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Petralla S, Saveleva L, Kanninen KM, Oster JS, Panayotova M, Fricker G, Puris E. Increased Expression of Transferrin Receptor 1 in the Brain Cortex of 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease Is Associated with Activation of HIF-1 Signaling Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6383-6394. [PMID: 38296900 PMCID: PMC11339108 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03990-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. Despite intensive research efforts, there are currently no effective treatments to cure and prevent AD. There is growing evidence that dysregulation of iron homeostasis may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. Given the important role of the transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) in regulating iron distribution in the brain, as well as in the drug delivery, we investigated its expression in the brain cortex and isolated brain microvessels from female 8-month-old 5xFAD mice mimicking advanced stage of AD. Moreover, we explored the association between the TfR1 expression and the activation of the HIF-1 signaling pathway, as well as oxidative stress and inflammation in 5xFAD mice. Finally, we studied the impact of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 on TfR1 expression in the brain endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3. In the present study, we revealed that an increase in TfR1 protein levels observed in the brain cortex of 5xFAD mice was associated with activation of the HIF-1 signaling pathway as well as accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation. Interestingly, incubation of Aβ peptides in hCMEC/D3 cells did not affect the expression of TfR1, which supported our findings of unaltered TfR1 expression in the isolated brain microvessels in 5xFAD mice. In conclusion, the study provides important information about the expression of TfR1 in the 5xFAD mouse model and the potential role of HIF-1 signaling pathway in the regulation of TfR1 in AD, which could represent a promising strategy for the development of therapies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Petralla
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 329, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Liudmila Saveleva
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Katja M Kanninen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Julia S Oster
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 329, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria Panayotova
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 329, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gert Fricker
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 329, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elena Puris
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 329, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Wang C, Hei Y, Liu Y, Bajpai AK, Li Y, Guan Y, Xu F, Yao C. Systems genetics identifies methionine as a high risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1381889. [PMID: 39081851 PMCID: PMC11286400 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1381889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
As a dietary strategy, methionine restriction has been reported to promote longevity and regulate metabolic disorders. However, the role and possible regulatory mechanisms underlying methionine in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), remain unexplored. This study utilized the data from BXD recombinant inbred (RI) mice to establish a correlation between the AD phenotype in mice and methionine level. Gene enrichment analysis indicated that the genes associated with the concentration of methionine in the midbrain are involved in the dopaminergic synaptic signaling pathway. Protein interaction network analysis revealed that glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) was a key regulator of the dopaminergic synaptic pathway and its expression level was significantly correlated with the AD phenotype. Finally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that methionine deprivation could reduce the expression of Aβ and phosphorylated Tau, suggesting that lowering methionine levels in humans may be a preventive or therapeutic strategy for AD. In conclusion, our findings support that methionine is a high risk factor for AD. These findings predict potential regulatory network, theoretically supporting methionine restriction to prevent AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congmin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Yu Hei
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Yu Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Akhilesh Kumar Bajpai
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Yuhe Li
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Yawen Guan
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Fuyi Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Cuifang Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
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Puris E, Saveleva L, Auriola S, Gynther M, Kanninen KM, Fricker G. Sex-specific changes in protein expression of membrane transporters in the brain cortex of 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1365051. [PMID: 38572427 PMCID: PMC10989684 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1365051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Membrane transporters playing an important role in the passage of drugs, metabolites and nutrients across the membranes of the brain cells have been shown to be involved in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, little is known about sex-specific changes in transporter protein expression at the brain in AD. Here, we investigated sex-specific alterations in protein expression of three ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and five solute carriers (SLC) transporters in the prefrontal cortex of a commonly used model of familial AD (FAD), 5xFAD mice. Sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based quantitative targeted absolute proteomic analysis was applied for absolute quantification of transporter protein expression. We compared the changes in transporter protein expressions in 7-month-old male and female 5xFAD mice versus sex-matched wild-type mice. The study revealed a significant sex-specific increase in protein expression of ABCC1 (p = 0.007) only in male 5xFAD mice as compared to sex-matched wild-type animals. In addition, the increased protein expression of glucose transporter 1 (p = 0.01), 4F2 cell-surface antigen heavy chain (p = 0.01) and long-chain fatty acid transport protein 1 (p = 0.02) were found only in female 5xFAD mice as compared to sex-matched wild-type animals. Finally, protein expression of alanine/serine/cysteine/threonine transporter 1 was upregulated in both male (p = 0.02) and female (p = 0.002) 5xFAD mice. The study provides important information about sex-specific changes in brain cortical transporter expression in 5xFAD mice, which will facilitate drug development of therapeutic strategies for AD targeting these transporters and drug delivery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Puris
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Liudmila Saveleva
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Auriola
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko Gynther
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Katja M. Kanninen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Gert Fricker
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Manchinu MF, Pala M, Palmas MF, Diana MA, Maschio A, Etzi M, Pisanu A, Diana FI, Marongiu J, Mansueto S, Carboni E, Fusco G, De Simone A, Carta AR. Region-specific changes in gene expression are associated with cognitive deficits in the alpha-synuclein-induced model of Parkinson's disease: A transcriptomic profiling study. Exp Neurol 2024; 372:114651. [PMID: 38092188 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common trait of Parkinson's disease (PD), often associated with early motor deficits, eventually evolving to PD with dementia in later disease stages. The neuropathological substrate of MCI is poorly understood, which weakens the development and administration of proper therapies. In an α-synuclein (αSyn)-based model of PD featuring early motor and cognitive impairments, we investigated the transcriptome profile of brain regions involved in PD with cognitive deficits, via a transcriptomic analysis based on RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technology. Rats infused in the substantia nigra with human α-synuclein oligomers (H-SynOs) developed mild cognitive deficits after three months, as measured by the two-trial recognition test in a Y-maze and the novel object recognition test. RNA-seq analysis showed that 17,436 genes were expressed in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and 17,216 genes in the hippocampus (HC). In the ACC, 51 genes were differentially expressed between vehicle and H-αSynOs treated samples, which showed N= 21 upregulated and N = 30 downregulated genes. In the HC, 104 genes were differentially expressed, the majority of them not overlapping with DEGs in the ACC, with N = 41 upregulated and N = 63 downregulated in H-αSynOs-treated samples. The Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, followed by the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network inspection of DEGs, revealed that in the ACC most enriched terms were related with immune functions, specifically with antigen processing/presentation via the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and phagocytosis via CD68, supporting a role for dysregulated immune responses in early PD cognitive dysfunction. Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed the decreased expression of CD68 within microglial cells. In contrast, the most significantly enriched terms in the HC were mainly involved in mitochondrial homeostasis, potassium voltage-gated channel, cytoskeleton and fiber organisation, suggesting that the gene expression in the neuronal population was mostly affected in this region in early disease stages. Altogether results show that H-αSynOs trigger a region-specific dysregulation of gene expression in ACC and HC, providing a pathological substrate for MCI associated with early PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mauro Pala
- National Research Council, Biomedical and Genetic Research Institute, 09040 Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Maria Antonietta Diana
- National Research Council, Biomedical and Genetic Research Institute, 09040 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Maschio
- National Research Council, Biomedical and Genetic Research Institute, 09040 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michela Etzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09040 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Augusta Pisanu
- National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience, 09040 Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Jacopo Marongiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09040 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Mansueto
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ezio Carboni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09040 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giuliana Fusco
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alfonso De Simone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna R Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09040 Cagliari, Italy.
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Kurano M, Saito Y, Yatomi Y. Comprehensive Analysis of Metabolites in Postmortem Brains of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:1139-1159. [PMID: 38250775 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disturbed metabolism has been proposed as being involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and more evidence from human AD brains is required. OBJECTIVE In this study, we attempted to identify or confirm modulations in the levels of metabolites associated with AD in postmortem AD brains. METHODS We performed metabolomics analyses using a gas chromatography mass spectrometry system in postmortem brains of patients with confirmed AD, patients with CERAD score B, and control subjects. RESULTS Impaired phosphorylation of glucose and elevation of several tricarboxylic acid (TCA) metabolites, except citrate, were observed and the degree of impaired phosphorylation and elevation in the levels of the TCA cycle metabolites were negatively and positively correlated, respectively, with the clinical phenotypes of AD. The levels of uronic acid pathway metabolites were modulated in AD and correlated positively with the amyloid-β content. The associations of nucleic acid synthesis and amino acid metabolites with AD depended on the kinds of metabolites; in particular, the contents of ribose 5-phosphate, serine and glycine were negatively correlated, while those of ureidosuccinic acid and indole-3-acetic acid were positively modulated in AD. Comprehensive statistical analyses suggested that alterations in the inositol pathway were most closely associated with AD. CONCLUSIONS The present study revealed many novel associations between metabolites and AD, suggesting that some of these might serve as novel potential therapeutic targets for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Kurano
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Saito
- Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yatomi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Ozgür B, Puris E, Brachner A, Appelt-Menzel A, Oerter S, Balzer V, Holst MR, Christiansen RF, Hyldig K, Buckley ST, Kristensen M, Auriola S, Jensen A, Fricker G, Nielsen MS, Neuhaus W, Brodin B. Characterization of an iPSC-based barrier model for blood-brain barrier investigations using the SBAD0201 stem cell line. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:96. [PMID: 38115090 PMCID: PMC10731806 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-brain barrier (BBB) models based on primary murine, bovine, and porcine brain capillary endothelial cell cultures have long been regarded as robust models with appropriate properties to examine the functional transport of small molecules. However, species differences sometimes complicate translating results from these models to human settings. During the last decade, brain capillary endothelial-like cells (BCECs) have been generated from stem cell sources to model the human BBB in vitro. The aim of the present study was to establish and characterize a human BBB model using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived BCECs from the hIPSC line SBAD0201. METHODS The model was evaluated using transcriptomics, proteomics, immunocytochemistry, transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements, and, finally, transport assays to assess the functionality of selected transporters and receptor (GLUT-1, LAT-1, P-gp and LRP-1). RESULTS The resulting BBB model displayed an average TEER of 5474 ± 167 Ω·cm2 and cell monolayer formation with claudin-5, ZO-1, and occludin expression in the tight junction zones. The cell monolayers expressed the typical BBB markers VE-cadherin, VWF, and PECAM-1. Transcriptomics and quantitative targeted absolute proteomics analyses revealed that solute carrier (SLC) transporters were found in high abundance, while the expression of efflux transporters was relatively low. Transport assays using GLUT-1, LAT-1, and LRP-1 substrates and inhibitors confirmed the functional activities of these transporters and receptors in the model. A transport assay suggested that P-gp was not functionally expressed in the model, albeit antibody staining revealed that P-gp was localized at the luminal membrane. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the novel SBAD0201-derived BBB model formed tight monolayers and was proven useful for studies investigating GLUT-1, LAT-1, and LRP-1 mediated transport across the BBB. However, the model did not express functional P-gp and thus is not suitable for the performance of drug efflux P-gp reletated studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Ozgür
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, DK-2500, Denmark
| | - Elena Puris
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Brachner
- AIT - Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Antje Appelt-Menzel
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT) Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Oerter
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT) Röntgenring 11, 97070, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Viktor Balzer
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Kathrine Hyldig
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, DK-2500, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Stephen T Buckley
- Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, DK-2760, Denmark
| | - Mie Kristensen
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Seppo Auriola
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Allan Jensen
- Biotherapeutic Discovery, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, DK-2500, Denmark
| | - Gert Fricker
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Winfried Neuhaus
- AIT - Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, 1210, Austria
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Danube Private University, Krems, 3500, Austria
| | - Birger Brodin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, DK-2100, Denmark.
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Alkhalifa AE, Al-Ghraiybah NF, Odum J, Shunnarah JG, Austin N, Kaddoumi A. Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown in Alzheimer's Disease: Mechanisms and Targeted Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16288. [PMID: 38003477 PMCID: PMC10671257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a unique and selective feature of the central nervous system's vasculature. BBB dysfunction has been observed as an early sign of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) before the onset of dementia or neurodegeneration. The intricate relationship between the BBB and the pathogenesis of AD, especially in the context of neurovascular coupling and the overlap of pathophysiology in neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases, underscores the urgency to understand the BBB's role more deeply. Preserving or restoring the BBB function emerges as a potentially promising strategy for mitigating the progression and severity of AD. Molecular and genetic changes, such as the isoform ε4 of apolipoprotein E (ApoEε4), a significant genetic risk factor and a promoter of the BBB dysfunction, have been shown to mediate the BBB disruption. Additionally, receptors and transporters like the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), P-glycoprotein (P-gp), and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGEs) have been implicated in AD's pathogenesis. In this comprehensive review, we endeavor to shed light on the intricate pathogenic and therapeutic connections between AD and the BBB. We also delve into the latest developments and pioneering strategies targeting the BBB for therapeutic interventions, addressing its potential as a barrier and a carrier. By providing an integrative perspective, we anticipate paving the way for future research and treatments focused on exploiting the BBB's role in AD pathogenesis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Amal Kaddoumi
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, 720 S. Donahue Dr., Auburn, AL 36849, USA; (A.E.A.); (N.F.A.-G.); (J.O.); (J.G.S.); (N.A.)
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D’Angiolini S, Basile MS, Mazzon E, Gugliandolo A. In Silico Analysis Reveals the Modulation of Ion Transmembrane Transporters in the Cerebellum of Alzheimer's Disease Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13924. [PMID: 37762226 PMCID: PMC10530854 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder. AD hallmarks are extracellular amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. It is interesting to notice that Aβ plaques appear in the cerebellum only in late stages of the disease, and then it was hypothesized that it can be resistant to specific neurodegenerative mechanisms. However, the role of cerebellum in AD pathogenesis is not clear yet. In this study, we performed an in silico analysis to evaluate the transcriptional profile of cerebellum in AD patients and non-AD subjects in order to deepen the knowledge on its role in AD. The analysis evidenced that only the molecular function (MF) "active ion transmembrane transporter activity" was overrepresented. Regarding the 21 differentially expressed genes included in this MF, some of them may be involved in the ion dyshomeostasis reported in AD, while others assumed, in the cerebellum, an opposite regulation compared to those reported in other brain regions in AD patients. They might be associated to a protective phenotype, that may explain the initial resistance of cerebellum to neurodegeneration in AD. Of note, this MF was not overrepresented in prefrontal cortex and visual cortex indicating that it is a peculiarity of the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (S.D.); (M.S.B.); (A.G.)
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