1
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Rajani RM, Ellingford R, Hellmuth M, Harris SS, Taso OS, Graykowski D, Lam FKW, Arber C, Fertan E, Danial JSH, Swire M, Lloyd M, Giovannucci TA, Bourdenx M, Klenerman D, Vassar R, Wray S, Sala Frigerio C, Busche MA. Selective suppression of oligodendrocyte-derived amyloid beta rescues neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002727. [PMID: 39042667 PMCID: PMC11265669 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Reduction of amyloid beta (Aβ) has been shown to be effective in treating Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the underlying assumption that neurons are the main source of pathogenic Aβ is untested. Here, we challenge this prevailing belief by demonstrating that oligodendrocytes are an important source of Aβ in the human brain and play a key role in promoting abnormal neuronal hyperactivity in an AD knock-in mouse model. We show that selectively suppressing oligodendrocyte Aβ production improves AD brain pathology and restores neuronal function in the mouse model in vivo. Our findings suggest that targeting oligodendrocyte Aβ production could be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikesh M. Rajani
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Ellingford
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mariam Hellmuth
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel S. Harris
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Orjona S. Taso
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Graykowski
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Kar Wey Lam
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Arber
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emre Fertan
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John S. H. Danial
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Swire
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marcus Lloyd
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tatiana A. Giovannucci
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mathieu Bourdenx
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Klenerman
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Vassar
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Selina Wray
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carlo Sala Frigerio
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Aurel Busche
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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2
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Iram F, Shahid M, Ansari J, Ashraf GM, Hassan MI, Islam A. Navigating the Maze of Alzheimer's disease by exploring BACE1: Discovery, current scenario, and future prospects. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 98:102342. [PMID: 38762102 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102342] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurological condition that has become a leading cause of cognitive decline in elder individuals. Hardly any effective medication has been developed to halt the progression of AD due to the disease's complexity. Several theories have been put forward to clarify the mechanisms underlying AD etiology. The identification of amyloid plaques as a hallmark of AD has sparked the development of numerous drugs targeting the players involved in the amyloidogenic pathway, such as the β-site of amyloid precursor protein cleavage enzyme 1 (BACE1) blockers. Over the last ten years, preclinical and early experimental research has led several pharmaceutical companies to prioritize producing BACE1 inhibitors. Despite all these efforts, earlier discovered inhibitors were discontinued in consideration of another second-generation small molecules and recent BACE1 antagonists failed in the final stages of clinical trials because of the complications associated either with toxicity or effectiveness. In addition to discussing the difficulties associated with development of BACE1 inhibitors, this review aims to provide an overview of BACE1 and offer perspectives on the causes behind the failure of five recent BACE1 inhibitors, that would be beneficial for choosing effective treatment approaches in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Iram
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Mohammad Shahid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaoud Ansari
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- University of Sharjah, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India.
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3
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Stockinger F, Poc P, Möhwald A, Karch S, Häfner S, Alzheimer C, Sandoz G, Huth T, Broichhagen J. Multicolor, Cell-Impermeable, and High Affinity BACE1 Inhibitor Probes Enable Superior Endogenous Staining and Imaging of Single Molecules. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10152-10167. [PMID: 38842406 PMCID: PMC11215771 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The prevailing but not undisputed amyloid cascade hypothesis places the β-site of APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) center stage in Alzheimer's Disease pathogenesis. Here, we investigated functional properties of BACE1 with novel tag- and antibody-free labeling tools, which are conjugates of the BACE1-inhibitor IV (also referred to as C3) linked to different impermeable Alexa Fluor dyes. We show that these fluorescent small molecules bind specifically to BACE1, with a 1:1 labeling stoichiometry at their orthosteric site. This is a crucial property especially for single-molecule and super-resolution microscopy approaches, allowing characterization of the dyes' labeling capabilities in overexpressing cell systems and in native neuronal tissue. With multiple colors at hand, we evaluated BACE1-multimerization by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) acceptor-photobleaching and single-particle imaging of native BACE1. In summary, our novel fluorescent inhibitors, termed Alexa-C3, offer unprecedented insights into protein-protein interactions and diffusion behavior of BACE1 down to the single molecule level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Stockinger
- Institut
für Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Pascal Poc
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut
für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Alexander Möhwald
- Institut
für Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Sandra Karch
- Institut
für Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Stephanie Häfner
- Université
Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INSERM,
iBV, Nice 06108, Cedex 2, France
- Laboratories
of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, Nice 06108, Cedex 2, France
| | - Christian Alzheimer
- Institut
für Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Guillaume Sandoz
- Université
Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INSERM,
iBV, Nice 06108, Cedex 2, France
- Laboratories
of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, Nice 06108, Cedex 2, France
| | - Tobias Huth
- Institut
für Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Johannes Broichhagen
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute
for Medical Research, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut
für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Berlin 13125, Germany
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4
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Gao F, Zhang M, Wang Q, Ni M, Liu C, Deng K, Xie Q, Wang S, Shi J, Shen Y. Associations of CSF BACE1 with amyloid pathology, neurodegeneration, and cognition in Alzheimer's disease. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:97. [PMID: 38856925 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02750-w] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme (BACE1) is a crucial protease in the production of amyloid-β (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. However, the side effects observed in clinical trials of BACE1 inhibitors, including reduction in brain volume and cognitive worsening, suggest that the exact role of BACE1 in AD pathology is not fully understood. To further investigate this, we examined cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of BACE1 and its cleaved product sAPPβ that reflects BACE1 activity in the China Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorder Initiative cohort. We found significant correlations between CSF BACE1 or sAPPβ levels and CSF Aβ40, Aβ42, and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, but not with amyloid deposition detected by 18F-Florbetapir PET. Additionally, CSF BACE1 and sAPPβ levels were positively associated with cortical thickness in multiple brain regions, and higher levels of sAPPβ were linked to increased cortical glucose metabolism in frontal and supramarginal areas. Interestingly, individuals with higher baseline levels of CSF BACE1 exhibited slower rates of brain volume reduction and cognitive worsening over time. This suggests that increased levels and activity of BACE1 may not be the determining factor for amyloid deposition, but instead, may be associated with increased neuronal activity and potentially providing protection against neurodegeneration in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Gao
- Department of Neurology, Institute On Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
| | - Mengguo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Institute On Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Neurology, Institute On Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Ming Ni
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Kexue Deng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Qiang Xie
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Shicung Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Jiong Shi
- Department of Neurology, Institute On Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Yong Shen
- Department of Neurology, Institute On Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Aging Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
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5
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Langeland JA, Baumann L, DeYoung EM, Varella RA, Mwenda N, Aguirre A, Moore DB. Early Animal Origin of BACE1 APP/Aβ Proteolytic Function. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:320. [PMID: 38785802 PMCID: PMC11117577 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is characterized, in part, by the accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain. Aβ is produced via the proteolysis of APP by BACE1 and γ-secretase. Since BACE1 is the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of Aβ, and a target for therapeutics, it is of interest to know when its proteolytic function evolved and for what purpose. Here, we take a functional evolutionary approach to show that BACE1 likely evolved from a gene duplication event near the base of the animal clade and that BACE1 APP/Aβ proteolytic function evolved during early animal diversification, hundreds of millions of years before the evolution of the APP/Aβ substrate. Our examination of BACE1 APP/Aβ proteolytic function includes cnidarians, ctenophores, and choanoflagellates. The most basal BACE1 ortholog is found in cnidarians, while ctenophores, placozoa, and choanoflagellates have genes equally orthologous to BACE1 and BACE2. BACE1 from a cnidarian (Hydra) can cleave APP to release Aβ, pushing back the date of the origin of its function to near the origin of animals. We tested more divergent BACE1/2 genes from a ctenophore (Mnemiopsis) and a choanoflagellate (Monosiga), and neither has this activity. These findings indicate that the specific proteolytic function of BACE1 evolved during the very earliest diversification of animals, most likely after a gene-duplication event.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - D. Blaine Moore
- Department of Biology, Kalamazoo College, 1200 Academy Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49006, USA
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6
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Tarif AMM, Huhe H, Ohno M. Combination strategy employing BACE1 inhibitor and memantine to boost cognitive benefits in Alzheimer's disease therapy. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:975-986. [PMID: 38197930 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06525-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE The β-secretase BACE1 initiates amyloid-β (Aβ) generation and represents a long-standing prime therapeutic target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, BACE1 inhibitors tested to date in clinical trials have yielded no beneficial outcomes. In fact, prior BACE1 inhibitor trials targeted at ~ 50-90% Aβ reductions in symptomatic or prodromal AD stages have ended in the discontinuation due to futility and/or side effects, including cognitive worsening rather than expected improvement at the highest dose. OBJECTIVES We tested whether a combination strategy with the selective BACE1 inhibitor GRL-8234 and the FDA-approved symptomatic drug memantine may provide synergistic cognitive benefits within their safe dose range. METHODS The drug effects were evaluated in the advanced symptomatic stage of 5XFAD mice that developed extensive cerebral Aβ deposition. RESULTS Chronic combination treatment with 33.4-mg/kg GRL-8234 and 10-mg/kg memantine, but not either drug alone, rescued cognitive deficits in 5XFAD mice at 12 months of age (the endpoint after 60-day drug treatment), as assessed by the contextual fear conditioning, spontaneous alternation Y-maze and nest building tasks. Intact baseline performances of wild-type control mice on three cognitive paradigms demonstrated that combination treatment did not augment potential cognitive side effects of individual drugs. Biochemical and immunohistochemical examination showed that combination treatment did not synergistically reduce the β-amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein or Aβ levels in 5XFAD mouse brains. CONCLUSIONS A combination strategy with BACE1 inhibitors and memantine may be able to increase the effectiveness of individual drugs within their safe dose range in AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Md Mamun Tarif
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
| | - Hasi Huhe
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA
| | - Masuo Ohno
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, 10962, USA.
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7
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Long J, Qin F, Luo J, Zhong G, Huang S, Jing L, Yi T, Liu J, Jiang N. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel capsaicin-tacrine hybrids as multi-target agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:107026. [PMID: 38103330 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.107026] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
A series of novel hybrid compounds were designed, synthesized, and utilized as multi-target drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) by connecting capsaicin and tacrine moieties. The biological assays indicated that most of these compounds demonstrated strong inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities with IC50 values in the nanomolar, as well as good blood-brain barrier permeability. Among the synthesized hybrids, compound 5s displayed the most balanced inhibitory effect on hAChE (IC50 = 69.8 nM) and hBuChE (IC50 = 68.0 nM), and exhibited promising inhibitory activity against β-secretase-1 (BACE-1) (IC50 = 3.6 µM). Combining inhibition kinetics and molecular model analysis, compound 5s was shown to be a mixed inhibitor affecting both the catalytic active site (CAS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS) of hAChE. Additionally, compound 5s showed low toxicity in PC12 and BV2 cell assays. Moreover, compound 5s demonstrated good tolerance at the dose of up to 2500 mg/kg and exhibited no hepatotoxicity at the dose of 3 mg/kg in mice, and it could effectively improve memory ability in mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that compound 5s is a promising and effective multi-target agent for the potential treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanyue Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, PR China
| | - Fengxue Qin
- Blood Transfusion Department, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University For Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi 533000, PR China
| | - Jinchong Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Guohui Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, PR China
| | - Shutong Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, PR China
| | - Lin Jing
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, PR China
| | - Tingzhuang Yi
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University For Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi 533000, PR China.
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, PR China; School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China.
| | - Neng Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, PR China.
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8
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Ohno M. A Strategy for Allowing Earlier Diagnosis and Rigorous Evaluation of BACE1 Inhibitors in Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:431-445. [PMID: 38701146 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231451] [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: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Given continued failure of BACE1 inhibitor programs at symptomatic and prodromal stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), clinical trials need to target the earlier preclinical stage. However, trial design is complex in this population with negative diagnosis of classical hippocampal amnesia on standard memory tests. Besides recent advances in brain imaging, electroencephalogram, and fluid-based biomarkers, new cognitive markers should be established for earlier diagnosis that can optimize recruitment to BACE1 inhibitor trials in presymptomatic AD. Notably, accelerated long-term forgetting (ALF) is emerging as a sensitive cognitive measure that can discriminate between asymptomatic individuals with high risks for developing AD and healthy controls. ALF is a form of declarative memory impairment characterized by increased forgetting rates over longer delays (days to months) despite normal storage within the standard delays of testing (20-60 min). Therefore, ALF may represent a harbinger of preclinical dementia and the impairment of systems memory consolidation, during which memory traces temporarily stored in the hippocampus become gradually integrated into cortical networks. This review provides an overview of the utility of ALF in a rational design of next-generation BACE1 inhibitor trials in preclinical AD. I explore potential mechanisms underlying ALF and relevant early-stage biomarkers useful for BACE1 inhibitor evaluation, including synaptic protein alterations, astrocytic dysregulation and neuron hyperactivity in the hippocampal-cortical network. Furthermore, given the physiological role of the isoform BACE2 as an AD-suppressor gene, I also discuss the possible association between the poor selectivity of BACE1 inhibitors and their side effects (e.g., cognitive worsening) in prior clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masuo Ohno
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, USA
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Pang LW, Hamzah S, Tan SLJ, Mah SH, Yow HY. The Effects and Mechanisms of Xanthones in Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:3485-3511. [PMID: 37578655 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04005-8] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Xanthones are natural secondary metabolites that possess great potential as neuroprotective agents due to their prominent biological effects on Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, their underlying mechanisms in AD remain unclear. This study aimed to systematically review the effects and mechanisms of xanthones in cell culture and animal studies, gaining a better understanding of their roles in AD. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the Medline and Scopus databases using specific keywords to identify relevant articles published up to June 2023. After removing duplicates, all articles were imported into the Rayyan software. The article titles were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant full-text articles were assessed for biases using the OHAT tool. The results were presented in tables. Xanthones have shown various pharmacological effects towards AD from the 21 preclinical studies included. Cell culture studies demonstrated the anti-cholinesterase activity of xanthones, which protects against the loss of acetylcholine. Xanthones exhibited neuroprotective effects by promoting cell viability, reducing the accumulation of β-amyloid and tau aggregation. The administration of xanthones in animal models resulted in a reduction in neuronal inflammation by decreasing microglial and astrocyte burden. In terms of molecular mechanisms, xanthones prevented neuroinflammation through the modulation of signaling pathways, including TLR4/TAK1/NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Mechanisms such as activation of caspase-3 and -9 and suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress were also reported. Despite the various neuroprotective effects associated with xanthones, there are limited studies reported on their underlying mechanisms in AD. Further studies are warranted to fully understand their potential roles in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wen Pang
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sharina Hamzah
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Medical Advancement for Better Quality of Life Impact Lab, Taylor's University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sui Ling Janet Tan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siau Hui Mah
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hui Yin Yow
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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10
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Wang S, Fang X, Wen X, Yang C, Yang Y, Zhang T. Prioritization of risk genes for Alzheimer's disease: an analysis framework using spatial and temporal gene expression data in the human brain based on support vector machine. Front Genet 2023; 14:1190863. [PMID: 37867597 PMCID: PMC10587557 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1190863] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex disorder, and its risk is influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors. In this study, an AD risk gene prediction framework based on spatial and temporal features of gene expression data (STGE) was proposed. Methods: We proposed an AD risk gene prediction framework based on spatial and temporal features of gene expression data. The gene expression data of providers of different tissues and ages were used as model features. Human genes were classified as AD risk or non-risk sets based on information extracted from relevant databases. Support vector machine (SVM) models were constructed to capture the expression patterns of genes believed to contribute to the risk of AD. Results: The recursive feature elimination (RFE) method was utilized for feature selection. Data for 64 tissue-age features were obtained before feature selection, and this number was reduced to 19 after RFE was performed. The SVM models were built and evaluated using 19 selected and full features. The area under curve (AUC) values for the SVM model based on 19 selected features (0.740 [0.690-0.790]) and full feature sets (0.730 [0.678-0.769]) were very similar. Fifteen genes predicted to be risk genes for AD with a probability greater than 90% were obtained. Conclusion: The newly proposed framework performed comparably to previous prediction methods based on protein-protein interaction (PPI) network properties. A list of 15 candidate genes for AD risk was also generated to provide data support for further studies on the genetic etiology of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Xixian Fang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiang Wen
- Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Congying Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Tianxiao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
- National Anti-Drug Laboratory Shaanxi Regional Center, Xi’an, China
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11
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Xiao X, Wang X, Zhu K, Li L, He Y, Zhang J, Li L, Hu H, Cui Y, Zhang J, Zheng Y. BACE1 in PV interneuron tunes hippocampal CA1 local circuits and resets priming of fear memory extinction. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4151-4162. [PMID: 37452089 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02176-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACE1 is the rate-limiting enzyme for β-amyloid (Aβ) production and therefore is considered a prime drug target for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nevertheless, the BACE1 inhibitors failed in clinical trials, even exhibiting cognitive worsening, implying that BACE1 may function in regulating cognition-relevant neural circuits. Here, we found that parvalbumin-positive inhibitory interneurons (PV INs) in hippocampal CA1 express BACE1 at a high level. We designed and developed a mouse strain with conditional knockout of BACE1 in PV neurons. The CA1 fast-spiking PV INs with BACE1 deletion exhibited an enhanced response of postsynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors to local stimulation on CA1 oriens, with average intrinsic electrical properties and fidelity in synaptic integration. Intriguingly, the BACE1 deletion reorganized the CA1 recurrent inhibitory motif assembled by the heterogeneous pyramidal neurons (PNs) and the adjacent fast-spiking PV INs from the superficial to the deep layer. Moreover, the conditional BACE1 deletion impaired the AMPARs-mediated excitatory transmission of deep CA1 PNs. Further rescue experiments confirmed that these phenotypes require the enzymatic activity of BACE1. Above all, the BACE1 deletion resets the priming of the fear memory extinction. Our findings suggest a neuron-specific working model of BACE1 in regulating learning and memory circuits. The study may provide a potential path of targeting BACE1 and NMDAR together to circumvent cognitive worsening due to a single application of BACE1 inhibitor in AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuansheng Xiao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ke Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ying He
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jinglan Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Linying Li
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hanning Hu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yanqiu Cui
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jianliang Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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12
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Fronza MG, Alves D, Praticò D, Savegnago L. The neurobiology and therapeutic potential of multi-targeting β-secretase, glycogen synthase kinase 3β and acetylcholinesterase in Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102033. [PMID: 37595640 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102033] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting almost 50 million of people around the world, characterized by a complex and age-related progressive pathology with projections to duplicate its incidence by the end of 2050. AD pathology has two major hallmarks, the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation, alongside with several sub pathologies including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, loss of neurogenesis and synaptic dysfunction. In recent years, extensive research pointed out several therapeutic targets which have shown promising effects on modifying the course of the disease in preclinical models of AD but with substantial failure when transposed to clinic trials, suggesting that modulating just an isolated feature of the pathology might not be sufficient to improve brain function and enhance cognition. In line with this, there is a growing consensus that an ideal disease modifying drug should address more than one feature of the pathology. Considering these evidence, β-secretase (BACE1), Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has emerged as interesting therapeutic targets. BACE1 is the rate-limiting step in the Aβ production, GSK-3β is considered the main kinase responsible for Tau hyperphosphorylation, and AChE play an important role in modulating memory formation and learning. However, the effects underlying the modulation of these enzymes are not limited by its primarily functions, showing interesting effects in a wide range of impaired events secondary to AD pathology. In this sense, this review will summarize the involvement of BACE1, GSK-3β and AChE on synaptic function, neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, we will present and discuss new perspectives on the modulation of these pathways on AD pathology and future directions on the development of drugs that concomitantly target these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana G Fronza
- Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN) - Centre for Technology Development CDTec, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Diego Alves
- Laboratory of Clean Organic Synthesis (LASOL), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences (CCQFA), UFPel, RS, Brazil
| | - Domenico Praticò
- Alzheimer's Center at Temple - ACT, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lucielli Savegnago
- Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN) - Centre for Technology Development CDTec, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
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13
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Cai W, Li L, Sang S, Pan X, Zhong C. Physiological Roles of β-amyloid in Regulating Synaptic Function: Implications for AD Pathophysiology. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1289-1308. [PMID: 36443453 PMCID: PMC10387033 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00985-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological functions of endogenous amyloid-β (Aβ), which plays important role in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), have not been paid enough attention. Here, we review the multiple physiological effects of Aβ, particularly in regulating synaptic transmission, and the possible mechanisms, in order to decipher the real characters of Aβ under both physiological and pathological conditions. Some worthy studies have shown that the deprivation of endogenous Aβ gives rise to synaptic dysfunction and cognitive deficiency, while the moderate elevation of this peptide enhances long term potentiation and leads to neuronal hyperexcitability. In this review, we provide a new view for understanding the role of Aβ in AD pathophysiology from the perspective of physiological meaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Cai
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Linxi Li
- Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Shaoming Sang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoli Pan
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Chunjiu Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science & Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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14
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Pratsch K, Unemura C, Ito M, Lichtenthaler SF, Horiguchi N, Herms J. New Highly Selective BACE1 Inhibitors and Their Effects on Dendritic Spine Density In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12283. [PMID: 37569661 PMCID: PMC10418759 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is considered a therapeutic target to combat Alzheimer's disease by reducing β-amyloid in the brain. To date, all clinical trials involving the inhibition of BACE1 have been discontinued due to a lack of efficacy or undesirable side effects such as cognitive worsening. The latter could have been the result of the inhibition of BACE at the synapse where it is expressed in high amounts. We have previously shown that prolonged inhibition of BACE interferes with structural synaptic plasticity, most likely due to the diminished processing of the physiological BACE substrate Seizure protein 6 (Sez6) which is exclusively processed by BACE1 and is required for dendritic spine plasticity. Given that BACE1 has significant amino acid similarity with its homolog BACE2, the inhibition of BACE2 may cause some of the side effects, as most BACE inhibitors do not discriminate between the two. In this study, we used newly developed BACE inhibitors that have a different chemotype from previously developed inhibitors and a high selectivity for BACE1 over BACE2. By using longitudinal in vivo two-photon microscopy, we investigated the effect on dendritic spine dynamics of pyramidal layer V neurons in the somatosensory cortex in mice treated with highly selective BACE1 inhibitors. Treatment with those inhibitors showed a reduction in soluble Sez6 (sSez6) levels to 27% (elenbecestat, Biogen, Eisai Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), 17% (Shionogi compound 1) and 39% (Shionogi compound 2), compared to animals fed with vehicle pellets. We observed a significant decrease in the number of dendritic spines with Shionogi compound 1 after 21 days of treatment but not with Shionogi compound 2 or with elenbecestat, which did not show cognitive worsening in clinical trials. In conclusion, highly selective BACE1 inhibitors do alter dendritic spine density similar to non-selective inhibitors if soluble (sSez6) levels drop too much. Low-dose BACE1 inhibition might be reasonable if dosing is carefully adjusted to the amount of Sez6 cleavage, which can be easily monitored during the first week of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Pratsch
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 81377 Munich, Germany; (K.P.); (S.F.L.)
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research (ZNP), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Chie Unemura
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery and Disease Research, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (C.U.); (M.I.); (N.H.)
| | - Mana Ito
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery and Disease Research, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (C.U.); (M.I.); (N.H.)
| | - Stefan F. Lichtenthaler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 81377 Munich, Germany; (K.P.); (S.F.L.)
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany
- Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Naotaka Horiguchi
- Laboratory for Drug Discovery and Disease Research, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (C.U.); (M.I.); (N.H.)
| | - Jochen Herms
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 81377 Munich, Germany; (K.P.); (S.F.L.)
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research (ZNP), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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15
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Zhao Y, Zhou H, Zhao Y, Liang Z, Gong X, Yu J, Huang T, Yang C, Wu M, Xiao Y, Yang Y, Liu W, Wang X, Shu X, Bao J. BACE1 SUMOylation deregulates phosphorylation and ubiquitination in Alzheimer's disease pathology. J Neurochem 2023; 166:318-327. [PMID: 37286480 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACE1 is essential for the generation of amyloid-β (Aβ) that likely initiates the toxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD). BACE1 activity is mainly regulated by post-translational modifications, but the relationship between these modifications is not fully characterized. Here, we studied the effects of BACE1 SUMOylation on its phosphorylation and ubiquitination. We demonstrate that SUMOylation of BACE1 inhibits its phosphorylation at S498 and its ubiquitination in vitro. Conversely, BACE1 phosphorylation at S498 suppresses its SUMOylation, which results in promoting BACE1 degradation in vitro. Furthermore, an increase in BACE1 SUMOylation is associated with the progression of AD pathology, while its phosphorylation and ubiquitination are decreased in an AD mouse model. Our findings suggest that BACE1 SUMOylation reciprocally influences its phosphorylation and competes against its ubiquitination, which might provide a new insight into the regulations of BACE1 activity and Aβ accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanna Zhao
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongyan Zhou
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen Liang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaokang Gong
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tiantian Huang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chaoqin Yang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengjuan Wu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifan Xiao
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Youhua Yang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaochuan Wang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiji Shu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Bao
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
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16
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Nisa N, Rasmita B, Arati C, Uditraj C, Siddhartha R, Dinata R, Bhanushree B, Bidanchi RM, Manikandan B, Laskar SA, Abinash G, Pori B, Roy VK, Gurusubramanian G. Repurposing of phyto-ligand molecules from the honey bee products for Alzheimer's disease as novel inhibitors of BACE-1: small molecule bioinformatics strategies as amyloid-based therapy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:51143-51169. [PMID: 36808033 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25943-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the neurodegenerative diseases, manifesting dementia, spatial disorientation, language, cognitive, and functional impairment, mainly affects the elderly population with a growing concern about the financial burden on society. Repurposing can improve the traditional progress of drug design applications and could speed up the identification of innovative remedies for AD. The pursuit of potent anti-BACE-1 drugs for AD treatment has become a pot boiler topic in the recent past and to instigate the design of novel improved inhibitors from the bee products. Drug-likeness characteristics (ADMET: absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity), docking (AutoDock Vina), simulation (GROMACS), and free energy interaction (MM-PBSA, molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area) analyses were performed to identify the lead candidates from the bee products (500 bioactives from the honey, royal jelly, propolis, bee bread, bee wax, and bee venom) for Alzheimer's disease as novel inhibitors of BACE-1 (beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (1) receptor using appropriate bioinformatics tools. Forty-four bioactive lead compounds were screened from the bee products through high throughput virtual screening on the basis of their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics characteristics, showing favorable intestinal and oral absorption, bioavailability, blood brain barrier penetration, less skin permeability, and no inhibition of cytochrome P450 inhibitors. The docking score of the forty-four ligand molecules was found to be between -4 and -10.3 kcal/mol, respectively, exhibiting strong binding affinity to BACE1 receptor. The highest binding affinity was observed in the rutin (-10.3 kcal/mol), 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid (-9.5 kcal/mol), nemorosone (-9.5 kcal/mol), and luteolin (-8.9 kcal/mol). Furthermore, these compounds demonstrated high total binding energy -73.20 to -105.85 kJ/mol), and low root mean square deviation (0.194-0.202 nm), root mean square fluctuation (0.0985-0.1136 nm), radius of gyration (2.12 nm), number of H-bonds (0.778-5.436), and eigenvector values (2.39-3.54 nm2) in the molecular dynamic simulation, signifying restricted motion of Cα atoms, proper folding and flexibility, and highly stable with compact of the BACE1 receptor with the ligands. Docking and simulation studies concluded that rutin, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, nemorosone, and luteolin are plausibly used as novel inhibitors of BACE1 to combat AD, but further in-depth experimental investigations are warranted to prove these in silico findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisekhoto Nisa
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | - Borgohain Rasmita
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | - Chettri Arati
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | - Chetia Uditraj
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | | | - Roy Dinata
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | - Baishya Bhanushree
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | | | - Bose Manikandan
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | - Saeed Ahmed Laskar
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | - Giri Abinash
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | - Buragohain Pori
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
| | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India
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17
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Müller SA, Shmueli MD, Feng X, Tüshaus J, Schumacher N, Clark R, Smith BE, Chi A, Rose-John S, Kennedy ME, Lichtenthaler SF. The Alzheimer's disease-linked protease BACE1 modulates neuronal IL-6 signaling through shedding of the receptor gp130. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:13. [PMID: 36810097 PMCID: PMC9942414 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00596-6] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protease BACE1 is a major drug target for Alzheimer's disease, but chronic BACE1 inhibition is associated with non-progressive cognitive worsening that may be caused by modulation of unknown physiological BACE1 substrates. METHODS To identify in vivo-relevant BACE1 substrates, we applied pharmacoproteomics to non-human-primate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after acute treatment with BACE inhibitors. RESULTS Besides SEZ6, the strongest, dose-dependent reduction was observed for the pro-inflammatory cytokine receptor gp130/IL6ST, which we establish as an in vivo BACE1 substrate. Gp130 was also reduced in human CSF from a clinical trial with a BACE inhibitor and in plasma of BACE1-deficient mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that BACE1 directly cleaves gp130, thereby attenuating membrane-bound gp130 and increasing soluble gp130 abundance and controlling gp130 function in neuronal IL-6 signaling and neuronal survival upon growth-factor withdrawal. CONCLUSION BACE1 is a new modulator of gp130 function. The BACE1-cleaved, soluble gp130 may serve as a pharmacodynamic BACE1 activity marker to reduce the occurrence of side effects of chronic BACE1 inhibition in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan A Müller
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Merav D Shmueli
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Xiao Feng
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Tüshaus
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Ryan Clark
- Neuroscience, Merck & Co. Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brad E Smith
- Laboratory Animal Resources, Merck & Co. Inc., West Point, PA, USA
| | - An Chi
- Chemical Biology, Merck & Co. Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany. .,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. .,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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18
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Hampel H, Caruso G, Nisticò R, Piccioni G, Mercuri NB, Giorgi FS, Ferrarelli F, Lemercier P, Caraci F, Lista S, Vergallo A. Biological Mechanism-based Neurology and Psychiatry: A BACE1/2 and Downstream Pathway Model. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:31-53. [PMID: 34852743 PMCID: PMC10193755 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666211201095701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In oncology, comprehensive omics and functional enrichment studies have led to an extensive profiling of (epi)genetic and neurobiological alterations that can be mapped onto a single tumor's clinical phenotype and divergent clinical phenotypes expressing common pathophysiological pathways. Consequently, molecular pathway-based therapeutic interventions for different cancer typologies, namely tumor type- and site-agnostic treatments, have been developed, encouraging the real-world implementation of a paradigm shift in medicine. Given the breakthrough nature of the new-generation translational research and drug development in oncology, there is an increasing rationale to transfertilize this blueprint to other medical fields, including psychiatry and neurology. In order to illustrate the emerging paradigm shift in neuroscience, we provide a state-of-the-art review of translational studies on the β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE) and its most studied downstream effector, neuregulin, which are molecular orchestrators of distinct biological pathways involved in several neurological and psychiatric diseases. This body of data aligns with the evidence of a shared genetic/biological architecture among Alzheimer's disease, schizoaffective disorder, and autism spectrum disorders. To facilitate a forward-looking discussion about a potential first step towards the adoption of biological pathway-based, clinical symptom-agnostic, categorization models in clinical neurology and psychiatry for precision medicine solutions, we engage in a speculative intellectual exercise gravitating around BACE-related science, which is used as a paradigmatic case here. We draw a perspective whereby pathway-based therapeutic strategies could be catalyzed by highthroughput techniques embedded in systems-scaled biology, neuroscience, and pharmacology approaches that will help overcome the constraints of traditional descriptive clinical symptom and syndrome-focused constructs in neurology and psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Hampel
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Boulevard de l'hôpital, Paris, France
| | | | - Robert Nisticò
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Rome, Italy
- School of Pharmacy, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Piccioni
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V.Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola B. Mercuri
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Sean Giorgi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Ferrarelli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Pablo Lemercier
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Boulevard de l'hôpital, Paris, France
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Simone Lista
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Boulevard de l'hôpital, Paris, France
- Memory Resources and Research Center (CMRR), Neurology Department, Gui de Chauliac University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Andrea Vergallo
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Boulevard de l'hôpital, Paris, France
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19
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Region-specific denoising identifies spatial co-expression patterns and intra-tissue heterogeneity in spatially resolved transcriptomics data. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6912. [PMID: 36376296 PMCID: PMC9663444 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34567-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatially resolved transcriptomics is a relatively new technique that maps transcriptional information within a tissue. Analysis of these datasets is challenging because gene expression values are highly sparse due to dropout events, and there is a lack of tools to facilitate in silico detection and annotation of regions based on their molecular content. Therefore, we develop a computational tool for detecting molecular regions and region-based Missing value Imputation for Spatially Transcriptomics (MIST). We validate MIST-identified regions across multiple datasets produced by 10x Visium Spatial Transcriptomics, using manually annotated histological images as references. We benchmark MIST against a spatial k-nearest neighboring baseline and other imputation methods designed for single-cell RNA sequencing. We use holdout experiments to demonstrate that MIST accurately recovers spatial transcriptomics missing values. MIST facilitates identifying intra-tissue heterogeneity and recovering spatial gene-gene co-expression signals. Using MIST before downstream analysis thus provides unbiased region detections to facilitate annotations with the associated functional analyses and produces accurately denoised spatial gene expression profiles.
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20
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Keable R, Hu S, Pfundstein G, Kozlova I, Su F, Du X, Yang H, Gunnersen J, Schachner M, Leshchyns'ka I, Sytnyk V. The BACE1-generated C-terminal fragment of the neural cell adhesion molecule 2 (NCAM2) promotes BACE1 targeting to Rab11-positive endosomes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:555. [PMID: 36251052 PMCID: PMC9576659 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04575-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), also known as β-secretase, is an aspartic protease. The sorting of this enzyme into Rab11-positive recycling endosomes regulates the BACE1-mediated cleavage of its substrates, however, the mechanisms underlying this targeting remain poorly understood. The neural cell adhesion molecule 2 (NCAM2) is a substrate of BACE1. We show that BACE1 cleaves NCAM2 in cultured hippocampal neurons and NCAM2-transfected CHO cells. The C-terminal fragment of NCAM2 that comprises the intracellular domain and a small portion of NCAM2’s extracellular domain, associates with BACE1. This association is not affected in cells with inhibited endocytosis, indicating that the interaction of NCAM2 and BACE1 precedes the targeting of BACE1 from the cell surface to endosomes. In neurons and CHO cells, this fragment and BACE1 co-localize in Rab11-positive endosomes. Overexpression of full-length NCAM2 or a recombinant NCAM2 fragment containing the transmembrane and intracellular domains but lacking the extracellular domain leads to an increase in BACE1 levels in these organelles. In NCAM2-deficient neurons, the levels of BACE1 are increased at the cell surface and reduced in intracellular organelles. These effects are correlated with increased levels of the soluble extracellular domain of BACE1 in the brains of NCAM2-deficient mice, suggesting increased shedding of BACE1 from the cell surface. Of note, shedding of the extracellular domain of Sez6, a protein cleaved exclusively by BACE1, is reduced in NCAM2-deficient animals. These results indicate that the BACE1-generated fragment of NCAM2 regulates BACE1 activity by promoting the targeting of BACE1 to Rab11-positive endosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Keable
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Shangfeng Hu
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Grant Pfundstein
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Irina Kozlova
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Feifei Su
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Ximing Du
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Hongyuan Yang
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jenny Gunnersen
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Melitta Schachner
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08554, USA
| | - Iryna Leshchyns'ka
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Vladimir Sytnyk
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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21
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Fan J, Wei X, Dong H, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Xu M, Xiao G. Advancement in Analytical Techniques for Determining the Activity of β-Site Amyloid Precursor Protein Cleaving Enzyme 1. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2022:1-13. [PMID: 36227582 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2022.2132812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system. The pathogenesis is still not fully clear. One of the main histopathological manifestations is senile plaques formed by β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation. Aβ is generated from the sequential proteolysis of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-secretase [i.e. β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1)] and γ-secretase, with a rate-limiting step controlled by BACE1 activity. Therefore, inhibiting BACE1 activity has become a potential therapeutic strategy for AD. The development of reliable detection methods for BACE1 activity plays an important role in early diagnosis of AD and evaluation of the therapeutic effect of new drugs for AD. This article has reviewed the recent advances in BACE1 activity detection techniques. The challenges of applying these analysis techniques to early clinical diagnosis of AD and development trends of the detection techniques have been prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fan
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiuhua Wei
- Henan Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Recognition and Sensing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Early Diagnosis of Major Diseases, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Henan Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Recognition and Sensing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Early Diagnosis of Major Diseases, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, China
| | - Yintang Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Recognition and Sensing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Early Diagnosis of Major Diseases, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, China
| | - Yanli Zhou
- Henan Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Recognition and Sensing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Early Diagnosis of Major Diseases, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, China
| | - Maotian Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Biomolecular Recognition and Sensing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Early Diagnosis of Major Diseases, Shangqiu Normal University, Shangqiu, China
| | - Guoqing Xiao
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, China
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22
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Dobrowolska Zakaria JA, Bateman RJ, Lysakowska M, Khatri A, Jean-Gilles D, Kennedy ME, Vassar R. The metabolism of human soluble amyloid precursor protein isoforms is quantifiable by a stable isotope labeling-tandem mass spectrometry method. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14985. [PMID: 36056033 PMCID: PMC9440206 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18869-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that β-secretase (BACE1), which cleaves Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) to form sAPPβ and amyloid-β, is elevated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains and biofluids and, thus, BACE1 is a therapeutic target for this devastating disease. The direct product of BACE1 cleavage of APP, sAPPβ, serves as a surrogate marker of BACE1 activity in the central nervous system. This biomarker could be utilized to better understand normal APP processing, aberrant processing in the disease setting, and modulations to processing during therapeutic intervention. In this paper, we present a method for measuring the metabolism of sAPPβ and another APP proteolytic product, sAPPα, in vivo in humans using stable isotope labeling kinetics, paired with immunoprecipitation and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The method presented herein is robust, reproducible, and precise, and allows for the study of these analytes by taking into account their full dynamic potential as opposed to the traditional methods of absolute concentration quantitation that only provide a static view of a dynamic system. A study of in vivo cerebrospinal fluid sAPPβ and sAPPα kinetics using these methods could reveal novel insights into pathophysiological mechanisms of AD, such as increased BACE1 processing of APP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna A Dobrowolska Zakaria
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Randall J Bateman
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- SILQ Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Monika Lysakowska
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ammaarah Khatri
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | | | - Matthew E Kennedy
- Deparment of Neuroscience, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Robert Vassar
- Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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23
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Blume T, Filser S, Sgobio C, Peters F, Neumann U, Shimshek D, Saito T, Saido TC, Brendel M, Herms J. β-secretase inhibition prevents structural spine plasticity deficits in AppNL-G-F mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:909586. [PMID: 35936777 PMCID: PMC9354544 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.909586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
All clinical BACE1-inhibitor trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) have failed due to insufficient efficacy or side effects like worsening of cognitive symptoms. However, the scientific evidence to date suggests that BACE1-inhibition could be an effective preventative measure if applied prior to the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ)-peptide and resultant impairment of synaptic function. Preclinical studies have associated BACE1-inhibition-induced cognitive deficits with decreased dendritic spine density. Therefore, we investigated dose-dependent effects of BACE1-inhibition on hippocampal dendritic spine dynamics in an APP knock-in mouse line for the first time. We conducted in vivo two-photon microscopy in the stratum oriens layer of hippocampal CA1 neurons in 3.5-month-old AppNL-G-FGFP-M mice over 6 weeks to monitor the effect of potential preventive treatment with a high and low dose of the BACE1-inhibitor NB-360 on dendritic spine dynamics. Structural spine plasticity was severely impaired in untreated AppNL-G-FGFP-M mice, although spines were not yet showing signs of degeneration. Prolonged high-dose BACE1-inhibition significantly enhanced spine formation, improving spine dynamics in the AD mouse model. We conclude that in an early AD stage characterized by low Aβ-accumulation and no irreversible spine loss, BACE1-inhibition could hold the progressive synapse loss and cognitive decline by improving structural spine dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Blume
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Severin Filser
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carmelo Sgobio
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Ulf Neumann
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Derya Shimshek
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Takashi Saito
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Neurocognitive Science, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takaomi C. Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Matthias Brendel
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Munich, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Herms
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jochen Herms
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24
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Li JM, Yang FH, Chao MW, Tseng CY. Swimming exercise prevents hippocampal dendritic spine changes and memory loss caused by aging: An application of a new semi-automated spine analysis software. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 121:103755. [PMID: 35850447 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103755] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic spines are small, ratchet-like protrusions on neuronal dendrites that form synapses for receiving neuronal messages. Dendritic spine morphology is associated with synapse function. If neurons degrade or are damaged, the spine morphology of neurons changes. Given that most commercially available spine analysis software is expensive and complex, this study investigated a semi-automated spine analysis software, CTSpine, and used previously published data to verify the accuracy of the analysis results of this software. We also applied CTSpine to understand whether aging causes alterations in the hippocampal spine morphology and whether physical exercise can impede dendritic spine changes in 20 male Sprague Dawley rats. The spines of pyramidal cells in the hippocampal Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) region in the aging group were more enriched in filopodium type pattern than those in the control group, whereas the spines of the exercised aging group showed a similar pattern to that of the control. No significant changes were observed in neuronal dendritic spines in other hippocampal regions. However, long-term hippocampal memory was considerably decreased in the aging group, which was reversed to some extent in the exercised aging group. CTSpine, a self-developed semi-automatic spine analysis software, showed results similar to those noted in published data and can be effectively applied to the study of dendritic patterns, including neurodevelopment and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ming Li
- Psychiatry Department, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, No. 168, Zhongxing Rd., Longtan Dist, Taoyuan City 32551, Taiwan.
| | - Fu-Hua Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Zhongli District, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Wei Chao
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Zhongli District, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Yi Tseng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Zhongli District, Taoyuan 320, Taiwan.
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25
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Beta-Site Amyloid Precursor Protein-Cleaving Enzyme Inhibition Partly Restores Sevoflurane-Induced Deficits on Synaptic Plasticity and Spine Loss. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126637. [PMID: 35743082 PMCID: PMC9223703 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence indicates that inhalative anesthetics enhance the β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP)-cleaving enzyme (BACE) activity, increase amyloid beta 1-42 (Aβ1–42) aggregation, and modulate dendritic spine dynamics. However, the mechanisms of inhalative anesthetics on hippocampal dendritic spine plasticity and BACE-dependent APP processing remain unclear. In this study, hippocampal slices were incubated with equipotent isoflurane (iso), sevoflurane (sevo), or xenon (Xe) with/without pretreatment of the BACE inhibitor LY2886721 (LY). Thereafter, CA1 dendritic spine density, APP processing-related molecule expressions, nectin-3 levels, and long-term potentiation (LTP) were tested. The nectin-3 downregulation on LTP and dendritic spines were evaluated. Sevo treatment increased hippocampal mouse Aβ1–42 (mAβ1–42), abolished CA1-LTP, and decreased spine density and nectin-3 expressions in the CA1 region. Furthermore, CA1-nectin-3 knockdown blocked LTP and reduced spine density. Iso treatment decreased spine density and attenuated LTP. Although Xe blocked LTP, it did not affect spine density, mAβ1–42, or nectin-3. Finally, antagonizing BACE activity partly restored sevo-induced deficits. Taken together, our study suggests that sevo partly elevates BACE activity and interferes with synaptic remodeling, whereas iso mildly modulates synaptic changes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. On the other hand, Xe does not alternate dendritic spine remodeling.
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26
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Marino M, Zhou L, Rincon MY, Callaerts-Vegh Z, Verhaert J, Wahis J, Creemers E, Yshii L, Wierda K, Saito T, Marneffe C, Voytyuk I, Wouters Y, Dewilde M, Duqué SI, Vincke C, Levites Y, Golde TE, Saido TC, Muyldermans S, Liston A, De Strooper B, Holt MG. AAV-mediated delivery of an anti-BACE1 VHH alleviates pathology in an Alzheimer's disease model. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e09824. [PMID: 35352880 PMCID: PMC8988209 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201809824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Single domain antibodies (VHHs) are potentially disruptive therapeutics, with important biological value for treatment of several diseases, including neurological disorders. However, VHHs have not been widely used in the central nervous system (CNS), largely because of their restricted blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. Here, we propose a gene transfer strategy based on BBB-crossing Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors to deliver VHH directly into the CNS. As a proof-of-concept, we explored the potential of AAV-delivered VHH to inhibit BACE1, a well-characterized target in Alzheimer's disease. First, we generated a panel of VHHs targeting BACE1, one of which, VHH-B9, shows high selectivity for BACE1 and efficacy in lowering BACE1 activity in vitro. We further demonstrate that a single systemic dose of AAV-VHH-B9 produces positive long-term (12 months plus) effects on amyloid load, neuroinflammation, synaptic function, and cognitive performance, in the AppNL-G-F Alzheimer's disease mouse model. These results constitute a novel therapeutic approach forneurodegenerative diseases, which is applicable to a range of CNS disease targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Marino
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lujia Zhou
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Melvin Y Rincon
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jens Verhaert
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Wahis
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eline Creemers
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Electrophysiology Expertise Unit, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lidia Yshii
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Keimpe Wierda
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Electrophysiology Expertise Unit, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Takashi Saito
- Department of Neurocognitive Science, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Catherine Marneffe
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Iryna Voytyuk
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yessica Wouters
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten Dewilde
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sandra I Duqué
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cécile Vincke
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yona Levites
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Todd E Golde
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Takaomi C Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako-shi, Japan
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Adrian Liston
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,UK Dementia Research institute at UCL, London, UK.,Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthew G Holt
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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27
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Ong-Pålsson E, Njavro JR, Wilson Y, Pigoni M, Schmidt A, Müller SA, Meyer M, Hartmann J, Busche MA, Gunnersen JM, Munro KM, Lichtenthaler SF. The β-Secretase Substrate Seizure 6-Like Protein (SEZ6L) Controls Motor Functions in Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 59:1183-1198. [PMID: 34958451 PMCID: PMC8857007 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02660-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The membrane protein seizure 6-like (SEZ6L) is a neuronal substrate of the Alzheimer's disease protease BACE1, and little is known about its physiological function in the nervous system. Here, we show that SEZ6L constitutive knockout mice display motor phenotypes in adulthood, including changes in gait and decreased motor coordination. Additionally, SEZ6L knockout mice displayed increased anxiety-like behaviour, although spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze were normal. Analysis of the gross anatomy and proteome of the adult SEZ6L knockout cerebellum did not reveal any major differences compared to wild type, indicating that lack of SEZ6L in other regions of the nervous system may contribute to the phenotypes observed. In summary, our study establishes physiological functions for SEZ6L in regulating motor coordination and curbing anxiety-related behaviour, indicating that aberrant SEZ6L function in the human nervous system may contribute to movement disorders and neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Ong-Pålsson
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Jasenka Rudan Njavro
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Yvette Wilson
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Martina Pigoni
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Andree Schmidt
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan A Müller
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Meyer
- Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152, Planegg/Munich, Germany
| | - Jana Hartmann
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, Great Britain, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.,Institute of Neuroscience, Technical University of Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Aurel Busche
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, Great Britain, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Jenny M Gunnersen
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Kathryn M Munro
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany. .,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany. .,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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28
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Secretases Related to Amyloid Precursor Protein Processing. MEMBRANES 2021; 11:membranes11120983. [PMID: 34940484 PMCID: PMC8706128 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11120983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease whose prevalence increases with age. An increasing number of findings suggest that abnormalities in the metabolism of amyloid precursor protein (APP), a single transmembrane aspartic protein that is cleaved by β- and γ-secretases to produce β-amyloid protein (Aβ), are a major pathological feature of AD. In recent years, a large number of studies have been conducted on the APP processing pathways and the role of secretion. This paper provides a summary of the involvement of secretases in the processing of APP and the potential drug targets that could provide new directions for AD therapy.
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Bao J, Liang Z, Gong X, Yu J, Xiao Y, Liu W, Wang X, Wang JZ, Shu X. High Fat Diet Mediates Amyloid-β Cleaving Enzyme 1 Phosphorylation and SUMOylation, Enhancing Cognitive Impairment in APP/PS1 Mice. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 85:863-876. [PMID: 34864680 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in older adults and extracellular accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) is one of the two characterized pathologies of AD. Obesity is significantly associated with AD developing factors. Several studies have reported that high fat diet (HFD) influenced Aβ accumulation and cognitive performance during AD pathology. However, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of HFD influenced Aβ accumulation and cognitive performance during AD pathology. METHODS 2.5-month-old male APP/PS1 mice were randomly separated into two groups: 1) the normal diet (ND) group, fed a standard diet (10 kcal%fat); and 2) the HFD group, fed a high fat diet (40 kcal%fat, D12492; Research Diets). After 4 months of HFD or ND feeding, mice in the two groups were subjected for further ethological, morphological, and biochemical analyses. RESULTS A long-term HFD diet significantly increased perirenal fat and impaired dendritic integrity and aggravated neurodegeneration, and augmented learning and memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, the HFD increased beta amyloid cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) dephosphorylation and SUMOylation, resulting in enhanced enzyme activity and stability, which exacerbated the deposition of amyloid plaques. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that long-term HFD consumption aggravates amyloid-β accumulation and cognitive impairments, and that modifiable lifestyle factors, such as obesity, can induce BACE1 post-modifications which may contribute to AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Bao
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Liang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaokang Gong
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifan Xiao
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaochuan Wang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiji Shu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
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30
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The case for low-level BACE1 inhibition for the prevention of Alzheimer disease. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17:703-714. [PMID: 34548654 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00545-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in older individuals (>65 years) and has a long presymptomatic phase. Preventive therapies for AD are not yet available, and potential disease-modifying therapies targeting amyloid-β plaques in symptomatic stages of AD have only just been approved in the United States. Small-molecule inhibitors of β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP)-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1; also known as β-secretase 1) reduce the production of amyloid-β peptide and are among the most advanced drug candidates for AD. However, to date all phase II and phase III clinical trials of BACE inhibitors were either concluded without benefit or discontinued owing to futility or the occurrence of adverse effects. Adverse effects included early, mild cognitive impairment that was associated with all but one inhibitor; preliminary results suggest that the cognitive effects are non-progressive and reversible. These discontinuations have raised questions regarding the suitability of BACE1 as a drug target for AD. In this Perspective, we discuss the status of BACE inhibitors and suggest ways in which the results of the discontinued trials can inform the development of future clinical trials of BACE inhibitors and related secretase modulators as preventative therapies. We also propose a series of experiments that should be performed to inform 'go-no-go' decisions in future trials with BACE inhibitors and consider the possibility that low levels of BACE1 inhibition could avoid adverse effects while achieving efficacy for AD prevention.
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31
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Das B, Singh N, Yao AY, Zhou J, He W, Hu X, Yan R. BACE1 controls synaptic function through modulating release of synaptic vesicles. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:6394-6410. [PMID: 34158621 PMCID: PMC8760050 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01166-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACE1 initiates production of β-amyloid peptides (Aβ), which is associated with cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to abnormal oligomerization and aggregation. While BACE1 inhibitors show strong reduction in Aβ deposition, they fail to improve cognitive function in patients, largely due to its role in synaptic function. We show that BACE1 is required for optimal release of synaptic vesicles. BACE1 deficiency or inhibition decreases synaptic vesicle docking in the synaptic active zones. Consistently, BACE1-null mice or mice treated with clinically tested BACE1 inhibitors Verubecestat and Lanabecestat exhibit severe reduction in hippocampal LTP and learning behaviors. To counterbalance this synaptic deficit, we discovered that BACE1-null mice treated with positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1), whose levels were reduced in BACE1-null mice and significantly improved long-term potentiation and cognitive behaviors. Similarly, mice treated with mGluR1 PAM showed significantly mitigated synaptic deficits caused by BACE1 inhibitors. Together, our data suggest that a therapy combining BACE1 inhibitors for reducing amyloid deposition and an mGluR1 PAM for counteracting BACE1-mediated synaptic deficits appears to be an effective approach for treating AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brati Das
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Neeraj Singh
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Annie Y Yao
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - John Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Wanxia He
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Xiangyou Hu
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Riqiang Yan
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA.
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32
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Lichtenthaler SF, Tschirner SK, Steiner H. Secretases in Alzheimer's disease: Novel insights into proteolysis of APP and TREM2. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 72:101-110. [PMID: 34689040 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Secretases are a group of proteases that are major drug targets considered for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Secretases do not only process the AD-linked neuronal amyloid precursor protein (APP) but also the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), thereby controlling microglial functions. This review highlights selected recent discoveries for the α-secretases a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10) and a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17), the β-secretase β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase and their link to AD. New genetic evidence strengthens the role of α-secretases in AD through cleavage of APP and TREM2. Novel proteins were linked to AD, which control α- and β-secretase activity through transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms. Finally, new opportunities but also challenges are discussed for pharmacologically targeting β- and γ-secretase cleavage of APP and α-secretase cleavage of TREM2 with the aim to prevent or treat AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany; Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
| | - Sarah K Tschirner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany; Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Harald Steiner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany; Biomedical Center (BMC), Division of Metabolic Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany.
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33
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JNJ-67569762, A 2-Aminotetrahydropyridine-Based Selective BACE1 Inhibitor Targeting the S3 Pocket: From Discovery to Clinical Candidate. J Med Chem 2021; 64:14175-14191. [PMID: 34553934 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of a novel 2-aminotetrahydropyridine class of BACE1 inhibitors is described. Their pKa and lipophilicity were modulated by a pending sulfonyl group, while good permeability and brain penetration were achieved via intramolecular hydrogen bonding. BACE1 selectivity over BACE2 was achieved in the S3 pocket by a novel bicyclic ring system. An optimization addressing reactive metabolite formation, cardiovascular safety, and CNS toxicity is described, leading to the clinical candidate JNJ-67569762 (12), which gave robust dose-dependent BACE1-mediated amyloid β lowering without showing BACE2-dependent hair depigmentation in preclinical models. We show that 12 has a favorable projected human dose and PK and hence presented us with an opportunity to test a highly selective BACE1 inhibitor in humans. However, 12 was found to have a QT effect upon repeat dosing in dogs and its development was halted in favor of other selective leads, which will be reported in the future.
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34
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Nash A, Aumann TD, Pigoni M, Lichtenthaler SF, Takeshima H, Munro KM, Gunnersen JM. Lack of Sez6 Family Proteins Impairs Motor Functions, Short-Term Memory, and Cognitive Flexibility and Alters Dendritic Spine Properties. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:2167-2184. [PMID: 31711114 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Seizure-related gene 6 (Sez6), Sez6-Like (Sez6L), and Sez6-Like 2 (Sez6L2) comprise a family of homologous proteins widely expressed throughout the brain that have been linked to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Here, we use Sez6 triple knockout (TKO) mice, which lack all three Sez6 family proteins, to demonstrate that Sez6 family proteins regulate dendritic spine structure and cognitive functions, motor learning, and maintenance of motor functions across the lifespan. Compared to WT controls, we found that Sez6 TKO mice had impaired motor learning and their motor coordination was negatively affected from 6 weeks old and declined more rapidly as they aged. Sez6 TKO mice had reduced spine density in the hippocampus and dendritic spines were shifted to more immature morphologies in the somatosensory cortex. Cognitive testing revealed that they had enhanced stress responsiveness, impaired working, and spatial short-term memory but intact spatial long-term memory in the Morris water maze albeit accompanied by a reversal deficit. Our study demonstrates that the lack of Sez6 family proteins results in phenotypes commonly associated with neuropsychiatric disorders making it likely that Sez6 family proteins contribute to the complex etiologies of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Nash
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Timothy D Aumann
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Martina Pigoni
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich 81377, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, and Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Munich 81675, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Hiroshi Takeshima
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kathryn M Munro
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jenny M Gunnersen
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.,The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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35
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BACE inhibitor treatment of mice induces hyperactivity in a Seizure-related gene 6 family dependent manner without altering learning and memory. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15084. [PMID: 34302009 PMCID: PMC8302682 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94369-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACE inhibitors, which decrease BACE1 (β-secretase 1) cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein, are a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical trials using BACE inhibitors have reported a lack of positive effect on patient symptoms and, in some cases, have led to increased adverse events, cognitive worsening and hippocampal atrophy. A potential drawback of this strategy is the effect of BACE inhibition on other BACE1 substrates such as Seizure-related gene 6 (Sez6) family proteins which are known to have a role in neuronal function. Mice were treated with an in-diet BACE inhibitor for 4–8 weeks to achieve a clinically-relevant level of amyloid-β40 reduction in the brain. Mice underwent behavioural testing and postmortem analysis of dendritic spine number and morphology with Golgi-Cox staining. Sez6 family triple knockout mice were tested alongside wild-type mice to identify whether any effects of the treatment were due to altered cleavage of Sez6 family proteins. Wild-type mice treated with BACE inhibitor displayed hyperactivity on the elevated open field, as indicated by greater distance travelled, but this effect was not observed in treated Sez6 triple knockout mice. BACE inhibitor treatment did not lead to significant changes in spatial or fear learning, reference memory, cognitive flexibility or anxiety in mice as assessed by the Morris water maze, context fear conditioning, or light–dark box tests. Chronic BACE inhibitor treatment reduced the density of mushroom-type spines in the somatosensory cortex, regardless of genotype, but did not affect steady-state dendritic spine density or morphology in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Chronic BACE inhibition for 1–2 months in mice led to increased locomotor output but did not alter memory or cognitive flexibility. While the mechanism underlying the treatment-induced hyperactivity is unknown, the absence of this response in Sez6 triple knockout mice indicates that blocking ectodomain shedding of Sez6 family proteins is a contributing factor. In contrast, the decrease in mature spine density in cortical neurons was not attributable to lack of shed Sez6 family protein ectodomains. Therefore, other BACE1 substrates are implicated in this effect and, potentially, in the cognitive decline in longer-term chronically treated patients.
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36
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Peng Q, Zhang Z. The fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease. BRAIN SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021. [DOI: 10.26599/bsa.2021.9050001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder. However, it still has no available disease‐modifying therapies. Its pathology cascade begins decades before symptomatic presentation. For these reasons, highly sensitive and highly specific fluid biomarkers should be developed for the early diagnosis of AD. In this study, the well‐established and emerging fluid biomarkers of AD are summarized, and recent advances on their role in early diagnosis and progression monitoring as well as their correlations with AD pathology are highlighted. Future prospects and related research directions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyu Peng
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
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37
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Resende R, Ferreira-Marques M, Moreira P, Coimbra JRM, Baptista SJ, Isidoro C, Salvador JAR, Dinis TCP, Pereira CF, Santos AE. New BACE1 Chimeric Peptide Inhibitors Selectively Prevent AβPP-β Cleavage Decreasing Amyloid-β Production and Accumulation in Alzheimer's Disease Models. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 76:1317-1337. [PMID: 32597812 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still an unmet clinical need. The formation of amyloid-β (Aβ) requires the initial cleavage of the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) by BACE1 (beta-site AβPP cleaving enzyme 1), which is a prime therapeutic target for AD. OBJECTIVE We aimed to design and develop a selective BACE1 inhibitor suitable to AD treatment. METHODS The new BACE1 inhibitors consist on a chimeric peptide including a sequence related to the human Swedish mutant form of AβPP (AβPPswe) conjugated with the TAT carrier that facilitates cell membrane permeation and the crossing of the blood-brain barrier. Additionally to the chimeric peptide in the L-form, we developed a D-retroinverso chimeric peptide. The latter strategy, never used with BACE1 inhibitors, is considered to favor a significantly higher half-life and lower immunogenicity. RESULTS We found that both chimeric peptides inhibit recombinant BACE1 activity and decrease Aβ40/42 production in Neuro-2a (N2A) cells expressing AβPPswe without inducing cytotoxicity. The intraperitoneal administration of these peptides to 3xTg-AD mice decreased plasma and brain Aβ40/42 levels, as well as brain soluble AβPPβ production. Also, a reduction of insoluble Aβ was observed in the brain after chronic treatment. Noteworthy, the chimeric peptides selectively inhibited the AβPP-β cleavage relatively to the proteolysis of other BACE1 substrates such as close homologue of L1 (CHL1) and seizure-related gene 6 (SEZ6). CONCLUSIONS Overall these new BACE1 chimeric peptideshold promising potential as a selective disease-modifying therapy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Resende
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marisa Ferreira-Marques
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Moreira
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Judite R M Coimbra
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Salete J Baptista
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,Chem4Pharma, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Jorge A R Salvador
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa C P Dinis
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cláudia F Pereira
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Armanda E Santos
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
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38
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Ohno M. Accelerated long-term forgetting is a BACE1 inhibitor-reversible incipient cognitive phenotype in Alzheimer's disease model mice. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2021; 41:255-259. [PMID: 33749160 PMCID: PMC8340838 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM After the continued failure of β-secretase (BACE1) inhibitor clinical trials in prodromal as well as mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD), they are shifting to further earlier or asymptomatic stages. The aim of this study is to explore a cognitive paradigm that allows us to more sensitively detect beneficial effects of BACE1 inhibitors in presymptomatic AD. METHODS GRL-8234 (33.4 mg/kg, ip), a small-molecule BACE1 inhibitor, was administered once daily for 28 days to the 5XAFD transgenic mouse model of AD. The contextual fear conditioning was used to evaluate the effects of GRL-8234 on memory deficits in 5XFAD mice at different ages. RESULTS Chronic administration of GRL-8234 to 5XFAD mice rescued their contextual memory deficits, when tested 1 day after training at 6-8 months but not at 12 months of age. Importantly, 4-month-old 5XFAD mice retain the ability to form contextual memory equivalent to wild-type controls, demonstrating that the standard method of 1-day memory assessment is not suitable for evaluating BACE1 inhibitor efficacy in ameliorating cognitive declines during earlier disease stages. Despite normal contextual memory formation, young 5XFAD mice showed faster forgetting when a longer delay (28 days) intervened between training and memory testing. Notably, GRL-8234 administered to 4-month-old 5XFAD mice during the 28-day delay reversed accelerated long-term forgetting almost completely back to wild-type control levels. CONCLUSION The results provide experimental evidence that accelerated long-term forgetting represents more sensitive memory testing that can help evaluate BACE1 inhibitor therapy in presymptomatic AD populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masuo Ohno
- Center for Dementia ResearchNathan Kline InstituteOrangeburgNYUSA
- Department of PsychiatryNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
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39
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Hampel H, Vassar R, De Strooper B, Hardy J, Willem M, Singh N, Zhou J, Yan R, Vanmechelen E, De Vos A, Nisticò R, Corbo M, Imbimbo BP, Streffer J, Voytyuk I, Timmers M, Monfared AAT, Irizarry M, Albala B, Koyama A, Watanabe N, Kimura T, Yarenis L, Lista S, Kramer L, Vergallo A. The β-Secretase BACE1 in Alzheimer's Disease. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 89:745-756. [PMID: 32223911 PMCID: PMC7533042 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 310] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACE1 (beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1) was initially cloned and characterized in 1999. It is required for the generation of all monomeric forms of amyloid-β (Aβ), including Aβ42, which aggregates into bioactive conformational species and likely initiates toxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD). BACE1 concentrations and rates of activity are increased in AD brains and body fluids, thereby supporting the hypothesis that BACE1 plays a critical role in AD pathophysiology. Therefore, BACE1 is a prime drug target for slowing down Aβ production in early AD. Besides the amyloidogenic pathway, BACE1 has other substrates that may be important for synaptic plasticity and synaptic homeostasis. Indeed, germline and adult conditional BACE1 knockout mice display complex neurological phenotypes. Despite BACE1 inhibitor clinical trials conducted so far being discontinued for futility or safety reasons, BACE1 remains a well-validated therapeutic target for AD. A safe and efficacious compound with high substrate selectivity as well as a more accurate dose regimen, patient population, and disease stage may yet be found. Further research should focus on the role of Aβ and BACE1 in physiological processes and key pathophysiological mechanisms of AD. The functions of BACE1 and the homologue BACE2, as well as the biology of Aβ in neurons and glia, deserve further investigation. Cellular and molecular studies of BACE1 and BACE2 knockout mice coupled with biomarker-based human research will help elucidate the biological functions of these important enzymes and identify their substrates and downstream effects. Such studies will have critical implications for BACE1 inhibition as a therapeutic approach for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Hampel
- Neurology Business Group, Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey; Sorbonne University, GRC No. 21, Alzheimer Precision Medicine, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrea Vergallo
- Neurology Business Group, Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey; Sorbonne University, GRC No. 21, Alzheimer Precision Medicine, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Institute of Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Neurology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Brain & Spine Institute, INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris, France.
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40
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Qiu WQ, Luo S, Ma SA, Saminathan P, Li H, Gunnersen JM, Gelbard HA, Hammond JW. The Sez6 Family Inhibits Complement by Facilitating Factor I Cleavage of C3b and Accelerating the Decay of C3 Convertases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:607641. [PMID: 33936031 PMCID: PMC8081827 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.607641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sez6 family consists of Sez6, Sez6L, and Sez6L2. Its members are expressed throughout the brain and have been shown to influence synapse numbers and dendritic morphology. They are also linked to various neurological and psychiatric disorders. All Sez6 family members contain 2-3 CUB domains and 5 complement control protein (CCP) domains, suggesting that they may be involved in complement regulation. We show that Sez6 family members inhibit C3b/iC3b opsonization by the classical and alternative pathways with varying degrees of efficacy. For the classical pathway, Sez6 is a strong inhibitor, Sez6L2 is a moderate inhibitor, and Sez6L is a weak inhibitor. For the alternative pathway, the complement inhibitory activity of Sez6, Sez6L, and Sez6L2 all equaled or exceeded the activity of the known complement regulator MCP. Using Sez6L2 as the representative family member, we show that it specifically accelerates the dissociation of C3 convertases. Sez6L2 also functions as a cofactor for Factor I to facilitate the cleavage of C3b; however, Sez6L2 has no cofactor activity toward C4b. In summary, the Sez6 family are novel complement regulators that inhibit C3 convertases and promote C3b degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Q Qiu
- Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Shaopeiwen Luo
- Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Stefanie A Ma
- Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Priyanka Saminathan
- Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Herman Li
- Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Jenny M Gunnersen
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience and The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Harris A Gelbard
- Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Jennetta W Hammond
- Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
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Rueeger H, Lueoend R, Machauer R, Veenstra SJ, Holzer P, Hurth K, Voegtle M, Frederiksen M, Rondeau JM, Tintelnot-Blomley M, Jacobson LH, Staufenbiel M, Laue G, Neumann U. Synthesis of the Potent, Selective, and Efficacious β-Secretase (BACE1) Inhibitor NB-360. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4677-4696. [PMID: 33844524 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Starting from lead compound 4, the 1,4-oxazine headgroup was optimized to improve potency and brain penetration. Focusing at the 6-position of the 5-amino-1,4-oxazine, the insertion of a Me and a CF3 group delivered an excellent pharmacological profile with a pKa of 7.1 and a very low P-gp efflux ratio enabling high central nervous system (CNS) penetration and exposure. Various synthetic routes to access BACE1 inhibitors bearing a 5-amino-6-methyl-6-(trifluoromethyl)-1,4-oxazine headgroup were investigated. Subsequent optimization of the P3 fragment provided the highly potent N-(3-((3R,6R)-5-amino-3,6-dimethyl-6-(trifluoromethyl)-3,6-dihydro-2H-1,4-oxazin-3-yl)-4-fluorophenyl)-5-cyano-3-methylpicolinamide 54 (NB-360), able to reduce significantly Aβ levels in mice, rats, and dogs in acute and chronic treatment regimens.
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42
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Sperling R, Henley D, Aisen PS, Raman R, Donohue MC, Ernstrom K, Rafii MS, Streffer J, Shi Y, Karcher K, Raghavan N, Tymofyeyev Y, Bogert J, Brashear HR, Novak G, Thipphawong J, Saad ZS, Kolb H, Rofael H, Sanga P, Romano G. Findings of Efficacy, Safety, and Biomarker Outcomes of Atabecestat in Preclinical Alzheimer Disease: A Truncated Randomized Phase 2b/3 Clinical Trial. JAMA Neurol 2021; 78:293-301. [PMID: 33464300 PMCID: PMC7816119 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.4857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Importance Atabecestat, a nonselective oral β-secretase inhibitor, was evaluated in the EARLY trial for slowing cognitive decline in participants with preclinical Alzheimer disease. Preliminary analyses suggested dose-related cognitive worsening and neuropsychiatric adverse events (AEs). Objective To report efficacy, safety, and biomarker findings in the EARLY trial, both on and off atabecestat treatment, with focus on potential recovery of effects on cognition and behavior. Design, Setting, and Participants Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b/3 study conducted from November 2015 to December 2018 after being stopped prematurely. The study was conducted at 143 centers across 14 countries. Participants were permitted to be followed off-treatment by the original protocol, collecting safety and efficacy data. From 4464 screened participants, 557 amyloid-positive, cognitively normal (Clinical Dementia Rating of 0; aged 60-85 years) participants (approximately 34% of originally planned 1650) were randomized before the trial sponsor stopped enrollment. Interventions Participants were randomized (1:1:1) to atabecestat, 5 mg (n = 189), 25 mg (n = 183), or placebo (n = 185). Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcome: change from baseline in Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite score. Secondary outcomes: change from baseline in the Cognitive Function Index and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status total scale score. Safety was monitored throughout the study. Results Of 557 participants, 341 were women (61.2%); mean (SD) age was 70.4 (5.56) years. In May 2018, study medication was stopped early owing to hepatic-related AEs; participants were followed up off-treatment for 6 months. Atabecestat, 25 mg, showed significant cognitive worsening vs placebo for Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite at month 6 (least-square mean difference, -1.09; 95% CI, -1.66 to -0.53; P < .001) and month 12 (least-square mean, -1.62; 95% CI, -2.49 to -0.76; P < .001), and at month 3 for Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (least-square mean, -3.70; 95% CI, -5.76 to -1.63; P < .001). Cognitive Function Index participant report showed nonsignificant worsening at month 12. Systemic and neuropsychiatric-related treatment-emergent AEs were greater in atabecestat groups vs placebo. After stopping treatment, follow-up cognitive testing and AE assessment provided evidence of reversibility of drug-induced cognitive worsening and AEs in atabecestat groups. Conclusions and Relevance Atabecestat treatment was associated with dose-related cognitive worsening as early as 3 months and presence of neuropsychiatric treatment-emergent AEs, with evidence of reversibility after 6 months off treatment. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02569398.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Henley
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Paul S. Aisen
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Rema Raman
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Michael C. Donohue
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Karin Ernstrom
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Michael S. Rafii
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Johannes Streffer
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
- Translational Medicine Neuroscience, UCB Biopharma SRL, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
- Reference Center for Biological Markers of Dementia (BIODEM), Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yingqi Shi
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
| | - Keith Karcher
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
| | | | | | | | - H. Robert Brashear
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Gerald Novak
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
| | | | - Ziad S. Saad
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
| | - Hartmuth Kolb
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
| | - Hany Rofael
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
| | - Panna Sanga
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
| | - Gary Romano
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
- Passage Bio, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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43
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Spatiotemporal processing of neural cell adhesion molecules 1 and 2 by BACE1 in vivo. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100372. [PMID: 33548223 PMCID: PMC7949136 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural cell adhesion molecules 1 (NCAM1) and 2 (NCAM2) belong to the cell adhesion molecules of the immunoglobulin superfamily and have been shown to regulate formation, maturation, and maintenance of synapses. NCAM1 and NCAM2 undergo proteolysis, but the identity of all the proteases involved and how proteolysis is used to regulate their functions are not known. We report here that NCAM1 and NCAM2 are BACE1 substrates in vivo. NCAM1 and NCAM2 overexpressed in HEK cells were both cleaved by metalloproteinases or BACE1, and NCAM2 was also processed by γ-secretase. We identified the BACE1 cleavage site of NCAM1 (at Glu 671) and NCAM2 (at Glu 663) using mass spectrometry and site-directed mutagenesis. Next, we assessed BACE1-mediated processing of NCAM1 and NCAM2 in the mouse brain during aging. NCAM1 and NCAM2 were cleaved in the olfactory bulb of BACE1+/+ but not BACE1−/− mice at postnatal day 10 (P10), 4 and 12 months of age. In the hippocampus, a BACE1-specific soluble fragment of NCAM1 (sNCAM1β) was only detected at P10. However, we observed an accumulation of full-length NCAM1 in hippocampal synaptosomes in 4-month-old BACE1−/− mice. We also found that polysialylated NCAM1 (PSA-NCAM1) levels were increased in BACE1−/− mice at P10 and demonstrated that BACE1 cleaves both NCAM1 and PSA-NCAM1 in vitro. In contrast, we did not find evidence for BACE1-dependent NCAM2 processing in the hippocampus at any age analyzed. In summary, our data demonstrate that BACE1 differentially processes NCAM1 and NCAM2 depending on the region of brain, subcellular localization, and age in vivo.
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44
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Syeda T, Cannon JR. Environmental exposures and the etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease: The potential role of BACE1 as a critical neurotoxic target. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2021; 35:e22694. [PMID: 33393683 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major public health crisis due to devastating cognitive symptoms, a lack of curative treatments, and increasing prevalence. Most cases are sporadic (>95% of cases) after the age of 65 years, implicating an important role of environmental factors in disease pathogenesis. Environmental neurotoxicants have been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's Disease and AD. Animal models of AD and in vitro studies have shed light on potential neuropathological mechanisms, yet the biochemical and molecular underpinnings of AD-relevant environmental neurotoxicity remain poorly understood. Beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a potentially critical pathogenic target of environmentally induced neurotoxicity. BACE1 clearly has a critical role in AD pathophysiology: It is required for amyloid beta production and expression and activity of BACE1 are increased in the AD brain. Though the literature on BACE1 in response to environmental insults is limited, current studies, along with extensive AD neurobiology literature suggest that BACE1 deserves attention as an important neurotoxic target. Here, we critically review research on environmental neurotoxicants such as metals, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, polyfluoroalkyl substances, heterocyclic aromatic amines, advanced glycation end products, and acrolein that modulate BACE1 and potential mechanisms of action. Though more research is needed to clearly understand whether BACE1 is a critical mediator of AD-relevant neurotoxicity, available reports provide convincing evidence that BACE1 is altered by environmental risk factors associated with AD pathology, implying that BACE1 inhibition and its use as a biomarker should be considered in AD management and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tauqeerunnisa Syeda
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neurosciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Jason R Cannon
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue Institute for Integrative Neurosciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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45
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Rombouts F, Kusakabe KI, Hsiao CC, Gijsen HJM. Small-molecule BACE1 inhibitors: a patent literature review (2011 to 2020). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 31:25-52. [PMID: 33006491 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1832463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inhibition of β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) has been extensively pursued as potential disease-modifying treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Clinical failures with BACE inhibitors have progressively raised the bar forever cleaner candidates with reduced cardiovascular liability, toxicity risk, and increased selectivity over cathepsin D (CatD) and BACE2. AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of patented BACE1 inhibitors between 2011 and 2020 per pharmaceutical company or research group and highlights the progress that was made in dialing out toxicity liabilities. EXPERT OPINION Despite an increasingly crowded IP situation, significant progress was made using highly complex chemistry in avoiding toxicity liabilities, with BACE1/BACE2 selectivity being the most remarkable achievement. However, clinical trial data suggest on-target toxicity is likely a contributing factor, which implies the only potential future of BACE1 inhibitors lies in careful titration of highly selective compounds in early populations where the amyloid burden is still minimal as prophylactic therapy, or as an affordable oral maintenance therapy following amyloid-clearing therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Rombouts
- Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development , Beerse, Belgium
| | - Ken-Ichi Kusakabe
- Laboratory for Medicinal Chemistry Research, Shionogi & Co., Ltd ., Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chien-Chi Hsiao
- Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development , Beerse, Belgium
| | - Harrie J M Gijsen
- Medicinal Chemistry, Janssen Research & Development , Beerse, Belgium
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46
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Hu T, Li S, Liang WQ, Li SS, Lu MN, Chen B, Zhang L, Mao R, Ding WH, Gao WW, Chen SW, XiYang YB, Zhang J, Wang XY. Notoginsenoside R1-Induced Neuronal Repair in Models of Alzheimer Disease Is Associated With an Alteration in Neuronal Hyperexcitability, Which Is Regulated by Nav. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:280. [PMID: 33088260 PMCID: PMC7500285 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease is characterized by a progressive cognitive deficit and may be associated with an aberrant hyperexcitability of the neuronal network. Notoginsenoside R1 (R1), a major activity ingredient from Panax notoginseng, has demonstrated favorable changes in neuronal plasticity and induced neuroprotective effects in brain injuries, resulting from various disorders, however, the underlying mechanisms are still not well understood. In the present study, we aimed to explore the possible neuroprotective effects induced by R1 in a mouse model of AD and the mechanisms underlying these effects. Treatment with R1 significantly improved learning and memory functions and redressed neuronal hyperexcitability in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin-1 mice by altering the numbers and/or distribution of the members of voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav). Moreover, we determined whether R1 contributed to the regulation of neuronal excitability in Aβ-42–injured cells. Results of our study demonstrated that treatment with R1 rescued Aβ1-42–induced injured neurons by increasing cell viability. R1-induced alleviation in neuronal hyperexcitability might be associated with reduced Navβ2 cleavage, which partially reversed the abnormal distribution of Nav1.1α. These results suggested that R1 played a vital role in the recovery of Aβ1-42–induced neuronal injury and hyperexcitability, which is regulated by Nav proteins. Therefore, R1 may be a promising candidate in the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Shan Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Basic Medical College, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wen-Qi Liang
- Department of Emergency, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan-Shan Li
- Basic Medical College, Experimental Teaching Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Min-Nan Lu
- Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Editorial Department of Journal of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Rui Mao
- School of Stomatology, Kunming Medicine University, Kunming, China
| | - Wan-Hai Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Wei Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Wen Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Bin XiYang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Basic Medical College, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Birth Defects and Genetic Diseases, Department of Medical Genetics, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China.,Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Xu-Yang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated 6th People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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47
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Pinheiro L, Faustino C. Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Amyloid-β in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2020; 16:418-452. [PMID: 30907320 DOI: 10.2174/1567205016666190321163438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder linked to protein misfolding and aggregation. AD is pathologically characterized by senile plaques formed by extracellular Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide and Intracellular Neurofibrillary Tangles (NFT) formed by hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Extensive synaptic loss and neuronal degeneration are responsible for memory impairment, cognitive decline and behavioral dysfunctions typical of AD. Amyloidosis has been implicated in the depression of acetylcholine synthesis and release, overactivation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and increased intracellular calcium levels that result in excitotoxic neuronal degeneration. Current drugs used in AD treatment are either cholinesterase inhibitors or NMDA receptor antagonists; however, they provide only symptomatic relief and do not alter the progression of the disease. Aβ is the product of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) processing after successive cleavage by β- and γ-secretases while APP proteolysis by α-secretase results in non-amyloidogenic products. According to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, Aβ dyshomeostasis results in the accumulation and aggregation of Aβ into soluble oligomers and insoluble fibrils. The former are synaptotoxic and can induce tau hyperphosphorylation while the latter deposit in senile plaques and elicit proinflammatory responses, contributing to oxidative stress, neuronal degeneration and neuroinflammation. Aβ-protein-targeted therapeutic strategies are thus a promising disease-modifying approach for the treatment and prevention of AD. This review summarizes recent findings on Aβ-protein targeted AD drugs, including β-secretase inhibitors, γ-secretase inhibitors and modulators, α-secretase activators, direct inhibitors of Aβ aggregation and immunotherapy targeting Aβ, focusing mainly on those currently under clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Pinheiro
- iMed.ULisboa - Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Célia Faustino
- iMed.ULisboa - Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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48
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Pigoni M, Hsia H, Hartmann J, Rudan Njavro J, Shmueli MD, Müller SA, Güner G, Tüshaus J, Kuhn P, Kumar R, Gao P, Tran ML, Ramazanov B, Blank B, Hipgrave Ederveen AL, Von Blume J, Mulle C, Gunnersen JM, Wuhrer M, Rammes G, Busche MA, Koeglsperger T, Lichtenthaler SF. Seizure protein 6 controls glycosylation and trafficking of kainate receptor subunits GluK2 and GluK3. EMBO J 2020; 39:e103457. [PMID: 32567721 PMCID: PMC7396870 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019103457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Seizure protein 6 (SEZ6) is required for the development and maintenance of the nervous system, is a major substrate of the protease BACE1 and is linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and psychiatric disorders, but its molecular functions are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that SEZ6 controls glycosylation and cell surface localization of kainate receptors composed of GluK2/3 subunits. Loss of SEZ6 reduced surface levels of GluK2/3 in primary neurons and reduced kainate-evoked currents in CA1 pyramidal neurons in acute hippocampal slices. Mechanistically, loss of SEZ6 in vitro and in vivo prevented modification of GluK2/3 with the human natural killer-1 (HNK-1) glycan, a modulator of GluK2/3 function. SEZ6 interacted with GluK2 through its ectodomain and promoted post-endoplasmic reticulum transport of GluK2 in the secretory pathway in heterologous cells and primary neurons. Taken together, SEZ6 acts as a new trafficking factor for GluK2/3. This novel function may help to better understand the role of SEZ6 in neurologic and psychiatric diseases.
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49
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Satir TM, Agholme L, Karlsson A, Karlsson M, Karila P, Illes S, Bergström P, Zetterberg H. Partial reduction of amyloid β production by β-secretase inhibitors does not decrease synaptic transmission. Alzheimers Res Ther 2020; 12:63. [PMID: 32456694 PMCID: PMC7251689 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-020-00635-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Cerebral deposition of Aβ peptides, especially Aβ42, is considered the major neuropathological hallmark of AD and the putative cause of AD-related neurotoxicity. Aβ peptides are produced by sequential proteolytic processing of APP, with β-secretase (BACE) being the initiating enzyme. Therefore, BACE has been considered an attractive therapeutic target in AD research and several BACE inhibitors have been tested in clinical trials, but so far, all have had negative outcomes or even led to worsening of cognitive function. AD can be triggered by Aβ years before the first symptoms appear and one reason for the failures could be that the clinical trials were initiated too late in the disease process. Another possible explanation could be that BACE inhibition alters physiological APP processing in a manner that impairs synaptic function, causing cognitive deterioration. METHODS The aim of this study was to investigate if partial BACE inhibition, mimicking the putative protective effect of the Icelandic mutation in the APP gene, could reduce Aβ generation without affecting synaptic transmission. To investigate this, we used an optical electrophysiology platform, in which effects of compounds on synaptic transmission in cultured neurons can be monitored. We employed this method on primary cortical rat neuronal cultures treated with three different BACE inhibitors (BACE inhibitor IV, LY2886721, and lanabecestat) and monitored Aβ secretion into the cell media. RESULTS We found that all three BACE inhibitors tested decreased synaptic transmission at concentrations leading to significantly reduced Aβ secretion. However, low-dose BACE inhibition, resulting in less than a 50% decrease in Aβ secretion, did not affect synaptic transmission for any of the inhibitors tested. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that Aβ production can be reduced by up to 50%, a level of reduction of relevance to the protective effect of the Icelandic mutation, without causing synaptic dysfunction. We therefore suggest that future clinical trials aimed at prevention of Aβ build-up in the brain should aim for a moderate CNS exposure of BACE inhibitors to avoid side effects on synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugce Munise Satir
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, S-415 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lotta Agholme
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, S-415 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Anna Karlsson
- Cellectricon AB, Neongatan 4B, S-431 53, Mölndal, Sweden
| | | | - Paul Karila
- Cellectricon AB, Neongatan 4B, S-431 53, Mölndal, Sweden
| | | | - Petra Bergström
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, S-415 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, S-431 80, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, S-431 80, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London Queen Square, WC1N 3BG, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, WC1E 6BT, London, UK
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50
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Galanis C, Vlachos A. Hebbian and Homeostatic Synaptic Plasticity-Do Alterations of One Reflect Enhancement of the Other? Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:50. [PMID: 32256317 PMCID: PMC7093376 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past 50 years, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity have been studied in great detail. A plethora of signaling pathways have been identified that account for synaptic changes based on positive and negative feedback mechanisms. Yet, the biological significance of Hebbian synaptic plasticity (= positive feedback) and homeostatic synaptic plasticity (= negative feedback) remains a matter of debate. Specifically, it is unclear how these opposing forms of plasticity, which share common downstream mechanisms, operate in the same networks, neurons, and synapses. Based on the observation that rapid and input-specific homeostatic mechanisms exist, we here discuss a model that is based on signaling pathways that may adjust a balance between Hebbian and homeostatic synaptic plasticity. Hence, “alterations” in Hebbian plasticity may, in fact, resemble “enhanced” homeostasis, which rapidly returns synaptic strength to baseline. In turn, long-lasting experience-dependent synaptic changes may require attenuation of homeostatic mechanisms or the adjustment of homeostatic setpoints at the single-synapse level. In this context, we propose a role for the proteolytic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) in setting a balance between the ability of neurons to express Hebbian and homeostatic synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Galanis
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Vlachos
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in Neuromodulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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