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Singh H, Das A, Khan MM, Pourmotabbed T. New insights into the therapeutic approaches for the treatment of tauopathies. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1020-1026. [PMID: 37862204 PMCID: PMC10749630 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are a group of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia, which involve progressive neurodegeneration, cognitive deficits, and aberrant tau protein accumulation. The development of tauopathies cannot currently be stopped or slowed down by treatment measures. Given the significant contribution of tau burden in primary tauopathies and the strong association between pathogenic tau accumulation and cognitive deficits, there has been a lot of interest in creating therapies that can alleviate tau pathology and render neuroprotective effects. Recently, small molecules, immunotherapies, and gene therapy have been used to reduce the pathological tau burden and prevent neurodegeneration in animal models of tauopathies. However, the major pitfall of the current therapeutic approach is the difficulty of drugs and gene-targeting modalities to cross the blood-brain barrier and their unintended side effects. In this review, the current therapeutic strategies used for tauopathies including the use of oligonucleotide-based gene therapy approaches that have shown a promising result for the treatment of tauopathies and Alzheimer's disease in preclinical animal models, have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshi Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Delhi, India
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Asmita Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Delhi, India
| | - Mohammad Moshahid Khan
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Center for Muscle, Metabolism and Neuropathology, Division of Regenerative and Rehabilitation Sciences and Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Tayebeh Pourmotabbed
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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2
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Tang J, Sun R, Wan J, Xu Z, Zou Y, Zhang Q. Atomic insights into the inhibition of R3 domain of tau protein by epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin and gallic acid. Biophys Chem 2024; 305:107142. [PMID: 38088006 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2023.107142] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Inhibiting tau protein aggregation has become a prospective avenue for the therapeutic development of tauopathies. The third microtubule-binding repeat (R3) domain of tau is confirmed as the most aggregation-favorable fragment of the whole protein. As dimerization is the first step of the aggregation of tau into amyloid fibrils, impeding the dimerization of the R3 domain is critical to prevent the full-length tau aggregation. Natural polyphenol small molecules epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), quercetin (QE) and gallic acid (GA) are proven to inhibit the aggregation of the full-length recombinant tau (For EGCG and QE) or the R3 domain (For GA) of tau in vitro. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the inhibitive effects on the R3 domain of tau remain largely unknown. In this study, we conducted numerous all-atom molecular dynamics simulations on R3 dimers with and without EGCG, QE or GA, respectively. The results reveal that all three molecules can effectively decrease the β structure composition of the R3 dimer, induce the dimer to adopt loosely-packed conformations, and weaken interchain interactions, thus impeding the dimerization of the R3 peptide chains. The specific preferentially binding sites for the three molecules exhibit similarities and differences. Hydrophobic, π-π stacking and hydrogen-bonding interactions collectively drive EGCG, QE and GA respectively binding on the R3 dimer, while QE also binds with the dimer through cation-π interaction. Given the incurable nature of tauopathies hitherto, our research provides helpful knowledge for the development of drugs to treat tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Tang
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiqing Sun
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqian Wan
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengdong Xu
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zou
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qingwen Zhang
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Shi H, Zhao Y. Modulation of Tau Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease by Dietary Bioactive Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:831. [PMID: 38255905 PMCID: PMC10815728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020831] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein essential for microtubule assembly and stability in neurons. The abnormal intracellular accumulation of tau aggregates is a major characteristic of brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. In AD, the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which is composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, is positively correlated with the severity of the cognitive decline. Evidence suggests that the accumulation and aggregation of tau cause synaptic dysfunction and neuronal degeneration. Thus, the prevention of abnormal tau phosphorylation and elimination of tau aggregates have been proposed as therapeutic strategies for AD. However, currently tau-targeting therapies for AD and other tauopathies are limited. A number of dietary bioactive compounds have been found to modulate the posttranslational modifications of tau, including phosphorylation, small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) mediated modification (SUMOylation) and acetylation, as well as inhibit tau aggregation and/or promote tau degradation. The advantages of using these dietary components over synthetic substances in AD prevention and intervention are their safety and accessibility. This review summarizes the mechanisms leading to tau pathology in AD and highlights the effects of bioactive compounds on the hyperphosphorylation, aggregation and clearance of tau protein. The potential of using these bioactive compounds for AD prevention and intervention is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahua Shi
- Department of Bioengineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai 264209, China;
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Bioengineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai 264209, China;
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
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4
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Tang J, Zou Y, Gong Y, Xu Z, Wan J, Wei G, Zhang Q. Molecular Mechanism in the Disruption of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy-Related R3-R4 Tau Protofibril by Quercetin and Gallic Acid: Similarities and Differences. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:897-908. [PMID: 36749931 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a unique progressive neurodegenerative tauopathy pathologically related to the aggregation of the tau protein to neurofibrillary tangles. Disrupting tau oligomers (protofibril) is a promising strategy to prevent CTE. Quercetin (QE) and gallic acid (GA), two polyphenol small molecules abundant in natural crops, were proved to inhibit recombinant tau and the R3 fragment of human full-length tau in vitro. However, their disruptive effect on CTE-related protofibril and the underlying molecular mechanism remain elusive. Cryo-electron microscopy resolution reveals that the R3-R4 fragment of tau forms the core of the CTE-related tau protofibril. In this study, we conducted extensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations on CTE-related R3-R4 tau protofibril with and without QE/GA molecules. The results disclose that both QE and GA can disrupt the global structure of the protofibril, while GA shows a relatively strong effect. The binding sites, exact binding patterns, and disruptive modes for the two molecules show similarities and differences. Strikingly, both QE and GA can insert into the hydrophobic cavity of the protofibril, indicating they have the potential to compete for the space in the cavity with aggregation cofactors unique to CTE-related protofibril and thus impede the further aggregation of the tau protein. Due to relatively short time scale, our study captures the early disruptive mechanism of CTE-related R3-R4 tau protofibril by QE/GA. However, our research does provide valuable knowledge for the design of supplements or drugs to prevent or delay the development of CTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Tang
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zou
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, 886 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Yehong Gong
- School of Sports Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengdong Xu
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqian Wan
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghong Wei
- Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, and Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingwen Zhang
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
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5
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Fazelinejad H, Zahedi E, Nazarian S, Kaffash Siuki Z, Nasri S, Dadmehr M, Mehrabi M, Khodarahmi R. Neuroprotective effect of Bis(Indolyl)phenylmethane in Alzheimer’s disease rat model through inhibition of hen Lysozyme amyloid fibril-induced neurotoxicity. JOURNAL OF THE IRANIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13738-022-02692-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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6
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Zou Y, Qi B, Tan J, Sun Y, Gong Y, Zhang Q. Mechanistic insight into the disruption of Tau R3-R4 protofibrils by curcumin and epinephrine: an all-atom molecular dynamics study. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:20454-20465. [PMID: 35993190 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp02353a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of Tau protein aggregates is a pathological hallmark of tauopathy, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Inhibiting Tau aggregation or disrupting preformed Tau fibrils is considered one of the rational therapeutic strategies to combat tauopathy. Previous studies reported that curcumin (Cur, a molecule of a labile natural product) and epinephrine (EP, an important neurotransmitter) could effectively inhibit the formation of Tau fibrillar aggregates and disassociate preformed fibrils. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we performed multiple molecular dynamics simulations for 17.5 μs in total to investigate the influence of Cur and EP on the C-shaped Tau protofibril associated with CTE. Our simulations show that the protofibrillar pentamer is the smallest stable Tau R3-R4 protofibril. Taking the pentamer as a protofibril model, we found that both Cur and EP molecules could affect the shape of the Tau pentamer by changing the β2-β3 and β7-β8 angles, leading to a more extended structure. Cur and EP display a disruptive effect on the local β-sheets and the formation of hydrogen bonds, and thus destabilize the global protofibril structure. The contact number analysis shows that Cur has a higher binding affinity with the Tau pentamer than EP, especially in the nucleating segment PHF6. Hydrophobic, π-π and cation-π interactions together facilitate the binding of Cur and EP with the Tau pentamer. Cur exhibits stronger hydrophobic and π-π interactions with Tau than EP, and EP displays a stronger cation-π interaction. Our findings provide molecular insights into the disruptive mechanisms of the Tau R3-R4 protofibrils by curcumin and epinephrine, which may be useful for the design of effective drug candidates for the treatment of CTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zou
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China.
| | - Bote Qi
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China.
| | - Jingwang Tan
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, P. R. China.
| | - Yunxiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China.,Department of Physics, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Yehong Gong
- School of Sports Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China
| | - Qingwen Zhang
- College of Physical Education and Training, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, P. R. China
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7
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Gharb M, Nouralishahi A, Riazi A, Riazi G. Inhibition Of Tau Protein Aggregation By a Chaperone-like β-Boswellic Acid Conjugated To Gold Nanoparticles. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:30347-30358. [PMID: 36061732 PMCID: PMC9434627 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A potential therapeutic strategy to inhibit tau protein aggregation in neurons has substantial effects on preventing or controlling Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this work, we designed a covalent and noncovalent conjugation of β-boswellic acid (BA) to gold nanoparticles (GNPs). We provided the opportunity to investigate the effect of the surface composition of BA-GNPs on the aggregation of the tau protein 1N/4R isoform in vitro. HR-TEM and FESEM micrographs revealed that GNPs were spherical and uniform, smaller than 25 nm. According to UV-visible and FTIR data, BA was successfully conjugated to GNPs. The finding illustrates the effect of the surface charge, size, and hydrophobicity of BA-GNPs on the kinetics of tau protein aggregation. The size and surface area of U-G-BA demonstrated that inhibited tau aggregation more effectively than covalently linked BA. The proposed method for preventing tau aggregation was monomer reduction. At the same time, a chaperone-like feature of GNP-BA while sustaining a tau native structure prevented the additional formation of fibrils. Overall, this study provides insight into the interaction of GNP-BAs with a monomer of tau protein and may suggest novel future therapies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Gharb
- Institute
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University
of Tehran, Tehran 14176-14335, Iran
- Caspian
Factually of Engineering, University of
Tehran, Rezvanshahr 4386191836, Gilan Iran
| | - Amideddin Nouralishahi
- Caspian
Factually of Engineering, University of
Tehran, Rezvanshahr 4386191836, Gilan Iran
| | - Ali Riazi
- Kondor
Pharma Inc., Mississauga, Ontario L4V 1T4, Canada
| | - Gholamhossein Riazi
- Institute
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University
of Tehran, Tehran 14176-14335, Iran
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8
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Anti-fibrillization Effects of Sulfonamide Derivatives on α-Synuclein and Hyperphosphorylated Tau Isoform 1N4R. J Mol Struct 2022; 1267. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.133574] [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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9
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Xi Y, Chen Y, Jin Y, Han G, Song M, Song T, Shi Y, Tao L, Huang Z, Zhou J, Ding Y, Zhang H. Versatile nanomaterials for Alzheimer's disease: Pathogenesis inspired disease-modifying therapy. J Control Release 2022; 345:38-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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10
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Khan JM, Malik A, Ahmed MZ, Ahmed A. SDS modulates amyloid fibril formation and conformational change in succinyl-ConA at low pH. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 267:120494. [PMID: 34689006 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.120494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is homologous to the cellular membrane lipids, and is known to stimulate amyloid fibrillation in several proteins. However, the mechanism by which SDS influences aggregation and structural changes in succinylated protein has not been determined. In this study, we observed the effects of variable SDS concentrations on succinyl-ConA aggregation at pH 3.5 and proposed a possible mechanism of SDS-induced succinyl-ConA aggregation. We used several biophysical techniques to identify the changes caused by SDS. Our results suggest that SDS stimulates succinyl-ConA aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner. From turbidity measurements, it was evident that a very low concentration (<0.1 mM) of SDS did not induce succinyl-ConA aggregation and proteins remained soluble. However, aggregations were observed at 0.1-2.5 mM SDS, which then dissipated at SDS concentrations above 2.5 mM. Far-UV CD results suggest that the β-sheet secondary structure of succinyl-ConA transformed into the cross-β-sheet structure in the presence of aggregating SDS concentrations. Notably, at SDS concentrations above 2.5 mM, the succinyl-ConA β-sheet transformed into an α-helical structure. The SDS-induced succinyl-ConA amyloid-like aggregates were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We propose that SDS modulates amyloid fibrillation in succinyl-ConA due to electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions and succinylation affects SDS-induced succinyl-ConA aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Masood Khan
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ajamaluddin Malik
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Z Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Venkatramani A, Mukherjee S, Kumari A, Panda D. Shikonin impedes phase separation and aggregation of tau and protects SH-SY5Y cells from the toxic effects of tau oligomers. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 204:19-33. [PMID: 35120943 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tauopathies such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases involve the abnormal deposition of tau aggregates in the brain and neuronal tissues. We report that a natural naphthoquinone, shikonin, impeded the oligomerization and fibrillization of tau. The compound strongly inhibited heparin, arachidonic acid, and RNA-induced tau aggregation. Atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, SDS-PAGE, and dot blot assays revealed that shikonin diminished tau oligomerization and decreased the mean size of tau oligomers. Transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy analysis further showed that shikonin could suppress tau fibrillization and shorten the tau filaments. Shikonin inhibited tau droplet formation. The compound significantly reduced the aggregation rate of a tryptophan mutant (Y310W-tau) of tau. In addition, shikonin disaggregated preformed tau filaments with a half-maximal disaggregation concentration (DC50) of 6.3 ± 0.4 μM. Pre-treatment of neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) with shikonin protected the cells from the toxicity induced by tau oligomers and increased their viability. The findings imply that shikonin inhibited several steps in the tau aggregation pathways, especially the early stages, such as liquid-liquid phase separation. Therefore, shikonin is an attractive candidate for developing a therapy against tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Venkatramani
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Sandipan Mukherjee
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Anuradha Kumari
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Dulal Panda
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India; National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, SAS. Nagar, Mohali 160062, Punjab, India.
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12
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An overview on the two recent decades’ study of peptides synthesis and biological activities in Iran. JOURNAL OF THE IRANIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13738-021-02312-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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13
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Curcumin-Piperlongumine Hybrids with a Multitarget Profile Elicit Neuroprotection in In Vitro Models of Oxidative Stress and Hyperphosphorylation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 11:antiox11010028. [PMID: 35052532 PMCID: PMC8773050 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin shows a broad spectrum of activities of relevance in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, it is poorly absorbed and is also chemically and metabolically unstable, leading to a very low oral bioavailability. A small library of hybrid compounds designed as curcumin analogues and incorporating the key structural fragment of piperlongumine, a natural neuroinflammation inhibitor, were synthesized by a two-step route that combines a three-component reaction between primary amines, β-ketoesters and α-haloesters and a base-promoted acylation with cinnamoyl chlorides. These compounds were predicted to have good oral absorption and CNS permeation, had good scavenging properties in the in vitro DPPH experiment and in a cellular assay based on the oxidation of dichlorofluorescin to a fluorescent species. The compounds showed low toxicity in two cellular models, were potent inductors of the Nrf2-ARE phase II antioxidant response, inhibited PHF6 peptide aggregation, closely related to Tau protein aggregation and were active against the LPS-induced inflammatory response. They also afforded neuroprotection against an oxidative insult induced by inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain with the rotenone-oligomycin A combination and against Tau hyperphosphorylation induced by the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid. This multitarget pharmacological profile is highly promising in the development of treatments for AD and provides a good hit structure for future optimization efforts.
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14
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Li X, Zhang X, Xing R, Qi F, Dong J, Li D, Tian X, Yu B, Huang M, Zhang L, Yuan X, Yang Y, Wu H, Zang L, Mao X, Sui R. Syringic acid demonstrates promising protective effect against tau fibrillization and cytotoxicity through regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated pathway as a prelude to Alzheimer's disease. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 192:491-497. [PMID: 34599991 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.09.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
There are several studies reporting that different plant-based metabolites are potential inhibitors of protein amyloid fibrillation. As chemical features of metabolites can regulate protein aggregation process, in the present in vitro investigation, tau protein was selected as a model of Alzheimer's disease to elaborate the inhibitory effect of syringic acid (SA) on its assembly and associated neurotoxicity in aggregation conditions. Extrinsic fluorescence, Congo red adsorption, and CD spectroscopic studies, TEM, size-exclusion chromatography, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis along with MTT and qRT-PCR assays were performed to assess the inhibitory effects of SA against tau aggregation and neurotoxicity. It was shown that SA has the tendency to control the aggregation of the tau proteins through modulating the amyloid kinetic parameters, exposure of hydrophobic residues, and structural changes. Moreover, the structures formed in the presence of SA recovered the viability of neuron-like cells (SH-SY5Y) through regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway by downregulation of ATF-6, caspase-8 and caspase-3 mRNA. In conclusion, it can be suggested that SA may be used as a potential small molecule in the development of therapeutic platforms against Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xidong Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Xuejie Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Ruixian Xing
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Fengjiao Qi
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Xue Tian
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Meiyi Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Xueling Yuan
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Huiru Wu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Lie Zang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Xin Mao
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Rubo Sui
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China.
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15
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Motiei M, Mirahmadi-Zare SZ, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Chemical stabilization of γ-polyglutamate by chitosan and the effect of co-solvents on the stability. Biophys Chem 2021; 275:106605. [PMID: 33964508 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2021.106605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In protein-based formulations, conformational distortions and attractive interactions may cause insoluble and undesired aggregates. In the case of ionic peptides, including cationic or anionic, commonly electrostatic interactions are the main factors that control structure assembling. In this study, it was proposed that grafting of chitosan (CS) to γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) might exhibit much strong inhibiting effect on the formation of protein aggregates due to multiple amino groups and hydrophilic properties. To guarantee stable and safe biopharmaceutical formulation, the potency of a variety of stabilizers including sugars (glucose, sucrose), polyols (sorbitol, glycerol), surfactant (Tween 20), salting-out salt (PBS), and also different pH values have been evaluated on stabilizing or destabilizing the native state of CS-g-PGA copolymer using FTIR, CD, DLS, and SDS-PAGE. The comparable analysis revealed that the stability of CS-g-PGA was strongly dependent on pH owing to the polyelectrolyte characteristics of the polymers. Altogether these results implied that CS at optimized conditions might be an important precursor for the pharmaceutical industry and function as a new polymer for aggregation suppression and protein stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Motiei
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, 8159358686 Isfahan, Iran; Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Třída Tomáše Bati 5678, 76001 Zlín, Czech Republic
| | - Seyede Zohreh Mirahmadi-Zare
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, 8159358686 Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, 8159358686 Isfahan, Iran
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16
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Son SH, Do JM, Yoo JN, Lee HW, Kim NK, Yoo HS, Gee MS, Kim JH, Seong JH, Inn KS, Seo MD, Lee JK, Kim NJ. Identification of ortho catechol-containing isoflavone as a privileged scaffold that directly prevents the aggregation of both amyloid β plaques and tau-mediated neurofibrillary tangles and its in vivo evaluation. Bioorg Chem 2021; 113:105022. [PMID: 34098397 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In this study, polyhydroxyisoflavones that directly prevent the aggregation of both amyloid β (Aβ) and tau were expediently synthesized via divergent Pd(0)-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura coupling and then biologically evaluated. By preliminary structure-activity relationship studies using thioflavin T (ThT) assays, an ortho-catechol containing isoflavone scaffold was proven to be crucial for preventing both Aβ aggregation and tau-mediated neurofibrillary tangle formation. Additional TEM experiment confirmed that ortho-catechol containing isoflavone 4d significantly prevented the aggregation of both Aβ and tau. To investigate the mode of action (MOA) of 4d, which possesses an ortho-catechol moiety, 1H-15N HSQC NMR analysis was thoroughly performed and the result indicated that 4d could directly inhibit both the formation of Aβ42 fibrils and the formation of tau-derived neurofibrils, probably through the catechol-mediated nucleation of tau. Finally, 4d was demonstrated to alleviate cognitive impairment and pathologies related to Alzheimer's disease in a 5XFAD transgenic mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hwan Son
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Min Do
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Na Yoo
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (RIPST), Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Kwon Kim
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Seok Yoo
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Sung Gee
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Ho Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hye Seong
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Soo Inn
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Duk Seo
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (RIPST), Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong Kil Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nam-Jung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Chen X, Drew J, Berney W, Lei W. Neuroprotective Natural Products for Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2021; 10:1309. [PMID: 34070275 PMCID: PMC8225186 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the number one neurovegetative disease, but its treatment options are relatively few and ineffective. In efforts to discover new strategies for AD therapy, natural products have aroused interest in the research community and in the pharmaceutical industry for their neuroprotective activity, targeting different pathological mechanisms associated with AD. A wide variety of natural products from different origins have been evaluated preclinically and clinically for their neuroprotective mechanisms in preventing and attenuating the multifactorial pathologies of AD. This review mainly focuses on the possible neuroprotective mechanisms from natural products that may be beneficial in AD treatment and the natural product mixtures or extracts from different sources that have demonstrated neuroprotective activity in preclinical and/or clinical studies. It is believed that natural product mixtures or extracts containing multiple bioactive compounds that can work additively or synergistically to exhibit multiple neuroprotective mechanisms might be an effective approach in AD drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC 27506, USA
| | - Joshua Drew
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC 27506, USA
| | - Wren Berney
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC 27506, USA
| | - Wei Lei
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC 29325, USA
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18
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Yuan X, Wang Z, Zhang L, Sui R, Khan S. Exploring the inhibitory effects of liquiritigenin against tau fibrillation and related neurotoxicity as a model of preventive care in Alzheimer's disease. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 183:1184-1190. [PMID: 33965487 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Aggregation of tau protein into the form of insoluble amyloid fibrils is linked with Alzheimer's disease. The identification of potential small molecules that can inhibit tau protein from undergoing aggregation has received a great deal of interest, recently. In the present study, the possible inhibitory effects of liquiritigenin as a member of chiral flavanone family on tau amyloid fibrils formation and their resulting neurotoxicity were assessed by different biophysical and cellular assays. The inhibitory effect of the liquiritigenin against tau amyloid formation was investigated using thioflavin T (ThT) and 1-Anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate (ANS) fluorescence spectroscopy, Congo red (CR) binding assays, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Neurotoxicity assays were also performed against neuron-like cells (SH-SY5Y) using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction, reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalase (CAT) and caspase-3 activity measurements. We found that liquiritigenin served as an efficient inhibitor of tau amyloid fibrils formation through prevention of structural transition in tau structure, exposure of hydrophobic patches and their associated neurotoxicity mediated by decrease in the production of ROS and caspase-3 activity and elevation of CAT activity. These data may finally find applications in the development of promising inhibitors against amyloid fibril formation and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueling Yuan
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- School of Nursing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Nursing, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China
| | - Rubo Sui
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121099, China.
| | - Suliman Khan
- Department of Cerebrovascular Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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19
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Recent studies of atomic-resolution structures of tau protein and structure-based inhibitors. QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.15302/j-qb-021-0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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20
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Balaei F, Ansari M, Farhadian N, Moradi S, Shahlaei M. Interactions and effects of food additive dye Allura red on pepsin structure and protease activity; experimental and computational supports. Res Pharm Sci 2020; 16:58-70. [PMID: 33953775 PMCID: PMC8074803 DOI: 10.4103/1735-5362.305189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose: Today, color additives such as Allura red (AR) are widely used in different kinds of food products. Pepsin is a globular protein that is secreted as a digestive protease from the main cells in the stomach. Because of the important role of pepsin in protein digestion and because of its importance in digestive diseases the study of the interactions of pepsin with chemical food additives is important. Experimental approach: In this study, the interactions between AR and pepsin were investigated by different computational and experimental approaches such as ultraviolet and fluorescence spectroscopy along with computational molecular modeling. Findings/Results: The experimental results of fluorescence indicated that AR can strongly quench the fluorescence of pepsin through a static quenching. Thermodynamic analysis of the binding phenomena suggests that van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding played a major role in the complex formation. The results of synchronous fluorescence spectra and furrier transformed infra-red (FTIR) experiments showed that there are no significant structural changes in the protein conformation. Also, examined pepsin protease activity revealed that the activity of pepsin was increased upon ligand binding. In agreement with the experimental results, the computational results showed that hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions occurred between AR and binding sites. Conclusion and implications: From the pharmaceutical point of view, this interaction can help us to get a deeper understanding of the effect of this synthetic dye on food digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Balaei
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, I.R. Iran
| | - Mohabbat Ansari
- Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, I.R. Iran
| | - Negin Farhadian
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, I.R. Iran
| | - Sajad Moradi
- Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, I.R. Iran
| | - Mohsen Shahlaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, I.R. Iran
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21
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Soeda Y, Takashima A. New Insights Into Drug Discovery Targeting Tau Protein. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:590896. [PMID: 33343298 PMCID: PMC7744460 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.590896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated protein tau is characterized by the fact that it is an intrinsically disordered protein due to its lack of a stable conformation and high flexibility. Intracellular inclusions of fibrillar forms of tau with a β-sheet structure accumulate in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Accordingly, detachment of tau from microtubules and transition of tau from a disordered state to an abnormally aggregated state are essential events preceding the onset of tau-related diseases. Many reports have shown that this transition is caused by post-translational modifications, including hyperphosphorylation and acetylation. The misfolded tau is self-assembled and forms a tau oligomer before the appearance of tau inclusions. Animal and pathological studies using human samples have demonstrated that tau oligomer formation contributes to neuronal loss. During the progression of tauopathies, tau seeds are released from cells and incorporated into other cells, leading to the propagation of pathological tau aggregation. Accumulating evidence suggests several potential approaches for blocking tau-mediated toxicity: (1) direct inhibition of pathological tau aggregation and (2) inhibition of tau post-translational modifications that occur prior to pathological tau aggregation, (3) inhibition of tau propagation and (4) stabilization of microtubules. In addition to traditional low-molecular-weight compounds, newer drug discovery approaches such as the development of medium-molecular-weight drugs (peptide- or oligonucleotide-based drugs) and high-molecular-weight drugs (antibody-based drugs) provide alternative pathways to preventing the formation of abnormal tau. Of particular interest are recent studies suggesting that tau droplet formation by liquid-liquid phase separation may be the initial step in aberrant tau aggregation, as well results that implicate roles for tau in dendritic and nuclear functions. Here, we review the mechanisms through which drugs can target tau and consider recent clinical trials for the treatment of tauopathies. In addition, we discuss the utility of these newer strategies and propose future directions for research on tau-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Soeda
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Takashima
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan
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22
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Oakley SS, Maina MB, Marshall KE, Al-Hilaly YK, Harrington CR, Wischik CM, Serpell LC. Tau Filament Self-Assembly and Structure: Tau as a Therapeutic Target. Front Neurol 2020; 11:590754. [PMID: 33281730 PMCID: PMC7688747 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.590754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau plays an important pathological role in a group of neurodegenerative diseases called tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy and corticobasal degeneration. In each disease, tau self-assembles abnormally to form filaments that deposit in the brain. Tau is a natively unfolded protein that can adopt distinct structures in different pathological disorders. Cryo-electron microscopy has recently provided a series of structures for the core of the filaments purified from brain tissue from patients with different tauopathies and revealed that they share a common core region, while differing in their specific conformation. This structurally resolvable part of the core is contained within a proteolytically stable core region from the repeat domain initially isolated from AD tau filaments. Tau has recently become an important target for therapy. Recent work has suggested that the prevention of tau self-assembly may be effective in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Here we review the work that explores the importance of tau filament structures and tau self-assembly mechanisms, as well as examining model systems that permit the exploration of the mode of action of potential inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian S. Oakley
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Mahmoud B. Maina
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
- College of Medical Sciences, Yobe State University, Damaturu, Nigeria
| | - Karen E. Marshall
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Youssra K. Al-Hilaly
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Charlie R. Harrington
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Claude M. Wischik
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- TauRx Therapeutics Ltd., Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Louise C. Serpell
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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23
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Monteiro KL, Alcântara MGDS, de Aquino TM, da Silva-Júnior EF. Tau Protein Aggregation in Alzheimer's Disease: Recent Advances in the Development of Novel Therapeutic Agents. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1682-1692. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200414164038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
:
Major research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) related to disease-modifying agents is concentrated on
pharmacological approaches related to diagnostic markers, neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques. Although
most studies focus on anti-amyloid strategies, investigations on tau protein have produced significant advances in
the modulation of the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases. Since the discovery of phenothiazines
as tau protein aggregation inhibitors (TAGIs), many additional small molecule inhibitors have been discovered
and characterized in biological model systems, which exert their interaction effects by covalent and noncovalent
means. In this paper, we summarize the latest advances in the discovery and development of tau aggregation
inhibitors using a specialized approach in their chemical classes. The design of new TAGIs and their encouraging
use in in vivo and clinical trials support their potential therapeutic use in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadja L.C. Monteiro
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Marcone G. dos S. Alcântara
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Thiago M. de Aquino
- Chemistry and Biotechnology Institute, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
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24
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Adibi H, Mehrabi M, Amiri K, Balalaie S, Khodarahmi R. Synthesis and characterization of 2-benzylidene-1,3-indandione derivatives as in vitro quantification of amyloid fibrils. JOURNAL OF THE IRANIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13738-019-01776-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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25
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Mouchlis VD, Melagraki G, Zacharia LC, Afantitis A. Computer-Aided Drug Design of β-Secretase, γ-Secretase and Anti-Tau Inhibitors for the Discovery of Novel Alzheimer's Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E703. [PMID: 31973122 PMCID: PMC7038192 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases, which are characterized by progressive neuronal death and synapses loss in human brain, are rapidly growing affecting millions of people globally. Alzheimer's is the most common neurodegenerative disease and it can be caused by genetic and environmental risk factors. This review describes the amyloid-β and Tau hypotheses leading to amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, respectively which are the predominant pathways for the development of anti-Alzheimer's small molecule inhibitors. The function and structure of the druggable targets of these two pathways including β-secretase, γ-secretase, and Tau are discussed in this review article. Computer-Aided Drug Design including computational structure-based design and ligand-based design have been employed successfully to develop inhibitors for biomolecular targets involved in Alzheimer's. The application of computational molecular modeling for the discovery of small molecule inhibitors and modulators for β-secretase and γ-secretase is summarized. Examples of computational approaches employed for the development of anti-amyloid aggregation and anti-Tau phosphorylation, proteolysis and aggregation inhibitors are also reported.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgia Melagraki
- Division of Physical Sciences & Applications, Hellenic Military Academy, Vari 16672, Greece;
| | - Lefteris C. Zacharia
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia 1700, Cyprus;
| | - Antreas Afantitis
- Department of ChemoInformatics, NovaMechanics Ltd., Nicosia 1046, Cyprus
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26
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Akbari V, Ghobadi S, Mohammadi S, Khodarahmi R. The antidepressant drug; trazodone inhibits Tau amyloidogenesis: Prospects for prophylaxis and treatment of AD. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 679:108218. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.108218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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27
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Pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylate, quinolinic acid, induces 1N4R Tau amyloid aggregation in vitro: Another evidence for the detrimental effect of the inescapable endogenous neurotoxin. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 315:108884. [PMID: 31678113 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Quinolinic acid (QA) known as a neuro-active metabolite associated with the kynurenine pathway. At high concentrations, QA is often involved in the initiation and development of several human neurologic diseases, like Alzheimer's disease. Because of the QA action as the NMDA receptor, it is considered as a potent excitotoxin in vivo. Since it is probable that different mechanisms are employed by QA, activation of NMDA receptors cannot fully explain the revealed toxicity and it is even believed that there are multiple unknown mechanisms/targets leading to QA cytotoxicity. Herein we report accelerated amyloid oligomerization of 1N4R Tau under the effect of QA, in vitro, then the molecular structure, morphology and toxicity of the protein aggregate were documented by using various theoretical/experimental approaches. The possible mechanism of action of QA-induced Tau oligomerization has also been explored.
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28
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Zheng Q, Kebede MT, Kemeh MM, Islam S, Lee B, Bleck SD, Wurfl LA, Lazo ND. Inhibition of the Self-Assembly of Aβ and of Tau by Polyphenols: Mechanistic Studies. Molecules 2019; 24:E2316. [PMID: 31234523 PMCID: PMC6630797 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24122316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide and tau protein are thought to play key neuropathogenic roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both Aβ and tau self-assemble to form the two major pathological hallmarks of AD: amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, respectively. In this review, we show that naturally occurring polyphenols abundant in fruits, vegetables, red wine, and tea possess the ability to target pathways associated with the formation of assemblies of Aβ and tau. Polyphenols modulate the enzymatic processing of the amyloid-β precursor protein and inhibit toxic Aβ oligomerization by enhancing the clearance of Aβ42 monomer, modulating monomer-monomer interactions and remodeling oligomers to non-toxic forms. Additionally, polyphenols modulate tau hyperphosphorylation and inhibit tau β-sheet formation. The anti-Aβ-self-assembly and anti-tau-self-assembly effects of polyphenols increase their potential as preventive or therapeutic agents against AD, a complex disease that involves many pathological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuchen Zheng
- Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610, USA.
| | - Micheal T Kebede
- Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610, USA.
| | - Merc M Kemeh
- Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610, USA.
| | - Saadman Islam
- Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610, USA.
| | - Bethany Lee
- Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610, USA.
| | - Stuart D Bleck
- Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610, USA.
| | - Liliana A Wurfl
- Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610, USA.
| | - Noel D Lazo
- Carlson School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610, USA.
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29
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Monfared-Asl R. Letter to the editor. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 125:1212-1213. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.09.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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