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Sharma M, Tanwar AK, Purohit PK, Pal P, Kumar D, Vaidya S, Prajapati SK, Kumar A, Dhama N, Kumar S, Gupta SK. Regulatory roles of microRNAs in modulating mitochondrial dynamics, amyloid beta fibrillation, microglial activation, and cholinergic signaling: Implications for alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105685. [PMID: 38670299 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105685] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) remains a formidable challenge due to its complex pathology, notably involving mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulated microRNA (miRNA) signaling. This study delves into the underexplored realm of miRNAs' impact on mitochondrial dynamics and their interplay with amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation and tau pathology in AD. Addressing identified gaps, our research utilizes advanced molecular techniques and AD models, alongside patient miRNA profiles, to uncover miRNAs pivotal in mitochondrial regulation. We illuminate novel miRNAs influencing mitochondrial dynamics, Aβ, and tau, offering insights into their mechanistic roles in AD progression. Our findings not only enhance understanding of AD's molecular underpinnings but also spotlight miRNAs as promising therapeutic targets. By elucidating miRNAs' roles in mitochondrial dysfunction and their interactions with hallmark AD pathologies, our work proposes innovative strategies for AD therapy, aiming to mitigate disease progression through targeted miRNA modulation. This contribution marks a significant step toward novel AD treatments, emphasizing the potential of miRNAs in addressing this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Ankur Kumar Tanwar
- Department of Pharmacy, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Pankaj Pal
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, India.
| | - Devendra Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, NMIMS School of Pharmacy and Management, SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Shirpur Campus, Dhule, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sandeep Vaidya
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | | | - Aadesh Kumar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nidhi Dhama
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sokindra Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sukesh Kumar Gupta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences (OVAS), School of Medicine, Wayne State University, USA.
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2
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Ahmad F, Karan A, Sharma R, Sharma NS, Sundar V, Jayaraj R, Mukherjee S, DeCoster MA. Evolving therapeutic interventions for the management and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102229. [PMID: 38364913 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102229] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients experience diverse symptoms, including memory loss, cognitive impairment, behavioral abnormalities, mood changes, and mental issues. The fundamental objective of this review is to discuss novel therapeutic approaches, with special emphasis on recently approved marketed formulations for the treatment of AD, especially Aducanumab, the first FDA approved moiety that surpasses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and reduces amyloid plaques in the brain, thereby reducing associated cognitive decline. However, it is still in the phase IV trial and is to be completed by 2030. Other drugs such as lecanemab are also under clinical trial and has recently been approved by the FDA and is also discussed here. In this review, we also focus on active and passive immunotherapy for AD as well as several vaccines, such as amyloid-beta epitope-based vaccines, amyloid-beta DNA vaccines, and stem cell therapy for AD, which are in clinical trials. Furthermore, ongoing pre-clinical trials associated with AD and other novel strategies such as curcumin-loaded nanoparticles, Crispr/ cas9, precision medicine, as well as some emerging therapies like anti-sense therapy are also highlighted. Additionally, we discuss some off-labeled drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), anti-diabetic drugs, and lithium, which can manage symptoms of AD and different non-pharmacological approaches are also covered which can help to manage AD. In summary, we have tried to cover all the therapeutic interventions which are available for the treatment and management of AD under sections approved, clinical phase, pre-clinical phase or futuristic interventions, off-labelled drugs, and non-pharmacological interventions for AD, offering positive findings and well as challenges that remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizan Ahmad
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard University, Delhi, India
| | - Anik Karan
- Department of Mechanical and Bioengineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
| | - Rashi Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Bawana, Delhi, India
| | - Navatha Shree Sharma
- Department of Surgery Transplant, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Vaishnavi Sundar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Richard Jayaraj
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Sudip Mukherjee
- Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mark A DeCoster
- Cellular Neuroscience Laboratory, Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Science, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA; Cellular Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute for Micromanufacturing, College of Engineering and Science, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA.
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3
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Fu P, Chen Y, Wu M, Bao B, Yin X, Chen Z, Zhang M. Effect of ferroptosis on chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in vascular dementia. Exp Neurol 2023; 370:114538. [PMID: 37709116 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most prevalent type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease and is caused by impaired nerve cell function resulting from cerebrovascular disease and vascular risk factors. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is a common pathological and physiological state that may result from cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, causing widespread diffuse lesions in the brain parenchyma which leads to progressive nerve damage. Transferrin (TF) and transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), two proteins involved in iron uptake, were upregulated by CCH, whereas ferroprotein (FPN), a protein involved in iron efflux, was downregulated. This process may involve various mechanisms including tau and iron regulatory proteins (IRP). CCH can also exacerbate lipid peroxidation caused by an iron imbalance by inhibiting glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) synthesis and some Gpx4 independent pathways through cystine/glutamate transporters (system Xc-), ultimately leading to ferroptosis in nerve cells and accelerating the progression of VaD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peijie Fu
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Medical School of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332000, China; Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332000, China
| | - Yanghang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Medical School of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332000, China; Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332000, China; Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, China
| | - Moxin Wu
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Medical School of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332000, China; Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332000, China
| | - Bing Bao
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Medical School of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332000, China; Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332000, China
| | - Xiaoping Yin
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Medical School of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332000, China; Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332000, China
| | - Zhiying Chen
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Medical School of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332000, China; Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332000, China.
| | - Manqing Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332000, China.
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4
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Vasconcelos CFM, Ribas VT, Petrs-Silva H. Shared Molecular Pathways in Glaucoma and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases: Insights from RNA-Seq Analysis and miRNA Regulation for Promising Therapeutic Avenues. Cells 2023; 12:2155. [PMID: 37681887 PMCID: PMC10486375 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in RNA-sequencing technologies have led to the identification of molecular biomarkers for several diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's diseases and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Despite the nature of glaucoma as a neurodegenerative disorder with several similarities with the other above-mentioned diseases, transcriptional data about this disease are still scarce. microRNAs are small molecules (~17-25 nucleotides) that have been found to be specifically expressed in the CNS as major components of the system regulating the development signatures of neurodegenerative diseases and the homeostasis of the brain. In this review, we sought to identify similarities between the functional mechanisms and the activated pathways of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, as well as to discuss how those mechanisms are regulated by miRNAs, using RNA-Seq as an approach to compare them. We also discuss therapeutically suitable applications for these disease hallmarks in clinical future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Franciney Moreira Vasconcelos
- University of Medicine of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Toledo Ribas
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ICB/UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil;
| | - Hilda Petrs-Silva
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
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5
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Sánchez JD, Alcántara AR, González JF, Sánchez-Montero JM. Advances in the discovery of heterocyclic-based drugs against Alzheimer's disease. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1413-1428. [PMID: 37800875 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2264766] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder characterized by beta-amyloid accumulation and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. The disease involves interconnected mechanisms, which can be clustered into two target-packs based on the affected proteins. Pack-1 focuses on beta-amyloid accumulation, oxidative stress, and metal homeostasis dysfunction, and Pack-2 involves tau protein, calcium homeostasis, and neuroinflammation. Against this background heterocyclic system, there is a powerful source of pharmacophores to develop effective small drugs to treat multifactorial diseases like Alzheimer's. AREAS COVERED This review highlights the most promising heterocyclic systems as potential hit candidates with multi-target capacity for the development of new drugs targeting Alzheimer's disease. The selection of these heterocyclic systems was based on two crucial factors: their synthetic versatility and their well-documented biological properties of therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases. EXPERT OPINION The synthesis of small drugs against Alzheimer's disease requires a multifactorial approach that targets the key pathological proteins. In this context, the utilization of heterocyclic systems, with well-established synthetic processes and facile functionalization, becomes a crucial element in the design phases. Furthermore, the selection of hit heterocyclic should be guided by a full understanding of their biological activities. Thus, the identification of promising heterocyclic scaffolds with known biological effects increases the potential to develop effective molecules against Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan D Sánchez
- Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés R Alcántara
- Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan F González
- Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José María Sánchez-Montero
- Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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6
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Naringin Protects against Tau Hyperphosphorylation in A β 25-35-Injured PC12 Cells through Modulation of ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3 β Signaling Pathways. Behav Neurol 2023; 2023:1857330. [PMID: 36844418 PMCID: PMC9946756 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1857330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and a significant social and economic burden. Estrogens can exert neuroprotective effects and may contribute to the prevention, attenuation, or even delay in the onset of AD; however, long-term estrogen therapy is associated with harmful side effects. Thus, estrogen alternatives are of interest for countering AD. Naringin, a phytoestrogen, is a key active ingredient in the traditional Chinese medicine Drynaria. Naringin is known to protect against nerve injury induced by amyloid beta-protein (Aβ) 25-35, but the underlying mechanisms of this protection are unclear. To investigate the mechanisms of naringin neuroprotection, we observed the protective effect on Aβ 25-35-injured C57BL/6J mice's learning and memory ability and hippocampal neurons. Then, an Aβ 25-35 injury model was established with adrenal phaeochromocytoma (PC12) cells. We examined the effect of naringin treatment on Aβ 25-35-injured PC12 cells and its relationship with estrogen receptor (ER), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β signaling pathways. Estradiol (E2) was used as a positive control for neuroprotection. Naringin treatment resulted in improved learning and memory ability, the morphology of hippocampal neurons, increased cell viability, and reduced apoptosis. We next examined the expression of ERβ, p-AKT (Ser473, Thr308), AKT, p-GSK-3β (Ser9), GSK-3β, p-Tau (Thr231, Ser396), and Tau in PC12 cells treated with Aβ 25-35 and either naringin or E2, with and without inhibitors of the ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3β pathways. Our results demonstrated that naringin inhibits Aβ 25-35-induced Tau hyperphosphorylation by modulating the ER, PI3K/AKT, and GSK-3β signaling pathways. Furthermore, the neuroprotective effects of naringin were comparable to those of E2 in all treatment groups. Thus, our results have furthered our understanding of naringin's neuroprotective mechanisms and indicate that naringin may comprise a viable alternative to estrogen therapy.
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7
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Impact of the Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel Antagonist Nimodipine on the Development of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043716. [PMID: 36835129 PMCID: PMC9960570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). While most of the current treatment strategies focus on immune cell regulation, except for the drug siponimod, there is no therapeutic intervention that primarily aims at neuroprotection and remyelination. Recently, nimodipine showed a beneficial and remyelinating effect in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of MS. Nimodipine also positively affected astrocytes, neurons, and mature oligodendrocytes. Here we investigated the effects of nimodipine, an L-type voltage-gated calcium channel antagonist, on the expression profile of myelin genes and proteins in the oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) line Oli-Neu and in primary OPCs. Our data indicate that nimodipine does not have any effect on myelin-related gene and protein expression. Furthermore, nimodipine treatment did not result in any morphological changes in these cells. However, RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses identified potential micro (mi)RNA that could support myelination after nimodipine treatment compared to a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control. Additionally, we treated zebrafish with nimodipine and observed a significant increase in the number of mature oligodendrocytes (* p≤ 0.05). Taken together, nimodipine seems to have different positive effects on OPCs and mature oligodendrocytes.
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Mohammadi AH, Seyedmoalemi S, Moghanlou M, Akhlagh SA, Talaei Zavareh SA, Hamblin MR, Jafari A, Mirzaei H. MicroRNAs and Synaptic Plasticity: From Their Molecular Roles to Response to Therapy. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5084-5102. [PMID: 35666404 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02907-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity is the ability of synapses to weaken or strengthen over time, in response to changes in the activity of the neurons. It is orchestrated by a variety of genes, proteins, and external and internal factors, especially epigenetic factors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are well-acknowledged epigenetic modulators that regulate the translation and degradation of target genes in the nervous system. Increasing evidence has suggested that a number of miRNAs play important roles in modulating various aspects of synaptic plasticity. The deregulation of miRNAs could be associated with pathological alterations in synaptic plasticity, which could lead to different CNS-related diseases. Herein, we provide an update on the role of miRNAs in governing synaptic plasticity. In addition, we also summarize recent researches on the role of miRNAs in drug addiction, and their targets and mechanism of action. Understanding of the way in which miRNAs contribute to synaptic plasticity provides rational clues in establishing the novel biomarkers and new therapeutic strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of plasticity-related diseases and drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hossein Mohammadi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Seyedvahid Seyedmoalemi
- Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Moghanlou
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa
| | - Ameneh Jafari
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
- Proteomics Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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Zhou C, Sun P, Xu Y, Chen Y, Huang Y, Hamblin MH, Foley L, Hitchens TK, Li S, Yin K. Genetic Deficiency of MicroRNA-15a/16-1 Confers Resistance to Neuropathological Damage and Cognitive Dysfunction in Experimental Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104986. [PMID: 35403823 PMCID: PMC9189640 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-derived brain damage contributes to the progression of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Cumulative evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRs) are emerging as novel therapeutic targets for CNS disorders. In this study, it is sought to determine the regulatory role of miR-15a/16-1 in VCID. It is found that miR-15a/16-1 knockout (KO) mice exhibit less cognitive and sensorimotor deficits following VCID. Genetic deficiency of miR-15a/16-1 in VCID mice also mitigate myelin degeneration, axonal injury, and neuronal loss. Mechanistically, miR-15a/16-1 binds to the 3'-UTR of AKT3 and IL-10RA. Genetic deletion of miR-15a/16-1 increases AKT3 and IL-10RA expression in VCID brains, and intranasal delivery of AKT3 and IL-10RA siRNA-loaded nanoparticles partially reduce brain protection and cognitive recovery in miR-15a/16-1 KO mice after VCID. In conclusion, the miR-15a/16-1-IL/10RA/AKT3 axis plays a critical role in regulating vascular brain damage and cognitive decline after VCID. Targeting miR-15a/16-1 is a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of VCID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhou
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryDepartment of NeurologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA15213USA
| | - Ping Sun
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryDepartment of NeurologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA15213USA
| | - Yang Xu
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryDepartment of NeurologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA15213USA
| | - Yuang Chen
- Center for PharmacogeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of PharmacyPittsburghPA15213USA
| | - Yixian Huang
- Center for PharmacogeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of PharmacyPittsburghPA15213USA
| | - Milton H. Hamblin
- Tulane University Health Sciences CenterTulane UniversityNew OrleansLA70112USA
| | - Lesley Foley
- Animal Imaging CenterDepartment of NeurobiologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA15203USA
| | - T. Kevin Hitchens
- Animal Imaging CenterDepartment of NeurobiologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA15203USA
| | - Song Li
- Center for PharmacogeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of PharmacyPittsburghPA15213USA
| | - Ke‐Jie Yin
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryDepartment of NeurologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPA15213USA
- Geriatric ResearchEducation and Clinical CenterVeterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare SystemPittsburghPA15240USA
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10
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Doroszkiewicz J, Groblewska M, Mroczko B. Molecular Biomarkers and Their Implications for the Early Diagnosis of Selected Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094610. [PMID: 35563001 PMCID: PMC9100918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The degeneration and dysfunction of neurons are key features of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Currently, one of the main challenges facing researchers and clinicians is the ability to obtain reliable diagnostic tools that will allow for the diagnosis of NDs as early as possible and the detection of neuronal dysfunction, preferably in the presymptomatic stage. Additionally, better tools for assessing disease progression in this group of disorders are also being sought. The ideal biomarker must have high sensitivity and specificity, be easy to measure, give reproducible results, and reflect the disease progression. Molecular biomarkers include miRNAs and extracellular microvesicles known as exosomes. They may be measured in two extracellular fluids of the highest importance in NDs, i.e., cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. The aim of the current review is to summarize the pathophysiology of the four most frequent NDs—i.e., Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS)—as well as current progress in the research into miRNAs as biomarkers in these major neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, we discuss the possibility of using miRNA-based therapies in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and present the limitations of this type of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Doroszkiewicz
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-85-686-51-68
| | - Magdalena Groblewska
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, University Hospital in Białystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland;
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
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11
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MicroRNAs in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease: an overview. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:1589-1603. [PMID: 35001356 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02727-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by a progressive loss of neurons of the central nervous system (CNS) and serve as a major cause of morbidity, mortality and functional dependence especially among the elderly. Despite extensive research and development efforts, the success rate of clinical pipelines has been very limited. However, microRNAs (miRs) have been proved to be of crucial importance in regulating intracellular pathways for various pathologic conditions including those of a neurodegenerative nature. There is ample evidence of altered levels of various miRs in clinical samples of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease patients with potentially major clinical implications. In the current review, we aim to summarize the relevant literature on the role of miRs in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) as the two globally predominant neurodegenerative conditions.
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Abstract
Substantial evidence, composed of drug mechanisms of action, in vivo testing, and epidemiological data, exists to support clinical testing of FDA-approved drugs for repurposing to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Licensed compound investigation can often proceed at a faster and more cost-effective manner than un-approved compounds moving through the drug pipeline. As the prevalence of AD increases with life expectancy, the current rise in life expectancy amalgamated with the lack of an effective drug for the treatment of AD unnecessarily burdens our medical system and is an urgent public health concern. The unfounded reluctance to examine repurposing existing drugs for possible AD therapy further impedes the possibility of improving the quality of patient lives with a terminal disease. This review summarizes some evidence which exists to suggest certain already-approved drugs may be considered for the treatment of AD and will perhaps encourage physicians to off-label prescribe these safe therapeutics.
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Law CSW, Yeong KY. Repurposing Antihypertensive Drugs for the Management of Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:1716-1730. [PMID: 32164502 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200312114223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that has affected millions of people worldwide. However, currently, there is no treatment to cure the disease. The AD drugs available in the market only manage the disease symptomatically and the effects are usually short-term. Thus, there is a need to look at alternatives AD therapies. This literature review aims to shed some light on the potential of repurposing antihypertensives to treat AD. Mid-life hypertension has not only been recognised as a risk factor for AD, but its relation with AD has also been well established. Hence, antihypertensives were postulated to be beneficial in managing AD. Four classes of antihypertensives, as well as their potential limitations and prospects in being utilised as AD therapeutics, were discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Shing Wei Law
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia Campus, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Keng Yoon Yeong
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia Campus, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
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Zhang J, Sun P, Zhou C, Zhang X, Ma F, Xu Y, Hamblin MH, Yin K. Regulatory microRNAs and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. CNS Neurosci Ther 2020; 26:1207-1218. [PMID: 33459504 PMCID: PMC7702235 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is defined as a progressive dementia disease related to cerebrovascular injury and often occurs in aged populations. Despite decades of research, effective treatment for VCID is still absent. The pathological processes of VCID are mediated by the molecular mechanisms that are partly modulated at the post-transcriptional level. As small endogenous non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRs) can regulate target gene expression through post-transcriptional gene silencing. miRs have been reported to play an important role in the pathology of VCID and have recently been suggested as potential novel pharmacological targets for the development of new diagnosis and treatment strategies in VCID. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of VCID, the possible role of miRs in the regulation of VCID and attempt to envision future therapeutic strategies. Since manipulation of miR levels by either pharmacological or genetic approaches has shown therapeutic effects in experimental VCID models, we also emphasize the potential therapeutic value of miRs in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of NeurologyPittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Ping Sun
- Department of NeurologyPittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of NeurologyPittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Xuejing Zhang
- Department of NeurologyPittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Feifei Ma
- Department of NeurologyPittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of NeurologyPittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Milton H. Hamblin
- Department of PharmacologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLAUSA
| | - Ke‐Jie Yin
- Department of NeurologyPittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & RecoveryUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
- Geriatric ResearchEducation and Clinical CenterVeterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare SystemPittsburghPAUSA
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Gizak A, Duda P, Pielka E, McCubrey JA, Rakus D. GSK3 and miRNA in neural tissue: From brain development to neurodegenerative diseases. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118696. [PMID: 32165184 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) are small RNAs modulating gene expression and creating intricate regulatory networks that are dysregulated in many pathological states, including neurodegenerative disorders. In silico analyses denote a multifunctional kinase glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) as a putative target of numerous miRs identified in neural tissue. GSK3 is engaged in almost all aspects of neuronal development and functioning. Moreover, there is an autoregulatory feedback between GSK3 and miRNAs as the kinase can influence biogenesis of miRs. Members of the miR-GSK3 axes might thus represent convenient therapeutic targets in neuropathologies that display its abnormal regulation. This review summarizes the present knowledge about direct interactions of GSK3 and miRs in brain, and their putative roles in pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: GSK-3 and related kinases in cancer, neurological and other disorders edited by James McCubrey, Agnieszka Gizak and Dariusz Rakus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław 50-137, Poland.
| | - Przemysław Duda
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław 50-137, Poland
| | - Ewa Pielka
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław 50-137, Poland
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław 50-137, Poland
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Epigenetic Modulation on Tau Phosphorylation in Alzheimer's Disease. Neural Plast 2019; 2019:6856327. [PMID: 31093272 PMCID: PMC6481020 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6856327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau hyperphosphorylation is a typical pathological change in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is involved in the early onset and progression of AD. Epigenetic modification refers to heritable alterations in gene expression that are not caused by direct changes in the DNA sequence of the gene. Epigenetic modifications, such as noncoding RNA regulation, DNA methylation, and histone modification, can directly or indirectly affect the regulation of tau phosphorylation, thereby participating in AD development and progression. This review summarizes the current research progress on the mechanisms of epigenetic modification associated with tau phosphorylation.
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