−/− mice stereotaxically injected in the right hippocampus with an adeno-associated vector expressing human TAUP301L and treated daily with DMF (100 mg/kg, i.g) during three weeks. DMF induces the NRF2 transcriptional through a mechanism that involves KEAP1 but also PI3K/AKT/GSK-3-dependent pathways. DMF modulates GSK-3β activity in mouse hippocampi. Furthermore, DMF modulates TAU phosphorylation, neuronal impairment measured by calbindin-D28K and BDNF expression, and inflammatory processes involved in astrogliosis, microgliosis and pro-inflammatory cytokines production. This study reveals neuroprotective effects of DMF beyond disruption of the KEAP1/NRF2 axis by inhibiting GSK3 in a mouse model of tauopathy. Our results support repurposing of this drug for treatment of these diseases. DMF mechanisms of action are partially KEAP1-dependent. Modulation of GSK-3β phosphorylation by DMF. DMF modulates TAU hyperphosphorylation in a tauopathy mouse model. DMF attenuates hippocampal neuronal damage, astrogliosis and microgliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cuadrado
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols UAM-CSIC, Madrid, Spain; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sebastian Kügler
- Department of Neurology, Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Isabel Lastres-Becker
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols UAM-CSIC, Madrid, Spain; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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Mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinsonian mesenchymal stem cells impairs differentiation. Redox Biol 2017; 14:474-484. [PMID: 29096320 PMCID: PMC5680522 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporadic cases account for 90–95% of all patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Atypical Parkinsonism comprises approximately 20% of all patients with parkinsonism. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) belongs to the atypical parkinsonian diseases and is histopathologically classified as a tauopathy. Here, we report that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the bone marrow of patients with PSP exhibit mitochondrial dysfunction in the form of decreased membrane potential and inhibited NADH-dependent respiration. Furthermore, mitochondrial dysfunction in PSP-MSCs led to a significant increase in mitochondrial ROS generation and oxidative stress, which resulted in decrease of major cellular antioxidant GSH. Additionally, higher basal rate of mitochondrial degradation and lower levels of biogenesis were found in PSP-MSCs, together leading to a reduction in mitochondrial mass. This phenotype was biologically relevant to MSC stemness properties, as it heavily impaired their differentiation into adipocytes, which mostly rely on mitochondrial metabolism for their bioenergetic demand. The defect in adipogenic differentiation was detected as a significant impairment of intracellular lipid droplet formation in PSP-MSCs. This result was corroborated at the transcriptional level by a significant reduction of PPARγ and FABP4 expression, two key genes involved in the adipogenic molecular network. Our findings in PSP-MSCs provide new insights into the etiology of ‘idiopathic’ parkinsonism, and confirm that mitochondrial dysfunction is important to the development of parkinsonism, independent of the type of the cell. PSP pathology leads to inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and decrease mitochondrial membrane potential. Mitochondrial dysfunction in PSP-MSCs induces ROS generation and oxidative stress. Higher rate of mitophagy reduces mitochondrial mass in PSP-MSCs. PSP impairs differentiation properties in MSCs.
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Yin Z, Valkenburg F, Hornix BE, Mantingh-Otter I, Zhou X, Mari M, Reggiori F, Van Dam D, Eggen BJ, De Deyn PP, Boddeke E. Progressive Motor Deficit is Mediated by the Denervation of Neuromuscular Junctions and Axonal Degeneration in Transgenic Mice Expressing Mutant (P301S) Tau Protein. J Alzheimers Dis 2017; 60:S41-S57. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-161206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoran Yin
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Femke Valkenburg
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Betty E. Hornix
- Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Science, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ietje Mantingh-Otter
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Xingdong Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Muriel Mari
- Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Fulvio Reggiori
- Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Debby Van Dam
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Research Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J.L. Eggen
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter P. De Deyn
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Research Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Biobank, Institute Born-Bunge, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Erik Boddeke
- Department of Neuroscience, Section Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Shoeibi A, Litvan I. Therapeutic options for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy including investigational drugs. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2017.1335596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Shoeibi
- Movement Disorder Center, UC San Diego Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Irene Litvan
- Movement Disorder Center, UC San Diego Department of Neurosciences, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous disorder with distinct clinical phenotypes associated with multiple neuropathologic entities. Presently, the term FTD encompasses clinical disorders that include changes in behavior, language, executive control, and often motor symptoms. The core FTD spectrum disorders include behavioral variant FTD, nonfluent/agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia, and semantic variant PPA. Related FTD disorders include frontotemporal dementia with motor neuron disease, progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome, and corticobasal syndrome. In this article, the authors discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, neuropathology, genetics, and treatments of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas T Olney
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Memory and Aging Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Salvatore Spina
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Memory and Aging Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bruce L Miller
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Memory and Aging Center, San Francisco, CA, USA; UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Lamb R, Rohrer JD, Lees AJ, Morris HR. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration: Pathophysiology and Treatment Options. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2016; 18:42. [PMID: 27526039 PMCID: PMC4985534 DOI: 10.1007/s11940-016-0422-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT There are currently no disease-modifying treatments for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) or corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and no approved pharmacological or therapeutic treatments that are effective in controlling their symptoms. The use of most pharmacological treatment options are based on experience in other disorders or from non-randomized historical controls, case series, or expert opinion. Levodopa may provide some improvement in symptoms of Parkinsonism (specifically bradykinesia and rigidity) in PSP and CBD; however, evidence is conflicting and where present, benefits are often negligible and short lived. In fact, "poor" response to levodopa forms part of the NINDS-SPSP criteria for the diagnosis of PSP and consensus criteria for the diagnosis of CBD (Lang Mov Disord. 20 Suppl 1:S83-91, 2005; Litvan et al. Neurology. 48:119-25, 1997; Armstrong et al. Neurology. 80(5):496-503, 2013). There is some evidence that intrasalivery gland botulinum toxin is useful in managing problematic sialorrhea and that intramuscular botulinum toxin and baclofen are helpful in reducing dystonia, including blepharospasm. Benzodiazepines may also be useful in managing dystonia. Myoclonus may be managed using levetiracetam and benzodiazepines. Pharmacological agents licensed for Alzheimer's disease (such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists) have been used off-label in PSP, CBD, and other tauopathies with the aim of improving cognition; however, there is limited evidence that they are effective and risk of adverse effects may outweigh benefits. The use of atypical antipsychotics for behavioural symptoms is not recommended in the elderly or those with demetia associated conditions and most antipsychotics will worsen Parkinsonism. Antidepressants may be useful for behavioral symptoms and depression but are often poorly tolerated due to adverse effects. In the absence of an effective drug treatment to target the underlying cause of CBD and PSP, management should focus on optimizing quality of life, relieving symptoms and assisting patients with their activities of daily living (ADL). Patients should be managed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of neurologists, physiotherapists (PT), occupational therapists (OT), speech and language therapists (SALT), dieticians, ophthalmologists, psychologists, and palliative care specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Lamb
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Jonathan D. Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew J. Lees
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, University College London, London, UK
| | - Huw R. Morris
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
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Kumari S, Sundararajan T, Caro MA, Oliver J, Wright CA, Prayson R, Havemann J, Jimenez XF. Argyrophilic Grain Disease Presenting as Excited Catatonia: A Case Report. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2016; 57:431-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.psym.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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20
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Isik AT, Soysal P. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in an elderly patient with normal pressure hydrocephalus overlapping corticobasal degeneration. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2015; 30:417-20. [PMID: 25280791 PMCID: PMC10852855 DOI: 10.1177/1533317514552668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this case report, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) in an elderly patient with normal pressure hydrocephalus overlapping corticobasal degeneration was reported. The case highlights the need for clinicians to be cautious when using dopaminergic medication in the elderly patients, since these agents have risks for NMS which is a life-threatening complication. Additionally, co-occurrence of primary and secondary parkinsonian dementia syndromes should be kept in mind to avoid additional complications in the elderly patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Turan Isik
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Pinar Soysal
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
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Ohia-Nwoko O, Montazari S, Lau YS, Eriksen JL. Long-term treadmill exercise attenuates tau pathology in P301S tau transgenic mice. Mol Neurodegener 2014; 9:54. [PMID: 25432085 PMCID: PMC4280713 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-9-54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent epidemiological evidence suggests that modifying lifestyle by increasing physical activity could be a non-pharmacological approach to improving symptoms and slowing disease progression in Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. Previous studies have shown that exercise reduces tau hyperphosphorylation, however, it is not known whether exercise reduces the accumulation of soluble or insoluble tau aggregates and neurofibrillary tangles, which are both neuropathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative tauopathy. In this study, 7-month old P301S tau transgenic mice were subjected to 12-weeks of forced treadmill exercise and evaluated for effects on motor function and tau pathology at 10 months of age. Results Exercise improved general locomotor and exploratory activity and resulted in significant reductions in full-length and hyperphosphorylated tau in the spinal cord and hippocampus as well as a reduction in sarkosyl-insoluble AT8-tau in the spinal cord. Exercise did not attenuate significant neuron loss in the hippocampus or cortex. Key proteins involved in autophagy—microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light chain 3 and p62/sequestosome 1 —were also measured to assess whether autophagy is implicated in the exercised-induced reduction of aggregated tau protein. There were no significant effects of forced treadmill exercise on autophagy protein levels in P301S mice. Conclusions Our results suggest that forced treadmill exercise differently affects the brain and spinal cord of aged P301S tau mice, with greater benefits observed in the spinal cord versus the brain. Our work adds to the growing body of evidence that exercise is beneficial in tauopathy, however these benefits may be more limited at later stages of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jason L Eriksen
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Houston, 521 Science and Research Building 2, 4800 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, USA.
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Giordano R, Canesi M, Isalberti M, Isaias IU, Montemurro T, Viganò M, Montelatici E, Boldrin V, Benti R, Cortelezzi A, Fracchiolla N, Lazzari L, Pezzoli G. Autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapy for progressive supranuclear palsy: translation into a phase I controlled, randomized clinical study. J Transl Med 2014; 12:14. [PMID: 24438512 PMCID: PMC3912501 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-12-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a sporadic and progressive neurodegenerative disease which belongs to the family of tauopathies and involves both cortical and subcortical structures. No effective therapy is to date available. Methods/design Autologous bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from patients affected by different type of parkinsonisms have shown their ability to improve the dopaminergic function in preclinical and clinical models. It is also possible to isolate and expand MSC from the BM of PSP patients with the same proliferation rate and immuphenotypic profile as MSC from healthy donors. BM MSC can be efficiently delivered to the affected brain regions of PSP patients where they can exert their beneficial effects through different mechanisms including the secretion of neurotrophic factors. Here we propose a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase I clinical trial in patients affected by PSP with MSC delivered via intra-arterial injection. Discussion To our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial to be applied in a no-option parkinsonism that aims to test the safety and to exploit the properties of autologous mesenchymal stem cells in reducing disease progression. The study has been designed to test the safety of this “first-in-man” approach and to preliminarily explore its efficacy by excluding the placebo effect. Trial registration NCT01824121
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Giordano
- Cell Factory, Unit of Cell Therapy and Cryobiology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy.
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Dillon C, Serrano CM, Castro D, Leguizamón PP, Heisecke SL, Taragano FE. Behavioral symptoms related to cognitive impairment. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2013; 9:1443-55. [PMID: 24092982 PMCID: PMC3788702 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s47133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are core features of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. On one hand, behavioral symptoms in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can indicate an increased risk of progressing to dementia. On the other hand, mild behavioral impairment (MBI) in patients who usually have normal cognition indicates an increased risk of developing dementia. Whatever the cause, all dementias carry a high rate of NPI. These symptoms can be observed at any stage of the disease, may fluctuate over its course, are a leading cause of stress and overload for caregivers, and increase rates of hospitalization and early institutionalization for patients with dementia. The clinician should be able to promptly recognize NPI through the use of instruments capable of measuring their frequency and severity to support diagnosis, and to help monitor the treatment of behavioral symptoms. The aims of this review are to describe and update the construct 'MBI' and to revise the reported NPS related to prodromal stages of dementia (MCI and MBI) and dementia stages of Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Dillon
- CeMiC (Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas) University Institute, Argentina
| | - Cecilia M Serrano
- CeMiC (Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas) University Institute, Argentina
| | - Diego Castro
- CeMiC (Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas) University Institute, Argentina
| | | | - Silvina L Heisecke
- CeMiC (Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas) University Institute, Argentina
- CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando E Taragano
- CeMiC (Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas) University Institute, Argentina
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Ciaccioli G, Martins A, Rodrigues C, Vieira H, Calado P. A powerful yeast model to investigate the synergistic interaction of α-synuclein and tau in neurodegeneration. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55848. [PMID: 23393603 PMCID: PMC3564910 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies revealed consistent overlap between synucleinopathies and tauopathies, demonstrating that α-synuclein (ASYN) and tau co-localize in neurofibrillary tangles and in Lewy bodies from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease patients and corresponding animal models. Additionally, it has been shown that ASYN can act as an initiator of tau aggregation and phosphorylation and that these two proteins directly interact. Despite these evidences, the cellular pathway implicated in this synergistic interaction remains to be clarified. The aim of this study was to create a yeast model where the concomitant expression of ASYN and tau can be used to perform genome wide screenings for the identification of genes that modulate this interaction, in order to shed light into the pathological mechanism of cell dysfunction and to provide new targets for future therapeutic intervention. We started by validating the synergistic toxicity of tau and ASYN co-expression in yeast, by developing episomal and integrative strains expressing WT and mutant forms of both proteins, alone or in combination. The episomal strains showed no differences in growth delay upon expression of ASYN isoforms (WT or A53T) alone or in combination with tau 2N/4R isoforms (WT or P301L). However, in these strains, the presence of ASYN led to increased tau insolubility and correlated with increased tau phosphorylation in S396/404, which is mainly mediated by RIM11, the human homolog of GSK3β in yeast. On the other hand, the integrative strains showed a strong synergistic toxic effect upon co-expression of ASYN WT and tau WT, which was related to high levels of intracellular ASYN inclusions and increased tau phosphorylation and aggregation. Taken together, the strains described in the present study are able to mimic relevant pathogenic features involved in neurodegeneration and are powerful tools to identify potential target genes able to modulate the synergistic pathway driven by ASYN and tau interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmario Ciaccioli
- BIOALVO, Serviços Investigação e Desenvolvimento em Biotecnologia S.A., Edificio ICAT, Campus da FCUL, Campo Grande, Lisboa, Portugal
- DEIO and BIOFig Center, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Martins
- BIOALVO, Serviços Investigação e Desenvolvimento em Biotecnologia S.A., Edificio ICAT, Campus da FCUL, Campo Grande, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cátia Rodrigues
- BIOALVO, Serviços Investigação e Desenvolvimento em Biotecnologia S.A., Edificio ICAT, Campus da FCUL, Campo Grande, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Helena Vieira
- BIOALVO, Serviços Investigação e Desenvolvimento em Biotecnologia S.A., Edificio ICAT, Campus da FCUL, Campo Grande, Lisboa, Portugal
- DEIO and BIOFig Center, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Calado
- BIOALVO, Serviços Investigação e Desenvolvimento em Biotecnologia S.A., Edificio ICAT, Campus da FCUL, Campo Grande, Lisboa, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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Karakaya T, Fußer F, Schröder J, Pantel J. Pharmacological Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment as a Prodromal Syndrome of Alzheimer´s Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2013; 11:102-8. [PMID: 23814542 PMCID: PMC3580783 DOI: 10.2174/157015913804999487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2012] [Revised: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a syndrome which, depending on various neurobiological, psychological and social factors, carries a high risk of developing into dementia. As far as diagnostic uncertainty and the heterogeneous underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are concerned, only limited therapeutic options are currently available. Clinical trials involving a wide range of substances have failed to show efficacy on primary and secondary outcome parameters. Most results reflect not only a lack of effectiveness of drug therapy but also methodological constraints in true prodromal Alzheimer´s disease (AD) based on clinical criteria. Biomarkers may help to identify MCI as a prodromal phase of dementia, so it is important to use them to improve specificity of case selection in future studies. For MCI as a prodromal syndrome of AD, clinical trials with disease modifying drugs that target underlying pathological mechanisms such as amyloid-beta accumulation and neurofibrillary tangle formation may help develop effective treatment options in the future. Alternative pharmacological approaches are currently being evaluated in ongoing phase 1 and phase 2 studies. Nevertheless, a lack of approved pharmacotherapeutic options has led to specific interventions that focus on patient education and life-style related factors receiving increasing attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarik Karakaya
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Fabian Fußer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Johannes Schröder
- Department of Psychiatry, Section of Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Pantel
- Institute of General Practice, Geriatric Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Wang Y, Sørensen MG, Zheng Q, Zhang C, Karsdal MA, Henriksen K. Will posttranslational modifications of brain proteins provide novel serological markers for dementias? Int J Alzheimers Dis 2012; 2012:209409. [PMID: 22779024 PMCID: PMC3388459 DOI: 10.1155/2012/209409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug development for dementias is significantly hampered by the lack of easily accessible biomarkers. Fluid biomarkers of dementias provide indications of disease stage, but have little prognostic value, cannot detect early pathological changes, and can only be measured in CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) which significantly limits their applicability. In contrast, imaging based biomarkers can provide indications of probability of disease progression, yet are limited in applicability due to cost, radiation and radio-tracers. These aspects highlight the need for other approaches to the development of biomarkers of dementia, which should focus on not only providing information about pathological changes, but also on being measured easily and reproducibly. For other diseases, focus on development of assays monitoring highly specific protease-generated cleavage fragments of proteins has provided assays, which in serum or plasma have the ability to predict early pathological changes. Proteolytic processing of brain proteins, such as tau, APP, and α-synuclein, is a key pathological event in dementias. Here, we speculate that aiming biomarker development for dementias at detecting small brain protein degradation fragments of generated by brain-derived proteases specifically in blood samples could lead to the development of novel markers of disease progression, stage and importantly of treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y. Wang
- Department of Biomarker Development, Nordic Bioscience A/S, Beijing 102206, China
| | - M. G. Sørensen
- Neurodegenerative Diseases, Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade 207, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Q. Zheng
- Department of Biomarker Development, Nordic Bioscience A/S, Beijing 102206, China
| | - C. Zhang
- Neurodegenerative Diseases, Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade 207, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - M. A. Karsdal
- Neurodegenerative Diseases, Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade 207, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - K. Henriksen
- Neurodegenerative Diseases, Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev Hovedgade 207, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
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Jovanov-Milošević N, Petrović D, Sedmak G, Vukšić M, Hof PR, Simić G. Human fetal tau protein isoform: possibilities for Alzheimer's disease treatment. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2012; 44:1290-4. [PMID: 22595282 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2012.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Revised: 04/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
While early 1990s reports showed the phosphorylation pattern of fetal tau protein to be similar to that of tau in paired helical filaments (PHF) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), neither the molecular mechanisms of the transient developmental hyperphosphorylation of tau nor reactivation of the fetal plasticity due to re-expression of fetal protein kinases in the aging and AD human brain have been sufficiently investigated. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on fetal tau, adding new data on the specific patterns of tau protein and mRNA expression in the developing human brain as well as on change in tau phosphorylation in the perforant pathway after entorhinal cortex lesion in mice. As fetal tau isoform does not form PHF even in a highly phosphorylated state, understanding its expression and post-translational modifications represents an important avenue for future research towards the development of AD treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Jovanov-Milošević
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Šalata 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Abstract
The protein tau is the most abundant microtubule associated protein in the central and peripheral nervous system. In the brain, tau plays a role in the assembly and stabilization of microtubules. The function of tau, however, appears to overlap with other microtubule binding proteins. The observation that tau is associated with neurodegenerative diseases has renewed interest in this protein. Various aspects of structure and biochemistry of tau, fibril formation and clinical perspectives, including therapeutic strategies are reviewed in this chapter.
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