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Liang Z, Candib A, Soriano-Castell D, Fischer W, Finley K, Maher P. Fragment-based drug discovery and biological evaluation of novel cannabinol-based inhibitors of oxytosis/ferroptosis for neurological disorders. Redox Biol 2024; 72:103138. [PMID: 38581858 PMCID: PMC11002867 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103138] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The oxytosis/ferroptosis regulated cell death pathway is an emerging field of research owing to its pathophysiological relevance to a wide range of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and traumatic brain injury. Developing novel neurotherapeutics to inhibit oxytosis/ferroptosis offers exciting opportunities for the treatment of these and other neurological diseases. Previously, we discovered cannabinol (CBN) as a unique, potent inhibitor of oxytosis/ferroptosis by targeting mitochondria and modulating their function in neuronal cells. To further elucidate which key pharmacophores and chemical space are essential to the beneficial effects of CBN, we herein introduce a fragment-based drug discovery strategy in conjunction with cell-based phenotypic screens using oxytosis/ferroptosis to determine the structure-activity relationship of CBN. The resulting information led to the development of four new CBN analogs, CP1-CP4, that not only preserve the sub-micromolar potency of neuroprotection and mitochondria-modulating activities seen with CBN in neuronal cell models but also have better druglike properties. Moreover, compared to CBN, the analog CP1 shows improved in vivo efficacy in the Drosophila model of mild traumatic brain injury. Together these studies identify the key molecular scaffolds of cannabinoids that contribute to neuroprotection against oxytosis/ferroptosis. They also highlight the advantageous approach of combining in vitro cell-based assays and rapid in vivo studies using Drosophila models for evaluating new therapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Liang
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States.
| | - Alec Candib
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182, United States
| | - David Soriano-Castell
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
| | - Wolfgang Fischer
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
| | - Kim Finley
- Shiley Bioscience Center, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182, United States
| | - Pamela Maher
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States.
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Zhao P, Feng L, Jiang W, Wu P, Liu Y, Ren H, Jin X, Zhang L, Mi H, Zhou X. Unveiling the emerging role of curcumin to alleviate ochratoxin A-induced muscle toxicity in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella): in vitro and in vivo studies. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2024; 15:72. [PMID: 38734645 PMCID: PMC11088780 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-024-01023-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ochratoxin A (OTA), a globally abundant and extremely hazardous pollutant, is a significant source of contamination in aquafeeds and is responsible for severe food pollution. The developmental toxicity of OTA and the potential relieving strategy of natural products remain unclear. This study screened the substance curcumin (Cur), which had the best effect in alleviating OTA inhibition of myoblast proliferation, from 96 natural products and investigated its effect and mechanism in reducing OTA myotoxicity in vivo and in vitro. METHODS A total of 720 healthy juvenile grass carp, with an initial average body weight of 11.06 ± 0.05 g, were randomly assigned into 4 groups: the control group (without OTA and Cur), 1.2 mg/kg OTA group, 400 mg/kg Cur group, and 1.2 mg/kg OTA + 400 mg/kg Cur group. Each treatment consisted of 3 replicates (180 fish) for 60 d. RESULTS Firstly, we cultured, purified, and identified myoblasts using the tissue block culture method. Through preliminary screening and re-screening of 96 substances, we examined cell proliferation-related indicators such as cell viability and ultimately found that Cur had the best effect. Secondly, Cur could alleviate OTA-inhibited myoblast differentiation and myofibrillar development-related proteins (MyoG and MYHC) in vivo and in vitro and improve the growth performance of grass carp. Then, Cur could also promote the expression of OTA-inhibited protein synthesis-related proteins (S6K1 and TOR), which was related to the activation of the AKT/TOR signaling pathway. Finally, Cur could downregulate the expression of OTA-enhanced protein degradation-related genes (murf1, foxo3a, and ub), which was related to the inhibition of the FoxO3a signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our data demonstrated the effectiveness of Cur in alleviating OTA myotoxicity in vivo and in vitro. This study confirms the rapidity, feasibility, and effectiveness of establishing a natural product screening method targeting myoblasts to alleviate fungal toxin toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piao Zhao
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Feng
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
- Fish Nutrition and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Weidan Jiang
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
- Fish Nutrition and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Pei Wu
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
- Fish Nutrition and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
- Fish Nutrition and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongmei Ren
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
- Fish Nutrition and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaowan Jin
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
- Fish Nutrition and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Tongwei Co., Ltd., Healthy Aquaculture Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Haifeng Mi
- Tongwei Co., Ltd., Healthy Aquaculture Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Zhou
- Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
- Fish Nutrition and Safety Production University Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease-Resistance Nutrition, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.
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Goujon M, Liang Z, Soriano-Castell D, Currais A, Maher P. The Neuroprotective Flavonoids Sterubin and Fisetin Maintain Mitochondrial Health under Oxytotic/Ferroptotic Stress and Improve Bioenergetic Efficiency in HT22 Neuronal Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:460. [PMID: 38671908 PMCID: PMC11047672 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040460] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The global increase in the aging population has led to a rise in many age-related diseases with continuing unmet therapeutic needs. Research into the molecular mechanisms underlying both aging and neurodegeneration has identified promising therapeutic targets, such as the oxytosis/ferroptosis cell death pathway, in which mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role. This study focused on sterubin and fisetin, two flavonoids from the natural pharmacopeia previously identified as strong inhibitors of the oxytosis/ferroptosis pathway. Here, we investigated the effects of the compounds on the mitochondrial physiology in HT22 hippocampal nerve cells under oxytotic/ferroptotic stress. We show that the compounds can restore mitochondrial homeostasis at the level of redox regulation, calcium uptake, biogenesis, fusion/fission dynamics, and modulation of respiration, leading to the enhancement of bioenergetic efficiency. However, mitochondria are not required for the neuroprotective effects of sterubin and fisetin, highlighting their diverse homeostatic impacts. Sterubin and fisetin, thus, provide opportunities to expand drug development strategies for anti-oxytotic/ferroptotic agents and offer new perspectives on the intricate interplay between mitochondrial function, cellular stress, and the pathophysiology of aging and age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Goujon
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, San Diego, CA 92037, USA; (Z.L.); (D.S.-C.); (A.C.)
| | | | | | | | - Pamela Maher
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, San Diego, CA 92037, USA; (Z.L.); (D.S.-C.); (A.C.)
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Zuo HL, Huang HY, Lin YCD, Liu KM, Lin TS, Wang YB, Huang HD. Effects of Natural Products on Enzymes Involved in Ferroptosis: Regulation and Implications. Molecules 2023; 28:7929. [PMID: 38067658 PMCID: PMC10708253 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death that is characterized by the accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides. The regulation of ferroptosis involves both non-enzymatic reactions and enzymatic mechanisms. Natural products have demonstrated potential effects on various enzymes, including GPX4, HO-1, NQO1, NOX4, GCLC, and GCLM, which are mainly involved in glutathione metabolic pathway or oxidative stress regulation, and ACSL3 and ACSL4, which mainly participate in lipid metabolism, thereby influencing the regulation of ferroptosis. In this review, we have provided a comprehensive overview of the existing literature pertaining to the effects of natural products on enzymes involved in ferroptosis and discussed their potential implications for the prevention and treatment of ferroptosis-related diseases. We also highlight the potential challenge that the majority of research has concentrated on investigating the impact of natural products on the expression of enzymes involving ferroptosis while limited attention is given to the regulation of enzyme activity. This observation underscores the considerable potential and scope for exploring the influence of natural products on enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Li Zuo
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China; (H.-Y.H.); (Y.-C.-D.L.); (T.-S.L.); (Y.-B.W.)
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Hsi-Yuan Huang
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China; (H.-Y.H.); (Y.-C.-D.L.); (T.-S.L.); (Y.-B.W.)
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Yang-Chi-Dung Lin
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China; (H.-Y.H.); (Y.-C.-D.L.); (T.-S.L.); (Y.-B.W.)
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Kun-Meng Liu
- Center for Medical Artificial Intelligence, Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao 266112, China;
| | - Ting-Syuan Lin
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China; (H.-Y.H.); (Y.-C.-D.L.); (T.-S.L.); (Y.-B.W.)
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Yi-Bing Wang
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China; (H.-Y.H.); (Y.-C.-D.L.); (T.-S.L.); (Y.-B.W.)
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Hsien-Da Huang
- School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China; (H.-Y.H.); (Y.-C.-D.L.); (T.-S.L.); (Y.-B.W.)
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China
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Wang Y, Lv MN, Zhao WJ. Research on ferroptosis as a therapeutic target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 91:102035. [PMID: 37619619 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102035] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an iron- and lipid peroxidation (LPO)-mediated programmed cell death type. Recently, mounting evidence has indicated the involvement of ferroptosis in neurodegenerative diseases, especially in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD), and so on. Treating ferroptosis presents opportunities as well as challenges for neurodegenerative diseases. This review provides a comprehensive overview of typical features of ferroptosis and the underlying mechanisms that contribute to its occurrence, as well as their implications in the pathogenesis and advancement of major neurodegenerative disorders. Meanwhile, we summarize the utilization of ferroptosis inhibition in both experimental and clinical approaches for the treatment of major neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, we specifically summarize recent advances in developing therapeutic means targeting ferroptosis in these diseases, which may guide future approaches for the effective management of these devastating medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, PR China
| | - Meng-Nan Lv
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, PR China
| | - Wei-Jiang Zhao
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, PR China; Department of Cell Biology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, PR China.
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Peng X, Tan Q, Zhang Z, Wu D, Xu J, Zhou H, Gu Q. Discovery of neo-Clerodane Diterpenoids from Ajuga campylantha as Neuroprotective Agents against Ferroptosis and Neuroinflammation. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2023; 86:2006-2021. [PMID: 37566645 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Twelve new neo-clerodane diterpenoids, eight undescribed methoxy/ethoxy acetal analogues, and one new nor-iridane monoterpenoid were isolated from Ajuga campylantha. Their structures were elucidated using a combination of spectroscopic data, quantum chemical calculations, and X-ray crystallography. This research reveals the distinctive structural features of A. campylantha diterpenes, including distinct C rings and 4,18-double bonds, distinguishing them from diterpenes of other plants in the Ajuga genus. Compound 2 represents the first example of a 19(5→6)-abeo-clerodane formed through a Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement. The isolated compounds were assessed for their neuroprotective effects against RSL3-induced ferroptosis in HT22 cells and LPS-induced neuroinflammation in BV-2 cells. Notably, compound 7 inhibits ferroptosis (EC50 = 10 μM) with a potentially new mechanism of action. The preliminary structure-activity relationship studies revealed that the furan-clerodane diterpenoids possess potential ferroptosis inhibitory activity, while the lactone-clerodanes do not. This study represents the first report of furan-containing clerodanes within the Ajuga genus, providing fresh insights into the phytochemistry and pharmacological potential of A. campylantha.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Peng
- Research Center for Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyun Tan
- Research Center for Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhikang Zhang
- Research Center for Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Deyin Wu
- Research Center for Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Xu
- Research Center for Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Huihao Zhou
- Research Center for Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Gu
- Research Center for Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
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7
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Wang C, Hua S, Song L. Ferroptosis in pulmonary fibrosis: an emerging therapeutic target. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1205771. [PMID: 37664432 PMCID: PMC10470006 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1205771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the role of ferroptosis in pulmonary fibrosis has garnered increasing interest as a potential therapeutic target. Pulmonary fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix in affected lung tissues, and currently, there are no effective therapies for preventing or reversing the fibrotic lesions. Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is regulated by a network of enzymes and signaling pathways. Dysregulation of ferroptosis has been implicated in several diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis. The accumulation of lipid peroxides in the course of ferroptosis causes damage to cell membranes and other cellular components, leading ultimately to cell death. Relevant targets for therapeutic intervention in ferroptosis include key enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase 4, transcription factors like nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and iron chelation. This review provides an overview of the emerging role of ferroptosis in pulmonary fibrosis and highlights potential therapeutic targets in this pathway. Further research is needed to develop safe and effective approaches targeting ferroptosis in treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Wang
- Department of General Practice, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shucheng Hua
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lei Song
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Huang X. A Concise Review on Oxidative Stress-Mediated Ferroptosis and Cuproptosis in Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1369. [PMID: 37408203 PMCID: PMC10216514 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), which was first identified more than a century ago, has become a pandemic that exacts enormous social burden and economic tolls as no measure of combating devastated AD is currently available. Growing etiopathological, genetic, and biochemical data indicate that AD is a heterogeneous, polygenic, multifactorial, and complex disease. However, its exact etiopathology remains to be determined. Numerous experimental data show that cerebral iron and copper dyshomeostasis contribute to Aβ amyloidosis and tauopathy, two neuropathological hallmarks of AD. Moreover, increasing experimental evidence suggests ferroptosis, an iron-dependent and nonapoptotic form of cell death, may be involved in the neurodegenerative process in the AD brain. Thus, the anti-ferroptosis approach may be an efficacious therapeutic strategy for AD patients. Furthermore, it remains to be further determined whether cuproptosis, a copper-dependent and distinct form of regulated cell death, also plays a contributing role in AD neurodegeneration. We hope this concise review of recent experimental studies of oxidative stress-mediated ferroptosis and cuproptosis in AD may spur further investigations on this timely and essential line of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Huang
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
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9
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Liang Z, Maher P. Structural Requirements for the Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Flavanone Sterubin. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:2197. [PMID: 36358569 PMCID: PMC9686938 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent age-associated disease with no treatments that can prevent, delay, slow, or stop its progression. Thus, new approaches to drug development are needed. One promising approach is the use of phenotypic screening assays that can identify compounds that have therapeutic efficacy in target pathways relevant to aging and cognition, as well as AD pathology. Using this approach, we identified the flavanone sterubin, from Yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum), as a potential drug candidate for the treatment of AD. Sterubin is highly protective against multiple initiators of cell death that activate distinct death pathways, potently induces the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2, and has strong anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, in a short-term model of AD, it was able to prevent decreases in short- and long-term memory. In order to better understand which key chemical functional groups are essential to the beneficial effects of sterubin, we compared the activity of sterubin to that of seven closely related flavonoids in our phenotypic screening assays. Surprisingly, only sterubin showed both potent neuroprotective activity against multiple insults as well as strong anti-inflammatory activity against several distinct inducers of inflammation. These effects correlated directly with the ability of sterubin to strongly induce Nrf2 in both nerve and microglial cells. Together, these results define the structural requirements underlying the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of sterubin and they provide the basis for future studies on new compounds based on sterubin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pamela Maher
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
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10
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Moos WH, Faller DV, Glavas IP, Harpp DN, Kamperi N, Kanara I, Kodukula K, Mavrakis AN, Pernokas J, Pernokas M, Pinkert CA, Powers WR, Sampani K, Steliou K, Tamvakopoulos C, Vavvas DG, Zamboni RJ, Chen X. Treatment and prevention of pathological mitochondrial dysfunction in retinal degeneration and in photoreceptor injury. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 203:115168. [PMID: 35835206 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115168] [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: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pathological deterioration of mitochondrial function is increasingly linked with multiple degenerative illnesses as a mediator of a wide range of neurologic and age-related chronic diseases, including those of genetic origin. Several of these diseases are rare, typically defined in the United States as an illness affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. population, or about one in 1600 individuals. Vision impairment due to mitochondrial dysfunction in the eye is a prominent feature evident in numerous primary mitochondrial diseases and is common to the pathophysiology of many of the familiar ophthalmic disorders, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and retinopathy of prematurity - a collection of syndromes, diseases and disorders with significant unmet medical needs. Focusing on metabolic mitochondrial pathway mechanisms, including the possible roles of cuproptosis and ferroptosis in retinal mitochondrial dysfunction, we shed light on the potential of α-lipoyl-L-carnitine in treating eye diseases. α-Lipoyl-L-carnitine is a bioavailable mitochondria-targeting lipoic acid prodrug that has shown potential in protecting against retinal degeneration and photoreceptor cell loss in ophthalmic indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter H Moos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Douglas V Faller
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Cancer Research Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ioannis P Glavas
- Department of Ophthalmology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - David N Harpp
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Natalia Kamperi
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research Pharmacology-Pharmacotechnology, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Anastasios N Mavrakis
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie Pernokas
- Advanced Dental Associates of New England, Woburn, MA, USA
| | - Mark Pernokas
- Advanced Dental Associates of New England, Woburn, MA, USA
| | - Carl A Pinkert
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Whitney R Powers
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Anatomy, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Konstantina Sampani
- Beetham Eye Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kosta Steliou
- Cancer Research Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; PhenoMatriX, Inc., Natick, MA, USA
| | - Constantin Tamvakopoulos
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research Pharmacology-Pharmacotechnology, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Demetrios G Vavvas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Retina Service, Angiogenesis Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert J Zamboni
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Retina Service, Angiogenesis Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
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Liang Z, Soriano-Castell D, Kepchia D, Duggan BM, Currais A, Schubert D, Maher P. Cannabinol inhibits oxytosis/ferroptosis by directly targeting mitochondria independently of cannabinoid receptors. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 180:33-51. [PMID: 34999187 PMCID: PMC8840979 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The oxytosis/ferroptosis regulated cell death pathway recapitulates many features of mitochondrial dysfunction associated with the aging brain and has emerged as a potential key mediator of neurodegeneration. It has thus been proposed that the oxytosis/ferroptosis pathway can be used to identify novel drug candidates for the treatment of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases that act by preserving mitochondrial function. Previously, we identified cannabinol (CBN) as a potent neuroprotector. Here, we demonstrate that not only does CBN protect nerve cells from oxytosis/ferroptosis in a manner that is dependent on mitochondria and it does so independently of cannabinoid receptors. Specifically, CBN directly targets mitochondria and preserves key mitochondrial functions including redox regulation, calcium uptake, membrane potential, bioenergetics, biogenesis, and modulation of fusion/fission dynamics that are disrupted following induction of oxytosis/ferroptosis. These protective effects of CBN are at least partly mediated by the promotion of endogenous antioxidant defenses and the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. Together, our data highlight the potential of mitochondrially-targeted compounds such as CBN as novel oxytotic/ferroptotic inhibitors to rescue mitochondrial dysfunction as well as opportunities for the discovery and development of future neurotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Liang
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States; The Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States.
| | - David Soriano-Castell
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
| | - Devin Kepchia
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
| | - Brendan M Duggan
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Antonio Currais
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
| | - David Schubert
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States; The Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
| | - Pamela Maher
- Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States.
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