1
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Liu ZT, Liu MH, Xiong Y, Wang YJ, Bu XL. Crosstalk between bone and brain in Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms, applications, and perspectives. Alzheimers Dement 2024. [PMID: 38824621 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that involves multiple systems in the body. Numerous recent studies have revealed bidirectional crosstalk between the brain and bone, but the interaction between bone and brain in AD remains unclear. In this review, we summarize human studies of the association between bone and brain and provide an overview of their interactions and the underlying mechanisms in AD. We review the effects of AD on bone from the aspects of AD pathogenic proteins, AD risk genes, neurohormones, neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, brain-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), and the autonomic nervous system. Correspondingly, we elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the involvement of bone in the pathogenesis of AD, including bone-derived hormones, bone marrow-derived cells, bone-derived EVs, and inflammation. On the basis of the crosstalk between bone and the brain, we propose potential strategies for the management of AD with the hope of offering novel perspectives on its prevention and treatment. HIGHLIGHTS: The pathogenesis of AD, along with its consequent changes in the brain, may involve disturbing bone homeostasis. Degenerative bone disorders may influence the progression of AD through a series of pathophysiological mechanisms. Therefore, relevant bone intervention strategies may be beneficial for the comprehensive management of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Ting Liu
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain Diseases, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ming-Han Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan-Jiang Wang
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain Diseases, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xian-Le Bu
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain Diseases, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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2
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Jung D, Bachmann HS. Regulation of protein prenylation. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114915. [PMID: 37236024 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenyltransferases (PTases) are known to play a role in embryonic development, normal tissue homeostasis and cancer by posttranslationally modifying proteins involved in these processes. They are being discussed as potential drug targets in an increasing number of diseases, ranging from Alzheimer's disease to malaria. Protein prenylation and the development of specific PTase inhibitors (PTIs) have been subject to intense research in recent decades. Recently, the FDA approved lonafarnib, a specific farnesyltransferase inhibitor that acts directly on protein prenylation; and bempedoic acid, an ATP citrate lyase inhibitor that might alter intracellular isoprenoid composition, the relative concentrations of which can exert a decisive influence on protein prenylation. Both drugs represent the first approved agent in their respective substance class. Furthermore, an overwhelming number of processes and proteins that regulate protein prenylation have been identified over the years, many of which have been proposed as molecular targets for pharmacotherapy in their own right. However, certain aspects of protein prenylation, such as the regulation of PTase gene expression or the modulation of PTase activity by phosphorylation, have attracted less attention, despite their reported influence on tumor cell proliferation. Here, we want to summarize the advances regarding our understanding of the regulation of protein prenylation and the potential implications for drug development. Additionally, we want to suggest new lines of investigation that encompass the search for regulatory elements for PTases, especially at the genetic and epigenetic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Jung
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Hagen S Bachmann
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.
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3
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Luo L, Guo Y, Chen L, Zhu J, Li C. Crosstalk between cholesterol metabolism and psoriatic inflammation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1124786. [PMID: 37234169 PMCID: PMC10206135 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1124786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic autoinflammatory skin disease associated with multiple comorbidities, with a prevalence ranging from 2 to 3% in the general population. Decades of preclinical and clinical studies have revealed that alterations in cholesterol and lipid metabolism are strongly associated with psoriasis. Cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17), which are important in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, have been shown to affect cholesterol and lipid metabolism. Cholesterol metabolites and metabolic enzymes, on the other hand, influence not only the biofunction of keratinocytes (a primary type of cell in the epidermis) in psoriasis, but also the immune response and inflammation. However, the relationship between cholesterol metabolism and psoriasis has not been thoroughly reviewed. This review mainly focuses on cholesterol metabolism disturbances in psoriasis and their crosstalk with psoriatic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Luo
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital for Skin Disease, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Youming Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital for Skin Disease, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihao Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital for Skin Disease, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital for Skin Disease, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chengrang Li
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital for Skin Disease, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Dermatology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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4
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The mevalonate pathway in breast cancer biology. Cancer Lett 2022; 542:215761. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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5
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Weber AJ, Adamson AB, Greathouse KM, Andrade JP, Freeman CD, Seo JV, Rae RJ, Walker CK, Herskowitz JH. Conditional deletion of ROCK2 induces anxiety-like behaviors and alters dendritic spine density and morphology on CA1 pyramidal neurons. Mol Brain 2021; 14:169. [PMID: 34794469 PMCID: PMC8600782 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00878-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated kinase isoform 2 (ROCK2) is an attractive drug target for several neurologic disorders. A critical barrier to ROCK2-based research and therapeutics is the lack of a mouse model that enables investigation of ROCK2 with spatial and temporal control of gene expression. To overcome this, we generated ROCK2fl/fl mice. Mice expressing Cre recombinase in forebrain excitatory neurons (CaMKII-Cre) were crossed with ROCK2fl/fl mice (Cre/ROCK2fl/fl), and the contribution of ROCK2 in behavior as well as dendritic spine morphology in the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and basolateral amygdala (BLA) was examined. Cre/ROCK2fl/fl mice spent reduced time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and increased time in the dark of the light-dark box test compared to littermate controls. These results indicated that Cre/ROCK2fl/fl mice exhibited anxiety-like behaviors. To examine dendritic spine morphology, individual pyramidal neurons in CA1 hippocampus, mPFC, and the BLA were targeted for iontophoretic microinjection of fluorescent dye, followed by high-resolution confocal microscopy and neuronal 3D reconstructions for morphometry analysis. In dorsal CA1, Cre/ROCK2fl/fl mice displayed significantly increased thin spine density on basal dendrites and reduced mean spine head volume across all spine types on apical dendrites. In ventral CA1, Cre/ROCK2fl/fl mice exhibited significantly increased spine length on apical dendrites. Spine density and morphology were comparable in the mPFC and BLA between both genotypes. These findings suggest that neuronal ROCK2 mediates spine density and morphology in a compartmentalized manner among CA1 pyramidal cells, and that in the absence of ROCK2 these mechanisms may contribute to anxiety-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey J Weber
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Ashley B Adamson
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Kelsey M Greathouse
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Julia P Andrade
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Cameron D Freeman
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Jung Vin Seo
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Rosaria J Rae
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Courtney K Walker
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Jeremy H Herskowitz
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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6
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Jeong A, Cheng S, Zhong R, Bennett DA, Bergö MO, Li L. Protein farnesylation is upregulated in Alzheimer's human brains and neuron-specific suppression of farnesyltransferase mitigates pathogenic processes in Alzheimer's model mice. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:129. [PMID: 34315531 PMCID: PMC8314463 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01231-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic mechanisms underlying the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain elusive and to date there are no effective prevention or treatment for AD. Farnesyltransferase (FT) catalyzes a key posttranslational modification process called farnesylation, in which the isoprenoid farnesyl pyrophosphate is attached to target proteins, facilitating their membrane localization and their interactions with downstream effectors. Farnesylated proteins, including the Ras superfamily of small GTPases, are involved in regulating diverse physiological and pathological processes. Emerging evidence suggests that isoprenoids and farnesylated proteins may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. However, the dynamics of FT and protein farnesylation in human brains and the specific role of neuronal FT in the pathogenic progression of AD are not known. Here, using postmortem brain tissue from individuals with no cognitive impairment (NCI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or Alzheimer's dementia, we found that the levels of FT and membrane-associated H-Ras, an exclusively farnesylated protein, and its downstream effector ERK were markedly increased in AD and MCI compared with NCI. To elucidate the specific role of neuronal FT in AD pathogenesis, we generated the transgenic AD model APP/PS1 mice with forebrain neuron-specific FT knockout, followed by a battery of behavioral assessments, biochemical assays, and unbiased transcriptomic analysis. Our results showed that the neuronal FT deletion mitigates memory impairment and amyloid neuropathology in APP/PS1 mice through suppressing amyloid generation and reversing the pathogenic hyperactivation of mTORC1 signaling. These findings suggest that aberrant upregulation of protein farnesylation is an early driving force in the pathogenic cascade of AD and that targeting FT or its downstream signaling pathways presents a viable therapeutic strategy against AD.
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7
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Oblak AL, Lin PB, Kotredes KP, Pandey RS, Garceau D, Williams HM, Uyar A, O'Rourke R, O'Rourke S, Ingraham C, Bednarczyk D, Belanger M, Cope ZA, Little GJ, Williams SPG, Ash C, Bleckert A, Ragan T, Logsdon BA, Mangravite LM, Sukoff Rizzo SJ, Territo PR, Carter GW, Howell GR, Sasner M, Lamb BT. Comprehensive Evaluation of the 5XFAD Mouse Model for Preclinical Testing Applications: A MODEL-AD Study. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:713726. [PMID: 34366832 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.71372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to investigate therapeutic interventions in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases depends on extensive characterization of the model(s) being used. There are numerous models that have been generated to study Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the underlying pathogenesis of the disease. While transgenic models have been instrumental in understanding AD mechanisms and risk factors, they are limited in the degree of characteristics displayed in comparison with AD in humans, and the full spectrum of AD effects has yet to be recapitulated in a single mouse model. The Model Organism Development and Evaluation for Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease (MODEL-AD) consortium was assembled by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to develop more robust animal models of AD with increased relevance to human disease, standardize the characterization of AD mouse models, improve preclinical testing in animals, and establish clinically relevant AD biomarkers, among other aims toward enhancing the translational value of AD models in clinical drug design and treatment development. Here we have conducted a detailed characterization of the 5XFAD mouse, including transcriptomics, electroencephalogram, in vivo imaging, biochemical characterization, and behavioral assessments. The data from this study is publicly available through the AD Knowledge Portal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian L Oblak
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Peter B Lin
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | | | - Ravi S Pandey
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | - Dylan Garceau
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | | | - Asli Uyar
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | - Rita O'Rourke
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | | | - Cynthia Ingraham
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | | | - Melisa Belanger
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Zackary A Cope
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gabriela J Little
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Carl Ash
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Adam Bleckert
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Tim Ragan
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | | | | | | | - Paul R Territo
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | | | | | | | - Bruce T Lamb
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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8
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Oblak AL, Lin PB, Kotredes KP, Pandey RS, Garceau D, Williams HM, Uyar A, O'Rourke R, O'Rourke S, Ingraham C, Bednarczyk D, Belanger M, Cope ZA, Little GJ, Williams SPG, Ash C, Bleckert A, Ragan T, Logsdon BA, Mangravite LM, Sukoff Rizzo SJ, Territo PR, Carter GW, Howell GR, Sasner M, Lamb BT. Comprehensive Evaluation of the 5XFAD Mouse Model for Preclinical Testing Applications: A MODEL-AD Study. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:713726. [PMID: 34366832 PMCID: PMC8346252 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.713726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to investigate therapeutic interventions in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases depends on extensive characterization of the model(s) being used. There are numerous models that have been generated to study Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the underlying pathogenesis of the disease. While transgenic models have been instrumental in understanding AD mechanisms and risk factors, they are limited in the degree of characteristics displayed in comparison with AD in humans, and the full spectrum of AD effects has yet to be recapitulated in a single mouse model. The Model Organism Development and Evaluation for Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease (MODEL-AD) consortium was assembled by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to develop more robust animal models of AD with increased relevance to human disease, standardize the characterization of AD mouse models, improve preclinical testing in animals, and establish clinically relevant AD biomarkers, among other aims toward enhancing the translational value of AD models in clinical drug design and treatment development. Here we have conducted a detailed characterization of the 5XFAD mouse, including transcriptomics, electroencephalogram, in vivo imaging, biochemical characterization, and behavioral assessments. The data from this study is publicly available through the AD Knowledge Portal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian L Oblak
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Peter B Lin
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | | | - Ravi S Pandey
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | - Dylan Garceau
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | | | - Asli Uyar
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | - Rita O'Rourke
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | | | - Cynthia Ingraham
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | | | - Melisa Belanger
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Zackary A Cope
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Gabriela J Little
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - Carl Ash
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Adam Bleckert
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Tim Ragan
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | | | | | | | - Paul R Territo
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | | | | | | | - Bruce T Lamb
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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9
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Isoprenoid Derivatives of Lysophosphatidylcholines Enhance Insulin and GLP-1 Secretion through Lipid-Binding GPCRs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115748. [PMID: 34072220 PMCID: PMC8197866 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin plays a significant role in carbohydrate homeostasis as the blood glucose lowering hormone. Glucose-induced insulin secretion (GSIS) is augmented by glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), a gastrointestinal peptide released in response to ingesting nutriments. The secretion of insulin and GLP-1 is mediated by the binding of nutrients to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed by pancreatic β-cells and enteroendocrine cells, respectively. Therefore, insulin secretagogues and incretin mimetics currently serve as antidiabetic treatments. This study demonstrates the potency of synthetic isoprenoid derivatives of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) to stimulate GSIS and GLP-1 release. Murine insulinoma cell line (MIN6) and enteroendocrinal L cells (GLUTag) were incubated with LPCs bearing geranic acid (1-GA-LPC), citronellic acid (1-CA-LPC), 3,7-dimethyl-3-vinyloct-6-enoic acid (GERA-LPC), and (E)-3,7,11-trimethyl- 3-vinyldodeca-6,10-dienoic acid (1-FARA-LPC). Respective free terpene acids were also tested for comparison. Besides their insulin- and GLP-1-secreting capabilities, we also investigated the cytotoxicity of tested compounds, the ability to intracellular calcium ion mobilization, and targeted GPCRs involved in maintaining lipid and carbohydrate homeostasis. We observed the high cytotoxicity of 1-GERA-LPC and 1-FARA-LPC in contrast 1-CA-LPC and 1-GA-LPC. Moreover, 1-CA-LPC and 1-GA-LPC demonstrated the stimulatory effect on GSIS and 1-CA-LPC augmented GLP-1 secretion. Insulin and GLP-1 release appeared to be GPR40-, GPR55-, GPR119- and GPR120-dependent.
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10
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Klimpel A, Stillger K, Wiederstein JL, Krüger M, Neundorf I. Cell-permeable CaaX-peptides affect K-Ras downstream signaling and promote cell death in cancer cells. FEBS J 2020; 288:2911-2929. [PMID: 33112492 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cysteine prenylation is a post-translational modification that is used by nature to control crucial biological functions of proteins, such as membrane trafficking, signal transduction, and apoptosis. It mainly occurs in eukaryotic proteins at a C-terminal CaaX box and is mediated by prenyltransferases. Since the discovery of prenylated proteins, various tools have been developed to study the mechanisms of prenyltransferases, as well as to visualize and to identify prenylated proteins. Herein, we introduce cell-permeable peptides bearing a C-terminal CaaX motif based on Ras sequences. We demonstrate that intracellular accumulation of those peptides in different cells is controlled by the presence of their CaaX motif and that they specifically interact with intracellular prenyltransferases. As proof of concept, we further highlight their utilization to alter downstream signaling of Ras proteins, particularly of K-Ras-4B, in pancreatic cancer cells. Application of this strategy holds great promise to better understand and regulate post-translational cysteine prenylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Klimpel
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Janica L Wiederstein
- Institute for Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Institute for Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Ines Neundorf
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Germany
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11
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Qu W, Suazo KF, Liu W, Cheng S, Jeong A, Hottman D, Yuan LL, Distefano MD, Li L. Neuronal Protein Farnesylation Regulates Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Cognitive Function. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 58:1128-1144. [PMID: 33098528 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02169-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Protein prenylation is a post-translational lipid modification that governs a variety of important cellular signaling pathways, including those regulating synaptic functions and cognition in the nervous system. Two enzymes, farnesyltransferase (FT) and geranylgeranyltransferase type I (GGT), are essential for the prenylation process. Genetic reduction of FT or GGT ameliorates neuropathology but only FT haplodeficiency rescues cognitive function in transgenic mice of Alzheimer's disease. A follow-up study showed that systemic or forebrain neuron-specific deficiency of GGT leads to synaptic and cognitive deficits under physiological conditions. Whether FT plays different roles in shaping neuronal functions and cognition remains elusive. This study shows that in contrast to the detrimental effects of GGT reduction, systemic haplodeficiency of FT has little to no impact on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and cognition. However, forebrain neuron-specific FT deletion also leads to reduced synaptic plasticity, memory retention, and hippocampal dendritic spine density. Furthermore, a novel prenylomic analysis identifies distinct pools of prenylated proteins that are affected in the brain of forebrain neuron-specific FT and GGT knockout mice, respectively. Taken together, this study uncovers that physiological levels of FT and GGT in neurons are essential for normal synaptic/cognitive functions and that the prenylation status of specific signaling molecules regulates neuronal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Qu
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Kiall F Suazo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Wenfeng Liu
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, McGuire Translational Research Facility (MTRF) 4-208, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Shaowu Cheng
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, McGuire Translational Research Facility (MTRF) 4-208, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Angela Jeong
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, McGuire Translational Research Facility (MTRF) 4-208, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - David Hottman
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, McGuire Translational Research Facility (MTRF) 4-208, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Li-Lian Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA
| | - Mark D Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ling Li
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA. .,Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, McGuire Translational Research Facility (MTRF) 4-208, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA. .,Graduate Program in Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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12
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Simvastatin Prevents Long-Term Cognitive Deficits in Sepsis Survivor Rats by Reducing Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration. Neurotox Res 2020; 38:871-886. [PMID: 32524380 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00222-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy causes brain dysfunction that can result in cognitive impairments in sepsis survivor patients. In previous work, we showed that simvastatin attenuated oxidative stress in brain structures related to memory in septic rats. However, there is still a need to evaluate the long-term impact of simvastatin administration on brain neurodegenerative processes and cognitive damage in sepsis survivors. Here, we investigated the possible neuroprotective role of simvastatin in neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration conditions of brain structures related to memory in rats at 10 days after sepsis survival. Male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were submitted to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP, n = 42) or remained as non-manipulated (naïve, n = 30). Both groups were treated (before and after the surgery) by gavage with simvastatin (20 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume of saline and observed for 10 days. Simvastatin-treated rats that survived to sepsis showed a reduction in the levels of nitrate, IL1-β, and IL-6 and an increase in Bcl-2 protein expression in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, and synaptophysin only in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence revealed a reduction of glial activation, neurodegeneration, apoptosis, and amyloid aggregates confirmed by quantification of GFAP, Iba-1, phospho Ser396-tau, total tau, cleaved caspase-3, and thioflavin-S in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. In addition, treated animals presented better performance in tasks involving habituation memory, discriminative, and aversive memory. These results suggest that statins exert a neuroprotective role by upregulation of the Bcl-2 and gliosis reduction, which may prevent the cognitive deficit observed in sepsis survivor animals.
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Ramesh M, Gopinath P, Govindaraju T. Role of Post-translational Modifications in Alzheimer's Disease. Chembiochem 2020; 21:1052-1079. [PMID: 31863723 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The global burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is growing. Valiant efforts to develop clinical candidates for treatment have continuously met with failure. Currently available palliative treatments are temporary and there is a constant need to search for reliable disease pathways, biomarkers and drug targets for developing diagnostic and therapeutic tools to address the unmet medical needs of AD. Challenges in drug-discovery efforts raise further questions about the strategies of current conventional diagnosis; drug design; and understanding of disease pathways, biomarkers and targets. In this context, post-translational modifications (PTMs) regulate protein trafficking, function and degradation, and their in-depth study plays a significant role in the identification of novel biomarkers and drug targets. Aberrant PTMs of disease-relevant proteins could trigger pathological pathways, leading to disease progression. Advancements in proteomics enable the generation of patterns or signatures of such modifications, and thus, provide a versatile platform to develop biomarkers based on PTMs. In addition, understanding and targeting the aberrant PTMs of various proteins provide viable avenues for addressing AD drug-discovery challenges. This review highlights numerous PTMs of proteins relevant to AD and provides an overview of their adverse effects on the protein structure, function and aggregation propensity that contribute to the disease pathology. A critical discussion offers suggestions of methods to develop PTM signatures and interfere with aberrant PTMs to develop viable diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Ramesh
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur P.O., Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - Pushparathinam Gopinath
- Department of Chemistry, SRM-Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Thimmaiah Govindaraju
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, New Chemistry Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur P.O., Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
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14
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Cholesterol and beyond - The role of the mevalonate pathway in cancer biology. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1873:188351. [PMID: 32007596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a multifaceted global disease. Transformation of a normal to a malignant cell takes several steps, including somatic mutations, epigenetic alterations, metabolic reprogramming and loss of cell growth control. Recently, the mevalonate pathway has emerged as a crucial regulator of tumor biology and a potential therapeutic target. This pathway controls cholesterol production and posttranslational modifications of Rho-GTPases, both of which are linked to several key steps of tumor progression. Inhibitors of the mevalonate pathway induce pleiotropic antitumor-effects in several human malignancies, identifying the pathway as an attractive candidate for novel therapies. In this review, we will provide an overview about the role and regulation of the mevalonate pathway in certain aspects of cancer initiation and progression and its potential for therapeutic intervention in oncology.
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Reddy JM, Raut NGR, Seifert JL, Hynds DL. Regulation of Small GTPase Prenylation in the Nervous System. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:2220-2231. [PMID: 31989383 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-01870-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mevalonate pathway inhibitors have been extensively studied for their roles in cholesterol depletion and for inhibiting the prenylation and activation of various proteins. Inhibition of protein prenylation has potential therapeutic uses against neurological disorders, like neural cancers, neurodegeneration, and neurotramatic lesions. Protection against neurodegeneration and promotion of neuronal regeneration is regulated in large part by Ras superfamily small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), particularly the Ras, Rho, and Rab subfamilies. These proteins are prenylated to target them to cellular membranes. Prenylation can be specifically inhibited through altering the function of enzymes of the mevalonate pathway necessary for isoprenoid production and attachment to target proteins to elicit a variety of effects on neural cells. However, this approach does not address how prenylation affects a specific protein. This review focuses on the regulation of small GTPase prenylation, the different techniques to inhibit prenylation, and how this inhibition has affected neural cell processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - DiAnna L Hynds
- Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, USA.
- Woodcock Institute for the Advancement of Neurocognitive Research and Applied Practice, Texas Woman's University, PO Box 4525799, Denton, TX, 76204-5799, USA.
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16
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Bahrambeigi S, Rahimi M, Yousefi B, Shafiei-Irannejad V. New potentials for 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzymeA reductase inhibitors: Possible applications in retarding diabetic complications. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:19393-19405. [PMID: 31004363 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing all over the world and it is apparent that treatment of diabetic complications has the same importance as primary diabetes treatment and glycemic control. Diabetic complications occur as a result of prolonged hyperglycemia and its consequences, such as advanced glycation end products and reactive oxygen species. Impairment of lipid profile is also contributed to worsening diabetic complications. Therefore, it seems that the application of lipid-lowering agents may have positive effects on reversing diabetic complications besides glycemic control. Statins, a group of lipid-lowering compounds, have been shown to exert antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties beyond their lipid-lowering effects. Furthermore, they have been reported to improve diabetic complications with different pathways. In this review, we will discuss the clinical importance, molecular biology of the most important microvascular/macrovascular diabetic complications, possible application of statins and their mechanism of action in retarding these complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Bahrambeigi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mahdi Rahimi
- Ageing Research Institute, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Ageing Research Institute, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Shafiei-Irannejad
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Biocatalyzed Synthesis of Statins: A Sustainable Strategy for the Preparation of Valuable Drugs. Catalysts 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/catal9030260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Statins, inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, are the largest selling class of drugs prescribed for the pharmacological treatment of hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidaemia. Statins also possess other therapeutic effects, called pleiotropic, because the blockade of the conversion of HMG-CoA to (R)-mevalonate produces a concomitant inhibition of the biosynthesis of numerous isoprenoid metabolites (e.g., geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) or farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP)). Thus, the prenylation of several cell signalling proteins (small GTPase family members: Ras, Rac, and Rho) is hampered, so that these molecular switches, controlling multiple pathways and cell functions (maintenance of cell shape, motility, factor secretion, differentiation, and proliferation) are regulated, leading to beneficial effects in cardiovascular health, regulation of the immune system, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, prevention and treatment of sepsis, treatment of autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, kidney and neurological disorders, or even in cancer therapy. Thus, there is a growing interest in developing more sustainable protocols for preparation of statins, and the introduction of biocatalyzed steps into the synthetic pathways is highly advantageous—synthetic routes are conducted under mild reaction conditions, at ambient temperature, and can use water as a reaction medium in many cases. Furthermore, their high selectivity avoids the need for functional group activation and protection/deprotection steps usually required in traditional organic synthesis. Therefore, biocatalysis provides shorter processes, produces less waste, and reduces manufacturing costs and environmental impact. In this review, we will comment on the pleiotropic effects of statins and will illustrate some biotransformations nowadays implemented for statin synthesis.
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18
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Bosco DB, Zheng J, Xu Z, Peng J, Eyo UB, Tang K, Yan C, Huang J, Feng L, Wu G, Richardson JR, Wang H, Wu LJ. RNAseq analysis of hippocampal microglia after kainic acid-induced seizures. Mol Brain 2018; 11:34. [PMID: 29925434 PMCID: PMC6011524 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-018-0376-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia have been shown to be of critical importance to the progression of temporal lobe epilepsy. However, the broad transcriptional changes that these cells undergo following seizure induction is not well understood. As such, we utilized RNAseq analysis upon microglia isolated from the hippocampus to determine expression pattern alterations following kainic acid induced seizure. We determined that microglia undergo dramatic changes to their expression patterns, particularly with regard to mitochondrial activity and metabolism. We also observed that microglia initiate immunological activity, specifically increasing interferon beta responsiveness. Our results provide novel insights into microglia transcriptional regulation following acute seizures and suggest potential therapeutic targets specifically in microglia for the treatment of seizures and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale B. Bosco
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Jiaying Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Zhiyan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu China
| | - Jiyun Peng
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Ukpong B. Eyo
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Ke Tang
- Admera Health LLC, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 USA
| | - Cheng Yan
- Admera Health LLC, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 USA
| | - Jun Huang
- Admera Health LLC, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 USA
| | - Lijie Feng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 Anhui China
| | - Gongxiong Wu
- One Harvard Street Institute of Health, Brookline, MA 02446 USA
| | - Jason R. Richardson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44272 USA
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu China
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Long-Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
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19
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Jeong A, Suazo KF, Wood WG, Distefano MD, Li L. Isoprenoids and protein prenylation: implications in the pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention of Alzheimer's disease. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 53:279-310. [PMID: 29718780 PMCID: PMC6101676 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2018.1458070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mevalonate-isoprenoid-cholesterol biosynthesis pathway plays a key role in human health and disease. The importance of this pathway is underscored by the discovery that two major isoprenoids, farnesyl and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, are required to modify an array of proteins through a process known as protein prenylation, catalyzed by prenyltransferases. The lipophilic prenyl group facilitates the anchoring of proteins in cell membranes, mediating protein-protein interactions and signal transduction. Numerous essential intracellular proteins undergo prenylation, including most members of the small GTPase superfamily as well as heterotrimeric G proteins and nuclear lamins, and are involved in regulating a plethora of cellular processes and functions. Dysregulation of isoprenoids and protein prenylation is implicated in various disorders, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancers, bone diseases, infectious diseases, progeria, and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, isoprenoids and/or prenyltransferases have emerged as attractive targets for developing therapeutic agents. Here, we provide a general overview of isoprenoid synthesis, the process of protein prenylation and the complexity of prenylated proteins, and pharmacological agents that regulate isoprenoids and protein prenylation. Recent findings that connect isoprenoids/protein prenylation with AD are summarized and potential applications of new prenylomic technologies for uncovering the role of prenylated proteins in the pathogenesis of AD are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Jeong
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacolog,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | | | - W. Gibson Wood
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Mark D. Distefano
- Departments of Chemistry,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Ling Li
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacolog,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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20
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Zameer S, Najmi AK, Vohora D, Akhtar M. Bisphosphonates: Future perspective for neurological disorders. Pharmacol Rep 2018; 70:900-907. [PMID: 30096489 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2018.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders and osteoporosis share some common underlying pathological features including calcium overload, accumulation of toxic chemicals, inflammation and impaired protein prenylation by isoprenoids (farnesyl pyrophosphate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate) appear later stage of life. Substantial number of pre-clinical and clinical reports as well as in vitro data univocally acknowledged the negative impact of altered post-translational modification (prenylation) of proteins like small GTPases (Rffhes, Rho, Rac etc.) and cholesterol levels in both serum and brain on CNS integrity. Bisphosphonates (BPs), referred to as gold standard for osteoporosis treatment, have well established role in attenuation of bone resorption and osteoclast apoptosis by inhibition of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase enzyme (FPPS) in mevalonate pathway. BPs mainly nitrogen containing BPs (NBPs) have potential to offer new therapeutic targets for neurological disorders and received increasing attention in recent years. A year back clinical and pre-clinical studies revealed that NBPs have the potential to alleviate the symptoms of neurological disorders like brain calcification, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease by targeting mevalonate pathway. Though these drugs have well developed role in inhibition of isoprenoids synthesis, these were demonstrated to inhibit acetyl cholinesterase enzyme and cholesterol synthesis in brain that are considered as the critical factors for impairment of cognitive functions which is the hallmark of several neurological disorders. Still the current understanding of BPs' effect in CNS is limited due to lack of studies focusing the molecular and cellular mechanism. The present review aims to reveal the updated discussion on the mechanism contributing BPs' effect in CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Zameer
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Formerly: Faculty of Pharmacy), Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi, India
| | - Abul Kalam Najmi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Formerly: Faculty of Pharmacy), Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi, India
| | - Divya Vohora
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Formerly: Faculty of Pharmacy), Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi, India
| | - Mohd Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Formerly: Faculty of Pharmacy), Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), New Delhi, India.
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21
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Cholesterol ester hydrolase inhibitors reduce the production of synaptotoxic amyloid-β oligomers. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:649-659. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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22
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Hottman D, Cheng S, Gram A, LeBlanc K, Yuan LL, Li L. Systemic or Forebrain Neuron-Specific Deficiency of Geranylgeranyltransferase-1 Impairs Synaptic Plasticity and Reduces Dendritic Spine Density. Neuroscience 2018; 373:207-217. [PMID: 29406266 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Isoprenoids and prenylated proteins regulate a variety of cellular functions, including neurite growth and synaptic plasticity. Importantly, they are implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, we have shown that two protein prenyltransferases, farnesyltransferase (FT) and geranylgeranyltransferase-1 (GGT), have differential effects in a mouse model of AD. Haplodeficiency of either FT or GGT attenuates amyloid-β deposition and neuroinflammation but only reduction in FT rescues cognitive function. The current study aimed to elucidate the potential mechanisms that may account for the lack of cognitive benefit in GGT-haplodeficient mice, despite attenuated neuropathology. The results showed that the magnitude of long-term potentiation (LTP) was markedly suppressed in hippocampal slices from GGT-haplodeficient mice. Consistent with the synaptic dysfunction, there was a significant decrease in cortical spine density and cognitive function in GGT-haplodeficient mice. To further study the neuron-specific effects of GGT deficiency, we generated conditional forebrain neuron-specific GGT-knockout (GGTf/fCre+) mice using a Cre/LoxP system under the CAMKIIα promoter. We found that both the magnitude of hippocampal LTP and the dendritic spine density of cortical neurons were decreased in GGTf/fCre+ mice compared with GGTf/fCre- mice. Immunoblot analyses of cerebral lysate showed a significant reduction in cell membrane-associated (geranylgeranylated) Rac1 and RhoA but not (farnesylated) H-Ras, in GGTf/fCre+ mice, suggesting that insufficient geranylgeranylation of the Rho family of small GTPases may underlie the detrimental effects of GGT deficiency. These findings reinforce the critical role of GGT in maintaining spine structure and synaptic/cognitive function in development and in the mature brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hottman
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Shaowu Cheng
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States; College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Andrea Gram
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Kyle LeBlanc
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Li-Lian Yuan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Graduate Programs in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States.
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23
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Mohamed A, Viveiros A, Williams K, Posse de Chaves E. Aβ inhibits SREBP-2 activation through Akt inhibition. J Lipid Res 2017; 59:1-13. [PMID: 29122977 PMCID: PMC5748492 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m076703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that oligomeric amyloid β42 (oAβ42) inhibits the mevalonate pathway impairing cholesterol synthesis and protein prenylation. Enzymes of the mevalonate pathway are regulated by the transcription factor SREBP-2. Here, we show that in several neuronal types challenged with oAβ42, SREBP-2 activation is reduced. Moreover, SREBP-2 activation is also decreased in the brain cortex of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model, TgCRND8, suggesting that SREBP-2 may be affected in vivo early in the disease. We demonstrate that oAβ42 does not affect enzymatic cleavage of SREBP-2 per se, but may impair SREBP-2 transport from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi. Trafficking of SREBP-2 from the ER to the Golgi requires protein kinase B (Akt) activation. oAβ42 significantly reduces Akt phosphorylation and this decrease is responsible for the decline in SREBP-2 activation. Overexpression of constitutively active Akt prevents the effect of oAβ42 on SREBP-2 and the downstream inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and protein prenylation. Our work provides a novel mechanistic link between Aβ and the mevalonate pathway, which will impact the views on issues related to cholesterol, isoprenoids, and statins in AD. We also identify SREBP-2 as an indirect target of Akt in neurons, which may play a role in the cross-talk between AD and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anissa Viveiros
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kathleen Williams
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elena Posse de Chaves
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Brioschi M, Martinez Fernandez A, Banfi C. Exploring the biochemistry of the prenylome and its role in disease through proteomics: progress and potential. Expert Rev Proteomics 2017; 14:515-528. [PMID: 28521569 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2017.1332998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Protein prenylation is a ubiquitous covalent post-translational modification characterized by the addition of farnesyl or geranylgeranyl isoprenoid groups to a cysteine residue located near the carboxyl terminal of a protein. It is essential for the proper localization and cellular activity of numerous proteins, including Ras family GTPases and G-proteins. In addition to its roles in cellular physiology, the prenylation process has important implications in human diseases and in the recent years, it has become attractive target of inhibitors with therapeutic potential. Areas covered: This review attempts to summarize the basic aspects of prenylation integrating them with biological functions in diseases and giving an account of the current status of prenylation inhibitors as potential therapeutics. We also summarize the methodologies for the characterization of this modification. Expert commentary: The growing body of evidence suggesting an important role of prenylation in diseases and the subsequent development of inhibitors of the enzymes responsible for this modification lead to the urgent need to identify the full spectrum of prenylated proteins that are altered in the disease or affected by drugs. Proteomic tools to analyze prenylated proteins are recently emerging, thanks to the advancement in the field of mass spectrometry coupled to enrichment strategies.
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25
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Schmitt M, Dehay B, Bezard E, Garcia-Ladona FJ. Harnessing the trophic and modulatory potential of statins in a dopaminergic cell line. Synapse 2016; 70:71-86. [DOI: 10.1002/syn.21881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Schmitt
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, New Medicines, UCB Biopharma SPRL; 1420 Braine L'alleud Belgium
- University De Bordeaux, Institut Des Maladies Neurodégénératives; UMR 5293 Bordeaux 33000 France
- CNRS, Institut Des Maladies Neurodégénératives; UMR 5293 Bordeaux 33000 France
| | - Benjamin Dehay
- University De Bordeaux, Institut Des Maladies Neurodégénératives; UMR 5293 Bordeaux 33000 France
- CNRS, Institut Des Maladies Neurodégénératives; UMR 5293 Bordeaux 33000 France
| | - Erwan Bezard
- University De Bordeaux, Institut Des Maladies Neurodégénératives; UMR 5293 Bordeaux 33000 France
- CNRS, Institut Des Maladies Neurodégénératives; UMR 5293 Bordeaux 33000 France
| | - F. Javier Garcia-Ladona
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, New Medicines, UCB Biopharma SPRL; 1420 Braine L'alleud Belgium
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26
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Pant A, Kocarek TA. Role of Phosphatidic Acid Phosphatase Domain Containing 2 in Squalestatin 1-Mediated Activation of the Constitutive Androstane Receptor in Primary Cultured Rat Hepatocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 44:352-5. [PMID: 26700959 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.115.068437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) is a branch-point intermediate in the mevalonate pathway that is normally converted mainly to squalene by squalene synthase in the first committed step of sterol biosynthesis. Treatment with the squalene synthase inhibitor squalestatin 1 (SQ1) causes accumulation of FPP, its dephosphorylated metabolite farnesol, and several oxidized farnesol-derived metabolites. In addition, SQ1 treatment of primary cultured rat hepatocytes increases CYP2B expression through a mechanism that requires FPP synthesis and activation of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). Because direct farnesol treatment also increases CYP2B expression, it seems likely that SQ1-mediated CAR activation requires FPP dephosphorylation to farnesol. The lipid phosphatase, phosphatidic acid phosphatase domain containing 2 (PPAPDC2), was recently reported to catalyze FPP dephosphorylation. We therefore determined the effect of overexpressing or knocking down PPAPDC2 on SQ1-mediated CAR activation in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. Cotransfection of rat hepatocytes with a plasmid expressing rat or human PPAPDC2 enhanced SQ1-mediated activation of a CAR-responsive reporter by 1.7- or 2.4-fold over the SQ1-mediated activation that was produced when hepatocytes were cotransfected with empty expression plasmid. Similarly, transduction of rat hepatocytes with a recombinant adenovirus expressing PPAPDC2 enhanced SQ1-mediated CYP2B1 mRNA induction by 1.4-fold over the induction that was seen in hepatocytes transduced with control adenovirus. Cotransfection with a short hairpin RNA targeting PPAPDC2 reduced SQ1-mediated CAR activation by approximately 80% relative to the activation that occurred in hepatocytes transfected with nontargeting short hairpin RNA. These results indicate that PPAPDC2 plays an important role in SQ1-mediated CAR activation, most likely by catalyzing the conversion of FPP to farnesol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmita Pant
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Thomas A Kocarek
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
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Gao S, Yu R, Zhou X. The Role of Geranylgeranyltransferase I-Mediated Protein Prenylation in the Brain. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:6925-6937. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9594-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Xia W, Mo H. Potential of tocotrienols in the prevention and therapy of Alzheimer's disease. J Nutr Biochem 2015; 31:1-9. [PMID: 27133418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2015.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease (AD); clinical trials are underway to reduce amyloid generation and deposition, a neuropathological hallmark in brains of AD patients. While genetic factors and neuroinflammation contribute significantly to AD pathogenesis, whether increased cholesterol level is a causative factor or a result of AD is equivocal. Prenylation of proteins regulating neuronal functions requires mevalonate-derived farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). The observation that the levels of FPP and GGPP, but not that of cholesterol, are elevated in AD patients is consistent with the finding that statins, competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase, reduce FPP and GGPP levels and amyloid β protein production in preclinical studies. Retrospective studies show inverse correlations between incidence of AD and the intake and serum levels of the HMG CoA reductase-suppressive tocotrienols; tocopherols show mixed results. Tocotrienols, but not tocopherols, block the processing and nuclear localization of sterol regulatory element binding protein-2, the transcriptional factor for HMG CoA reductase and FPP synthase, and enhance the degradation of HMG CoA reductase. Consequently, tocotrienols deplete the pool of FPP and GGPP and potentially blunt prenylation-dependent AD pathogenesis. The antiinflammatory activity of tocotrienols further contributes to their protection against AD. The mevalonate- and inflammation-suppressive activities of tocotrienols may represent those of an estimated 23,000 mevalonate-derived plant secondary metabolites called isoprenoids, many of which are neuroprotective. Tocotrienol-containing plant foods and tocotrienol derivatives and formulations with enhanced bioavailability may offer a novel approach in AD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Xia
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, ENR Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA.
| | - Huanbiao Mo
- Department of Nutrition, Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA; Center for Obesity Reversal, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA.
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Marschalek N, Albert F, Afshordel S, Meske V, Eckert GP, Ohm TG. Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate is crucial for neuronal survival but has no special role in Purkinje cell degeneration in Niemann Pick type C1 disease. J Neurochem 2015; 133:153-61. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Marschalek
- Institut für Integrative Neuroanatomie, Charité; Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - Frank Albert
- Institut für Integrative Neuroanatomie, Charité; Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - Sarah Afshordel
- Pharmakologisches Institut für Naturwissenschaftler, Biozentrum, Campus Riedberg; Goethe-Universität; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Volker Meske
- Institut für Integrative Neuroanatomie, Charité; Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - Gunter P. Eckert
- Pharmakologisches Institut für Naturwissenschaftler, Biozentrum, Campus Riedberg; Goethe-Universität; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - Thomas G. Ohm
- Institut für Integrative Neuroanatomie, Charité; Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
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Biro M, Munoz MA, Weninger W. Targeting Rho-GTPases in immune cell migration and inflammation. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:5491-506. [PMID: 24571448 PMCID: PMC4282076 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukocytes are unmatched migrators capable of traversing barriers and tissues of remarkably varied structural composition. An effective immune response relies on the ability of its constituent cells to infiltrate target sites. Yet, unwarranted mobilization of immune cells can lead to inflammatory diseases and tissue damage ranging in severity from mild to life-threatening. The efficacy and plasticity of leukocyte migration is driven by the precise spatiotemporal regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. The small GTPases of the Rho family (Rho-GTPases), and their immediate downstream effector kinases, are key regulators of cellular actomyosin dynamics and are therefore considered prime pharmacological targets for stemming leukocyte motility in inflammatory disorders. This review describes advances in the development of small-molecule inhibitors aimed at modulating the Rho-GTPase-centric regulatory pathways governing motility, many of which stem from studies of cancer invasiveness. These inhibitors promise the advent of novel treatment options with high selectivity and potency against immune-mediated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maté Biro
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Immune Imaging Program, Newtown, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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31
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Wood WG, Li L, Müller WE, Eckert GP. Cholesterol as a causative factor in Alzheimer's disease: a debatable hypothesis. J Neurochem 2014; 129:559-72. [PMID: 24329875 PMCID: PMC3999290 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 11/24/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
High serum/plasma cholesterol levels have been suggested as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Some reports, mostly retrospective epidemiological studies, have observed a decreased prevalence of AD in patients taking the cholesterol lowering drugs, statins. The strongest evidence causally linking cholesterol to AD is provided by experimental studies showing that adding/reducing cholesterol alters amyloid precursor protein (APP) and amyloid beta-protein (Ab) levels. However, there are problems with the cholesterol-AD hypothesis. Cholesterol levels in serum/plasma and brain of AD patients do not support cholesterol as a causative factor in AD.Prospective studies on statins and AD have largely failed to show efficacy. Even the experimental data are open to interpretation given that it is well-established that modification of cholesterol levels has effects on multiple proteins, not only amyloid precursor protein and Ab. The purpose of this review, therefore, was to examine the above-mentioned issues, discuss the pros and cons of the cholesterol-AD hypothesis, involvement of other lipids in the mevalonate pathway, and consider that AD may impact cholesterol homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Gibson Wood
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VAMC, Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Walter E. Müller
- Department of Pharmacology, Biocenter Niederursel, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-St. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Gunter P. Eckert
- Department of Pharmacology, Biocenter Niederursel, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-St. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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Afshordel S, Wood WG, Igbavboa U, Muller WE, Eckert GP. Impaired geranylgeranyltransferase-I regulation reduces membrane-associated Rho protein levels in aged mouse brain. J Neurochem 2014; 129:732-42. [PMID: 24428713 PMCID: PMC3999261 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Revised: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic impairment rather than neuronal loss may be the leading cause of cognitive dysfunction in brain aging. Certain small Rho-GTPases are involved in synaptic plasticity, and their dysfunction is associated with brain aging and neurodegeneration. Rho-GTPases undergo prenylation by attachment of geranylgeranylpyrophosphate (GGPP) catalyzed by GGTase-I. We examined age-related changes in the abundance of Rho and Rab proteins in membrane and cytosolic fractions as well as of GGTase-I in brain tissue of 3- and 23-month-old C57BL/6 mice. We report a shift in the cellular localization of Rho-GTPases toward reduced levels of membrane-associated and enhanced cytosolic levels of those proteins in aged mouse brain as compared with younger mice. The age-related reduction in membrane-associated Rho proteins was associated with a reduction in GGTase-Iβ levels that regulates binding of GGPP to Rho-GTPases. Proteins prenylated by GGTase-II were not reduced in aged brain indicating a specific targeting of GGTase-I in the aged brain. Inhibition of GGTase-I in vitro modeled the effects of aging we observed in vivo. We demonstrate for the first time a decrease in membrane-associated Rho proteins in aged brain in association with down-regulation of GGTase-Iβ. This down-regulation could be one of the mechanisms causing age-related weakening of synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Afshordel
- Department of Pharmacology, Biocenter Niederursel, University of Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-St. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - W. Gibson Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VAMC, Minneapolis, MN 55417 USA
| | - Urule Igbavboa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VAMC, Minneapolis, MN 55417 USA
| | - Walter E. Muller
- Department of Pharmacology, Biocenter Niederursel, University of Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-St. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Gunter P. Eckert
- Department of Pharmacology, Biocenter Niederursel, University of Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-St. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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Inhibiting geranylgeranylation increases neurite branching and differentially activates cofilin in cell bodies and growth cones. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 50:49-59. [PMID: 24515839 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8653-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of the mevalonate pathway, including the highly prescribed statins, reduce the production of cholesterol and isoprenoids such as geranylgeranyl pyrophosphates. The Rho family of small guanine triphosphatases (GTPases) requires isoprenylation, specifically geranylgeranylation, for activation. Because Rho GTPases are primary regulators of actin filament rearrangements required for process extension, neurite arborization, and synaptic plasticity, statins may affect cognition or recovery from nervous system injury. Here, we assessed how manipulating geranylgeranylation affects neurite initiation, elongation, and branching in neuroblastoma growth cones. Treatment with the statin, lovastatin (20 μM), decreased measures of neurite initiation by 17.0 to 19.0 % when a source of cholesterol was present and increased neurite branching by 4.03- to 9.54-fold (regardless of exogenous cholesterol). Neurite elongation was increased by treatment with lovastatin only in cholesterol-free culture conditions. Treatment with lovastatin decreased growth cone actin filament content by up to 24.3 %. In all cases, co-treatment with the prenylation precursor, geranylgeraniol (10 μM), reversed the effect of lovastatin. In a prior work, statin effects on outgrowth were linked to modulating the actin depolymerizing factor, cofilin. In our assays, treatment with lovastatin or geranylgeraniol decreased cofilin phosphorylation in whole cell lysates. However, lovastatin increased cofilin phosphorylation in cell bodies and decreased it in growth cones, indicating differential regulation in specific cell regions. Together, we interpret these data to suggest that protein geranylgeranylation likely regulates growth cone actin filament content and subsequent neurite outgrowth through mechanisms that also affect actin nucleation and polymerization.
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Wood WG, Mΰller WE, Eckert GP. Statins and Neuroprotection: Basic Pharmacology Needed. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 50:214-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8647-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Hottman DA, Li L. Protein prenylation and synaptic plasticity: implications for Alzheimer's disease. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 50:177-85. [PMID: 24390573 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8627-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Protein prenylation is an important lipid posttranslational modification of proteins. It includes protein farnesylation and geranylgeranylation, in which the 15-carbon farnesyl pyrophosphate or 20-carbon geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate is attached to the C-terminus of target proteins, catalyzed by farnesyl transferase or geranylgeranyl transferases, respectively. Protein prenylation facilitates the anchoring of proteins into the cell membrane and mediates protein-protein interactions. Among numerous proteins that undergo prenylation, small GTPases represent the largest group of prenylated proteins. Small GTPases are involved in regulating a plethora of cellular functions including synaptic plasticity. The prenylation status of small GTPases determines the subcellular locations and functions of the proteins. Dysregulation or dysfunction of small GTPases leads to the development of different types of disorders. Emerging evidence indicates that prenylated proteins, in particular small GTPases, may play important roles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. This review focuses on the prenylation of Ras and Rho subfamilies of small GTPases and its relation to synaptic plasticity and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Hottman
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, 2001 6th St SE, MTRF 4-208, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
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Walter J, van Echten-Deckert G. Cross-talk of membrane lipids and Alzheimer-related proteins. Mol Neurodegener 2013; 8:34. [PMID: 24148205 PMCID: PMC4016522 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-8-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is neuropathologically characterized by the combined occurrence of extracellular β-amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. While plaques contain aggregated forms of the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ), tangles are formed by fibrillar forms of the microtubule associated protein tau. All mutations identified so far to cause familial forms of early onset AD (FAD) are localized close to or within the Aβ domain of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) or in the presenilin proteins that are essential components of a protease complex involved in the generation of Aβ. Mutations in the tau gene are not associated with FAD, but can cause other forms of dementia. The genetics of FAD together with biochemical and cell biological data, led to the formulation of the amyloid hypothesis, stating that accumulation and aggregation of Aβ is the primary event in the pathogenesis of AD, while tau might mediate its toxicity and neurodegeneration. The generation of Aβ involves sequential proteolytic cleavages of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by enzymes called β-and γ-secretases. Notably, APP itself as well as the secretases are integral membrane proteins. Thus, it is very likely that membrane lipids are involved in the regulation of subcellular transport, activity, and metabolism of AD related proteins. Indeed, several studies indicate that membrane lipids, including cholesterol and sphingolipids (SLs) affect Aβ generation and aggregation. Interestingly, APP and other AD associated proteins, including β-and γ-secretases can, in turn, influence lipid metabolic pathways. Here, we review the close connection of cellular lipid metabolism and AD associated proteins and discuss potential mechanisms that could contribute to initiation and progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Walter
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str, 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
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Cheng S, Cao D, Hottman DA, Yuan L, Bergo MO, Li L. Farnesyltransferase haplodeficiency reduces neuropathology and rescues cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:35952-60. [PMID: 24136196 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.503904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoprenoids and prenylated proteins have been implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease (AD), including amyloid-β precursor protein metabolism, Tau phosphorylation, synaptic plasticity, and neuroinflammation. However, little is known about the relative importance of the two protein prenyltransferases, farnesyltransferase (FT) and geranylgeranyltransferase-1 (GGT), in the pathogenesis of AD. In this study, we defined the impact of deleting one copy of FT or GGT on the development of amyloid-β (Aβ)-associated neuropathology and learning/memory impairments in APPPS1 double transgenic mice, a well established model of AD. Heterozygous deletion of FT reduced Aβ deposition and neuroinflammation and rescued spatial learning and memory function in APPPS1 mice. Heterozygous deletion of GGT reduced the levels of Aβ and neuroinflammation but had no impact on learning and memory. These results document that farnesylation and geranylgeranylation play differential roles in AD pathogenesis and suggest that specific inhibition of protein farnesylation could be a potential strategy for effectively treating AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaowu Cheng
- Departments of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Wood WG, Igbavboa U, Muller WE, Eckert GP. Statins, Bcl-2, and apoptosis: cell death or cell protection? Mol Neurobiol 2013; 48:308-14. [PMID: 23821030 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8496-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Statins have proven their effectiveness in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. This class of drugs has also attracted attention as a potential treatment for dissimilar diseases such as certain types of cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. What appears to be a contradiction is that, in the case of cancer, it has been suggested that statins increase apoptosis and alter levels of Bcl-2 family members (e.g., reduce Bcl-2 and increase Bax), whereas studies mainly using noncancerous cells report opposite effects. This review examined studies reporting on the effects of statins on Bcl-2 family members, apoptosis, cell death, and cell protection. Much, but not all, of the evidence supporting the pro-apoptotic effects of statins is based on data in cancer cell lines and the use of relatively high drug concentrations. Studies indicating an anti-apoptotic effect of statins are fewer in number and generally used much lower drug concentrations and normal cells. Those conclusions are not definitive, and certainly, there is a need for additional research to determine if statin repositioning is justified for noncardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Gibson Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Medical Center, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA,
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Posada-Duque RA, Velasquez-Carvajal D, Eckert GP, Cardona-Gomez GP. Atorvastatin requires geranylgeranyl transferase-I and Rac1 activation to exert neuronal protection and induce plasticity. Neurochem Int 2013; 62:433-45. [PMID: 23411415 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Statins are widely used cholesterol-lowering drugs that may reduce the incidence of stroke and the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, how statins exert these beneficial effects remains poorly understood. Thus, this study evaluated the roles of Rac1 geranylgeranylation and the relationship between Rac1 and αN-catenin in the protective activity of atorvastatin (ATV) in a cortical neuronal culture model of glutamate (GLU) excitotoxicity. We found that ATV-induced neuroprotection and plasticity were blocked by isoprenoids, such as farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), inhibition of farnesylation (FTI-277) and geranylgeranylation (GGTI-286), down-regulation of GGTase-Iβ and Rac activity and promotion of active RhoA. Additionally, ATV rescued the distribution of dendritic αN-catenin and increased the number and length of dendritic branches; these effects were reversed by GGTI-286, GGTase-Iβ shRNA, Rac1 shRNA and a dominant-negative version of Rac1 (T17N). In summary, our findings suggest that ATV requires GGTase-Iβ, prenylation and active Rac1 to induce protection and plasticity. In this regard, αN-catenin is a marker for stable interactions between adhesion proteins and the actin cytoskeleton and is necessary for the neuroprotective action of ATV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Andrés Posada-Duque
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Area, Group of Neuroscience of Antioquia, Faculty of Medicine, SIU, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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Eckert GP, Renner K, Eckert SH, Eckmann J, Hagl S, Abdel-Kader RM, Kurz C, Leuner K, Muller WE. Mitochondrial Dysfunction—A Pharmacological Target in Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2012; 46:136-50. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-012-8271-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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