Repurposing Vorinostat for the Treatment of Disorders Affecting Brain

Dynamic Regulation OF The Chromatin Environment By Ash1L Modulates Human Neuronal Structure And Function

Precise regulation of the chromatin environment through post-translational histone modification modulates transcription and controls brain development. Not surprisingly, mutations in a large number of histone-modifying enzymes underlie complex brain disorders. In particular, the histone methyltransferase ASH1L modifies histone marks linked to transcriptional activation and has been implicated in multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying the pathobiology of ASH1L-asociated disease remain underexplored. We generated human isogenic stem cells with a mutation in ASH1L's catalytic domain. We find that ASH1L dysfunction results in reduced neurite outgrowth, which correlates with alterations in the chromatin profile of activating and repressive histone marks, as well as the dysregulation of gene programs important for neuronal structure and function implicated in neuropsychiatric disease. We also identified a novel regulatory node implicating both the SP and Krüppel -like families of transcription factors and ASH1L relevant to human neuronal development. Finally, we rescue cellular defects linked to ASH1L dysfunction by leveraging two independent epigenetic mechanisms that promote transcriptional activation. In summary, we identified an ASH1L-driven epigenetic and transcriptional axis essential for human brain development and complex brain disorders that provide insights into future therapeutic strategies for ASH1L-related disorders.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Current Medications and Re-purposed Drugs

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive genetic neuromuscular disorder that is characterized by gradual muscle weakness and atrophy due to the degeneration of alpha motor neurons that are present on the anterior horn of the spinal cord. Despite the comprehensive investigations conducted by global scientists, effective treatments or interventions remain elusive. The time- and resource-intensive nature of the initial stages of drug research underscores the need for alternate strategies like drug repurposing. This review explores the repurposed drugs that have shown some improvement in treating SMA, including branaplam, riluzole, olesoxime, harmine, and prednisolone. The current strategy for medication repurposing, however, lacks systematicity and frequently depends more on serendipitous discoveries than on organized approaches. To speed up the development of successful therapeutic interventions, it is apparent that a methodical approach targeting the molecular origins of SMA is strictly required.

Role of histone deacetylases and their inhibitors in neurological diseases

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are zinc-dependent deacetylases that remove acetyl groups from lysine residues of histones or form protein complexes with other proteins for transcriptional repression, changing chromatin structure tightness, and inhibiting gene expression. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have amply demonstrated the critical role of HDACs in the cell biology of the nervous system during both physiological and pathological processes and have provided new insights into the conduct of research on neurological disease targets. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies on HDAC inhibitors show promise for the treatment of various diseases. This review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of HDAC and the important role of its downstream targets in nervous system diseases, and summarizes the therapeutic mechanisms and efficacy of HDAC inhibitors in various nervous system diseases. Additionally, the current pharmacological situation, problems, and developmental prospects of HDAC inhibitors are described. A better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of HDACs in the nervous system may reveal new targets for therapeutic interventions in diseases and help to relieve healthcare pressure through preventive measures.

Neuroinflammation and the role of epigenetic-based therapies for Huntington's disease management: the new paradigm

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited, autosomal, neurodegenerative ailment that affects the striatum of the brain. Despite its debilitating effect on its patients, there is no proven cure for HD management as of yet. Neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, and environmental factors have been reported to influence the regulation of gene expression by modifying epigenetic mechanisms. Aside focusing on the etiology, changes in epigenetic mechanisms have become a crucial factor influencing the interaction between HTT protein and epigenetically transcribed genes involved in neuroinflammation and HD. This review presents relevant literature on epigenetics with special emphasis on neuroinflammation and HD. It summarizes pertinent research on the role of neuroinflammation and post-translational modifications of chromatin, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and miRNAs. To achieve this about 1500 articles were reviewed via databases like PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. They were reduced to 534 using MeSH words like 'epigenetics, neuroinflammation, and HD' coupled with Boolean operators. Results indicated that major contributing factors to the development of HD such as mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis are affected by epigenetic alterations. However, the association between neuroinflammation-altered epigenetics and the reported transcriptional changes in HD is unknown. Also, the link between epigenetically dysregulated genomic regions and specific DNA sequences suggests the likelihood that transcription factors, chromatin-remodeling proteins, and enzymes that affect gene expression are all disrupted simultaneously. Hence, therapies that target pathogenic pathways in HD, including neuroinflammation, transcriptional dysregulation, triplet instability, vesicle trafficking dysfunction, and protein degradation, need to be developed.

Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease Associated with Programmed Cell Death Reveal Four Repurposed Drugs

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia. Programmed cell death (PCD) is mainly characterized by unique morphological features and energy-dependent biochemical processes. The predominant pathway leading to cell death in AD has not been thoroughly analyzed, although there is evidence of neuron loss in AD and numerous pathways of PCD have been associated with this process. A better understanding of the systems biology underlying the relationship between AD and PCD could lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches. To this end, publicly available transcriptome data were examined using bioinformatic methods such as differential gene expression and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to find PCD-related AD biomarkers. The diagnostic significance of these biomarkers was evaluated using a logistic regression-based predictive model. Using these biomarkers, a multifactorial regulatory network was developed. Last, a drug repositioning study was conducted to propose new drugs for the treatment of AD targeting PCD. The development of 3PM (predictive, preventive, and personalized) drugs for the treatment of AD would be enabled by additional research on the effects of these drugs on this disease.

Strategies to target the central nervous system HIV reservoir

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

The central nervous system (CNS) is an hotspot for HIV persistence and may be a major obstacle to overcome for curative strategies. The peculiar anatomical, tissular and cellular characteristics of the HIV reservoir in the CNS may need to be specifically addressed to achieve a long-term HIV control without ART. In this review, we will discuss the critical challenges that currently explored curative strategies may face in crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), targeting latent HIV in brain-resident myeloid reservoirs, and eliminating the virus without eliciting dangerous neurological adverse events.

RECENT FINDINGS

Latency reversing agents (LRA), broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (bNabs), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells, and adeno-associated virus 9-vectored gene-therapies cross the BBB with varying efficiency. Although brain penetration is poor for bNAbs, viral vectors for in vivo gene-editing, certain LRAs, and CAR T-cells may reach the cerebral compartment more efficiently. All these approaches, however, may encounter difficulties in eliminating HIV-infected perivascular macrophages and microglia. Safety, including local neurological adverse effects, may also be a concern, especially if high doses are required to achieve optimal brain penetration and efficient brain cell targeting.

SUMMARY

Targeting the CNS remains a potential problem for the currently investigated HIV curing strategies. In vivo evidence on CNS effectiveness is limited for most of the investigated strategies, and additional studies should be focused on evaluating the interplay between the cerebral HIV reservoir and treatment aiming to achieve an ART-free cure.

Reimagining old drugs with new tricks: Mechanisms, strategies and notable success stories in drug repurposing for neurological diseases

Recent evolution in drug repurposing has brought new anticipation, especially in the conflict against neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). The traditional approach to developing novel drugs for these complex disorders is laborious, time-consuming, and often abortive. However, drug reprofiling which is the implementation of illuminating novel therapeutic applications of existing approved drugs, has shown potential as a promising strategy to accelerate the hunt for therapeutics. The advancement of computational approaches and artificial intelligence has expedited drug repurposing. These progressive technologies have enabled scientists to analyse extensive datasets and predict potential drug-disease interactions. By prospecting into the existing pharmacological knowledge, scientists can recognise potential therapeutic candidates for reprofiling, saving precious time and resources. Preclinical models have also played a pivotal role in this field, confirming the effectiveness and mechanisms of action of repurposed drugs. Several studies have occurred in recent years, including the discovery of available drugs that demonstrate significant protective effects in NDDs, relieve debilitating symptoms, or slow down the progression of the disease. These findings highlight the potential of repurposed drugs to change the landscape of NDD treatment. Here, we present an overview of recent developments and major advances in drug repurposing intending to provide an in-depth analysis of traditional drug discovery and the strategies, approaches and technologies that have contributed to drug repositioning. In addition, this chapter attempts to highlight successful case studies of drug repositioning in various therapeutic areas related to NDDs and explore the clinical trials, challenges and limitations faced by researchers in the field. Finally, the importance of drug repositioning in drug discovery and development and its potential to address discontented medical needs is also highlighted.

Histone deacetylase inhibition by suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid during reperfusion promotes multifaceted brain and vascular protection in spontaneously hypertensive rats with transient ischaemic stroke

Hypertension is the most prevalent modifiable risk factor for stroke and is associated with worse functional outcomes. Pharmacological inhibition of histone deacetylases by suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) modulates gene expression and has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to reduce ischaemic brain injury. Here, we have tested the therapeutic potential of SAHA administered during reperfusion in adult male spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO; 90 min occlusion/24 h reperfusion). Animals received a single dose of SAHA (50 mg/kg) or vehicle i.p. at 1, 4, or 6 h after reperfusion onset. The time-course of brain histone H3 acetylation was studied. After tMCAO, drug brain penetrance and beneficial effects on behavioural outcomes, infarct volume, oedema, angiogenesis, blood-brain barrier integrity, cerebral artery oxidative stress and remodelling, and brain and vascular inflammation were evaluated. SAHA increased brain histone H3 acetylation from 1 to 6 h after injection, reaching the ischaemic brain administered during reperfusion. Treatment given at 4 h after reperfusion onset improved neurological score, reduced infarct volume and oedema, attenuated microglial activation, prevented exacerbated MCA angiogenic sprouting and blood-brain barrier breakdown, normalised MCA oxidative stress and remodelling, and modulated brain and cerebrovascular cytokine expression. Overall, we demonstrate that SAHA administered during early reperfusion exerts robust brain and vascular protection after tMCAO in hypertensive rats. These findings are aligned with previous research in ischaemic normotensive mice and help pave the way to optimise the design of clinical trials assessing the effectiveness and safety of SAHA in ischaemic stroke.

Decreased expression of TXNIP is associated with poor prognosis and immune infiltration in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma

The most prevalent and insidious type of kidney cancer is kidney clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) encodes a thioredoxin-binding protein involved in cellular energy metabolism, redox homeostasis, apoptosis induction and inflammatory responses. However, the relationship between TXNIP, immune infiltration and its prognostic value in KIRC remains unclear. Thus, the present study evaluated the potential for TXNIP as a prognostic marker in patients with KIRC. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas were used to assess relative mRNA expression levels of TXNIP in different types of cancer. The protein expression levels of TXNIP were evaluated using the Human Protein Atlas. Enrichment analysis of genes co-expressed with TXNIP was performed to assess relevant biological processes that TXNIP may be involved in. CIBERSORT was used to predict the infiltration of 21 tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between TXNIP expression and prognosis. Single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets were used to evaluate the mRNA expression levels of TXNIP in certain immune cells in KIRC. The CellMiner database was used to analyze the relationship between TXNIP mRNA expression and drug sensitivity in KIRC. The results from the present study demonstrated that TXNIP expression was significantly decreased in KIRC tissue compared with that in normal tissue, as confirmed by western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. In addition, downregulated TXNIP expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis, a high histological grade and an advanced stage. The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay demonstrated that TXNIP overexpression significantly suppressed tumor cell proliferation. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that TXNIP served as a separate prognostic factor in KIRC. Moreover, TXNIP expression was significantly correlated with the accumulation of several TIICs and its overexpression significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of CD25 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, immune cell surface markers in CD4+ T lymphocytes. In conclusion, TXNIP may be used as a possible biomarker to assess unfavorable prognostic outcomes and identify immunotherapy targets in KIRC.

Pharmacogenetics of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI): A serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT)-based approach

Neuropsychiatric disorders are considered to be the most common cause of disability worldwide. Serotonin and its transporter is a prominent paradigm in mood disorders. Response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) is altered due to heterogeneity in the serotonin transporter gene, SLC6A4 (solute carrier family 6 member 4). The reported polymorphisms are found to be in different regions of the transporter gene: promoter region (5-HTTLPR and various single nucleotide polymorphisms within it), intron (STin2), and exon 9 (I425V). The long and short alleles of the 5-HTTLPR gene, which are prevalent among variations, may mediate differential effects. In long allelic variant carriers, an increased response to SSRI and timely recovery is due to increased availability of SERT. Whereas, SERT availability is significantly decreased in short allelic carriers, necessitating a reduction in SSRI dosage due to the increased risk of adverse drug reactions. Thus, pharmacogenetic investigations are required to understand the impact of functional variations on the efficacy and tolerability of SSRI. Identifying the carrier variants may aid in clear-decision making of the treatment regimen, aiding the approach of personalized medication.

Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid (SAHA) Is a Driver Molecule of Neuroplasticity: Implication for Neurological Diseases

Neuroplasticity is a crucial property of the central nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli. This is mainly achieved through the promotion of changes in the epigenome. One of the epi-drivers priming this process is suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA or Vorinostat), a pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor that modulates and promotes neuroplasticity in healthy and disease conditions. Knowledge of the specific molecular changes induced by this epidrug is an important area of neuro-epigenetics for the identification of new compounds to treat cognition impairment and/or epilepsy. In this review, we summarize the findings obtained in cellular and animal models of various brain disorders, highlighting the multiple mechanisms activated by SAHA, such as improvement of memory, learning and behavior, and correction of faulty neuronal functioning. Supporting this evidence, in vitro and in vivo data underline how SAHA positively regulates the expression of neuronal genes and microtubule dynamics, induces neurite outgrowth and spine density, and enhances synaptic transmission and potentiation. In particular, we outline studies regarding neurodevelopmental disorders with pharmaco-resistant seizures and/or severe cognitive impairment that to date lack effective drug treatments in which SAHA could ameliorate defective neuroplasticity.

Elaboration of the Effective Multi-Target Therapeutic Platform for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Based on Novel Monoterpene-Derived Hydroxamic Acids

Novel monoterpene-based hydroxamic acids of two structural types were synthesized for the first time. The first type consisted of compounds with a hydroxamate group directly bound to acyclic, monocyclic and bicyclic monoterpene scaffolds. The second type included hydroxamic acids connected with the monoterpene moiety through aliphatic (hexa/heptamethylene) or aromatic linkers. An in vitro analysis of biological activity demonstrated that some of these molecules had powerful HDAC6 inhibitory activity, with the presence of a linker area in the structure of compounds playing a key role. In particular, it was found that hydroxamic acids containing a hexa- and heptamethylene linker and (-)-perill fragment in the Cap group exhibit excellent inhibitory activity against HDAC6 with IC₅₀ in the submicromolar range from 0.56 ± 0.01 µM to 0.74 ± 0.02 µM. The results of the study of antiradical activity demonstrated the presence of moderate ability for some hydroxamic acids to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2ROO^• radicals. The correlation coefficient between the DPPH radical scavenging activity and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value was R² = 0.8400. In addition, compounds with an aromatic linker based on para-substituted cinnamic acids, having a monocyclic para-menthene skeleton as a Cap group, 35a, 38a, 35b and 38b, demonstrated a significant ability to suppress the aggregation of the pathological β-amyloid peptide 1-42. The 35a lead compound with a promising profile of biological activity, discovered in the in vitro experiments, demonstrated neuroprotective effects on in vivo models of Alzheimer's disease using 5xFAD transgenic mice. Together, the results obtained demonstrate a potential strategy for the use of monoterpene-derived hydroxamic acids for treatment of various aspects of Alzheimer's disease.

Microtubule acetylation dyshomeostasis in Parkinson's disease

The inter-neuronal communication occurring in extensively branched neuronal cells is achieved primarily through the microtubule (MT)-mediated axonal transport system. This mechanistically regulated system delivers cargos (proteins, mRNAs and organelles such as mitochondria) back and forth from the soma to the synapse. Motor proteins like kinesins and dynein mechanistically regulate polarized anterograde (from the soma to the synapse) and retrograde (from the synapse to the soma) commute of the cargos, respectively. Proficient axonal transport of such cargos is achieved by altering the microtubule stability via post-translational modifications (PTMs) of α- and β-tubulin heterodimers, core components constructing the MTs. Occurring within the lumen of MTs, K40 acetylation of α-tubulin via α-tubulin acetyl transferase and its subsequent deacetylation by HDAC6 and SIRT2 are widely scrutinized PTMs that make the MTs highly flexible, which in turn promotes their lifespan. The movement of various motor proteins, including kinesin-1 (responsible for axonal mitochondrial commute), is enhanced by this PTM, and dyshomeostasis of neuronal MT acetylation has been observed in a variety of neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is the second most common neurodegenerative condition and is closely associated with impaired MT dynamics and deregulated tubulin acetylation levels. Although the relationship between status of MT acetylation and progression of PD pathogenesis has become a chicken-and-egg question, our review aims to provide insights into the MT-mediated axonal commute of mitochondria and dyshomeostasis of MT acetylation in PD. The enzymatic regulators of MT acetylation along with their synthetic modulators have also been briefly explored. Moving towards a tubulin-based therapy that enhances MT acetylation could serve as a disease-modifying treatment in neurological conditions that lack it.

A gene regulatory network approach harmonizes genetic and epigenetic signals and reveals repurposable drug candidates for multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex dysimmune disorder of the central nervous system. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 233 genetic variations associated with MS at the genome-wide significant level. Epigenetic studies have pinpointed differentially methylated CpG sites in MS patients. However, the interplay between genetic risk factors and epigenetic regulation remains elusive. Here, we employed a network model to integrate GWAS summary statistics of 14 802 MS cases and 26 703 controls with DNA methylation profiles from 140 MS cases and 139 controls and the human interactome. We identified differentially methylated genes by aggregating additive effects of differentially methylated CpG sites within promoter regions. We reconstructed a gene regulatory network (GRN) using literature-curated transcription factor knowledge. Colocalization of the MS GWAS and methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTL) was performed to assess the GRN. The resultant MS-associated GRN highlighted several single nucleotide polymorphisms with GWAS-mQTL colocalization: rs6032663, rs6065926 and rs2024568 of CD40 locus, rs9913597 of STAT3 locus, and rs887864 and rs741175 of CIITA locus. Moreover, synergistic mQTL and expression QTL signals were identified in CD40, suggesting gene expression alteration was likely induced by epigenetic changes. Web-based Cell-type Specific Enrichment Analysis of Genes (WebCSEA) indicated that the GRN was enriched in T follicular helper cells (P-value = 0.0016). Drug target enrichment analysis of annotations from the Therapeutic Target Database revealed the GRN was also enriched with drug target genes (P-value = 3.89 × 10-4), revealing repurposable candidates for MS treatment. These candidates included vorinostat (HDAC1 inhibitor) and sivelestat (ELANE inhibitor), which warrant further investigation.

Histone Modifications in Alzheimer's Disease

Since Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) derives from a combination of genetic variants and environmental factors, epigenetic modifications have been predicted to play a role in the etiopathology of LOAD. Along with DNA methylation, histone modifications have been proposed as the main epigenetic modifications that contribute to the pathologic mechanisms of LOAD; however, little is known about how these mechanisms contribute to the disease's onset or progression. In this review, we highlighted the main histone modifications and their functional role, including histone acetylation, histone methylation, and histone phosphorylation, as well as changes in such histone modifications that occur in the aging process and mainly in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Furthermore, we pointed out the main epigenetic drugs tested for AD treatment, such as those based on histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. Finally, we remarked on the perspectives around the use of such epigenetics drugs for treating AD.

The role of altered protein acetylation in neurodegenerative disease

Acetylation is a key post-translational modification (PTM) involved in the regulation of both histone and non-histone proteins. It controls cellular processes such as DNA transcription, RNA modifications, proteostasis, aging, autophagy, regulation of cytoskeletal structures, and metabolism. Acetylation is essential to maintain neuronal plasticity and therefore essential for memory and learning. Homeostasis of acetylation is maintained through the activities of histone acetyltransferases (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes, with alterations to these tightly regulated processes reported in several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Both hyperacetylation and hypoacetylation can impair neuronal physiological homeostasis and increase the accumulation of pathophysiological proteins such as tau, α-synuclein, and Huntingtin protein implicated in AD, PD, and HD, respectively. Additionally, dysregulation of acetylation is linked to impaired axonal transport, a key pathological mechanism in ALS. This review article will discuss the physiological roles of protein acetylation and examine the current literature that describes altered protein acetylation in neurodegenerative disorders.

Differential molecular mechanistic behavior of HDACs in cancer progression

Genetic aberration including mutation in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes transforms normal cells into tumor cells. Epigenetic modifications work concertedly with genetic factors in controlling cancer development. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs), histone deacetylases (HDACs), DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and chromatin structure modifier are prospective epigenetic regulators. Specifically, HDACs are histone modifiers regulating the expression of genes implicated in cell survival, growth, apoptosis, and metabolism. The majority of HDACs are highly upregulated in cancer, whereas some have a varied function and expression in cancer progression. Distinct HDACs have a positive and negative role in controlling cancer progression. HDACs are also significantly involved in tumor cells acquiring metastatic and angiogenic potential in order to withstand the anti-tumor microenvironment. HDACs' role in modulating metabolic genes has also been associated with tumor development and survival. This review highlights and discusses the molecular mechanisms of HDACs by which they regulate cell survival, apoptosis, metastasis, invasion, stemness potential, angiogenesis, and epithelial to mesenchymal transitions (EMT) in tumor cells. HDACs are the potential target for anti-cancer drug development and various inhibitors have been developed and FDA approved for a variety of cancers. The primary HDAC inhibitors with proven anti-cancer efficacy have also been highlighted in this review.

Potential antifungal targets based on histones post-translational modifications against invasive aspergillosis

As a primary cause of death in patients with hematological malignancies and transplant recipients, invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a condition that warrants attention. IA infections have been increasing, which remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. During the past decade, antifungal drug resistance has emerged, which is especially concerning for management given the limited options for treating azole-resistant infections and the possibility of failure of prophylaxis in those high-risk patients. Histone posttranslational modifications (HPTMs), mainly including acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination and phosphorylation, are crucial epigenetic mechanisms regulating various biological events, which could modify the conformation of histone and influence chromatin-associated nuclear processes to regulate development, cellular responsiveness, and biological phenotype without affecting the underlying genetic sequence. In recent years, fungi have become important model organisms for studying epigenetic regulation. HPTMs involves in growth and development, secondary metabolite biosynthesis and virulence in Aspergillus. This review mainly aims at summarizing the acetylation, deacetylation, methylation, demethylation, and sumoylation of histones in IA and connect this knowledge to possible HPTMs-based antifungal drugs. We hope this research could provide a reference for exploring new drug targets and developing low-toxic and high-efficiency antifungal strategies.

Enhancing autophagy in Alzheimer's disease through drug repositioning

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the biggest human health threats due to increases in aging of the global population. Unfortunately, drugs for treating AD have been largely ineffective. Interestingly, downregulation of macroautophagy (autophagy) plays an essential role in AD pathogenesis. Therefore, targeting autophagy has drawn considerable attention as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of AD. However, developing new therapeutics is time-consuming and requires huge investments. One of the strategies currently under consideration for many diseases is "drug repositioning" or "drug repurposing". In this comprehensive review, we have provided an overview of the impact of autophagy on AD pathophysiology, reviewed the therapeutics that upregulate autophagy and are currently used in the treatment of other diseases, including cancers, and evaluated their repurposing as a possible treatment option for AD. In addition, we discussed the potential of applying nano-drug delivery to neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD, to overcome the challenge of crossing the blood brain barrier and specifically target molecules/pathways of interest with minimal side effects.