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Abyadeh M, Gupta V, Paulo JA, Mahmoudabad AG, Shadfar S, Mirshahvaladi S, Gupta V, Nguyen CTO, Finkelstein DI, You Y, Haynes PA, Salekdeh GH, Graham SL, Mirzaei M. Amyloid-beta and tau protein beyond Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1262-1276. [PMID: 37905874 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.386406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The aggregation of amyloid-beta peptide and tau protein dysregulation are implicated to play key roles in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and are considered the main pathological hallmarks of this devastating disease. Physiologically, these two proteins are produced and expressed within the normal human body. However, under pathological conditions, abnormal expression, post-translational modifications, conformational changes, and truncation can make these proteins prone to aggregation, triggering specific disease-related cascades. Recent studies have indicated associations between aberrant behavior of amyloid-beta and tau proteins and various neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as retinal neurodegenerative diseases like Glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, these proteins have been linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, traumatic brain injury, and diabetes, which are all leading causes of morbidity and mortality. In this comprehensive review, we provide an overview of the connections between amyloid-beta and tau proteins and a spectrum of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivek Gupta
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Sina Shadfar
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shahab Mirshahvaladi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Veer Gupta
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Christine T O Nguyen
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David I Finkelstein
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Yuyi You
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul A Haynes
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
| | - Ghasem H Salekdeh
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart L Graham
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Li S, Roy ER, Wang Y, Watkins T, Cao W. DLK-MAPK Signaling Coupled with DNA Damage Promotes Intrinsic Neurotoxicity Associated with Non-Mutated Tau. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2978-2995. [PMID: 37955806 PMCID: PMC11043018 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03720-1] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of neurodegeneration. Despite the well-established link between tau aggregation and clinical progression, the major pathways driven by this protein to intrinsically damage neurons are incompletely understood. To model AD-relevant neurodegeneration driven by tau, we overexpressed non-mutated human tau in primary mouse neurons and observed substantial axonal degeneration and cell death, a process accompanied by activated caspase 3. Mechanistically, we detected deformation of the nuclear envelope and increased DNA damage response in tau-expressing neurons. Gene profiling analysis further revealed significant alterations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway; moreover, inhibitors of dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were effective in alleviating wild-type human tau-induced neurodegeneration. In contrast, mutant P301L human tau was less toxic to neurons, despite causing comparable DNA damage. Axonal DLK activation induced by wild-type tau potentiated the impact of DNA damage response, resulting in overt neurotoxicity. In summary, we have established a cellular tauopathy model highly relevant to AD and identified a functional synergy between the DLK-MAPK axis and DNA damage response in the neuronal degenerative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanming Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ethan R Roy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yanyu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Trent Watkins
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Ackmann J, Brüge A, Gotina L, Lim S, Jahreis K, Vollbrecht AL, Kim YK, Pae AN, Labus J, Ponimaskin E. Structural determinants for activation of the Tau kinase CDK5 by the serotonin receptor 5-HT7R. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:233. [PMID: 38641599 PMCID: PMC11031989 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01612-y] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple neurodegenerative diseases are induced by the formation and deposition of protein aggregates. In particular, the microtubule-associated protein Tau leads to the development of so-called tauopathies characterized by the aggregation of hyperphosphorylated Tau within neurons. We recently showed that the constitutive activity of the serotonin receptor 7 (5-HT7R) is required for Tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation through activation of the cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5). We also demonstrated physical interaction between 5-HT7R and CDK5 at the plasma membrane suggesting that the 5-HT7R/CDK5 complex is an integral part of the signaling network involved in Tau-mediated pathology. METHODS Using biochemical, microscopic, molecular biological, computational and AI-based approaches, we investigated structural requirements for the formation of 5-HT7R/CDK5 complex. RESULTS We demonstrated that 5-HT7R domains responsible for coupling to Gs proteins are not involved in receptor interaction with CDK5. We also created a structural model of the 5-HT7R/CDK5 complex and refined the interaction interface. The model predicted two conserved phenylalanine residues, F278 and F281, within the third intracellular loop of 5-HT7R to be potentially important for complex formation. While site-directed mutagenesis of these residues did not influence Gs protein-mediated receptor signaling, replacement of both phenylalanines by alanine residues significantly reduced 5-HT7R/CDK5 interaction and receptor-mediated CDK5 activation, leading to reduced Tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregation. Molecular dynamics simulations of 5-HT7R/CDK5 complex for wild-type and receptor mutants confirmed binding interface stability of the initial model. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide a structural basis for the development of novel drugs targeting the 5-HT7R/CDK5 interaction interface for the selective treatment of Tau-related disorders, including frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Ackmann
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute for Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alina Brüge
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute for Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lizaveta Gotina
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungsu Lim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kathrin Jahreis
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute for Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Vollbrecht
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute for Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Yun Kyung Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ae Nim Pae
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Josephine Labus
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute for Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Evgeni Ponimaskin
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute for Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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Lozupone M, Dibello V, Daniele A, Solfrizzi V, Resta E, Panza F. How can we manage progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome with pharmacotherapy? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:571-584. [PMID: 38653731 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2345734] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tauopathies are a spectrum of clinicopathological neurodegenerative disorders with increased aggregates included in glia and/or neurons of hyperphosphorylated insoluble tau protein, a microtubule-associated protein. Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is an atypical dopaminergic-resistant parkinsonian syndrome, considered as a primary tauopathy with possible alteration of tau isoform ratio, and tau accumulations characterized by 4 R tau species as the main neuropathological lesions. AREAS COVERED In the present review article, we analyzed and discussed viable disease-modifying and some symptomatic pharmacological therapeutics for PSP syndrome (PSPS). EXPERT OPINION Pharmacological therapy for PSPS may interfere with the aggregation process or promote the clearance of abnormal tau aggregates. A variety of past and ongoing disease-modifying therapies targeting tau in PSPS included genetic, microtubule-stabilizing compounds, anti-phosphorylation, and acetylation agents, antiaggregant, protein removal, antioxidant neuronal and synaptic growth promotion therapies. New pharmacological gene-based approaches may open alternative prevention pathways for the deposition of abnormal tau in PSPS such as antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based drugs. Moreover, kinases and ubiquitin-proteasome systems could also be viable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madia Lozupone
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience "DiBraiN", University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Vittorio Dibello
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, "Cesare Frugoni" Internal and Geriatric Medicine and Memory Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Antonio Daniele
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, "Cesare Frugoni" Internal and Geriatric Medicine and Memory Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Emanuela Resta
- Translational Medicine and Health System Management, Department of Economy, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco Panza
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, "Cesare Frugoni" Internal and Geriatric Medicine and Memory Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Alhadidy MM, Kanaan NM. Biochemical approaches to assess the impact of post-translational modifications on pathogenic tau conformations using recombinant protein. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:301-318. [PMID: 38348781 PMCID: PMC10903483 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230596] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Tau protein is associated with many neurodegenerative disorders known as tauopathies. Aggregates of tau are thought of as a main contributor to neurodegeneration in these diseases. Increasingly, evidence points to earlier, soluble conformations of abnormally modified monomers and multimeric tau as toxic forms of tau. The biological processes driving tau from physiological species to pathogenic conformations remain poorly understood, but certain avenues are currently under investigation including the functional consequences of various pathological tau changes (e.g. mutations, post-translational modifications (PTMs), and protein-protein interactions). PTMs can regulate several aspects of tau biology such as proteasomal and autophagic clearance, solubility, and aggregation. Moreover, PTMs can contribute to the transition of tau from normal to pathogenic conformations. However, our understating of how PTMs specifically regulate the transition of tau into pathogenic conformations is partly impeded by the relative lack of structured frameworks to assess and quantify these conformations. In this review, we describe a set of approaches that includes several in vitro assays to determine the contribution of PTMs to tau's transition into known pathogenic conformations. The approaches begin with different methods to create recombinant tau proteins carrying specific PTMs followed by validation of the PTMs status. Then, we describe a set of biochemical and biophysical assays that assess the contribution of a given PTM to different tau conformations, including aggregation, oligomerization, exposure of the phosphatase-activating domain, and seeding. Together, these approaches can facilitate the advancement of our understanding of the relationships between PTMs and tau conformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M. Alhadidy
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, U.S.A
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
| | - Nicholas M. Kanaan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, U.S.A
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
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Chen Z, Shan G, Wang X, Zuo Y, Song X, Ma Y, Zhao X, Jin Y. Top 100 most-cited articles on tau protein: a bibliometric analysis and evidence mapping. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1345225. [PMID: 38356652 PMCID: PMC10864446 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1345225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tau, a microtubule-associated protein extensively distributed within the central nervous system (CNS), exhibits close associations with various neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we aimed to conduct a qualitative and quantitative bibliometric study of the top 100 most-cited publications on tau protein and reveal the current research hotspots and future perspectives. Methods The relevant literature was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace (v6.2.R4) and VOSviewer (1.6.19) were adopted for bibliometric analysis with statistical and visual analysis. Results Citations per article ranged from 615 to 3,123, with a median number of 765.5 times. "Neuroscience" emerged as the most extensively researched subject in this field. The USA has emerged as the leading country, with a publication record (n = 65), total citations (n = 66,543), strong centrality (0.29), and extensive international collaborations. Harvard University (n = 11) and the University of California, San Francisco (n = 11) were the top two institutions in terms of publications. Neuron dominated with 13 articles in the 37 high-quality journals. M. Goedert from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology was the most productive (n = 9) and top co-cited (n = 179) author. The most frequently studied keywords were Alzheimer's disease (n = 38). Future research is anticipated to intensify its focus on the pathogenesis of various tau-related diseases, emphasizing the phosphorylation and structural alterations of tau protein, particularly in Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion The pathogenesis of various tau-related diseases, including the phosphorylation and structural alterations of the tau protein, will be the primary focus of future research, with particular emphasis on Alzheimer's disease as a central area of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanwu Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Shulman M, Kong J, O'Gorman J, Ratti E, Rajagovindan R, Viollet L, Huang E, Sharma S, Racine AM, Czerkowicz J, Graham D, Li Y, Hering H, Haeberlein SB. TANGO: a placebo-controlled randomized phase 2 study of efficacy and safety of the anti-tau monoclonal antibody gosuranemab in early Alzheimer's disease. NATURE AGING 2023; 3:1591-1601. [PMID: 38012285 PMCID: PMC10724064 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00523-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease, the spread of aberrantly phosphorylated tau is an important criterion in the Braak staging of disease severity and correlates with disease symptomatology. Here, we report the results of TANGO ( NCT03352557 ), a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group and multiple-dose long-term trial of gosuranemab-a monoclonal antibody to N-terminal tau-in patients with early Alzheimer's disease. The primary objective was to assess the safety and tolerability of gosuranemab compared to placebo. The secondary objectives were to assess the efficacy of multiple doses of gosuranemab in slowing cognitive and functional impairment (using the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) scores at week 78) and evaluate the immunogenicity of gosuranemab (using the incidence of anti-gosuranemab antibody responses). Participants were randomized (n = 654); received (n = 650) low-dose (125 mg once every 4 weeks (q4w), n = 58; 375 mg q12w, n = 58), intermediate-dose (600 mg q4w, n = 106) or high-dose (2,000 mg q4w, n = 214) gosuranemab or placebo (q4w, n = 214) intravenously for 78 weeks; and assigned to cerebrospinal fluid (n = 327) and/or tau positron emission tomography (n = 357) biomarker substudies. Gosuranemab had an acceptable safety profile and was generally well tolerated (incidence of serious adverse events: placebo, 12.1%; low dose, 10.3%; intermediate dose, 12.3%; high dose, 11.7%). The incidence of treatment-emergent gosuranemab antibody responses was low at all time points. No significant effects were identified in cognitive and functional tests as no dose resulted in a favorable change from the baseline CDR-SB score at week 78 compared to placebo control (adjusted mean change: placebo, 1.85; low dose, 2.20; intermediate dose, 2.24; high dose, 1.85). At week 76, all doses caused significant (P < 0.0001) reductions in the cerebrospinal fluid levels of unbound N-terminal tau compared to placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elena Ratti
- Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Louis Viollet
- Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Moderna, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Annie M Racine
- Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, Boston, MA, USA
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Cario A, Berger CL. Tau, microtubule dynamics, and axonal transport: New paradigms for neurodegenerative disease. Bioessays 2023; 45:e2200138. [PMID: 37489532 PMCID: PMC10630968 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200138] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of Tauopathies, a diverse class of neurodegenerative diseases associated with the Microtubule Associated Protein (MAP) Tau, is usually described by a common mechanism in which Tau dysfunction results in the loss of axonal microtubule stability. Here, we reexamine and build upon the canonical disease model to encompass other Tau functions. In addition to regulating microtubule dynamics, Tau acts as a modulator of motor proteins, a signaling hub, and a scaffolding protein. This diverse array of functions is related to the dynamic nature of Tau isoform expression, post-translational modification (PTM), and conformational flexibility. Thus, there is no single mechanism that can describe Tau dysfunction. The effects of specific pathogenic mutations or aberrant PTMs need to be examined on all of the various functions of Tau in order to understand the unique etiology of each disease state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Cario
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
| | - Christopher L. Berger
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405
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Panza F, Dibello V, Sardone R, Castellana F, Zupo R, Lampignano L, Bortone I, Stallone R, Cirillo N, Damiani C, Altamura M, Bellomo A, Daniele A, Solfrizzi V, Lozupone M. Clinical development of passive tau-based immunotherapeutics for treating primary and secondary tauopathies. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:625-634. [PMID: 37405389 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2233892] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tauopathies are clinicopathological entities with increased and pathological deposition in glia and/or neurons of hyperphosphorylated aggregates of the microtubule-binding protein tau. In secondary tauopathies, i.e. Alzheimer's disease (AD), tau deposition can be observed, but tau coexists with another protein (amyloid-β). In the last 20 years, little progress has been made in developing disease-modifying drugs for primary and secondary tauopathies and available symptomatic drugs have limited efficacy. AREAS COVERED The present review summarized recent advances about the development and challenges in treatments for primary and secondary tauopathies, with a focus on passive tau-based immunotherapy. EXPERT OPINION Several tau-targeted passive immunotherapeutics are in development for treating tauopathies. At present, 14 anti-tau antibodies have entered clinical trials, and 9 of them are still in clinical testing for progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome and AD (semorinemab, bepranemab, E2814, JNJ-63733657, Lu AF87908, APNmAb005, MK-2214, PNT00, and PRX005). However, none of these nine agents have reached Phase III. The most advanced anti-tau monoclonal antibody for treating AD is semorinemab, while bepranemab is the only anti-tau monoclonal antibody still in clinical testing for treating progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome. Further evidence on passive immunotherapeutics for treating primary and secondary tauopathies will come from ongoing Phase I/II trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Panza
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Clinica Medica E Geriatria "Cesare Frugoni", University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Vittorio Dibello
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Bari, Italy
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rodolfo Sardone
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Bari, Italy
- Local Healthcare Authority of Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | - Fabio Castellana
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Zupo
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Clinica Medica E Geriatria "Cesare Frugoni", University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Luisa Lampignano
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bortone
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Stallone
- Neuroscience and Education, Human Resources Excellence in Research, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Cirillo
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Clinica Medica E Geriatria "Cesare Frugoni", University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Christian Damiani
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Clinica Medica E Geriatria "Cesare Frugoni", University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Altamura
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonello Bellomo
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Daniele
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Clinica Medica E Geriatria "Cesare Frugoni", University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Madia Lozupone
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience "DiBrain", University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Samudra N, Lane-Donovan C, VandeVrede L, Boxer AL. Tau pathology in neurodegenerative disease: disease mechanisms and therapeutic avenues. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e168553. [PMID: 37317972 PMCID: PMC10266783 DOI: 10.1172/jci168553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are disorders associated with tau protein dysfunction and insoluble tau accumulation in the brain at autopsy. Multiple lines of evidence from human disease, as well as nonclinical translational models, suggest that tau has a central pathologic role in these disorders, historically thought to be primarily related to tau gain of toxic function. However, a number of tau-targeting therapies with various mechanisms of action have shown little promise in clinical trials in different tauopathies. We review what is known about tau biology, genetics, and therapeutic mechanisms that have been tested in clinical trials to date. We discuss possible reasons for failures of these therapies, such as use of imperfect nonclinical models that do not predict human effects for drug development; heterogeneity of human tau pathologies which may lead to variable responses to therapy; and ineffective therapeutic mechanisms, such as targeting of the wrong tau species or protein epitope. Innovative approaches to human clinical trials can help address some of the difficulties that have plagued our field's development of tau-targeting therapies thus far. Despite limited clinical success to date, as we continue to refine our understanding of tau's pathogenic mechanism(s) in different neurodegenerative diseases, we remain optimistic that tau-targeting therapies will eventually play a central role in the treatment of tauopathies.
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Antos A, Członkowska A, Bembenek J, Skowronska M, Kurkowska-Jastrzębska I, Litwin T. Blood Based Biomarkers of Central Nervous System Involvement in Wilson's Disease. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13091554. [PMID: 37174946 PMCID: PMC10177361 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13091554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Wilson's disease (WD) is an inherited disorder of copper metabolism with clinical symptoms related to pathological copper accumulation, which are mainly hepatic and/or neuropsychiatric. The disease is potentially treatable with pharmacological agents (chelators or zinc salts). As such, key factors for a favorable treatment outcome are early diagnosis and anti-copper treatment initiation as well as appropriate treatment monitoring for safety and efficacy. Despite the generally favorable outcome in most treated patients, almost 10% of the general population of WD patients and about 25% of patients in the group with initial neurological phenotype of disease experience early neurological deterioration. In almost 50% of patients with neurological symptoms, the symptoms persist. A search for new treatment modalities (e.g., gene therapy, molybdenum salts) aims to prevent early neurological deterioration as well as improve treatment outcomes. In addition to evaluating the clinical signs and symptoms of the disease, serum biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment monitoring are very important for WD management. Sensitive serum biomarkers of copper metabolism and liver injury are well described. However, there is a need to establish blood-based biomarkers of central nervous system (CNS) injury to help identify patients at risk of early neurological deterioration and aid in their monitoring. Based on the available literature and studies of WD patients, the authors reviewed serum biomarkers of CNS involvement in WD, as well as their potential clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Antos
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Str., 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Członkowska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Str., 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Bembenek
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Skowronska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Str., 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona Kurkowska-Jastrzębska
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Str., 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Litwin
- Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Str., 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
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12
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Panza F, Solfrizzi V, Daniele A, Lozupone M. Passive tau-based immunotherapy for tauopathies. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 196:611-619. [PMID: 37620094 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98817-9.00029-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Tauopathies are heterogeneous clinicopathological entities characterized by abnormal neuronal and/or glial inclusions of the microtubule-binding protein tau. In secondary tauopathies, i.e., Alzheimer's disease (AD), tau deposition can be observed, but tau may coexist with another protein, i.e., amyloid-β. In the last 20 years, little progress has been made in developing disease-modifying drugs for primary and secondary tauopathies and available symptomatic drugs have limited efficacy. Treatments are being developed to interfere with the aggregation process or to promote the clearance of tau protein. Several tau-targeted passive immunotherapy approaches are in development for treating tauopathies. At present, 12 anti-tau antibodies have entered clinical trials, and 7 of them are still in clinical testing for primary tauopathies and AD (semorinemab, bepranemab, E2814, JNJ-63733657, Lu AF87908, PNT00, and APNmAb005). However, none of these seven agents have reached Phase III. The most advanced anti-tau monoclonal antibody for treating AD is semorinemab, while bepranemab is the only anti-tau monoclonal antibody still in clinical testing for treating progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome. Two other anti-tau monoclonal antibodies have been discontinued for the treatment of primary tauopathies, i.e., gosuranemab and tilavonemab. Further evidence will come from ongoing Phase I/II trials on passive immunotherapeutics for treating primary and secondary tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Panza
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- "Cesare Frugoni" Internal and Geriatric Medicine and Memory Unit, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Daniele
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Madia Lozupone
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBrain), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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13
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Hier DB, Azizi S, Thimgan MS, Wunsch DC. Tau kinetics in Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1055170. [PMID: 36437992 PMCID: PMC9682289 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1055170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytoskeletal protein tau is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease which is characterized by intra-neuronal neurofibrillary tangles containing abnormally phosphorylated insoluble tau. Levels of soluble tau are elevated in the brain, the CSF, and the plasma of patients with Alzheimer's disease. To better understand the causes of these elevated levels of tau, we propose a three-compartment kinetic model (brain, CSF, and plasma). The model assumes that the synthesis of tau follows zero-order kinetics (uncorrelated with compartmental tau levels) and that the release, absorption, and clearance of tau is governed by first-order kinetics (linearly related to compartmental tau levels). Tau that is synthesized in the brain compartment can be released into the interstitial fluid, catabolized, or retained in neurofibrillary tangles. Tau released into the interstitial fluid can mix with the CSF and eventually drain to the plasma compartment. However, losses of tau in the drainage pathways may be significant. The kinetic model estimates half-life of tau in each compartment (552 h in the brain, 9.9 h in the CSF, and 10 h in the plasma). The kinetic model predicts that an increase in the neuronal tau synthesis rate or a decrease in tau catabolism rate best accounts for observed increases in tau levels in the brain, CSF, and plasma found in Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, the model predicts that increases in brain half-life of tau in Alzheimer's disease should be attributed to decreased tau catabolism and not to increased tau synthesis. Most clearance of tau in the neuron occurs through catabolism rather than release to the CSF compartment. Additional experimental data would make ascertainment of the model parameters more precise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B. Hier
- Applied Computational Intelligence Laboratory, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla, MO, United States
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sima Azizi
- Applied Computational Intelligence Laboratory, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla, MO, United States
| | - Matthew S. Thimgan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla, MO, United States
| | - Donald C. Wunsch
- Applied Computational Intelligence Laboratory, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla, MO, United States
- ECCS Division, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA, United States
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14
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Hill SE, Esquivel AR, Ospina SR, Rahal LM, Dickey CA, Blair LJ. Chaperoning activity of the cyclophilin family prevents tau aggregation. Protein Sci 2022; 31:e4448. [PMID: 36305768 PMCID: PMC9597375 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease, are characterized by the misfolding and progressive accumulation of the microtubule associated protein tau. Chaperones, tasked with maintaining protein homeostasis, can become imbalanced with age and contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative disease. Cyclophilins are a promising pool of underinvestigated chaperones with peptidyl-prolyl isomerase activity that may play protective roles in regulating tau aggregation. Using a Thioflavin T fluorescence-based assay to monitor in vitro tau aggregation, all eight cyclophilins, which include PPIA to PPIH prevent tau aggregation, with PPIB, PPIC, PPID, and PPIH showing the greatest inhibition. The low thermal stability of PPID and the strong heparin binding of PPIB undermines the simplistic interpretation of reduced tau aggregation. In a cellular model of tau accumulation, all cyclophilins, except PPID and PPIH, reduce insoluble tau. PPIB, PPIC, PPIE, and PPIF also reduce soluble tau levels with PPIC exclusively protecting cells from tau seeding. Overall, this study demonstrates cyclophilins prevent tau fibril formation and many reduce cellular insoluble tau accumulation with PPIC having the greatest potential as a molecular tool to mitigate tau seeding and accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon E. Hill
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's InstituteUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
- Department of Molecular MedicineUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Abigail R. Esquivel
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's InstituteUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
- Department of Molecular MedicineUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Santiago Rodriguez Ospina
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's InstituteUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
- Department of Molecular MedicineUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Lauren M. Rahal
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's InstituteUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
- Department of Molecular MedicineUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Chad A. Dickey
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's InstituteUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
- Department of Molecular MedicineUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Laura J. Blair
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's InstituteUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
- Department of Molecular MedicineUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
- Research ServiceJames A. Haley Veterans HospitalTampaFloridaUSA
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15
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Farrell K, Iida MA, Cherry JD, Casella A, Stein TD, Bieniek KF, Walker JM, Richardson TE, White CL, Alvarez VE, Huber BR, Dickson DW, Insausti R, Dams-O'Connor K, McKee AC, Crary JF. Differential Vulnerability of Hippocampal Subfields in Primary Age-Related Tauopathy and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2022; 81:781-789. [PMID: 36004533 PMCID: PMC9487677 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlac066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a tauopathy associated with repetitive mild head impacts characterized by perivascular hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and neurites in the depths of the neocortical sulci. In moderate to advanced CTE, NFTs accumulate in the hippocampus, potentially overlapping neuroanatomically with primary age-related tauopathy (PART), an age-related tauopathy characterized by Alzheimer disease-like tau pathology in the hippocampus devoid of amyloid plaques. We measured p-tau burden using positive-pixel counts on immunohistochemically stained and neuroanatomically segmented hippocampal tissue. Subjects with CTE had a higher total p-tau burden than PART subjects in all sectors (p = 0.005). Within groups, PART had significantly higher total p-tau burden in CA1/subiculum compared to CA3 (p = 0.02) and CA4 (p = 0.01) and total p-tau burden in CA2 trended higher than CA4 (p = 0.06). In CTE, total p-tau burden in CA1/subiculum was significantly higher than in the dentate gyrus; and CA2 also trended higher than dentate gyrus (p = 0.01, p = 0.06). When controlling for p-tau burden across the entire hippocampus, CA3 and CA4 had significantly higher p-tau burden in CTE than PART (p < 0.0001). These data demonstrate differences in hippocampal p-tau burden and regional distribution in CTE compared to PART that might be helpful in differential diagnosis and reveal insights into disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Farrell
- Departments of Pathology, Artificial Intelligence & Human Health, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Friedman Brain Institute, Neuropathology Brain Bank & Research CoRE, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Megan A Iida
- Departments of Pathology, Artificial Intelligence & Human Health, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Friedman Brain Institute, Neuropathology Brain Bank & Research CoRE, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jonathan D Cherry
- Department of Pathology, Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alicia Casella
- Departments of Pathology, Artificial Intelligence & Human Health, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Friedman Brain Institute, Neuropathology Brain Bank & Research CoRE, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Thor D Stein
- Department of Pathology, Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin F Bieniek
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jamie M Walker
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Timothy E Richardson
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Charles L White
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Victor E Alvarez
- Department of Pathology, Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bertrand R Huber
- Department of Pathology, Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dennis W Dickson
- Departments of Pathology and Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Ricardo Insausti
- Human Neuroanatomy Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Kristen Dams-O'Connor
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ann C McKee
- Department of Pathology, Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John F Crary
- Departments of Pathology, Artificial Intelligence & Human Health, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Friedman Brain Institute, Neuropathology Brain Bank & Research CoRE, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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16
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Sartoretti T, Ganley RP, Ni R, Freund P, Zeilhofer HU, Klohs J. Structural MRI Reveals Cervical Spinal Cord Atrophy in the P301L Mouse Model of Tauopathy: Gender and Transgene-Dosing Effects. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:825996. [PMID: 35585865 PMCID: PMC9108240 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.825996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In primary tauopathies, the deposition of tau neurofibrillary tangles and threads as well as neurodegenerative changes have been found within the brain and spinal cord. While degenerative changes have been intensively studied in the brain using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MRI studies investigating the spinal cord are still scarce. In the present study, we acquired ex vivo high resolution structural MRI of the cervical spinal cord of 8.5–9 month old hemizygous and homozygous P301L mice and non-transgenic littermates of both genders. We assessed the total cross-sectional area, and the gray and white matter anterior-posterior width and left-right width that are established imaging marker of spinal cord degeneration. We observed significant tissue-specific reductions in these parameters in female P301L mice that were stronger in homozygous than in hemizygous P301L mice, indicating both an effect of gender and transgene expression on cervical spinal cord atrophy. Moreover, atrophy was stronger in the gray matter than in the white matter. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory changes in the cervical spinal cord in both the gray and white matter of P301L mice. Collectively, our results provide evidence for cervical spinal cord atrophy that may directly contribute to the motor signs associated with tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Sartoretti
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH & University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert P. Ganley
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH & University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich Neuroscience Center (ZNZ), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Freund
- Zurich Neuroscience Center (ZNZ), Zurich, Switzerland
- Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanns Ulrich Zeilhofer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich Neuroscience Center (ZNZ), Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Klohs
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH & University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich Neuroscience Center (ZNZ), Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Jan Klohs
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17
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Riley KJ, Graner BD, Veronesi MC. The tauopathies: Neuroimaging characteristics and emerging experimental therapies. J Neuroimaging 2022; 32:565-581. [PMID: 35470528 PMCID: PMC9545715 DOI: 10.1111/jon.13001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The tauopathies are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders in which the prevailing underlying disease process is intracellular deposition of abnormal misfolded tau protein. Diseases often categorized as tauopathies include progressive supranuclear palsy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, corticobasal degeneration, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Tauopathies can be classified through clinical assessment, imaging findings, histologic validation, or molecular biomarkers tied to the underlying disease mechanism. Many tauopathies vary in their clinical presentation and overlap substantially in presentation, making clinical diagnosis of a specific primary tauopathy difficult. Anatomic imaging findings are also rarely specific to a single tauopathy, and when present may not manifest until well after the point at which therapy may be most impactful. Molecular biomarkers hold the most promise for patient care and form a platform upon which emerging diagnostic and therapeutic applications could be developed. One of the most exciting developments utilizing these molecular biomarkers for assessment of tau deposition within the brain is tau‐PET imaging utilizing novel ligands that specifically target tau protein. This review will discuss the background, significance, and clinical presentation of each tauopathy with additional attention to the pathologic mechanisms at the protein level. The imaging characteristics will be outlined with select examples of emerging imaging techniques. Finally, current treatment options and emerging therapies will be discussed. This is by no means a comprehensive review of the literature but is instead intended for the practicing radiologist as an overview of a rapidly evolving topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalen J Riley
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Brian D Graner
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Michael C Veronesi
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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18
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Islam M, Shen F, Regmi D, Du D. Therapeutic Strategies for Tauopathies and Drug Repurposing as a Potential Approach. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 198:114979. [PMID: 35219701 PMCID: PMC9159505 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the deposition of abnormal tau in the brain. To date, there are no disease-modifying therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for the treatment of tauopathies. In the past decades, extensive efforts have been provided to develop disease-modifying therapies to treat tauopathies. Specifically, exploring existing drugs with the intent of repurposing for the treatment of tauopathies affords a reasonable alternative to discover potent drugs for treating these formidable diseases. Drug repurposing will not only reduce formulation and development stage effort and cost but will also take a key advantage of the established toxicological studies, which is one of the main causes of clinical trial failure of new molecules. In this review, we provide an overview of the current treatment strategies for tauopathies and the recent progress in drug repurposing as an alternative approach to treat tauopathies.
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Filippi L, Schillaci O, Palumbo B. Neuroimaging with PET/CT in chronic traumatic encephalopathy: what nuclear medicine can do to move the field forward. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2022; 22:149-156. [PMID: 35086415 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2035723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative syndrome, caused by single or repeated traumatic brain injuries. Since a few years ago, post mortem examination represented the only effective method to diagnose CTE through the detection of its peculiar neuropathological features (i.e. tau protein aggregates) at a macroscopic and microscopic level. Several efforts have been made to develop radiopharmaceuticals characterized by high affinity for tau aggregates, suitable for imaging through Positron Emission Computed Tomography (Tau-PET). AREAS COVERED : The various radiopharmaceuticals utilized for the molecular imaging of CTE through Tau-PET are covered, with specific reference to their applications in clinical practice. Furthermore, PET probes binding to the translocator protein (TSPO), a marker of brain injury and repair, are reviewed as potential tools for the imaging of neuroinflammatory cascade associated with CTE. EXPERT OPINION molecular neuroimaging of CTE with Tau-PET is an intriguing, although still not completely explored, tool for the in vivo detection and monitoring of neuropathological hallmarks associated with CTE. Furthermore, some novel tracers, such as TSPO-ligands, hold the promise to get an insight into the complex physiopathological mechanisms leading from brain injury to symptomatic CTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Filippi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Via Canova 3, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Orazio Schillaci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Barbara Palumbo
- Section of Nuclear Medicine and Health Physics, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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20
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Ezerskiy LA, Schoch KM, Sato C, Beltcheva M, Horie K, Rigo F, Martynowicz R, Karch CM, Bateman RJ, Miller TM. Astrocytic 4R tau expression drives astrocyte reactivity and dysfunction. JCI Insight 2022; 7:152012. [PMID: 34874917 PMCID: PMC8765054 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.152012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein tau and its isoforms are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases, many of which are characterized by greater deposition of the 4-repeat (4R) tau isoform; however, the role of 4R tau in disease pathogenesis remains unclear. We created antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that alter the ratio of 3R to 4R tau to investigate the role of specific tau isoforms in disease. Preferential expression of 4R tau in human tau-expressing (hTau-expressing) mice was previously shown to increase seizure severity and phosphorylated tau deposition without neuronal or synaptic loss. In this study, we observed strong colocalization of 4R tau within reactive astrocytes and increased expression of pan-reactive and neurotoxic genes following 3R to 4R tau splicing ASO treatment in hTau mice. Increasing 4R tau levels in primary astrocytes provoked a similar response, including a neurotoxic genetic profile and diminished homeostatic function, which was replicated in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (iPSC-derived) astrocytes harboring a mutation that exhibits greater 4R tau. Healthy neurons cultured with 4R tau-expressing human iPSC-derived astrocytes exhibited a higher firing frequency and hypersynchrony, which could be prevented by lowering tau expression. These findings support a potentially novel pathway by which astrocytic 4R tau mediates reactivity and dysfunction and suggest that astrocyte-targeted therapeutics against 4R tau may mitigate neurodegenerative disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mariana Beltcheva
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | | | - Celeste M. Karch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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21
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Marks JD, Syrjanen JA, Graff-Radford J, Petersen RC, Machulda MM, Campbell MR, Algeciras-Schimnich A, Lowe V, Knopman DS, Jack CR, Vemuri P, Mielke MM. Comparison of plasma neurofilament light and total tau as neurodegeneration markers: associations with cognitive and neuroimaging outcomes. Alzheimers Res Ther 2021; 13:199. [PMID: 34906229 PMCID: PMC8672619 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-021-00944-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Total tau protein (T-Tau) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) have emerged as candidate plasma biomarkers of neurodegeneration, but studies have not compared how these biomarkers cross-sectionally or longitudinally associate with cognitive and neuroimaging measures. We therefore compared plasma T-Tau and NfL as cross-sectional and longitudinal markers of (1) global and domain-specific cognitive decline and (2) neuroimaging markers of cortical thickness, hippocampal volume, white matter integrity, and white matter hyperintensity volume. METHODS We included 995 participants without dementia who were enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging cohort. All had concurrent plasma NfL and T-tau, cognitive status, and neuroimaging data. Follow-up was repeated approximately every 15 months for a median of 6.2 years. Plasma NfL and T-tau were measured on the Simoa-HD1 Platform. Linear mixed effects models adjusted for age, sex, and education examined associations between baseline z-scored plasma NfL or T-tau and cognitive or neuroimaging outcomes. Analyses were replicated in Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) among 387 participants without dementia followed for a median of 3.0 years. RESULTS At baseline, plasma NfL was more strongly associated with all cognitive and neuroimaging outcomes. The combination of having both elevated NfL and T-tau at baseline, compared to elevated levels of either alone, was more strongly associated at cross-section with worse global cognition and memory, and with neuroimaging measures including temporal cortex thickness and increased number of infarcts. In longitudinal analyses, baseline plasma T-tau did not add to the prognostic value of baseline plasma NfL. Results using ADNI data were similar. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate plasma NfL had better utility as a prognostic marker of cognitive decline and neuroimaging changes. Plasma T-tau added cross-sectional value to NfL in specific contexts. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan D Marks
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jeremy A Syrjanen
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Ronald C Petersen
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mary M Machulda
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Michelle R Campbell
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Val Lowe
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Michelle M Mielke
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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22
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Chandregowda A, Clark HM, Duffy JR, Machulda MM, Lowe VJ, Whitwell JL, Josephs KA. Dynamic Aphasia as a Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia. Cogn Behav Neurol 2021; 34:303-318. [PMID: 34851868 PMCID: PMC8647805 DOI: 10.1097/wnn.0000000000000289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We describe two individuals with progressive verbal difficulty who exhibited impairment of propositional language, with relatively well-preserved auditory comprehension, naming, and repetition-a profile that is consistent with dynamic aphasia. By providing a brief review of pertinent literature and the results from our neurologic, speech and language, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging testing, this report sheds light on the infrequently reported dynamic aphasia in the context of frontotemporal dementia. Our patients' insights into their verbal difficulty tend to support the notion that dynamic aphasia results from interference at the stage where thoughts are converted into verbal messages-that is, the thought-verbal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adithya Chandregowda
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
- Department of Neurology (Speech Pathology), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Heather M. Clark
- Department of Neurology (Speech Pathology), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Joseph R. Duffy
- Department of Neurology (Speech Pathology), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mary M. Machulda
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology (Neuropsychology), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Val J. Lowe
- Department of Radiology (Nuclearmedicine), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Keith A. Josephs
- Department of Neurology (Behavioral Neurology), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Department of Neurology (Movement Disorders), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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23
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Sexton C, Snyder H, Beher D, Boxer AL, Brannelly P, Brion JP, Buée L, Cacace AM, Chételat G, Citron M, DeVos SL, Diaz K, Feldman HH, Frost B, Goate AM, Gold M, Hyman B, Johnson K, Karch CM, Kerwin DR, Koroshetz WJ, Litvan I, Morris HR, Mummery CJ, Mutamba J, Patterson MC, Quiroz YT, Rabinovici GD, Rommel A, Shulman MB, Toledo-Sherman LM, Weninger S, Wildsmith KR, Worley SL, Carrillo MC. Current directions in tau research: Highlights from Tau 2020. Alzheimers Dement 2021; 18:988-1007. [PMID: 34581500 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Studies supporting a strong association between tau deposition and neuronal loss, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline have heightened the allure of tau and tau-related mechanisms as therapeutic targets. In February 2020, leading tau experts from around the world convened for the first-ever Tau2020 Global Conference in Washington, DC, co-organized and cosponsored by the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, the Alzheimer's Association, and CurePSP. Representing academia, industry, government, and the philanthropic sector, presenters and attendees discussed recent advances and current directions in tau research. The meeting provided a unique opportunity to move tau research forward by fostering global partnerships among academia, industry, and other stakeholders and by providing support for new drug discovery programs, groundbreaking research, and emerging tau researchers. The meeting also provided an opportunity for experts to present critical research-advancing tools and insights that are now rapidly accelerating the pace of tau research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Adam L Boxer
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Pat Brannelly
- Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative, Kirkland, WI, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Brion
- Laboratory of Histology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Buée
- Univ Lille, Inserm, CHU-Lille, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Place de Verdun, Lille, France
| | | | - Gaël Chételat
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, INSERM, U1237, PhIND "Physiopathology and Imaging of Neurological Disorders", Institut Blood and Brain @ Caen-Normandie, Cyceron, Caen, France
| | - Martin Citron
- Neuroscience TA, Braine l'Alleud, UCB Biopharma, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah L DeVos
- Translational Sciences, Denali Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Howard H Feldman
- Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study, Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Bess Frost
- Sam & Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's & Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Alison M Goate
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Neuroscience, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael Gold
- AbbVie, Neurosciences Development, North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Bradley Hyman
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Keith Johnson
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Celeste M Karch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Diana R Kerwin
- Kerwin Medical Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Walter J Koroshetz
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Irene Litvan
- Parkinson and Other Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Huw R Morris
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Catherine J Mummery
- Dementia Research Centre, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Marc C Patterson
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yakeel T Quiroz
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gil D Rabinovici
- Memory & Aging Center, Departments of Neurology, Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Amy Rommel
- Tau Consortium, Rainwater Charitable Foundation, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Melanie B Shulman
- Neurodegeneration Development Unit, Biogen, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Kristin R Wildsmith
- Department of Biomarker Development, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Susan L Worley
- Independent science writer, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, USA
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24
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Pinzi L, Tinivella A, Rastelli G. Chemoinformatics Analyses of Tau Ligands Reveal Key Molecular Requirements for the Identification of Potential Drug Candidates against Tauopathies. Molecules 2021; 26:5039. [PMID: 34443629 PMCID: PMC8400687 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26165039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau is a highly soluble protein mainly localized at a cytoplasmic level in the neuronal cells, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of microtubule dynamic stability. Recent studies have demonstrated that several factors, such as hyperphosphorylation or alterations of Tau metabolism, may contribute to the pathological accumulation of protein aggregates, which can result in neuronal death and the onset of a number of neurological disorders called Tauopathies. At present, there are no available therapeutic remedies able to reduce Tau aggregation, nor are there any structural clues or guidelines for the rational identification of compounds preventing the accumulation of protein aggregates. To help identify the structural properties required for anti-Tau aggregation activity, we performed extensive chemoinformatics analyses on a dataset of Tau ligands reported in ChEMBL. The performed analyses allowed us to identify a set of molecular properties that are in common between known active ligands. Moreover, extensive analyses of the fragment composition of reported ligands led to the identification of chemical moieties and fragment combinations prevalent in the more active compounds. Interestingly, many of these fragments were arranged in recurring frameworks, some of which were clearly present in compounds currently under clinical investigation. This work represents the first in-depth chemoinformatics study of the molecular properties, constituting fragments and similarity profiles, of known Tau aggregation inhibitors. The datasets of compounds employed for the analyses, the identified molecular fragments and their combinations are made publicly available as supplementary material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pinzi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103/287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Annachiara Tinivella
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103/287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.P.); (A.T.)
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulio Rastelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103/287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.P.); (A.T.)
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25
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Mah D, Zhao J, Liu X, Zhang F, Liu J, Wang L, Linhardt R, Wang C. The Sulfation Code of Tauopathies: Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans in the Prion Like Spread of Tau Pathology. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:671458. [PMID: 34095227 PMCID: PMC8173255 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.671458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are a heterogenous family of progressive neurodegenerative diseases defined by the appearance of proteinaceous lesions within the brain composed of abnormally folded species of Microtubule Associated Protein Tau (tau). Alzheimer's Disease (AD), the most common tauopathy, is the leading cause of cognitive decline among the elderly and is responsible for more than half of all cases of senile dementia worldwide. The characteristic pathology of many tauopathies-AD included-presents as Neurofibrillary Tangles (NFTs), insoluble inclusions found within the neurons of the central nervous system composed primarily of tau protein arranged into Paired Helical Fibrils (PHFs). The spatial extent of this pathology evolves in a remarkably consistent pattern over the course of disease progression. Among the leading hypotheses which seek to explain the stereotypical progression of tauopathies is the prion model, which proposes that the spread of tau pathology is mediated by the transmission of self-propagating tau conformers between cells in a fashion analogous to the mechanism of communicable prion diseases. Protein-glycan interactions between tau and Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs) have been implicated as a key facilitator in each stage of the prion-like propagation of tau pathology, from the initial secretion of intracellular tau protein into the extracellular matrix, to the uptake of pathogenic tau seeds by cells, and the self-assembly of tau into higher order aggregates. In this review we outline the biochemical basis of the tau-HS interaction and discuss our current understanding of the mechanisms by which these interactions contribute to the propagation of tau pathology in tauopathies, with a particular focus on AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Mah
- Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyue Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Fuming Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Jian Liu
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lianchun Wang
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Robert Linhardt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
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26
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Zarini-Gakiye E, Vaezi G, Parivar K, Sanadgol N. Age and Dose-Dependent Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Human Microtubule- Associated Protein Tau-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Unfolded Protein Response: Implications for Alzheimer's Disease. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 20:451-464. [PMID: 33573583 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210126114442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In human tauopathies, pathological aggregation of misfolded/unfolded proteins, particularly microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT, tau) is considered to be an essential mechanism that triggers the induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. OBJECTIVE Here, we assessed the molecular effects of natural antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in human tauR406W (hTau)-induced ER unfolded protein response (ERUPR) in fruit flies. METHODS In order to reduce hTau neurotoxicity during brain development, we used a transgenic model of tauopathy where the maximum toxicity was observed in adult flies. Then, the effects of ALA (0.001, 0.005, and 0.025% w/w of diet) in htau-induced ERUPR and behavioral dysfunctions in the ages 20 and 30 days were evaluated in Drosophila melanogaster. RESULTS Data from expression (mRNA and protein) patterns of htau, analysis of eyes external morphology as well as larvae olfactory memory were confirmed by our tauopathy model. Moreover, the expression of ERUPR-related proteins involving Activating Transcription Factor 6 (ATF6), inositol regulating enzyme 1 (IRE1), and protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) wase upregulated and locomotor function decreased in both ages of the model flies. Remarkably, the lower dose of ALA modified ERUPR and supported the reduction of behavioral deficits in youngest adults through the enhancement of GRP87/Bip, reduction of ATF6, downregulation of PERK-ATF4 pathway, and activation of the IRE1-XBP1 pathway. On the other hand, only a higher dose of ALA affected the ERUPR via moderation of PERK-ATF4 signaling in the oldest adults. As ALA also exerts higher protective effects on the locomotor function of younger adults when htauR406Wis expressed in all neurons (htau-elav) and mushroom body neurons (htau-ok), we proposed that ALA has age-dependent effects in this model. CONCLUSION Taken together, based on our results, we conclude that aging potentially influences the ALA effective dose and mechanism of action on tau-induced ERUPR. Further molecular studies will warrant possible therapeutic applications of ALA in age-related tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Zarini-Gakiye
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamhassan Vaezi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Parivar
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Sanadgol
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
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27
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Ngolab J, Canchi S, Rasool S, Elmaarouf A, Thomas K, Sarsoza F, Grundman J, Mante M, Florio J, Nandankar N, Korouri S, Zago W, Masliah E, Rissman RA. Mutant three-repeat tau expression initiates retinal ganglion cell death through Caspase-2. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 152:105277. [PMID: 33516874 PMCID: PMC8373010 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105277] [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: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau is implicated in multiple degenerative diseases including retinal diseases such as glaucoma; however, the way tau initiates retinopathy is unclear. Previous retinal assessments in mouse models of tauopathy suggest that mutations in four-repeat (4R) tau are associated with disease-induced retinal dysfunction, while shifting tau isoform ratio to favor three-repeat (3R) tau production enhanced photoreceptor function. To further understand how alterations in tau expression impact the retina, we analyzed the retinas of transgenic mice overexpressing mutant 3R tau (m3R tau-Tg), a model known to exhibit Pick's Disease pathology in the brain. Analysis of retinal cross-sections from young (3 month) and adult (9 month) mice detected asymmetric 3R tau immunoreactivity in m3R tau-Tg retina, concentrated in the retinal ganglion and amacrine cells of the dorsal retinal periphery. Accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau was detected specifically in the detergent insoluble fraction of the adult m3R tau-Tg retina. RNA-seq analysis highlighted biological pathways associated with tauopathy that were uniquely altered in m3R tau-Tg retina. The upregulation of transcript encoding apoptotic protease caspase-2 coincided with increased immunostaining in predominantly 3R tau positive retinal regions. In adult m3R tau-Tg, the dorsal peripheral retina of the adult m3R tau-Tg exhibited decreased cell density in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and reduced thickness of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) compared to the ventral peripheral retina. Together, these data indicate that mutant 3R tau may mediate toxicity in retinal ganglion cells (RGC) by promoting caspase-2 expression which results in RGC degeneration. The m3R tau-Tg line has the potential to be used to assess tau-mediated RGC degeneration and test novel therapeutics for degenerative diseases such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Ngolab
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Saranya Canchi
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, United States of America
| | - Suhail Rasool
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America; Amydis Inc, San Diego, CA 92121, United States of America
| | | | - Kimberly Thomas
- Prothena Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Floyd Sarsoza
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Grundman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Michael Mante
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Jazmin Florio
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Nimisha Nandankar
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Shaina Korouri
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Wagner Zago
- Prothena Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States of America
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Division of Neuroscience and Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institutes on Aging, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States of America
| | - Robert A Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America; Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, United States of America.
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28
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Abstract
This article presents an overview of imaging agents for PET that have been applied for research and diagnostic purposes in patients affected by dementia. Classified by the target which the agents visualize, seven groups of tracers can be distinguished, namely radiopharmaceuticals for: (1) Misfolded proteins (ß-amyloid, tau, α-synuclein), (2) Neuroinflammation (overexpression of translocator protein), (3) Elements of the cholinergic system, (4) Elements of monoamine neurotransmitter systems, (5) Synaptic density, (6) Cerebral energy metabolism (glucose transport/ hexokinase), and (7) Various other proteins. This last category contains proteins involved in mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation or cognitive impairment, which may also be potential therapeutic targets. Many receptors belong to this category: AMPA, cannabinoid, colony stimulating factor 1, metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 and 5 (mGluR1, mGluR5), opioid (kappa, mu), purinergic (P2X7, P2Y12), sigma-1, sigma-2, receptor for advanced glycation endproducts, and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1, besides several enzymes: cyclooxygenase-1 and 2 (COX-1, COX-2), phosphodiesterase-5 and 10 (PDE5, PDE10), and tropomyosin receptor kinase. Significant advances in neuroimaging have been made in the last 15 years. The use of 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) for quantification of regional cerebral glucose metabolism is well-established. Three tracers for ß-amyloid plaques have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency. Several tracers for tau neurofibrillary tangles are already applied in clinical research. Since many novel agents are in the preclinical or experimental stage of development, further advances in nuclear medicine imaging can be expected in the near future. PET studies with established tracers and tracers for novel targets may result in early diagnosis and better classification of neurodegenerative disorders and in accurate monitoring of therapy trials which involve these targets. PET data have prognostic value and may be used to assess the response of the human brain to interventions, or to select the appropriate treatment strategy for an individual patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aren van Waarde
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Sofia Marcolini
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Paul de Deyn
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Neurology, Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Antwerp, Born-Bunge Institute, Neurochemistry and Behavior, Campus Drie Eiken, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Rudi A J O Dierckx
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Groningen, the Netherlands; Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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29
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Castellani RJ. The Significance of Tau Aggregates in the Human Brain. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10120972. [PMID: 33322544 PMCID: PMC7763851 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10120972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibrillary degeneration has attracted the attention of neuroscientists as both a hallmark of the disease and a subject for experimentation for more than a century. Recent studies implicate phosphorylated tau (p-tau) directly in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis, although the human data continue to raise questions. P-tau accumulates with age in a roughly hierarchical manner, but avoids abundance in the neocortex unless co-occurring with amyloid-β. Neurodegenerative tauopathies tend to have p-tau morphologies that differ from aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Tau isoforms (3R vs. 4R) have a tendency to vary with tauopathy phenotype for unknown reasons. Selective vulnerability to p-tau and spatial-temporal disconnect from amyloid-β are evident in aging. P-tau assessment at autopsy involves tissue decomposition, which may skew microanatomical observations toward limited biological meaning. Two major consensus guidelines for interpreting p-tau at autopsy emphasize the challenges of clinicopathologic correlation, and reinforce the observation that regional neurodegeneration is a better correlate of clinical signs than is proteinopathy. Despite the proliferation of interesting and novel theories related to tau-mediated pathogenesis, the weight of the human observations suggests that neurofibrillary degeneration is an epiphenomenal hallmark of aging and disease rather than an epicenter of neurotoxicity. This is consistent with numerous tau-targeted therapeutic strategies that have been unsuccessful to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudy J. Castellani
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Laboratory Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
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30
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Labus J, Röhrs KF, Ackmann J, Varbanov H, Müller FE, Jia S, Jahreis K, Vollbrecht AL, Butzlaff M, Schill Y, Guseva D, Böhm K, Kaushik R, Bijata M, Marin P, Chaumont-Dubel S, Zeug A, Dityatev A, Ponimaskin E. Amelioration of Tau pathology and memory deficits by targeting 5-HT7 receptor. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 197:101900. [PMID: 32841723 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Tauopathies comprise a heterogeneous family of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by pathological accumulation of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein. Pathological changes in serotonergic signaling have been associated with tauopathy etiology, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we studied the role of the serotonin receptor 7 (5-HT7R), in a mouse model of tauopathy induced by overexpressing the human Tau[R406W] mutant associated with inherited forms of frontotemporal dementia. We showed that the constitutive 5-HT7R activity is required for Tau hyperphosphorylation and formation of highly bundled Tau structures (HBTS) through G-protein-independent, CDK5-dependent mechanism. We also showed that 5-HT7R physically interacts with CDK5. At the systemic level, 5-HT7R-mediated CDK5 activation induces HBTS leading to neuronal death, reduced long-term potentiation (LTP), and impaired memory in mice. Specific blockade of constitutive 5-HT7R activity in neurons that overexpressed Tau[R406W] prevents Tau hyperphosphorylation, aggregation, and neurotoxicity. Moreover, 5-HT7R knockdown in the prefrontal cortex fully abrogates Tau[R406W]-induced LTP deficits and memory impairments. Thus, 5-HT7R/CDK5 signaling emerged as a new, promising target for tauopathy treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Labus
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kian-Fritz Röhrs
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Ackmann
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hristo Varbanov
- Instituite of Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Franziska E Müller
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Shaobo Jia
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Jahreis
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Vollbrecht
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Malte Butzlaff
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Yvonne Schill
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daria Guseva
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Katrin Böhm
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Rahul Kaushik
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Monika Bijata
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Science, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Philippe Marin
- IGF, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Andre Zeug
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexander Dityatev
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany; Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Evgeni Ponimaskin
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Institute of Neuroscience, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod, Russia.
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Wong SQ, Kumar AV, Mills J, Lapierre LR. C. elegans to model autophagy-related human disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 172:325-373. [PMID: 32620247 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved degradation process that clears damaged intracellular macromolecules and organelles in order to maintain cellular health. Dysfunctional autophagy is fundamentally linked to the development of various human disorders and pathologies. The use of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system to study autophagy has improved our understanding of its regulation and function in organismal physiology. Here, we review the genetic, functional, and regulatory conservation of the autophagy pathway in C. elegans and we describe tools to quantify and study the autophagy process in this incredibly useful model organism. We further discuss how these nematodes have been modified to model autophagy-related human diseases and underscore the important insights obtained from such models. Altogether, we highlight the strengths of C. elegans as an exceptional tool to understand the genetic and molecular foundations underlying autophagy-related human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Quan Wong
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Anita V Kumar
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Joslyn Mills
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Louis R Lapierre
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.
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Early Diagnosis and Targeted Treatment Strategy for Improved Therapeutic Outcomes in Alzheimer's Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1260:175-191. [PMID: 32304035 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-42667-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There have been repeated failures of clinical studies in the development of new efficacious treatments for Alzheimer's disease. This may be due to the fact that Alzheimer's disease is a heterogeneous disorder caused by person-to-person differences in genetic background, epigenetic profiles, environmental triggers, or the presence of other diseases. Furthermore, most Alzheimer's disease patients are diagnosed in the middle to late stages of the illness, when irreversible damage to the brain has already occurred. With this in mind, a strategy is presented involving identification and implementation of biomarker tests for diagnosis during the prodromal or early stages of the disease. In addition, it is proposed that targeting specific components of the amyloid deposition, tau oligomerization and neuroinflammation pathways may lead to improved outcomes in clinical studies.
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Popiołek AK, Chyrek-Tomaszewska A, Stachowicz-Karpińska A, Bieliński MK, Borkowska A. Biochemical Parameters in Cognitive Functions. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2020; 16:2479-2489. [PMID: 33149589 PMCID: PMC7602911 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s267673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a common disease. Many studies attempt to explain the mechanisms of these dysfunctions formation, including correlations between cognitive functions and biochemical parameters. Scientists search for substances that would be indicators of cognitive functions and which could be determined in the cerebrospinal fluid or blood of the subjects. To date, they have isolated a few of such substances; however, research on their specificity, validity and the possibility of their use in diagnostics and prognostic assessment is still ongoing. However, there have been only few reports in the literature systematizing the existing knowledge on this subject, and they are mostly related to Alzheimer's disease, not cognition in general, or referring only to a specific group of substances. This article discusses the most important biochemical exponents of cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Katarzyna Popiołek
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Department of Vascular and Internal Diseases, Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Chyrek-Tomaszewska
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Department of Vascular and Internal Diseases, Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Stachowicz-Karpińska
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Department of Vascular and Internal Diseases, Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Maciej Kazimierz Bieliński
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Department of Vascular and Internal Diseases, Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Alina Borkowska
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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VanItallie TB. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in collision sports: Possible mechanisms of transformation into chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Metabolism 2019; 100S:153943. [PMID: 31610856 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability, contributing to ~30% of all injury-related deaths in the US. TBI occurs when a force transmitted to the head causes neuropathologic damage and impairment of brain function. TBI doubles risk of suicide and is the major determinant of acquired seizure disorders. TBI arising from closed head trauma (CHT) significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Evidence for a possible role of TBI as a risk factor for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) has been provided by studies of professional players of European football. Depending on age, genetic make-up (in particular, being a carrier of one or two ApoE4 alleles), the number of TBIs sustained, their severity, the time periods involved, and many other factors that affect vulnerability, decades may pass after occurrence of one or more TBIs before sequelae such as AD, PD, sALS or CTE become clinically evident. Among college and professional football players who experience repeated concussions and sub-concussive blows to the head, the risk of developing CTE increases with the number of years actively devoted to the sport, and the degree of exposure to physical impacts inherent in the position played. Following a moderate or severe concussion, or a series of mild blows to the head, the brain may undergo subtle pathophysiological changes that are unlikely to be detected with confidence using available diagnostic methods. Biomarkers are being sought that can help the attending physician infer the likely presence of an ongoing occult neurodegenerative process. One example of the adverse effect of collision on the brain is "heading" the soccer ball-a feat that, repeated over years of competition, has been found to produce severe brain damage in veteran players. CTE has attracted increasing national attention because of its devastating effects in a high proportion of retired professional players of American football. In a study of brains from deceased former football players, contributed mostly by family members, CTE was neuropathologically diagnosed in 110 of 111 of National Football League (NFL) veterans. In the CTE-positive subjects, the authors observed extensive brain atrophy, astrogliosis, myelinated axonopathy, microvascular injury, perivascular neuroinflammation, and phosphorylated tau protein pathology. CTE's neuropathology has been formally defined as a tauopathy characterized by a distinct perivascular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau in neurons and astrocytes within cerebral sulci. Although the mechanism that underlies the unforeseen emergence of CTE long after the occurrence of one or more closed head traumas is unknown, an explanation proposed by Albayram and associates is persuasive. They discovered TBI-induced neuronal production of the toxic compound cis P-tau, an abnormal and destructive isomer of the normal and benign trans P-tau, in mouse models of CTE. Cis P-tau produced a CTE-like syndrome via a process they termed cistauosis. Cistauosis can be blocked in laboratory animals by cis P-tau monoclonal antibody, which prevents later development of tau tangles, brain atrophy and virtual CTE. In a subsequent study, the same group found in human samples obtained post-TBI from a variety of causes, that cis P-tau is induced in cortical axons and cerebrospinal fluid and positively correlates with axonal injury and clinical outcome. Thus, cis P-tau appears to contribute to short-term and long-term sequelae after TBI, but may be subject to neutralization by cis-antibody treatment.
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Fließbach K, McCormick C, Kaulen B, Schneider A. [Anti-tau therapies-what can be expected?]. DER NERVENARZT 2019; 90:891-897. [PMID: 31332452 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-019-0758-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is histopathologically characterized by aggregation of two proteins, namely amyloid-beta peptide and tau protein. Whereas former intervention trials focused particularly on the amyloid pathology, recent therapeutic approaches are directed against the tau pathology. This article summarizes recent progress in anti-tau therapies, especially therapies based on anti-tau immunization and antisense oligonucleotides (ASO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Fließbach
- Klinik für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen und Gerontopsychiatrie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn Venusberg, Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, DZNE, Bonn, Deutschland
| | - Cornelia McCormick
- Klinik für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen und Gerontopsychiatrie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn Venusberg, Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, DZNE, Bonn, Deutschland
| | - Barbara Kaulen
- Klinik für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen und Gerontopsychiatrie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn Venusberg, Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, DZNE, Bonn, Deutschland
| | - Anja Schneider
- Klinik für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen und Gerontopsychiatrie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn Venusberg, Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland. .,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, DZNE, Bonn, Deutschland.
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Current Progress of Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases of Salvianolic Acid B. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:3281260. [PMID: 31341529 PMCID: PMC6612994 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3281260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae), one of the most commonly used traditional Chinese herbs, is widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease in clinical practice. Salvianolic acid B (Sal B, C36H30O16, FW = 718.62) is the main water-soluble active ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, which performs prophylactic and therapeutic activities against neurodegenerative diseases. So far, numerous studies have proved that multiple factors and mechanisms are involved in the pathological process of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation and fibril formation, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, neuroinflammation, oxidative-stress damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuron apoptosis. This study is aimed at reviewing experimental studies and describing the possible mechanisms of Sal B on neurodegenerative diseases.
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Abstract
Purpose of Review Abnormal accumulation of tau protein is the main hallmark of tauopathies and is closely associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment, whereas the advance in PET imaging provides a non-invasive detection of tau inclusions in the brain. In this review, we discuss the potential of PET imaging as a biomarker in tauopathies, the latest development of novel tau tracers with new clinical information that has been disclosed, and the opportunities for improving diagnosis and designing clinical trials in the future. Recent Findings In recent years, several first-generation tau PET tracers including [11C]PBB3, [18F]THK-5117, [18F]THK-5351 and [18F]AV-1451 have been developed and succeeded in imaging neurofibrillary pathology in vivo. Due to the common off-target binding and subcortical white matter uptake seen in the first-generation tracers, several research institutes and pharmaceutical companies have been working on developing second-generation tau PET tracers which exhibit higher binding affinity and selectivity. Summary Tau PET imaging is promising to serve as a biomarker to support differential diagnosis and monitor disease progression in many neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ting Wang
- Neurology Imaging Unit, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, 1st Floor B Block, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Paul Edison
- Neurology Imaging Unit, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, 1st Floor B Block, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK. .,Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK.
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Ryan B, Williams JM, Curtis MA. Plasma MicroRNAs Are Altered Early and Consistently in a Mouse Model of Tauopathy. Neuroscience 2019; 411:164-176. [PMID: 31152932 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Pathological accumulation of tau protein in brain cells is the hallmark of a group of neurodegenerative diseases called tauopathies. Accumulation of tau protein begins years before the onset of symptoms, which include deficits in cognition, behavior and movement. The pre-symptomatic phase of tauopathy may be the best time to deliver disease-modifying treatments, but this is only possible if prognostic, pre-symptomatic biomarkers are identified. Here we describe the profiling of blood plasma microRNAs in a mouse model of tauopathy, in order to identify biomarkers of pre-symptomatic tauopathy. Circulating RNAs were isolated from blood plasma of 16-week-old and 53-week-old hTau mice and age-matched wild type controls (n = 28). Global microRNA profiling was performed using small RNA sequencing (Illumina) and selected microRNAs were validated using individual TaqMan RT-qPCR. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate discriminative accuracy. We identified three microRNAs (miR-150-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-375-3p) that were down-regulated in 16-week-old hTau mice, which do not yet exhibit a behavioral phenotype and therefore represent pre-symptomatic tauopathy. The discriminative accuracy was AUC 0.98, 0.95 and 1, respectively. Down-regulation of these microRNAs persisted at 53 weeks of age, when hTau mice exhibit cognitive deficits and advanced neuropathology. Bioinformatic analysis showed that these three microRNAs converge on pathways associated with neuronal signaling and phosphorylation of tau. Thus, these circulating microRNAs appear to reflect neuropathological change and are promising candidates in the development of biomarkers of pre-symptomatic tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigid Ryan
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Brain Research, New Zealand - Rangahau Roro Aotearoa.
| | - Joanna M Williams
- Brain Research, New Zealand - Rangahau Roro Aotearoa; Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Maurice A Curtis
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Brain Research, New Zealand - Rangahau Roro Aotearoa
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Panza F, Imbimbo BP, Lozupone M, Greco A, Seripa D, Logroscino G, Daniele A, Colosimo C. Disease-modifying therapies for tauopathies: agents in the pipeline. Expert Rev Neurother 2019; 19:397-408. [PMID: 30973276 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2019.1606715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tauopathies are heterogeneous clinicopathological entities characterized by abnormal neuronal and/or glial inclusions of the microtubule-binding protein tau. Primary tauopathies considered to be diseases correspond to a major class of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) neuropathology (FTLD-Tau), including several forms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) clinical syndromes. Little progress has been made in the past 20 years in developing effective disease-modifying drugs for primary tauopathies and available symptomatic treatments have limited efficacy. Areas covered: Potential disease-modifying drugs in clinical development to slow neuropathological progression of primary tauopathies. Expert opinion: Since the underlying pathology of primary tauopathies consists of abnormal tau protein aggregates, treatments are being developed to interfere with the aggregation process or to promote the clearance of this protein. Unfortunately, disease-modifying treatments remain years away as demonstrated by the recent negative Phase III findings of a tau aggregation inhibitor (LMTM) for treating the behavioral variant of FTD. Further evidence will come from ongoing Phase I/II trials on novel drugs and immunotherapeutics with various targets - prevention of deposition or removal of tau aggregates, inhibition of tau phosphorylation/acetylation, modulation of O-GlcNAcylation, activation of autophagy or ubiquitin-proteasome system pathways, and rescue of selected tau loss of function or suppression of tau gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Panza
- a Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs , University of Bari "Aldo Moro" , Bari , Italy.,b Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain , University of Bari "Aldo Moro", "Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico" , Lecce , Italy.,c Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS , "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" , Foggia , Italy
| | - Bruno P Imbimbo
- d Department of Research and Development , Chiesi Farmaceutici , Parma , Italy
| | - Madia Lozupone
- a Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs , University of Bari "Aldo Moro" , Bari , Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- c Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS , "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" , Foggia , Italy
| | - Davide Seripa
- c Geriatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS , "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" , Foggia , Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- a Neurodegenerative Disease Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs , University of Bari "Aldo Moro" , Bari , Italy.,b Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain , University of Bari "Aldo Moro", "Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico" , Lecce , Italy
| | - Antonio Daniele
- e Institute of Neurology , Catholic University of Sacred Heart , Rome , Italy.,f Institute of Neurology , Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS , Rome , Italy
| | - Carlo Colosimo
- g Department of Neurological Sciences , Santa Maria University Hospital , Terni , Italy
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Gazulla J, Ferrer I, Izquierdo-Alvarez S, Alvarez S, Sánchez-Alcudia R, Bestué-Cardiel M, Seral M, Benavente I, Sierra-Martínez E, Berciano J. Hereditary primary lateral sclerosis and progressive nonfluent aphasia. J Neurol 2019; 266:1079-1090. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09235-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Tang Y, Liu HL, Min LX, Yuan HS, Guo L, Han PB, Lu YX, Zhong JF, Wang DL. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid tau protein level as biomarkers for evaluating acute spinal cord injury severity and motor function outcome. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:896-902. [PMID: 30688276 PMCID: PMC6375043 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.249238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau protein, a microtubule-associated protein, has a high specific expression in neurons and axons. Because traumatic spinal cord injury mainly affects neurons and axons, we speculated that tau protein may be a promising biomarker to reflect the degree of spinal cord injury and prognosis of motor function. In this study, 160 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham group, and mild, moderate, and severe spinal cord injury groups. A laminectomy was performed at the T8 level to expose the spinal cord in all groups. A contusion lesion was made with the NYU-MASCIS impactor by dropping a 10 g rod from heights of 12.5 mm (mild), 25 mm (moderate) and 50 mm (severe) upon the exposed dorsal surface of the spinal cord. Tau protein levels were measured in serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples at 1, 6, 12, 24 hours, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after operation. Locomotor function of all rats was assessed using the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale. Tau protein concentration in the three spinal cord injury groups (both in serum and cerebrospinal fluid) rapidly increased and peaked at 12 hours after spinal cord injury. Statistically significant positive linear correlations were found between tau protein level and spinal cord injury severity in the three spinal cord injury groups, and between the tau protein level and Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale scores. The tau protein level at 12 hours in the three spinal cord injury groups was negatively correlated with Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale scores at 28 days (serum: r = −0.94; cerebrospinal fluid: r = −0.95). Our data suggest that tau protein levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid might be a promising biomarker for predicting the severity and functional outcome of traumatic spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education (Chongqing University), Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-Liang Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling-Xia Min
- Department of Rehabilitation, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao-Shi Yuan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Chinese PLA Beijing Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peng-Bo Han
- Department of Spine Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yu-Xin Lu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jian-Feng Zhong
- Department of Spine Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Dong-Lin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education (Chongqing University), Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
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Demaegd K, Schymkowitz J, Rousseau F. Transcellular Spreading of Tau in Tauopathies. Chembiochem 2018; 19:2424-2432. [PMID: 30133080 PMCID: PMC6391987 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Tau, a microtubule-associated protein playing a key role in a group of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, spreads throughout the brain, inducing pathology. A model akin to the spreading of prions has been raised owing to similar characteristics of inducing an abnormal protein conformation as a method of self-amplification, spreading protein aggregates over anatomically linked pathways. The search to identify the "seeds" that induce conformational change has received much attention; however, less is known about the mechanisms by which tau is transmitted from cell to cell, so-called "transcellular spreading". In this review, we gather evidence regarding the spreading of tau throughout the brain and provide an overview of methods by which tau can be released from neurons as well as taken up. Furthermore, we bring together mechanisms of neurotoxicity behind tau spreading. Advancing our understanding about the spreading of tau can guide the search for therapeutic options for multiple neurodegenerative diseases aggregating tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen Demaegd
- Switch LaboratoryDepartment of Cellular and Molecular MedicineKULeuvenHerestraat 49Box 802Room 08.6833000LeuvenBelgium
- Switch LaboratoryVIB Center for Brain and Disease ResearchHerestraat 49, box 802, room 08.6833000LeuvenBelgium
| | - Joost Schymkowitz
- Switch LaboratoryDepartment of Cellular and Molecular MedicineKULeuvenHerestraat 49Box 802Room 08.6833000LeuvenBelgium
- Switch LaboratoryVIB Center for Brain and Disease ResearchHerestraat 49, box 802, room 08.6833000LeuvenBelgium
| | - Frederic Rousseau
- Switch LaboratoryDepartment of Cellular and Molecular MedicineKULeuvenHerestraat 49Box 802Room 08.6833000LeuvenBelgium
- Switch LaboratoryVIB Center for Brain and Disease ResearchHerestraat 49, box 802, room 08.6833000LeuvenBelgium
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Altimus CM, Keller K, Brannelly P, Ross E, Lin CT, Riley EAU, Briggs L, Smith J, Stevens M. Analysis of tauopathy research funding between 2006 and 2016 reveals critical gaps in research priorities. Alzheimers Dement 2018; 15:42-54. [PMID: 30314799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.07.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases encompass a range of diagnoses, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Despite decades of advancements in understanding the neurobiology of individual diseases, this class has few disease-modifying therapeutics and a paucity of biomarkers for diagnosis or progression. However, tau protein aggregation has emerged as a potential unifying factor across several neurodegenerative diseases, which has prompted a rapid growth in tau-related funding. In spite of this growth, research funding in this area is not in line with the immense magnitude of disease burden, and drug discovery and clinical research remain underfunded. Coordinated, collaborative efforts are key to making an impact, which can and should be led by the major funding bodies within the tau space. Here we describe the development and analysis of a tau-focused neurodegeneration funding database, which captures data from 2040 grants from 2006 to 2016. This database was developed as a public resource to allow funders, researchers, and policy makers to better understand tau funding patterns and to identify key funders and potential collaborations. This database can be used in conjunction with other neurodegenerative disease databases, such as the International Alzheimer's Disease Research Portfolio to gain specific insight into tau-research funding. Over the study period, overall tau funding rose dramatically; however, changes in capital distribution also changed. Specifically, the field experienced a strong bias toward funding tau in the context of Alzheimer's disease, while at the same time generally decreasing the overall proportion of funding for basic research, treatment development, and evaluation. As funding organizations look forward, this resource can both inform future funding strategies and priority areas and identify potential collaborative efforts with complementary funding organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Erin Ross
- Milken Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jeremy Smith
- Rainwater Charitable Foundation, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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Spatial Patterns of Hypometabolism and Amyloid Deposition in Variants of Alzheimer’s Disease Corresponding to Brain Networks: a Prospective Cohort Study. Mol Imaging Biol 2018; 21:140-148. [DOI: 10.1007/s11307-018-1219-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the role of tau beyond the stabilization of microtubules and on the clinical, pathological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of tauopathies. RECENT FINDINGS Beyond its function as a microtubule-associated tau protein, tau is also involved in gene regulation, signal transduction and metabolism. Experimental models allow for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Tauopathies encompass different disorders that may manifest with various clinical syndromes. Differential diagnosis with other proteinopathies is still challenging. Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and radiotracers were extensively studied in the last year. Although diagnostic accuracy remains deceiving in non-Alzheimer's disease tauopathies, positron emission tomography tau tracers could be used to monitor disease progression. SUMMARY Despite the advent of novel therapeutic approaches and the increasing number of clinical trials in tauopathies, accurate clinical diagnosis is still an unmet need and better tau biomarkers are still desperately needed. Although primary taupathies are rare and heterogeneous disorders, their combined prevalence and the importance of tau disorder in Alzheimer's disease and secondary tauopathies makes research on tauopathy a priority - because it could benefit many patients.
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