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Jiang D, Nan H, Chen Z, Zou WQ, Wu L. Genetic insights into drug targets for sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: Integrative multi-omics analysis. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 199:106599. [PMID: 38996988 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106599] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) is a fatal rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no effective therapeutic interventions. We aimed to identify potential genetically-supported drug targets for sCJD by integrating multi-omics data. METHODS Multi-omics-wide association studies, Mendelian randomization, and colocalization analyses were employed to explore potential therapeutic targets using expression, single-cell expression, DNA methylation, and protein quantitative trait locus data from blood and brain tissues. Outcome data was from a case-control genome-wide association study, which included 4110 sCJD patients and 13,569 controls. Further investigations encompassed druggability, potential side effects, and associated biological pathways of the identified targets. RESULTS Integrative multi-omics analysis identified 23 potential therapeutic targets for sCJD, with five targets (STX6, XYLT2, PDIA4, FUCA2, KIAA1614) having higher levels of evidence. One target (XYLT2) shows promise for repurposing, two targets (XYLT2, PDIA4) are druggable, and three (STX6, KIAA1614, and FUCA2) targets represent potential future breakthrough points. The expression level of STX6 and XYLT2 in neurons and oligodendrocytes was closely associated with an increased risk of sCJD. Brain regions with high expression of STX6 or causal links to sCJD were often those areas commonly affected by sCJD. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified five potential therapeutic targets for sCJD. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the new targets for developing disease therapies or initiate clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deming Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haitian Nan
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongyun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Quan Zou
- Institute of Neurology, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical Medical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Liyong Wu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Losa M, Morsy Y, Emmenegger M, Manz SM, Schwarz P, Aguzzi A, Scharl M. Longitudinal microbiome investigation throughout prion disease course reveals pre- and symptomatic compositional perturbations linked to short-chain fatty acid metabolism and cognitive impairment in mice. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1412765. [PMID: 38919500 PMCID: PMC11196846 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1412765] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Commensal intestinal bacteria shape our microbiome and have decisive roles in preserving host metabolic and immune homeostasis. They conspicuously impact disease development and progression, including amyloid-beta (Aβ) and alpha (α)-synuclein pathology in neurodegenerative diseases, conveying the importance of the brain-gut-microbiome axis in such conditions. However, little is known about the longitudinal microbiome landscape and its potential clinical implications in other protein misfolding disorders, such as prion disease. We investigated the microbiome architecture throughout prion disease course in mice. Fecal specimens were assessed by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. We report a temporal microbiome signature in prion disease and uncovered alterations in Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, and Muribaculaceae family members in this disease. Moreover, we determined the enrichment of Bilophila, a microorganism connected to cognitive impairment, long before the clinical manifestation of disease symptoms. Based on temporal microbial abundances, several associated metabolic pathways and resulting metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, were linked to the disease. We propose that neuroinflammatory processes relate to perturbations of the intestinal microbiome and metabolic state by an interorgan brain-gut crosstalk. Furthermore, we describe biomarkers possibly suitable for early disease diagnostics and anti-prion therapy monitoring. While our study is confined to prion disease, our discoveries might be of equivalent relevance in other proteinopathies and central nervous system pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Losa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Yasser Morsy
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Emmenegger
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Salomon M. Manz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Petra Schwarz
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Adriano Aguzzi
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Scharl
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Zerr I, Ladogana A, Mead S, Hermann P, Forloni G, Appleby BS. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and other prion diseases. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2024; 10:14. [PMID: 38424082 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00497-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Prion diseases share common clinical and pathological characteristics such as spongiform neuronal degeneration and deposition of an abnormal form of a host-derived protein, termed prion protein. The characteristic features of prion diseases are long incubation times, short clinical courses, extreme resistance of the transmissible agent to degradation and lack of nucleic acid involvement. Sporadic and genetic forms of prion diseases occur worldwide, of which genetic forms are associated with mutations in PRNP. Human to human transmission of these diseases has occurred due to iatrogenic exposure, and zoonotic forms of prion diseases are linked to bovine disease. Significant progress has been made in the diagnosis of these disorders. Clinical tools for diagnosis comprise brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid tests. Aggregation assays for detection of the abnormally folded prion protein have a clear potential to diagnose the disease in peripherally accessible biofluids. After decades of therapeutic nihilism, new treatment strategies and clinical trials are on the horizon. Although prion diseases are relatively rare disorders, understanding their pathogenesis and mechanisms of prion protein misfolding has significantly enhanced the field in research of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Zerr
- National Reference Center for CJD Surveillance, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Anna Ladogana
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Simon Mead
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion Diseases, London, UK
| | - Peter Hermann
- National Reference Center for CJD Surveillance, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gianluigi Forloni
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Brian S Appleby
- Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Venkatraghavan V, Pascuzzo R, Bron EE, Moscatelli M, Grisoli M, Pickens A, Cohen ML, Schonberger LB, Gambetti P, Appleby BS, Klein S, Bizzi A. A discriminative event-based model for subtype diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease using brain MRI. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:3261-3271. [PMID: 36749840 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12939] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) comprises multiple subtypes (MM1, MM2, MV1, MV2C, MV2K, VV1, and VV2) with distinct disease durations and spatiotemporal cascades of brain lesions. Our goal was to establish the ante mortem diagnosis of sCJD subtype, based on patient-specific estimates of the spatiotemporal cascade of lesions detected by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI). METHODS We included 488 patients with autopsy-confirmed diagnosis of sCJD subtype and 50 patients with exclusion of prion disease. We applied a discriminative event-based model (DEBM) to infer the spatiotemporal cascades of lesions, derived from the DWI scores of 12 brain regions assigned by three neuroradiologists. Based on the DEBM cascades and the prion protein genotype at codon 129, we developed and validated a novel algorithm for the diagnosis of the sCJD subtype. RESULTS Cascades of MM1, MM2, MV1, MV2C, and VV1 originated in the parietal cortex and, following subtype-specific orderings of propagation, went toward the striatum, thalamus, and cerebellum; conversely, VV2 and MV2K cascades showed a striatum-to-cortex propagation. The proposed algorithm achieved 76.5% balanced accuracy for the sCJD subtype diagnosis, with low rater dependency (differences in accuracy of ± 1% among neuroradiologists). DISCUSSION Ante mortem diagnosis of sCJD subtype is feasible with this novel data-driven approach, and it may be valuable for patient prognostication, stratification in targeted clinical trials, and future therapeutics. HIGHLIGHTS Subtype diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) is achievable with diffusion MRI. Cascades of diffusion MRI abnormalities in the brain are subtype-specific in sCJD. We proposed a diagnostic algorithm based on cascades of diffusion MRI abnormalities and demonstrated that it is accurate. Our method may aid early diagnosis, prognosis, stratification in clinical trials, and future therapeutics. The present approach is applicable to other neurodegenerative diseases, enhancing the differential diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Venkatraghavan
- Biomedical Imaging Group Rotterdam, Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Riccardo Pascuzzo
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Esther E Bron
- Biomedical Imaging Group Rotterdam, Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marco Moscatelli
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Grisoli
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Amy Pickens
- National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Mark L Cohen
- National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Lawrence B Schonberger
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Pierluigi Gambetti
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Brian S Appleby
- National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Stefan Klein
- Biomedical Imaging Group Rotterdam, Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alberto Bizzi
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Li K, Ji Q, Liang H, Hua Z, Hang X, Zeng L, Han H. Biomedical application of 2D nanomaterials in neuroscience. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:181. [PMID: 37280681 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01920-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, such as graphene, black phosphorus and transition metal dichalcogenides, have attracted increasing attention in biology and biomedicine. Their high mechanical stiffness, excellent electrical conductivity, optical transparency, and biocompatibility have led to rapid advances. Neuroscience is a complex field with many challenges, such as nervous system is difficult to repair and regenerate, as well as the early diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases are also challenged. This review mainly focuses on the application of 2D nanomaterials in neuroscience. Firstly, we introduced various types of 2D nanomaterials. Secondly, due to the repairment and regeneration of nerve is an important problem in the field of neuroscience, we summarized the studies of 2D nanomaterials applied in neural repairment and regeneration based on their unique physicochemical properties and excellent biocompatibility. We also discussed the potential of 2D nanomaterial-based synaptic devices to mimic connections among neurons in the human brain due to their low-power switching capabilities and high mobility of charge carriers. In addition, we also reviewed the potential clinical application of various 2D nanomaterials in diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative diseases, neurological system disorders, as well as glioma. Finally, we discussed the challenge and future directions of 2D nanomaterials in neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangchen Li
- School of Medicine, Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qianting Ji
- School of Medicine, Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huanwei Liang
- School of Medicine, Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zixuan Hua
- School of Medicine, Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinyi Hang
- School of Medicine, Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linghui Zeng
- School of Medicine, Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Haijun Han
- School of Medicine, Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China.
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Kopycka K, Maddison BC, Gough KC. Recombinant ovine prion protein can be mutated at position 136 to improve its efficacy as an inhibitor of prion propagation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3452. [PMID: 36859422 PMCID: PMC9978027 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30202-0] [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: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are progressive neurodegenerative disorders with no effective therapeutics. The central event leading to the pathology in the diseases is the conversion of PrPC into PrPSc and its accumulation in the central nervous system. Previous studies demonstrated that recombinant PrP (rPrP) and PrP peptides can inhibit the formation of PrPSc. Here, the effectiveness of ovine rPrP mutants at codon 136 and peptides derived from this region were assessed for their ability to inhibit PrPSc replication, using protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA). Based on a rPrP VRQ (rVRQ) genotype background (positions 136, 154 and 171) and mutations at position 136, the most effective inhibitors were V136R, V136K and V136P mutants, with IC50 values of 1 to 2 nM; activities much more potent than rVRQ (114 nM). rRRQ and rKRQ were also shown to effectively inhibit multiple ruminant prion amplification reactions that used distinct prion strain seeds and substrate PRNP genotypes. rRRQ, rKRQ and rPRQ were also shown to effectively protect Rov9 cells from scrapie infection when applied at 250 nM. The study demonstrates for the first time that the rPrP sequence can be mutated at sites known to be involved in prion disease susceptibility, to produce inhibitors with improved efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kopycka
- grid.4563.40000 0004 1936 8868School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, College Rd., Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD Leicestershire UK
| | - Ben C. Maddison
- ADAS Biotechnology, Unit 27, Beeston Business Park, Technology Drive, Beeston, NG9 1LA Nottinghamshire UK
| | - Kevin C. Gough
- grid.4563.40000 0004 1936 8868School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, College Rd., Sutton Bonington, Loughborough, LE12 5RD Leicestershire UK
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The Effect of Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton (Zingiberaceae) Extract on Prion Propagation in Cell-Based and Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010182. [PMID: 36613636 PMCID: PMC9820341 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010182] [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: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders in humans and animals for which no therapies are currently available. Here, we report that Curcuma phaeocaulis Valeton (Zingiberaceae) (CpV) extract was partly effective in decreasing prion aggregation and propagation in both in vitro and in vivo models. CpV extract inhibited self-aggregation of recombinant prion protein (PrP) in a test tube assay and decreased the accumulation of scrapie PrP (PrPSc) in ScN2a cells, a cultured neuroblastoma cell line with chronic prion infection, in a concentration-dependent manner. CpV extract also modified the course of the disease in mice inoculated with mouse-adapted scrapie prions, completely preventing the onset of prion disease in three of eight mice. Biochemical and neuropathological analyses revealed a statistically significant reduction in PrPSc accumulation, spongiosis, astrogliosis, and microglia activation in the brains of mice that avoided disease onset. Furthermore, PrPSc accumulation in the spleen of mice was also reduced. CpV extract precluded prion infection in cultured cells as demonstrated by the modified standard scrapie cell assay. This study suggests that CpV extract could contribute to investigating the modulation of prion propagation.
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Forloni G, Roiter I, Artuso V, Marcon M, Colesso W, Luban E, Lucca U, Tettamanti M, Pupillo E, Redaelli V, Mariuzzo F, Boscolo Buleghin G, Mariuzzo A, Tagliavini F, Chiesa R, Ambrosini A. Preventive pharmacological treatment in subjects at risk for fatal familial insomnia: science and public engagement. Prion 2022; 16:66-77. [PMID: 35737759 PMCID: PMC9235883 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2022.2083435] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Engaging patients as partners in biomedical research has gradually gained consensus over the last two decades. They provide a different perspective on health priorities and help to improve design and outcomes of clinical studies. This paper describes the relationship established between scientists and members of a large family at genetic risk of very rare lethal disease, fatal familial insomnia (FFI). This interaction led to a clinical trial based on the repurposing of doxycycline - an antibiotic with a known safety profile and optimal blood-brain barrier passage - which in numerous preclinical and clinical studies had given evidence of its potential therapeutic effect in neurodegenerative disorders, including prion diseases like FFI. The design of this trial posed several challenges, which were addressed jointly by the scientists and the FFI family. Potential participants excluded the possibility of being informed of their own FFI genotype; thus, the trial design had to include both carriers of the FFI mutation (10 subjects), and non-carriers (15 subjects), who were given placebo. Periodic clinical controls were performed on both groups by blinded examiners. The lack of surrogate outcome measures of treatment efficacy has required to compare the incidence of the disease in the treated group with a historical dataset during 10 years of observation. The trial is expected to end in 2023. Regardless of the clinical outcome, it will provide worthwhile knowledge on the disease. It also offers an important example of public engagement and collaboration to improve the quality of clinical science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Forloni
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy,CONTACT Gianluigi Forloni Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milano20156, Italy
| | - Ignazio Roiter
- Ulss 2 Marca Trevigiana Ca’ Foncello Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Ugo Lucca
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Mauro Tettamanti
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Pupillo
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Roberto Chiesa
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
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Thellung S, Corsaro A, Dellacasagrande I, Nizzari M, Zambito M, Florio T. Proteostasis unbalance in prion diseases: Mechanisms of neurodegeneration and therapeutic targets. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:966019. [PMID: 36148145 PMCID: PMC9485628 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.966019] [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: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), or prion diseases, are progressive neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system that affect humans and animals as sporadic, inherited, and infectious forms. Similarly to Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, any attempt to reduce TSEs' lethality or increase the life expectancy of affected individuals has been unsuccessful. Typically, the onset of symptoms anticipates the fatal outcome of less than 1 year, although it is believed to be the consequence of a decades-long process of neuronal death. The duration of the symptoms-free period represents by itself a major obstacle to carry out effective neuroprotective therapies. Prions, the infectious entities of TSEs, are composed of a protease-resistant protein named prion protein scrapie (PrPSc) from the prototypical TSE form that afflicts ovines. PrPSc misfolding from its physiological counterpart, cellular prion protein (PrPC), is the unifying pathogenic trait of all TSEs. PrPSc is resistant to intracellular turnover and undergoes amyloid-like fibrillation passing through the formation of soluble dimers and oligomers, which are likely the effective neurotoxic entities. The failure of PrPSc removal is a key pathogenic event that defines TSEs as proteopathies, likewise other neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease, characterized by alteration of proteostasis. Under physiological conditions, protein quality control, led by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and macroautophagy clears cytoplasm from improperly folded, redundant, or aggregation-prone proteins. There is evidence that both of these crucial homeostatic pathways are impaired during the development of TSEs, although it is still unclear whether proteostasis alteration facilitates prion protein misfolding or, rather, PrPSc protease resistance hampers cytoplasmic protein quality control. This review is aimed to critically analyze the most recent advancements in the cause-effect correlation between PrPC misfolding and proteostasis alterations and to discuss the possibility that pharmacological restoring of ubiquitin-proteasomal competence and stimulation of autophagy could reduce the intracellular burden of PrPSc and ameliorate the severity of prion-associated neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Thellung
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Irene Dellacasagrande
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Mario Nizzari
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Zambito
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Tullio Florio
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do Amaral MJ, Freire MHO, Almeida MS, Pinheiro AS, Cordeiro Y. Phase separation of the mammalian prion protein: physiological and pathological perspectives. J Neurochem 2022. [PMID: 35149997 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15586] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal phase transitions have been implicated in the occurrence of proteinopathies. Disordered proteins with nucleic acid binding ability drive the formation of reversible micron-sized condensates capable of controlling nucleic acid processing/transport. This mechanism, achieved via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), underlies the formation of long-studied membraneless organelles (e.g., nucleolus) and various transient condensates formed by driver proteins. The prion protein (PrP) is not a classical nucleic acid-binding protein. However, it binds nucleic acids with high affinity, undergoes nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, contains a long intrinsically disordered region rich in glycines and evenly spaced aromatic residues, among other biochemical/biophysical properties of bona fide drivers of phase transitions. Because of this, our group and others have characterized LLPS of recombinant PrP. In vitro phase separation of PrP is modulated by nucleic acid aptamers, and, depending on the aptamer conformation, the liquid droplets evolve to solid-like species. Herein we discuss recent studies and previous evidence supporting PrP phase transitions. We focus on the central role of LLPS related to PrP physiology and pathology, with a special emphasis on the interaction of PrP with different ligands, such as proteins and nucleic acids, which can play a role in prion disease pathogenesis. Finally, we comment on therapeutic strategies directed at the nonfunctional phase separation that could potentially tackle prion diseases or other protein misfolding disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana J do Amaral
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | - Anderson S Pinheiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Yraima Cordeiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Uliassi E, Nikolic L, Bolognesi ML, Legname G. Therapeutic strategies for identifying small molecules against prion diseases. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 392:337-347. [PMID: 34989851 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03573-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders, for which there are no effective therapeutic and diagnostic agents. The main pathological hallmark has been identified as conformational changes of the cellular isoform prion protein (PrPC) to a misfolded isoform of the prion protein (PrPSc). Targeting PrPC and its conversion to PrPSc is still the central dogma in prion drug discovery, particularly in in silico and in vitro screening endeavors, leading to the identification of many small molecules with therapeutic potential. Nonetheless, multiple pathological targets are critically involved in the intricate pathogenesis of prion diseases. In this context, multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs) emerge as valuable therapeutic approach for their potential to effectively counteract the complex etiopathogenesis by simultaneously modulating multiple targets. In addition, diagnosis occurs late in the disease process, and consequently a successful therapeutic intervention cannot be provided. In this respect, small molecule theranostics, which combine imaging and therapeutic properties, showed tremendous potential to cure and diagnose in vivo prion diseases. Herein, we review the major advances in prion drug discovery, from anti-prion small molecules identified by means of in silico and in vitro screening approaches to two rational strategies, namely MTDLs and theranostics, that have led to the identification of novel compounds with an expanded anti-prion profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Uliassi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lea Nikolic
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bolognesi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore Di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.
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Höppner-Buchmann J, Seidel D, Block F, Briedigkeit L, Tietke M, Nürnberger J, Frank B. [Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Versus Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis A Case Report]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2022; 90:163-168. [PMID: 34986490 DOI: 10.1055/a-1682-7197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Clinically differentiating between autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders can often pose a diagnostic challenge. The differential diagnosis of rapidly progressing neurological and cognitive symptoms includes central nervous system tumours, cerebral vasculitis, and inflammatory, autoimmune, or paraneoplastic encephalopathies. Rarer neurodegenerative diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease should also be considered. Detection of treatable causes, such as autoimmune disorders, remains important when potentially occurring in conjunction with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The following report describes a rare case in which autoimmune encephalopathy and prion disease were considered as possible comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Desiree Seidel
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, HELIOS Kliniken Schwerin, Schwerin, Deutschland
| | - Frank Block
- Klinik für Neurologie, HELIOS Kliniken Schwerin, Schwerin, Deutschland
| | - Lutz Briedigkeit
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, HELIOS Kliniken Schwerin, Schwerin, Deutschland
| | - Marc Tietke
- Institut für Radiologie, Kinder- und Neuroradiologie, HELIOS Kliniken Schwerin, Schwerin, Deutschland
| | - Jens Nürnberger
- Klinik für Nephrologie und Dialyse, HELIOS Kliniken Schwerin, Schwerin, Deutschland
| | - Bernd Frank
- Akutklinik für Frührehabilitation und interdisziplinäres Rehabilitationszentrum, HELIOS Klinik Leezen GmbH, Leezen, Deutschland
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13
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Markulin I, Matasin M, Turk VE, Salković-Petrisic M. Challenges of repurposing tetracyclines for the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2022; 129:773-804. [PMID: 34982206 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02457-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The novel antibiotic-exploiting strategy in the treatment of Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) disease has emerged as a potential breakthrough in the field. The research in animal AD/PD models provided evidence on the antiamyloidogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic activity of tetracyclines, associated with cognitive improvement. The neuroprotective effects of minocycline and doxycycline in animals initiated investigation of their clinical efficacy in AD and PD patients which led to inconclusive results and additionally to insufficient safety data on a long-standing doxycycline and minocycline therapy in these patient populations. The safety issues should be considered in two levels; in AD/PD patients (particularly antibiotic-induced alteration of gut microbiota and its consequences), and as a world-wide threat of development of bacterial resistance to these antibiotics posed by a fact that AD and PD are widespread incurable diseases which require daily administered long-lasting antibiotic therapy. Recently proposed subantimicrobial doxycycline doses should be thoroughly explored for their effectiveness and long-term safety especially in AD/PD populations. Keeping in mind the antibacterial activity-related far-reaching undesirable effects both for the patients and globally, further work on repurposing these drugs for a long-standing therapy of AD/PD should consider the chemically modified tetracycline compounds tailored to lack antimicrobial but retain (or introduce) other activities effective against the AD/PD pathology. This strategy might reduce the risk of long-term therapy-related adverse effects (particularly gut-related ones) and development of bacterial resistance toward the tetracycline antibiotic agents but the therapeutic potential and desirable safety profile of such compounds in AD/PD patients need to be confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Markulin
- Community Health Centre Zagreb-Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Viktorija Erdeljic Turk
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Melita Salković-Petrisic
- Department of Pharmacology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Salata 11, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Singh A, Mallika TN, Gorain B, Yadav AK, Tiwari S, Flora S, Shukla R, Kesharwani P. Quantum dot: Heralding a brighter future in neurodegenerative disorders. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Hermann P, Koch JC, Zerr I. Genetic prion disease: opportunities for early therapeutic intervention with rigorous pre-symptomatic trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:1313-1316. [PMID: 33089731 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1839048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hermann
- National Reference Center for TSE, University Medical Center Göttingen , Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen , Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jan C Koch
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen , Göttingen, Germany
| | - Inga Zerr
- National Reference Center for TSE, University Medical Center Göttingen , Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen , Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) , Göttingen, Germany
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Ascari LM, Rocha SC, Gonçalves PB, Vieira TCRG, Cordeiro Y. Challenges and Advances in Antemortem Diagnosis of Human Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:585896. [PMID: 33195151 PMCID: PMC7606880 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.585896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), also known as prion diseases, arise from the structural conversion of the monomeric, cellular prion protein (PrPC) into its multimeric scrapie form (PrPSc). These pathologies comprise a group of intractable, rapidly evolving neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, a definitive diagnosis of TSE relies on the detection of PrPSc and/or the identification of pathognomonic histological features in brain tissue samples, which are usually obtained postmortem or, in rare cases, by brain biopsy (antemortem). Over the past two decades, several paraclinical tests for antemortem diagnosis have been developed to preclude the need for brain samples. Some of these alternative methods have been validated and can provide a probable diagnosis when combined with clinical evaluation. Paraclinical tests include in vitro cell-free conversion techniques, such as the real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC), as well as immunoassays, electroencephalography (EEG), and brain bioimaging methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), whose importance has increased over the years. PrPSc is the main biomarker in TSEs, and the RT-QuIC assay stands out for its ability to detect PrPSc in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), olfactory mucosa, and dermatome skin samples with high sensitivity and specificity. Other biochemical biomarkers are the proteins 14-3-3, tau, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), astroglial protein S100B, α-synuclein, and neurofilament light chain protein (NFL), but they are not specific for TSEs. This paper reviews the techniques employed for definite diagnosis, as well as the clinical and paraclinical methods for possible and probable diagnosis, both those in use currently and those no longer employed. We also discuss current criteria, challenges, and perspectives for TSE diagnosis. An early and accurate diagnosis may allow earlier implementation of strategies to delay or stop disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas M. Ascari
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Department, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Stephanie C. Rocha
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Department, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Priscila B. Gonçalves
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Department, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tuane C. R. G. Vieira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Yraima Cordeiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Department, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Nirale P, Paul A, Yadav KS. Nanoemulsions for targeting the neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Prion's. Life Sci 2020; 245:117394. [PMID: 32017870 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases need the drugs to be delivered right inside the brain to maximizing the therapeutic effects. This can be achieved by use of novel targeted delivery systems such as nanoemulsions. Nanoemulsions (NE) are nano-sized emulsions that are manufactured for enhancing the delivery of drugs to the targeted site and minimize adverse effects and toxic reactions. Looking into the advanced pharmaceutical applications of NE, the present review gives an insight to the understanding of the application of NE in NDs like AD, PD and Prion's disease. The review also touches upon the pathophysiology of these ND diseases to have a clear understanding of the molecular aspects of the disease. Finally, the review sets a standpoint of nanoemulsion's significance in the treatment therapy of ND besides the drawbacks associated with the current drug therapy in NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhuti Nirale
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS, Deemed to be University, Mumbai 400 056, India
| | - Ankita Paul
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS, Deemed to be University, Mumbai 400 056, India
| | - Khushwant S Yadav
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS, Deemed to be University, Mumbai 400 056, India.
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Moda F, Bolognesi ML, Legname G. Novel screening approaches for human prion diseases drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:983-993. [PMID: 31271065 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1637851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Human prion diseases are rare fatal neurodegenerative diseases caused by the misfolding and aggregation of the prion protein in the form of infectious prions. So far, these diseases are incurable. One of the major difficulties in identifying suitable drugs is the availability of robust preclinical screening methods. All molecules identified have been screened using cell-based assays and in vivo murine models. The existence of a continuum of prion strains has hampered the identification of efficacious molecules modulating the progression of different forms of the disease. Areas covered: The advent of new in vitro screening methodologies is allowing for novel strategies to develop new compounds that could interfere with a broad range of diseases. In particular, two innovative techniques named Real Time Quaking Induced Conversion (RT-QuIC) and Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification (PMCA) have opened new venues for testing compounds in a rapid a reproducible way. These are discussed within. Expert opinion: For human prion diseases, one major hurdle has been a well-defined screening methodology. In other animal species, cell-based assays have been employed that could replicate animal prions indefinitely. Such a tool for human prion diseases is still missing. Therefore, the advent of RT-QuIC and PMCA has proven instrumental to overcome this limitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Moda
- Division of Neurology 5 - Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta , Milano , Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bolognesi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA) , Trieste , Italy
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Editorial overview: Prion disease: From drug discovery tools to clinical trials. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2019; 44:iii-v. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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