Humanin and Alzheimer's disease: The beginning of a new field

Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with cognitive impairment in adults with OSA without dementia

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Increased reactive oxygen species associated with loss of mitochondrial function affect synaptic activity, which is an important mechanism underlying cognitive decline. This study assesses the role of mitochondrial proteins in neuron-derived exosomes (NDEs) on cognitive impairment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without dementia.

METHODS

Analyses were conducted in 268 study participants with complete polysomnography data, cognitive tests, and important clinical data available. NDEs were isolated immunochemically for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay quantification of mitochondrial proteins, i.e., humanin and mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c (MOTS-c), and synaptic protein, i.e., neurogranin (NRGN). A mediation analysis of the relationship between sleep parameters and cognition was performed using humanin, MOTS-c, and NRGN values as a mediating factor. Twenty-two patients with moderate to severe OSA who received CPAP therapy were followed up, and humanin, MOTS-c and NRGN levels were reassessed after 1 year of treatment.

RESULTS

All participants were divided into the OSA + MCI group (n = 91), OSA-MCI group (n = 89), MCI group (MCI without OSA) (n = 38) and control group (normal cognitive state without OSA) (n = 50). The mean CD63-normalized NDE levels of humanin, MOTS-c, and NRGN in the OSA + MCI group were higher than those in the OSA-MCI and control groups. The NDE levels of humanin, MOTS-c, and NRGN in the MCI group were lower than those in controls. The odds of cognitive impairment in patients with OSA were higher with higher NDE levels of humanin, MOTS-c, and NRGN (odds ratio (OR): 2.100, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.646-2.679, P < 0.001; OR: 5.453, 95 % CI: 3.112-9.556, P < 0.001; OR: 3.115, 95 % CI: 2.163-4.484, P < 0.001). The impaired cognitive performance was associated with higher NDE levels of humanin (β: 0.505, SE: 0.048, P < 0.001), MOTS-c (β: 0.580, SE: 0.001, P < 0.001), and NRGN (β: 0.585, SE: 0.553, P < 0.001). The relationship between sleep parameters (mean SaO2 and T90) and MoCA scores was mediated by the NDE levels of humanin, MOTS-c, and NRGN with the proportion of mediation varying from 35.33 % to 149.07 %. Receiver operating characteristic curve revealed an area under the curve of 0.905 for humanin, 0.873 for MOTS-c, and 0.934 for NRGN to predict MCI in OSA patients without dementia. Increased humanin, MOTS-c, and NRGN levels significantly decreased after CPAP treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in cognitive impairment in OSA patients without dementia, and mainly mediates the association between intermittent hypoxia and cognitive impairment in adults with OSA without dementia. Mitochondrial dysfunction can be partially reversible by CPAP treatment. Mitochondrial proteins can be used as markers of cognitive impairment in patients with OSA.

Small but mighty: the rise of microprotein biology in neuroscience

The mammalian central nervous system coordinates a network of signaling pathways and cellular interactions, which enable a myriad of complex cognitive and physiological functions. While traditional efforts to understand the molecular basis of brain function have focused on well-characterized proteins, recent advances in high-throughput translatome profiling have revealed a staggering number of proteins translated from non-canonical open reading frames (ncORFs) such as 5' and 3' untranslated regions of annotated proteins, out-of-frame internal ORFs, and previously annotated non-coding RNAs. Of note, microproteins < 100 amino acids (AA) that are translated from such ncORFs have often been neglected due to computational and biochemical challenges. Thousands of putative microproteins have been identified in cell lines and tissues including the brain, with some serving critical biological functions. In this perspective, we highlight the recent discovery of microproteins in the brain and describe several hypotheses that have emerged concerning microprotein function in the developing and mature nervous system.

Noncanonical microprotein regulation of immunity

The immune system is highly regulated but, when dysregulated, suboptimal protective or overly robust immune responses can lead to immune-mediated disorders. The genetic and molecular mechanisms of immune regulation are incompletely understood, impeding the development of more precise diagnostics and therapeutics for immune-mediated disorders. Recently, thousands of previously unrecognized noncanonical microprotein genes encoded by small open reading frames have been identified. Many of these microproteins perform critical functions, often in a cell- and context-specific manner. Several microproteins are now known to regulate immunity; however, the vast majority are uncharacterized. Therefore, illuminating what is often referred to as the "dark proteome," may present opportunities to tune immune responses more precisely. Here, we review noncanonical microprotein biology, highlight recently discovered examples regulating immunity, and discuss the potential and challenges of modulating dysregulated immune responses by targeting microproteins.

Mitochondrial-derived peptides: Antidiabetic functions and evolutionary perspectives

Mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) are a novel class of bioactive microproteins encoded by short open-reading frames (sORF) in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Currently, three types of MDPs have been identified: Humanin (HN), MOTS-c (Mitochondrial ORF within Twelve S rRNA type-c), and SHLP1-6 (small Humanin-like peptide, 1 to 6). The 12 S ribosomal RNA (MT-RNR1) gene harbors the sequence for MOTS-c, whereas HN and SHLP1-6 are encoded by the 16 S ribosomal RNA (MT-RNR2) gene. Special genetic codes are used in mtDNA as compared to nuclear DNA: (i) ATA and ATT are used as start codons in addition to the standard start codon ATG; (ii) AGA and AGG are used as stop codons instead of coding for arginine; (iii) the standard stop codon UGA is used to code for tryptophan. While HN, SHLP6, and MOTS-c are encoded by the H (heavy owing to high guanine + thymine base composition)-strand of the mtDNA, SHLP1-5 are encoded by the L (light owing to less guanine + thymine base composition)-strand. MDPs attenuate disease pathology including Type 1 diabetes (T1D), Type 2 diabetes (T2D), gestational diabetes, Alzheimer's disease (AD), cardiovascular diseases, prostate cancer, and macular degeneration. The current review will focus on the MDP regulation of T2D, T1D, and gestational diabetes along with an emphasis on the evolutionary pressures for conservation of the amino acid sequences of MDPs.

Humanin ameliorates TBI-related cognitive impairment by attenuating mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in a reduction of the capacity of cells to sustain energy demands, thus, compromising neuronal function and plasticity. Here we show that the mitochondrial activator humanin (HN) counteracts a TBI-related reduction in mitochondrial bioenergetics, including oxygen consumption rate. HN normalized the disruptive action of TBI on memory function, and restored levels of synaptic proteins (synapsin 1 and p-CREB). HN also counteracted TBI-related elevations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma (TNF-α, INF-y, IL 17, IL 5, MCP 5, GCSF, RANNETS, sTNFRI) as well as in the hippocampus (gp-130 and p-STAT3). Gp-130 is an integral part of cytokine receptor impinging on STAT3 (Tyr-705) signaling. Furthermore, HN reduced astrocyte proliferation in TBI. The overall evidence suggests that HN plays an integral role in normalizing fundamental aspects of TBI pathology which are central to energy balance, brain function, and plasticity.

Neuroprotective Action of Humanin and Humanin Analogues: Research Findings and Perspectives

Humanin is a 24-mer peptide first reported in the early 2000s as a new neuroprotective/cytoprotective factor rescuing neuronal cells from death induced by various Alzheimer's disease-associated insults. Nowadays it is known that humanin belongs to the novel class of the so-called mitochondrial-derived peptides (which are encoded by mitochondrial DNA) and has been shown to exert beneficial cytoprotective effects in a series of in vitro and/or in vivo experimental models of human diseases, including not only neurodegenerative disorders but other human diseases as well (e.g., age-related macular degeneration, cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes mellitus). This review article is focused on the presentation of recent in vitro and in vivo research results associated with the neuroprotective action of humanin as well as of various, mainly synthetic, analogues of the peptide; moreover, the main mode(s)/mechanism(s) through which humanin and humanin analogues may exert in vitro and in vivo regarding neuroprotection have been reported. The prospects of humanin and humanin analogues to be further investigated in the frame of future research endeavors against neurodegenerative/neural diseases have also been briefly discussed.

Mitochondrial-derived peptides in cardiovascular disease: Novel insights and therapeutic opportunities

BACKGROUND

Mitochondria-derived peptides (MDPs) represent a recently discovered family of peptides encoded by short open reading frames (ORFs) found within mitochondrial genes. This group includes notable members including humanin (HN), mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rDNA type-c (MOTS-c), and small humanin-like peptides 1-6 (SHLP1-6). MDPs assume pivotal roles in the regulation of diverse cellular processes, encompassing apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which are all essential for sustaining cellular viability and normal physiological functions. Their emerging significance extends beyond this, prompting a deeper exploration into their multifaceted roles and potential applications.

AIM OF REVIEW

This review aims to comprehensively explore the biogenesis, various types, and diverse functions of MDPs. It seeks to elucidate the central roles and underlying mechanisms by which MDPs participate in the onset and development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), bridging the connections between cell apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the review highlights recent advancements in clinical research related to the utilization of MDPs in CVD diagnosis and treatment.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

MDPs levels are diminished with aging and in the presence of CVDs, rendering them potential new indicators for the diagnosis of CVDs. Also, MDPs may represent a novel and promising strategy for CVD therapy. In this review, we delve into the biogenesis, various types, and diverse functions of MDPs. We aim to shed light on the pivotal roles and the underlying mechanisms through which MDPs contribute to the onset and advancement of CVDs connecting cell apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. We also provide insights into the current advancements in clinical research related to the utilization of MDPs in the treatment of CVDs. This review may provide valuable information with MDPs for CVD diagnosis and treatment.

Amylin and Secretases in the Pathology and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease remains a prevailing neurodegenerative condition which has an array physical, emotional, and financial consequences to patients and society. In the past decade, there has been a greater degree of investigation on therapeutic small peptides. This group of biomolecules have a profile of fundamentally sound characteristics which make them an intriguing area for drug development. Among these biomolecules, there are four modulatory mechanisms of interest in this review: alpha-, beta-, gamma-secretases, and amylin. These protease-based biomolecules all have a contributory role in the amyloid cascade hypothesis. Moreover, the involvement of various biochemical pathways intertwines these peptides to have shared regulators (i.e., retinoids). Further clinical and translational investigation must occur to gain a greater understanding of its potential application in patient care. The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the contemporary literature on these protease biomolecule modulators and determine its utility in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

Humanin derivative, HNG, enhances neurotransmitter release

BACKGROUND

Humanin (HN) is an endogenous 24-residue peptide that was first identified as a protective factor against neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We previously demonstrated that the highly potent HN derivative HNG (HN with substitution of Gly for Ser14) ameliorated cognitive impairment in AD mouse models. Despite the accumulating evidence on the antagonizing effects of HN against cognitive deficits, the mechanisms behind these effects remain to be elucidated.

METHODS

The extracellular fluid in the hippocampus of wild-type young mice was collected by microdialysis and the amounts of neurotransmitters were measured. The kinetic analysis of exocytosis was performed by amperometry using neuroendocrine cells.

RESULTS

The hippocampal acetylcholine (ACh) levels were increased by intraperitoneal injection of HNG. HNG did not affect the physical activities of the mice but modestly improved their object memory. In a neuronal cell model, rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, HNG enhanced ACh-induced dopamine release. HNG increased ACh-induced secretory events and vesicular quantal size in primary neuroendocrine cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that HN directly enhances regulated exocytosis in neurons, which can contribute to the improvement of cognitive functions.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The regulator of exocytosis is a novel physiological role of HN, which provides a molecular clue for HN's effects on brain functions under health and disease.