1
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da Silva SP, de Castro CCM, Rabelo LN, Engelberth RC, Fernández-Calvo B, Fiuza FP. Neuropathological and sociodemographic factors associated with the cortical amyloid load in aging and Alzheimer's disease. GeroScience 2024; 46:621-643. [PMID: 37870702 PMCID: PMC10828279 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00982-4] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive abilities. A pathological hallmark of AD is a region-specific accumulation of the amyloid-beta protein (Aβ). Here, we explored the association between regional Aβ deposition, sociodemographic, and local biochemical factors. We quantified the Aβ burden in postmortem cortical samples from parietal (PCx) and temporal (TCx) regions of 27 cognitively unimpaired (CU) and 15 AD donors, aged 78-100 + years. Histological images of Aβ immunohistochemistry and local concentrations of pathological and inflammatory proteins were obtained at the "Aging, Dementia and TBI Study" open database. We used the area fraction fractionator stereological methodology to quantify the Aβ burden in the gray and white matter within each cortical region. We found higher Aβ burdens in the TCx of AD octogenarians compared to CU ones. We also found higher Aβ loads in the PCx of AD nonagenarians than in AD octogenarians. Moreover, AD women exhibited increased Aβ deposition compared to CU women. Interestingly, we observed a negative correlation between education years and Aβ burden in the white matter of both cortices in CU samples. In AD brains, the Aβ40, Aβ42, and pTau181 isoforms of Aβ and Tau proteins were positively correlated with the Aβ burden. Additionally, in the TCx of AD donors, the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα showed a positive correlation with the Aβ load. These novel findings contribute to understanding the interplay between sociodemographic characteristics, local inflammatory signaling, and the development of AD-related pathology in the cerebral cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayonara P da Silva
- Graduate Program in Neuroengineering, Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience, Santos Dumont Institute, Macaíba, RN, 59280-000, Brazil
| | - Carla C M de Castro
- Graduate Program in Neuroengineering, Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience, Santos Dumont Institute, Macaíba, RN, 59280-000, Brazil
| | - Lívia N Rabelo
- Graduate Program in Neuroengineering, Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience, Santos Dumont Institute, Macaíba, RN, 59280-000, Brazil
- Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Rovena C Engelberth
- Laboratory of Neurochemical Studies, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Bernardino Fernández-Calvo
- Department of Psychology, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Psychology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Felipe P Fiuza
- Graduate Program in Neuroengineering, Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neuroscience, Santos Dumont Institute, Macaíba, RN, 59280-000, Brazil.
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2
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Dan L, Zhang Z. Alzheimer's disease: an axonal injury disease? Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1264448. [PMID: 37927337 PMCID: PMC10620718 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1264448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the primary cause of dementia and is anticipated to impose a substantial economic burden in the future. Over a significant period, the widely accepted amyloid cascade hypothesis has guided research efforts, and the recent FDA approval of an anti- amyloid-beta (Aβ) protofibrils antibody, believed to decelerate AD progression, has further solidified its significance. However, the excessive emphasis placed on the amyloid cascade hypothesis has overshadowed the physiological nature of Aβ and tau proteins within axons. Axons, specialized neuronal structures, sustain damage during the early stages of AD, exerting a pivotal influence on disease progression. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the relationship between axonal damage and AD pathology, amalgamating the physiological roles of Aβ and tau proteins, along with the impact of AD risk genes such as APOE and TREM2. Furthermore, we underscore the exceptional significance of axonal damage in the context of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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3
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Yu W, Chen L, Li X, Han T, Yang Y, Hu C, Yu W, Lü Y. Alteration of Metabolic Profiles during the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1459. [PMID: 37891827 PMCID: PMC10605479 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that threatens the population health of older adults. However, the mechanisms of the altered metabolism involved in AD pathology are poorly understood. The aim of the study was to identify the potential biomarkers of AD and discover the metabolomic changes produced during the progression of the disease. (2) Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to measure the concentrations of the serum metabolites in a cohort of subjects with AD (n = 88) and a cognitively normal control (CN) group (n = 85). The patients were classified as very mild (n = 25), mild (n = 27), moderate (n = 25), and severe (n = 11). The serum metabolic profiles were analyzed using multivariate and univariate approaches. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression was applied to identify the potential biomarkers of AD. Biofunctional enrichment analysis was performed using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. (3) Results: Our results revealed considerable separation between the AD and CN groups. Six metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers of AD (AUC > 0.85), and the diagnostic model of three metabolites could predict the risk of AD with high accuracy (AUC = 0.984). The metabolic enrichment analysis revealed that carbohydrate metabolism deficiency and the disturbance of amino acid, fatty acid, and lipid metabolism were involved in AD progression. Especially, the pathway analysis highlighted that l-glutamate participated in four crucial nervous system pathways (including the GABAergic synapse, the glutamatergic synapse, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, and the synaptic vesicle cycle). (4) Conclusions: Carbohydrate metabolism deficiency and amino acid dysregulation, fatty acid, and lipid metabolism disorders were pivotal events in AD progression. Our study may provide novel insights into the role of metabolic disorders in AD pathogenesis and identify new markers for AD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuhan Yu
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (W.Y.); (L.C.)
| | - Lihua Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (W.Y.); (L.C.)
| | - Xuebing Li
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (W.Y.); (L.C.)
| | - Tingli Han
- Department of Obsetric and Gyncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Cheng Hu
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (W.Y.); (L.C.)
| | - Weihua Yu
- Institutes of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yang Lü
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; (W.Y.); (L.C.)
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4
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Cai W, Li L, Sang S, Pan X, Zhong C. Physiological Roles of β-amyloid in Regulating Synaptic Function: Implications for AD Pathophysiology. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1289-1308. [PMID: 36443453 PMCID: PMC10387033 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00985-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological functions of endogenous amyloid-β (Aβ), which plays important role in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), have not been paid enough attention. Here, we review the multiple physiological effects of Aβ, particularly in regulating synaptic transmission, and the possible mechanisms, in order to decipher the real characters of Aβ under both physiological and pathological conditions. Some worthy studies have shown that the deprivation of endogenous Aβ gives rise to synaptic dysfunction and cognitive deficiency, while the moderate elevation of this peptide enhances long term potentiation and leads to neuronal hyperexcitability. In this review, we provide a new view for understanding the role of Aβ in AD pathophysiology from the perspective of physiological meaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Cai
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Linxi Li
- Basic Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China
| | - Shaoming Sang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoli Pan
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Chunjiu Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science & Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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5
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Lee AK, Yi N, Khaled H, Feller B, Takahashi H. SorCS1 inhibits amyloid-β binding to neurexin and rescues amyloid-β-induced synaptic pathology. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201681. [PMID: 36697254 PMCID: PMC9880023 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs), toxic peptide aggregates found in Alzheimer's disease, cause synapse pathology. AβOs interact with neurexins (NRXs), key synaptic organizers, and this interaction dampens normal trafficking and function of NRXs. Axonal trafficking of NRX is in part regulated by its interaction with SorCS1, a protein sorting receptor, but the impact of SorCS1 regulation of NRXs in Aβ pathology was previously unstudied. Here, we show competition between the SorCS1 ectodomain and AβOs for β-NRX binding and rescue effects of the SorCS1b isoform on AβO-induced synaptic pathology. Like AβOs, the SorCS1 ectodomain binds to NRX1β through the histidine-rich domain of NRX1β, and the SorCS1 ectodomain and AβOs compete for NRX1β binding. In cultured hippocampal neurons, SorCS1b colocalizes with NRX1β on the axon surface, and axonal expression of SorCS1b rescues AβO-induced impairment of NRX-mediated presynaptic organization and presynaptic vesicle recycling and AβO-induced structural defects in excitatory synapses. Thus, our data suggest a role for SorCS1 in the rescue of AβO-induced NRX dysfunction and synaptic pathology, providing the basis for a novel potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Kihoon Lee
- Synapse Development and Plasticity Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nayoung Yi
- Synapse Development and Plasticity Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Husam Khaled
- Synapse Development and Plasticity Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Benjamin Feller
- Synapse Development and Plasticity Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Hideto Takahashi
- Synapse Development and Plasticity Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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6
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Huffels CFM, Middeldorp J, Hol EM. Aß Pathology and Neuron-Glia Interactions: A Synaptocentric View. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1026-1046. [PMID: 35976488 PMCID: PMC10030451 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03699-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes the majority of dementia cases worldwide. Early pathological hallmarks include the accumulation of amyloid-ß (Aß) and activation of both astrocytes and microglia. Neurons form the building blocks of the central nervous system, and astrocytes and microglia provide essential input for its healthy functioning. Their function integrates at the level of the synapse, which is therefore sometimes referred to as the "quad-partite synapse". Increasing evidence puts AD forward as a disease of the synapse, where pre- and postsynaptic processes, as well as astrocyte and microglia functioning progressively deteriorate. Here, we aim to review the current knowledge on how Aß accumulation functionally affects the individual components of the quad-partite synapse. We highlight a selection of processes that are essential to the healthy functioning of the neuronal synapse, including presynaptic neurotransmitter release and postsynaptic receptor functioning. We further discuss how Aß affects the astrocyte's capacity to recycle neurotransmitters, release gliotransmitters, and maintain ion homeostasis. We additionally review literature on how Aß changes the immunoprotective function of microglia during AD progression and conclude by summarizing our main findings and highlighting the challenges in current studies, as well as the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiaan F M Huffels
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jinte Middeldorp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurobiology & Aging, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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7
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Biasetti L, Rey S, Fowler M, Ratnayaka A, Fennell K, Smith C, Marshall K, Hall C, Vargas-Caballero M, Serpell L, Staras K. Elevated amyloid beta disrupts the nanoscale organization and function of synaptic vesicle pools in hippocampal neurons. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:1263-1276. [PMID: 35368053 PMCID: PMC9930632 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is linked to increased levels of amyloid beta (Aβ) in the brain, but the mechanisms underlying neuronal dysfunction and neurodegeneration remain enigmatic. Here, we investigate whether organizational characteristics of functional presynaptic vesicle pools, key determinants of information transmission in the central nervous system, are targets for elevated Aβ. Using an optical readout method in cultured hippocampal neurons, we show that acute Aβ42 treatment significantly enlarges the fraction of functional vesicles at individual terminals. We observe the same effect in a chronically elevated Aβ transgenic model (APPSw,Ind) using an ultrastructure-function approach that provides detailed information on nanoscale vesicle pool positioning. Strikingly, elevated Aβ is correlated with excessive accumulation of recycled vesicles near putative endocytic sites, which is consistent with deficits in vesicle retrieval pathways. Using the glutamate reporter, iGluSnFR, we show that there are parallel functional consequences, where ongoing information signaling capacity is constrained. Treatment with levetiracetam, an antiepileptic that dampens synaptic hyperactivity, partially rescues these transmission defects. Our findings implicate organizational and dynamic features of functional vesicle pools as targets in Aβ-driven synaptic impairment, suggesting that interventions to relieve the overloading of vesicle retrieval pathways might have promising therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Biasetti
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Rey
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, United Kingdom
- National Physical Laboratory, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
| | - Milena Fowler
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, United Kingdom
| | - Arjuna Ratnayaka
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Fennell
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Smith
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Marshall
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Hall
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QH, United Kingdom
| | - Mariana Vargas-Caballero
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Serpell
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Staras
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QG, United Kingdom
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8
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Ingala S, Tomassen J, Collij LE, Prent N, van 't Ent D, Ten Kate M, Konijnenberg E, Yaqub M, Scheltens P, de Geus EJC, Teunissen CE, Tijms B, Wink AM, Barkhof F, van Berckel BNM, Visser PJ, den Braber A. Amyloid-driven disruption of default mode network connectivity in cognitively healthy individuals. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab201. [PMID: 34617016 PMCID: PMC8490784 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical accumulation of amyloid beta is one of the first events of Alzheimer’s disease pathophysiology, and has been suggested to follow a consistent spatiotemporal ordering, starting in the posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus and medio-orbitofrontal cortex. These regions overlap with those of the default mode network, a brain network also involved in memory functions. Aberrant default mode network functional connectivity and higher network sparsity have been reported in prodromal and clinical Alzheimer’s disease. We investigated the association between amyloid burden and default mode network connectivity in the preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease and its association with longitudinal memory decline. We included 173 participants, in which amyloid burden was assessed both in CSF by the amyloid beta 42/40 ratio, capturing the soluble part of amyloid pathology, and in dynamic PET scans calculating the non-displaceable binding potential in early-stage regions. The default mode network was identified with resting-state functional MRI. Then, we calculated functional connectivity in the default mode network, derived from independent component analysis, and eigenvector centrality, a graph measure recursively defining important nodes on the base of their connection with other important nodes. Memory was tested at baseline, 2- and 4-year follow-up. We demonstrated that higher amyloid burden as measured by both CSF amyloid beta 42/40 ratio and non-displaceable binding potential in the posterior cingulate cortex was associated with lower functional connectivity in the default mode network. The association between amyloid burden (CSF and non-displaceable binding potential in the posterior cingulate cortex) and aberrant default mode network connectivity was confirmed at the voxel level with both functional connectivity and eigenvector centrality measures, and it was driven by voxel clusters localized in the precuneus, cingulate, angular and left middle temporal gyri. Moreover, we demonstrated that functional connectivity in the default mode network predicts longitudinal memory decline synergistically with regional amyloid burden, as measured by non-displaceable binding potential in the posterior cingulate cortex. Taken together, these results suggest that early amyloid beta deposition is associated with aberrant default mode network connectivity in cognitively healthy individuals and that default mode network connectivity markers can be used to identify subjects at risk of memory decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ingala
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jori Tomassen
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lyduine E Collij
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Naomi Prent
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Section Clinical Neuropsychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Vesalius, Centre for Neuropsychiatry, GGZ Altrecht, 3447 GM Woerden, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis van 't Ent
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Neuroscience Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mara Ten Kate
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elles Konijnenberg
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maqsood Yaqub
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Scheltens
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eco J C de Geus
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Neuroscience Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte E Teunissen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Neurochemistry Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Betty Tijms
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alle Meije Wink
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute of Neurology and Healthcare Engineering, University College London, WC1E 6BT London, UK
| | - Bart N M van Berckel
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter Jelle Visser
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anouk den Braber
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Neuroscience Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Wang D, Chen F, Han Z, Yin Z, Ge X, Lei P. Relationship Between Amyloid-β Deposition and Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:695479. [PMID: 34349624 PMCID: PMC8326917 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.695479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) is the predominant pathologic protein in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The production and deposition of Aβ are important factors affecting AD progression and prognosis. The deposition of neurotoxic Aβ contributes to damage of the blood-brain barrier. However, the BBB is also crucial in maintaining the normal metabolism of Aβ, and dysfunction of the BBB aggravates Aβ deposition. This review characterizes Aβ deposition and BBB damage in AD, summarizes their interactions, and details their respective mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Zhaoli Han
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenyu Yin
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Xintong Ge
- Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Lei
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin, China
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10
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Diociaiuti M, Bonanni R, Cariati I, Frank C, D’Arcangelo G. Amyloid Prefibrillar Oligomers: The Surprising Commonalities in Their Structure and Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126435. [PMID: 34208561 PMCID: PMC8235680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been proposed that a “common core” of pathologic pathways exists for the large family of amyloid-associated neurodegenerations, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, type II diabetes and Creutzfeldt–Jacob’s Disease. Aggregates of the involved proteins, independently from their primary sequence, induced neuron membrane permeabilization able to trigger an abnormal Ca2+ influx leading to synaptotoxicity, resulting in reduced expression of synaptic proteins and impaired synaptic transmission. Emerging evidence is now focusing on low-molecular-weight prefibrillar oligomers (PFOs), which mimic bacterial pore-forming toxins that form well-ordered oligomeric membrane-spanning pores. At the same time, the neuron membrane composition and its chemical microenvironment seem to play a pivotal role. In fact, the brain of AD patients contains increased fractions of anionic lipids able to favor cationic influx. However, up to now the existence of a specific “common structure” of the toxic aggregate, and a “common mechanism” by which it induces neuronal damage, synaptotoxicity and impaired synaptic transmission, is still an open hypothesis. In this review, we gathered information concerning this hypothesis, focusing on the proteins linked to several amyloid diseases. We noted commonalities in their structure and membrane activity, and their ability to induce Ca2+ influx, neurotoxicity, synaptotoxicity and impaired synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Diociaiuti
- Centro Nazionale Malattie Rare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Roberto Bonanni
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (G.D.)
| | - Ida Cariati
- PhD in Medical-Surgical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudio Frank
- UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanna D’Arcangelo
- Department of Systems Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (G.D.)
- Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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11
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Pei YA, Davies J, Zhang M, Zhang HT. The Role of Synaptic Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 76:49-62. [PMID: 32417776 DOI: 10.3233/jad-191334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Deemed as incurable, Alzheimer's disease (AD) research is becoming less convoluted as our understanding of its pathology increases. With current treatments focusing on merely mitigating the symptoms of AD, there have been many attempts to find a molecular culprit to serve as the single underlying cause and therapeutic target for clinical applications to approach the disease from its roots. Indeed, over the course of decades, the endless search for a singular target culprit in AD has uncovered a cascade of pathological defects, adding on to each other throughout the progression of the disease. The developmental patterns of amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers have been studied as a means to discover the complex molecular interplay between various immune responses, genetic mutations, pathway disturbances, and regulating factors that disturb synapse homeostasis before disease manifestation. This new understanding has shifted the underlying goal of the research community from merely removing Aβ oligomers to finding methods that can predict high risk individuals and resorting to cocktail-drug treatments in an attempt to regulate multiple pathways that cumulatively result in the debilitating symptoms of the disease. By utilizing various assays from immuno-targeting to molecular biomarkers, we then interfere in the molecular cascades in an endeavor to avoid synapse dysfunction before disease maturity. Here, we review the current literature supporting the importance of synapses in AD, our current understanding of the molecular interactions leading up to clinical diagnoses, and the techniques used in targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Amy Pei
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Julie Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Melanie Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Han-Ting Zhang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
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12
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Harper CB, Smillie KJ. Current molecular approaches to investigate pre-synaptic dysfunction. J Neurochem 2021; 157:107-129. [PMID: 33544872 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Over the course of the last few decades it has become clear that many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders have a synaptic defect, which contributes to pathogenicity. A rise in new techniques, and in particular '-omics'-based methods providing large datasets, has led to an increase in potential proteins and pathways implicated in synaptic function and related disorders. Additionally, advancements in imaging techniques have led to the recent discovery of alternative modes of synaptic vesicle recycling. This has resulted in a lack of clarity over the precise role of different pathways in maintaining synaptic function and whether these new pathways are dysfunctional in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. A greater understanding of the molecular detail of pre-synaptic function in health and disease is key to targeting new proteins and pathways for novel treatments and the variety of new techniques currently available provides an ideal opportunity to investigate these functions. This review focuses on techniques to interrogate pre-synaptic function, concentrating mainly on synaptic vesicle recycling. It further examines techniques to determine the underlying molecular mechanism of pre-synaptic dysfunction and discusses methods to identify molecular targets, along with protein-protein interactions and cellular localization. In combination, these techniques will provide an expanding and more complete picture of pre-synaptic function. With the application of recent technological advances, we are able to resolve events with higher spatial and temporal resolution, leading research towards a greater understanding of dysfunction at the presynapse and the role it plays in pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callista B Harper
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Karen J Smillie
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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13
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Dey S, Das A, Dey A, Maiti S. Membrane affinity of individual toxic protein oligomers determined at the single-molecule level. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:14613-14620. [PMID: 32483579 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp00450b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Oligomers are the key suspects in protein aggregation-linked diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Type II diabetes, and most likely exert their toxicity by interacting with lipid membranes. However, the "which oligomer" question remains an obstacle in understanding the disease mechanism, as the exact identity of the toxic oligomer(s) is not yet known. Oligomers exist as a mixture of species of different sizes (i.e. as different 'n-mers') in a physiological solution, making it difficult to determine the properties of individual species. Here we demonstrate a method based on single-molecule photo-bleaching (smPB) which can provide an answer to the "which oligomer" question, at least as far as membrane affinity is concerned. We calculate the ratio of the oligomer size distribution of human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (IAPP) in the aqueous phase and that on a coexisting artificial lipid bilayer, and this measures the relative membrane affinity of individual oligomeric species. A problem with smPB measurements is that they can be very sensitive to pre-measurement bleaching. Here we correct for pre-bleaching using a covalently linked multimeric peptide as a bleaching standard. We find that the order of membrane affinity for IAPP n-mers is trimer > dimer > tetramer ≫ monomer. Our results agree well with the average membrane affinity values of oligomeric and monomeric solutions previously measured with Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy. The "which oligomer" question, in the context of membrane affinity, can therefore, be solved quantitatively for any membrane-active toxic protein aggregate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simli Dey
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, India.
| | - Anirban Das
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, India.
| | - Arpan Dey
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, India.
| | - Sudipta Maiti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai 400005, India.
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14
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Berlanga-Acosta J, Guillén-Nieto G, Rodríguez-Rodríguez N, Bringas-Vega ML, García-del-Barco-Herrera D, Berlanga-Saez JO, García-Ojalvo A, Valdés-Sosa MJ, Valdés-Sosa PA. Insulin Resistance at the Crossroad of Alzheimer Disease Pathology: A Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:560375. [PMID: 33224105 PMCID: PMC7674493 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.560375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin plays a major neuroprotective and trophic function for cerebral cell population, thus countering apoptosis, beta-amyloid toxicity, and oxidative stress; favoring neuronal survival; and enhancing memory and learning processes. Insulin resistance and impaired cerebral glucose metabolism are invariantly reported in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative processes. AD is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder in which progressive glucose hypometabolism parallels to cognitive impairment. Although AD may appear and progress in virtue of multifactorial nosogenic ingredients, multiple interperpetuative and interconnected vicious circles appear to drive disease pathophysiology. The disease is primarily a metabolic/energetic disorder in which amyloid accumulation may appear as a by-product of more proximal events, especially in the late-onset form. As a bridge between AD and type 2 diabetes, activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway with the ensued serine phosphorylation of the insulin response substrate (IRS)-1/2 may be at the crossroads of insulin resistance and its subsequent dysmetabolic consequences. Central insulin axis bankruptcy translates in neuronal vulnerability and demise. As a link in the chain of pathogenic vicious circles, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and peripheral/central immune-inflammation are increasingly advocated as major pathology drivers. Pharmacological interventions addressed to preserve insulin axis physiology, mitochondrial biogenesis-integral functionality, and mitophagy of diseased organelles may attenuate the adjacent spillover of free radicals that further perpetuate mitochondrial damages and catalyze inflammation. Central and/or peripheral inflammation may account for a local flood of proinflammatory cytokines that along with astrogliosis amplify insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. All these elements are endogenous stressor, pro-senescent factors that contribute to JNK activation. Taken together, these evidences incite to identify novel multi-mechanistic approaches to succeed in ameliorating this pandemic affliction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Berlanga-Acosta
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Tissue Repair and Cytoprotection Research Group, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Gerardo Guillén-Nieto
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Tissue Repair and Cytoprotection Research Group, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Nadia Rodríguez-Rodríguez
- Tissue Repair and Cytoprotection Research Group, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Maria Luisa Bringas-Vega
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Cuban Neurosciences Center, Cubanacan, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Jorge O. Berlanga-Saez
- Applied Mathematics Department, Institute of Mathematics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ariana García-Ojalvo
- Tissue Repair and Cytoprotection Research Group, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Mitchell Joseph Valdés-Sosa
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Cuban Neurosciences Center, Cubanacan, Havana, Cuba
| | - Pedro A. Valdés-Sosa
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Cuban Neurosciences Center, Cubanacan, Havana, Cuba
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15
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Fagiani F, Lanni C, Racchi M, Pascale A, Govoni S. Amyloid-β and Synaptic Vesicle Dynamics: A Cacophonic Orchestra. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 72:1-14. [PMID: 31561377 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It is now more than two decades since amyloid-β (Aβ), the proteolytic product of the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP), was first demonstrated to be a normal and soluble product of neuronal metabolism. To date, despite a growing body of evidence suggests its regulatory role on synaptic function, the exact cellular and molecular pathways involved in Aβ-driven synaptic effects remain elusive. This review provides an overview of the mounting evidence showing Aβ-mediated effects on presynaptic functions and neurotransmitter release from axon terminals, focusing on its interaction with synaptic vesicle cycle. Indeed, Aβ peptides have been found to interact with key presynaptic scaffold proteins and kinases affecting the consequential steps of the synaptic vesicle dynamics (e.g., synaptic vesicles exocytosis, endocytosis, and trafficking). Defects in the fine-tuning of synaptic vesicle cycle by Aβ and deregulation of key molecules and kinases, which orchestrate synaptic vesicle availability, may alter synaptic homeostasis, possibly contributing to synaptic loss and cognitive decline. Elucidating the presynaptic mechanisms by which Aβ regulate synaptic transmission is fundamental for a deeper comprehension of the biology of presynaptic terminals as well as of Aβ-driven early synaptic defects occurring in prodromal stage of AD. Moreover, a better understating of Aβ involvement in cellular signal pathways may allow to set up more effective therapeutic interventions by detecting relevant molecular mechanisms, whose imbalance might ultimately lead to synaptic impairment in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Italy.,Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessia Pascale
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Italy
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16
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Mhillaj E, Papi M, Paciello F, Silvestrini A, Rolesi R, Palmieri V, Perini G, Fetoni AR, Trabace L, Mancuso C. Celecoxib Exerts Neuroprotective Effects in β-Amyloid-Treated SH-SY5Y Cells Through the Regulation of Heme Oxygenase-1: Novel Insights for an Old Drug. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:561179. [PMID: 33134292 PMCID: PMC7550645 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.561179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation and aggregation of amyloid-β-peptide (Aβ) into soluble and insoluble species represent the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Over the last few years, however, soluble Aβ (sAβ) prevailed over fibrillar Aβ (fAβ) as determinant of neurotoxicity. One of the main therapeutic strategies for challenging neurodegeneration is to fight against neuroinflammation and prevent free radical-induced damage: in this light, the heme oxygenase/biliverdin reductase (HO/BVR) system is considered a promising drug target. The aim of this work was to investigate whether or not celecoxib (CXB), a selective inhibitor of the pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2, modulates the HO/BVR system and prevents lipid peroxidation in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Both sAβ (6.25–50 nM) and fAβ (1.25–50 nM) dose-dependently over-expressed inducible HO (HO-1) after 24 h of incubation, reaching statistical significance at 25 and 6.25 nM, respectively. Interestingly, CXB (1–10 μM, for 1 h) further enhanced Aβ-induced HO-1 expression through the nuclear translocation of the transcriptional factor Nrf2. Furthermore, 10 μM CXB counteracted the Aβ-induced ROS production with a mechanism fully dependent on HO-1 up-regulation; nevertheless, 10 μM CXB significantly counteracted only 25 nM sAβ-induced lipid peroxidation damage in SH-SY5Y neurons by modulating HO-1. Both carbon monoxide (CORM-2, 50 nM) and bilirubin (50 nM) significantly prevented ROS production in Aβ-treated neurons and favored both the slowdown of the growth rate of Aβ oligomers and the decrease in oligomer/fibril final size. In conclusion, these results suggest a novel mechanism through which CXB is neuroprotective in subjects with early AD or mild cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Mhillaj
- Department of Healthcare Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Pharmacology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiola Paciello
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Silvestrini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Rolando Rolesi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Palmieri
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giordano Perini
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Fetoni
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Cesare Mancuso
- Department of Healthcare Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Pharmacology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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17
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Wirths O, Zampar S. Emerging roles of N- and C-terminally truncated Aβ species in Alzheimer’s disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:991-1004. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1702972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Wirths
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Psychiatry, University Medical Center (UMG), Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Silvia Zampar
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Psychiatry, University Medical Center (UMG), Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
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18
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Amyloid β oligomers suppress excitatory transmitter release via presynaptic depletion of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1193. [PMID: 30867420 PMCID: PMC6416269 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09114-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid β (Aβ) oligomer-induced aberrant neurotransmitter release is proposed to be a crucial early event leading to synapse dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we report that the release probability (Pr) at the synapse between the Schaffer collateral (SC) and CA1 pyramidal neurons is significantly reduced at an early stage in mouse models of AD with elevated Aβ production. High nanomolar synthetic oligomeric Aβ42 also suppresses Pr at the SC-CA1 synapse in wild-type mice. This Aβ-induced suppression of Pr is mainly due to an mGluR5-mediated depletion of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) in axons. Selectively inhibiting Aβ-induced PIP2 hydrolysis in the CA3 region of the hippocampus strongly prevents oligomeric Aβ-induced suppression of Pr at the SC-CA1 synapse and rescues synaptic and spatial learning and memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice. These results first reveal the presynaptic mGluR5-PIP2 pathway whereby oligomeric Aβ induces early synaptic deficits in AD.
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19
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Emerging Role of microRNAs in Dementia. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:1743-1762. [PMID: 30738891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs regulating mRNA translation. They play a crucial role in regulating homeostasis in neurons, especially in regulating local and stimulation dependent protein synthesis. Since activity-mediated protein synthesis in neurons is critical for memory and cognition, microRNAs have become key players in modulating these processes. Dementia is a broad term used for symptoms involving decline of memory and cognition. Several studies have implicated the dysregulation of microRNAs in many brain diseases like neurodegenerative diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, brain injuries and dementia. In this review, we give an overview of microRNA-mediated regulation of proteins and cellular processes affected in dementia pathology, hence illustrating the importance of microRNAs in normal functioning. We also focus on a relatively less explored area in dementia pathology-the importance of activity-mediated protein synthesis at the synapse and the role of microRNAs in modulating this. Overall, this review will be helpful in looking at the significance of microRNAs in dementia from the perspective of defective regulation of protein synthesis and synaptic dysfunction.
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20
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Chen Y, Fu AKY, Ip NY. Synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 195:186-198. [PMID: 30439458 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the elderly population, is characterized by progressive cognitive decline and pathological hallmarks of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. However, its pathophysiological mechanisms are poorly understood, and diagnostic tools and interventions are limited. Here, we review recent research on the amyloid hypothesis and beta-amyloid-induced dysfunction of neuronal synapses through distinct cell surface receptors. We also review how tau protein leads to synaptotoxicity through pathological modification, localization, and propagation. Finally, we discuss experimental therapeutics for AD and propose potential applications of disease-modifying strategies targeting synaptic failure for improved treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Amy K Y Fu
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Nancy Y Ip
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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21
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Reiss AB, Arain HA, Stecker MM, Siegart NM, Kasselman LJ. Amyloid toxicity in Alzheimer's disease. Rev Neurosci 2018; 29:613-627. [PMID: 29447116 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2017-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A major feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology is the plaque composed of aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide. Although these plaques may have harmful properties, there is much evidence to implicate soluble oligomeric Aβ as the primary noxious form. Aβ oligomers can be generated both extracellularly and intracellularly. Aβ is toxic to neurons in a myriad of ways. It can cause pore formation resulting in the leakage of ions, disruption of cellular calcium balance, and loss of membrane potential. It can promote apoptosis, cause synaptic loss, and disrupt the cytoskeleton. Current treatments for AD are limited and palliative. Much research and effort is being devoted to reducing Aβ production as an approach to slowing or preventing the development of AD. Aβ formation results from the amyloidogenic cleavage of human amyloid precursor protein (APP). Reconfiguring this process to disfavor amyloid generation might be possible through the reduction of APP or inhibition of enzymes that convert the precursor protein to amyloid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison B Reiss
- Winthrop Research Institute, NYU Winthrop Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Mineola, NY 11501, USA
| | - Hirra A Arain
- Winthrop Research Institute, NYU Winthrop Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Mineola, NY 11501, USA
| | - Mark M Stecker
- Winthrop Research Institute, NYU Winthrop Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Mineola, NY 11501, USA
| | - Nicolle M Siegart
- Winthrop Research Institute, NYU Winthrop Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Mineola, NY 11501, USA
| | - Lora J Kasselman
- Winthrop Research Institute, NYU Winthrop Hospital, 101 Mineola Boulevard, Mineola, NY 11501, USA
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22
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Merlo S, Spampinato SF, Sortino MA. Early compensatory responses against neuronal injury: A new therapeutic window of opportunity for Alzheimer's Disease? CNS Neurosci Ther 2018; 25:5-13. [PMID: 30101571 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by extensive neurodegeneration and inflammation in selective brain areas, linked to severely disabling cognitive deficits. Before full manifestation, different stages appear with progressively increased brain pathology and cognitive impairment. This significantly extends the time lag between initial molecular triggers and appearance of detectable symptoms. Notably, a number of studies in the last decade have revealed that in the early stage of mild cognitive impairment, events that appear in contrast with neuronal distress may occur. These have been reproduced in vitro and in animal models and include increase in synaptic elements, increase in synaptic and metabolic activity, enhancement of neurotrophic milieu and changes in glial cell reactivity and inflammation. They have been interpreted as compensatory responses that could either delay disease progression or, in the long run, result detrimental. For this reason, these mechanisms define a new and previously undervalued window of opportunity for intervention. Their importance resides especially in their early appearance. Directing efforts to better characterize this stage, in order to identify new pharmacological targets, is an exciting new avenue to future advances in AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Merlo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Simona Federica Spampinato
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Sortino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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23
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Omtri RS, Thompson KJ, Tang X, Gali CC, Panzenboeck U, Davidson MW, Kalari KR, Kandimalla KK. Differential Effects of Alzheimer’s Disease Aβ40 and 42 on Endocytosis and Intraneuronal Trafficking. Neuroscience 2018; 373:159-168. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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24
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Ovsepian SV, O'Leary VB, Zaborszky L, Ntziachristos V, Dolly JO. Synaptic vesicle cycle and amyloid β: Biting the hand that feeds. Alzheimers Dement 2018; 14:502-513. [PMID: 29494806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The synaptic vesicle cycle (SVC) holds center stage in the biology of presynaptic terminals. Through recurrent exocytosis and endocytosis, it facilitates a sequence of events enabling chemical neurotransmission between functionally related neurons. As a fundamental process that links the interior of nerve cells with their environment, the SVC is also critical for signaling and provides an entry route for a range of pathogens and toxins, enabling detrimental effects. In Alzheimer's disease, the SVC is both the prime site of amyloid β production and toxicity. In this study, we discuss the emerging evidence for physiological and pathological effects of Aβ on various stages of the SVC, from postfusion membrane recovery to trafficking, docking, and priming of vesicles for fusion and transmitter release. Understanding of the mechanisms of Aβ interaction with the SVC within the unifying calcium hypothesis of aging and Alzheimer's disease should further elucidate the fundamental biology of the presynaptic terminal and reveal novel therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease and other age-related dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Institute of Radiation Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Laszlo Zaborszky
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Vasilis Ntziachristos
- Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; Munich School of Bioengineering, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - J Oliver Dolly
- International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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25
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Williams SM, Schulz P, Rosenberry TL, Caselli RJ, Sierks MR. Blood-Based Oligomeric and Other Protein Variant Biomarkers to Facilitate Pre-Symptomatic Diagnosis and Staging of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 58:23-35. [PMID: 28372328 DOI: 10.3233/jad-161116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Oligomeric forms of amyloid-β (Aβ), tau, and TDP-43 play important roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and therefore are promising biomarkers. We previously generated single chain antibody fragments (scFvs) that selectively bind disease-related variants of these proteins including A4, C6T, and E1, which bind different oligomeric Aβ variants; D11C, which binds oligomeric tau; and AD-TDP1 and AD-TDP2, which bind disease related TDP-43 variants. To determine the utility of these disease-related variants as early biomarkers, we first analyzed 11 human sera samples obtained ∼2 years prior to an initial mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosis. While the subsequent diagnoses for the cases covered several different conditions, all samples had elevated protein variant levels relative to the plasma controls although with different individual biomarker profiles. We then analyzed a set of longitudinal human plasma samples from four AD (encompassing time points prior to MCI diagnosis and continuing until after conversion to AD) and two control cases. Pre-MCI samples were characterized by high TDP-43 variant levels, MCI samples by high Aβ variant levels, and AD samples by high Aβ and tau variant levels. Sample time points ranged from ∼7 years pre-MCI to ∼9 years after AD conversion. Bivariate correlations showed a negative correlation with TDP-43 levels and positive correlations with cumulative Aβ and oligomeric tau levels indicating an increase in neurodegenerative processes with time in AD. Detection of disease related protein variants not only readily selects AD cases from controls, but also stages progression of AD and holds promise for a pre-symptomatic blood-based biomarker profile for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Williams
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Philip Schulz
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Terrone L Rosenberry
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Michael R Sierks
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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26
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Rajmohan R, Reddy PH. Amyloid-Beta and Phosphorylated Tau Accumulations Cause Abnormalities at Synapses of Alzheimer's disease Neurons. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 57:975-999. [PMID: 27567878 DOI: 10.3233/jad-160612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 267] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-beta (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau are hallmark lesions of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the loss of synapses and dysfunctions of neurotransmission are more directly tied to disease severity. The role of these lesions in the pathoetiological progression of the disease remains contested. Biochemical, cellular, molecular, and pathological studies provided several lines of evidence and improved our understanding of how Aβ and hyperphosphorylated tau accumulation may directly harm synapses and alter neurotransmission. In vitro evidence suggests that Aβ and hyperphosphorylated tau have both direct and indirect cytotoxic effects that affect neurotransmission, axonal transport, signaling cascades, organelle function, and immune response in ways that lead to synaptic loss and dysfunctions in neurotransmitter release. Observations in preclinical models and autopsy studies support these findings, suggesting that while the pathoetiology of positive lesions remains elusive, their removal may reduce disease severity and progression. The purpose of this article is to highlight the need for further investigation of the role of tau in disease progression and its interactions with Aβ and neurotransmitters alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Rajmohan
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Neurology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
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27
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Park D, Chang S. Soluble Aβ 1-42 increases the heterogeneity in synaptic vesicle pool size among synapses by suppressing intersynaptic vesicle sharing. Mol Brain 2018; 11:10. [PMID: 29463281 PMCID: PMC5819658 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-018-0353-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence has indicated that prefibrillar form of soluble amyloid beta (sAβ1-42) is the major causative factor in the synaptic dysfunction associated with AD. The molecular changes leading to presynaptic dysfunction caused by sAβ1-42, however, still remains elusive. Recently, we found that sAβ1-42 inhibits chemically induced long-term potentiation-induced synaptogenesis by suppressing the intersynaptic vesicle trafficking through calcium (Ca2+) dependent hyperphosphorylation of synapsin and CaMKIV. However, it is still unclear how sAβ1-42 increases intracellular Ca2+ that induces hyperphosphorylation of CaMKIV and synapsin, and what is the functional consequences of sAβ1-42-induced defects in intersynaptic vesicle trafficking in physiological conditions. In this study, we showed that sAβ1-42elevated intracellular Ca2+ through not only extracellular Ca2+ influx but also Ca2+ release from mitochondria. Surprisingly, without Ca2+ release from mitochondria, sAβ1-42 failed to increase intracellular Ca2+ even in the presence of normal extracellular Ca2+. We further found that sAβ1-42-induced mitochondria Ca2+ release alone sufficiently increased Serine 9 phosphorylation of synapsin. By blocking synaptic vesicle reallocation, sAβ1-42 significantly increased heterogeneity of total synaptic vesicle pool size among synapses. Together, our results suggested that by disrupting the axonal vesicle trafficking, sAβ1-42 disabled neurons to adjust synaptic pool sizes among synapses, which might prevent homeostatic rescaling in synaptic strength of individual neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daehun Park
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Sunghoe Chang
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, South Korea. .,Neuroscience Research Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
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28
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The contribution of transgenic and nontransgenic animal models in Alzheimer's disease drug research and development. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 28:95-111. [PMID: 28177983 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few years, several papers have become available in the literature on both the main hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the several intracellular pathways whose alteration is responsible for its onset and progression. The use of transgenic and nontransgenic animal models has played a key role in achieving such a remarkable amount of preclinical data, allowing researchers to dissect the cellular changes occurring in the AD brain. In addition, the huge amount of preclinical evidence arising from these animal models was necessary for the further clinical development of pharmacological agents capable of interfering with most of the impaired neural pathways in AD patients. In this respect, a significant role is played by the dysfunction of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission responsible for the cognitive and behavioral symptoms described in AD patients. The aim of this review is to summarize the main animal models that contributed toward unraveling the pathological changes in neurotransmitter synthesis, release, and receptor binding in AD preclinical studies. The review also provides an updated description of the current pharmacological agents - still under clinical development - acting on the neurotransmitter systems.
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29
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Mhillaj E, Morgese MG, Tucci P, Furiano A, Luongo L, Bove M, Maione S, Cuomo V, Schiavone S, Trabace L. Celecoxib Prevents Cognitive Impairment and Neuroinflammation in Soluble Amyloid β-treated Rats. Neuroscience 2018; 372:58-73. [PMID: 29306052 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.12.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent findings suggest that soluble forms of amyloid-β (sAβ) peptide contribute to synaptic and cognitive dysfunctions in early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). On the other hand, neuroinflammation and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme have gained increased interest as key factors involved early in AD, although the signaling pathways and pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying a link between sAβ-induced neurotoxicity and inflammation are still unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of selective COX-2 enzyme inhibition on neuropathological alterations induced by sAβ administration in rats. To this purpose, animals received an intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of predominantly monomeric forms of sAβ and, 7 days after, behavioral as well as biochemical parameters and neurotransmitter alterations were evaluated. During this period, rats also received a sub-chronic treatment with celecoxib. Biochemical results demonstrated that icv sAβ injection significantly increased both COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in the hippocampus (Hipp) of treated rats. In addition, the number of hypertrophic microglial cells and astrocytes were upregulated in sAβ-treated group. Interestingly, rats treated with sAβ showed long-term memory deficits, as confirmed by a significant reduction of discrimination index in the novel object recognition test, along with reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and increased noradrenaline levels in the Hipp. Systemic administration of celecoxib prevented behavioral dysfunctions, as well as biochemical and neurotransmitter alterations. In conclusion, our results suggest that sAβ neurotoxicity might be associated to COX-2-mediated inflammatory pathways and that early treatment with selective COX-2 inhibitor might provide potential remedies to counterbalance the sAβ-induced effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Mhillaj
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Morgese
- Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Anna Furiano
- Dept. of Experimental Medicine, The Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Dept. of Experimental Medicine, The Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Bove
- Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Dept. of Experimental Medicine, The Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cuomo
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavone
- Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
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30
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Lazarevic V, Fieńko S, Andres-Alonso M, Anni D, Ivanova D, Montenegro-Venegas C, Gundelfinger ED, Cousin MA, Fejtova A. Physiological Concentrations of Amyloid Beta Regulate Recycling of Synaptic Vesicles via Alpha7 Acetylcholine Receptor and CDK5/Calcineurin Signaling. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:221. [PMID: 28785201 PMCID: PMC5520466 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the central role of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide in the etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), its physiological function in healthy brain is still debated. It is well established that elevated levels of Aβ induce synaptic depression and dismantling, connected with neurotoxicity and neuronal loss. Growing evidence suggests a positive regulatory effect of Aβ on synaptic function and cognition; however the exact cellular and molecular correlates are still unclear. In this work, we tested the effect of physiological concentrations of Aβ species of endogenous origin on neurotransmitter release in rat cortical and hippocampal neurons grown in dissociated cultures. Modulation of production and degradation of the endogenous Aβ species as well as applications of the synthetic rodent Aβ40 and Aβ42 affected efficacy of neurotransmitter release from individual presynapses. Low picomolar Aβ40 and Aβ42 increased, while Aβ depletion or application of low micromolar concentration decreased synaptic vesicle recycling, showing a hormetic effect of Aβ on neurotransmitter release. These Aβ-mediated modulations required functional alpha7 acetylcholine receptors as well as extracellular and intracellular calcium, involved regulation of CDK5 and calcineurin signaling and increased recycling of synaptic vesicles. These data indicate that Aβ regulates neurotransmitter release from presynapse and suggest that failure of the normal physiological function of Aβ in the fine-tuning of SV cycling could disrupt synaptic function and homeostasis, which would, eventually, lead to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Lazarevic
- RG Presynaptic Plasticity, Leibniz Institute for NeurobiologyMagdeburg, Germany.,Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for NeurobiologyMagdeburg, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Fieńko
- RG Presynaptic Plasticity, Leibniz Institute for NeurobiologyMagdeburg, Germany
| | - Maria Andres-Alonso
- RG Presynaptic Plasticity, Leibniz Institute for NeurobiologyMagdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Anni
- Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, University of Erlangen-NurembergErlangen, Germany
| | - Daniela Ivanova
- RG Presynaptic Plasticity, Leibniz Institute for NeurobiologyMagdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Eckart D Gundelfinger
- Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for NeurobiologyMagdeburg, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto von Guericke UniversityMagdeburg, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke UniversityMagdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael A Cousin
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Fejtova
- RG Presynaptic Plasticity, Leibniz Institute for NeurobiologyMagdeburg, Germany.,Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute for NeurobiologyMagdeburg, Germany.,Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, University of Erlangen-NurembergErlangen, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto von Guericke UniversityMagdeburg, Germany
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31
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Park D, Na M, Kim JA, Lee U, Cho E, Jang M, Chang S. Activation of CaMKIV by soluble amyloid-β 1-42 impedes trafficking of axonal vesicles and impairs activity-dependent synaptogenesis. Sci Signal 2017; 10:10/487/eaam8661. [PMID: 28698220 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aam8661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The prefibrillar form of soluble amyloid-β (sAβ1-42) impairs synaptic function and is associated with the early phase of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated how sAβ1-42 led to presynaptic defects using a quantum dot-based, single particle-tracking method to monitor synaptic vesicle (SV) trafficking along axons. We found that sAβ1-42 prevented new synapse formation induced by chemical long-term potentiation (cLTP). In cultured rat hippocampal neurons, nanomolar amounts of sAβ1-42 impaired Ca2+ clearance from presynaptic terminals and increased the basal Ca2+ concentration. This caused an increase in the phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) and its substrate synapsin, which markedly inhibited SV trafficking along axons between synapses. Neurons derived from a transgenic AD mouse model had similar defects, which were prevented by an inhibitor of CaMK kinase (CaMKK; which activates CaMKIV), by antibodies against Aβ1-42, or by expression a phosphodeficient synapsin mutant. The CaMKK inhibitor also abolished the defects in activity-dependent synaptogenesis caused by sAβ1-42 Our results suggest that by disrupting SV reallocation between synapses, sAβ1-42 prevents neurons from forming new synapses or adjusting strength and activity among neighboring synapses. Targeting this mechanism might prevent synaptic dysfunction in AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daehun Park
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, South Korea
| | - Myeongsu Na
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, South Korea
| | - Jung Ah Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, South Korea.,Neuroscience Research Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, South Korea
| | - Unghwi Lee
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, South Korea
| | - Eunji Cho
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, South Korea
| | - Mirye Jang
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, South Korea.,Neuroscience Research Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, South Korea
| | - Sunghoe Chang
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, South Korea. .,Neuroscience Research Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, South Korea.,Biomembrane Plasticity Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, South Korea
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32
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Marsh J, Bagol SH, Williams RSB, Dickson G, Alifragis P. Synapsin I phosphorylation is dysregulated by beta-amyloid oligomers and restored by valproic acid. Neurobiol Dis 2017. [PMID: 28647556 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia in the elderly but the precise causal mechanisms are still not fully understood. Growing evidence supports a significant role for Aβ42 oligomers in the development and progression of Alzheimer's. For example, intracellular soluble Aβ oligomers are thought to contribute to the early synaptic dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are still unclear. Here, we identify a novel mechanism that contributes to our understanding of the reported synaptic dysfunction. Using primary rat hippocampal neurons exposed for a short period of time to Aβ42 oligomers, we show a disruption in the activity-dependent phosphorylation cycle of SynapsinI at Ser9. SynapsinI is a pre-synaptic protein that responds to neuronal activity and regulates the availability of synaptic vesicles to participate in neurotransmitter release. Phosphorylation of SynapsinI at Ser9, modulates its distribution and interaction with synaptic vesicles. Our results show that in neurons exposed to Aβ42 oligomers, the levels of phosphorylated Ser9 of SynapsinI remain elevated during the recovery period following neuronal activity. We then investigated if this effect could be targeted by a putative therapeutic regime using valproic acid (a short branch-chained fatty acid) that has been proposed as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Exposure of Aβ42 treated neurons to valproic acid, showed that it restores the physiological regulation of SynapsinI after depolarisation. Our data provide a new insight on Aβ42-mediated pathology in Alzheimer's disease and supports the use of Valproic acid as a possible pharmaceutical intervention for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Marsh
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Saifuddien Haji Bagol
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Robin S B Williams
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - George Dickson
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Pavlos Alifragis
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK.
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33
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Marshall KE, Vadukul DM, Dahal L, Theisen A, Fowler MW, Al-Hilaly Y, Ford L, Kemenes G, Day IJ, Staras K, Serpell LC. A critical role for the self-assembly of Amyloid-β1-42 in neurodegeneration. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30182. [PMID: 27443509 PMCID: PMC4957119 DOI: 10.1038/srep30182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid β1-42 (Aβ1-42) plays a central role in Alzheimer’s disease. The link between structure, assembly and neuronal toxicity of this peptide is of major current interest but still poorly defined. Here, we explored this relationship by rationally designing a variant form of Aβ1-42 (vAβ1-42) differing in only two amino acids. Unlike Aβ1-42, we found that the variant does not self-assemble, nor is it toxic to neuronal cells. Moreover, while Aβ1-42 oligomers impact on synaptic function, vAβ1-42 does not. In a living animal model system we demonstrate that only Aβ1-42 leads to memory deficits. Our findings underline a key role for peptide sequence in the ability to assemble and form toxic structures. Furthermore, our non-toxic variant satisfies an unmet demand for a closely related control peptide for Aβ1-42 cellular studies of disease pathology, offering a new opportunity to decipher the mechanisms that accompany Aβ1-42-induced toxicity leading to neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Marshall
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Devkee M Vadukul
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Liza Dahal
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Alina Theisen
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Milena W Fowler
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Youssra Al-Hilaly
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG, UK.,College of Sciences, Chemistry Department, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Lenzie Ford
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - György Kemenes
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Iain J Day
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Kevin Staras
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Louise C Serpell
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9QG, UK
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34
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Tomasini MC, Borelli AC, Beggiato S, Ferraro L, Cassano T, Tanganelli S, Antonelli T. Differential Effects of Palmitoylethanolamide against Amyloid-β Induced Toxicity in Cortical Neuronal and Astrocytic Primary Cultures from Wild-Type and 3xTg-AD Mice. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 46:407-21. [PMID: 25765918 DOI: 10.3233/jad-143039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering the heterogeneity of pathological changes occurring in Alzheimer's disease (AD), a therapeutic approach aimed both to neuroprotection and to neuroinflammation reduction may prove effective. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) has attracted attention for its anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective properties observed in AD animal models. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS We evaluated the protective role of PEA against amyloid-β₄₂ (Aβ₄₂) toxicity on cell viability and glutamatergic transmission in primary cultures of cerebral cortex neurons and astrocytes from the triple-transgenic murine model of AD (3xTg-AD) and their wild-type littermates (non-Tg) mice. RESULTS Aβ₄₂ (0.5 μM; 24 h) affects the cell viability in cultured cortical neurons and astrocytes from non-Tg mice, but not in those from 3xTg-AD mice. These effects were counteracted by the pretreatment with PEA (0.1 μM). Basal glutamate levels in cultured neurons and astrocytes from 3xTg-AD mice were lower than those observed in cultured cells from non-Tg mice. Aβ₄₂-exposure reduced and increased glutamate levels in non-Tg mouse cortical neurons and astrocytes, respectively. These effects were counteracted by the pretreatment with PEA. By itself, PEA did not affect cell viability and glutamate levels in cultured cortical neurons and astrocytes from non-Tg or 3xTg-AD mice. CONCLUSION The exposure to Aβ₄₂ induced toxic effects on cultured cortical neurons and astrocytes from non-Tg mice, but not in those from 3xTg-AD mice. Furthermore, PEA exerts differential effects against Aβ₄₂-induced toxicity in primary cultures of cortical neurons and astrocytes from non-Tg and 3xTg-AD mice. In particular, PEA displays protective properties in non-Tg but not in 3xTg-AD mouse neuronal cultured cells overexpressing Aβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Tomasini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy.,IRET Foundation, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Sarah Beggiato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy.,IRET Foundation, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Ferraro
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Italy.,IRET Foundation, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.,LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tommaso Cassano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Sergio Tanganelli
- IRET Foundation, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy.,LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tiziana Antonelli
- IRET Foundation, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy.,LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Italy
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35
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Das AK, Pandit R, Maiti S. Effect of amyloids on the vesicular machinery: implications for somatic neurotransmission. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 370:rstb.2014.0187. [PMID: 26009766 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Certain neurodegenerative diseases are thought to be initiated by the aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins. However, the mechanism underlying toxicity remains obscure. Most of the suggested mechanisms are generic in nature and do not directly explain the neuron-type specific lesions observed in many of these diseases. Some recent reports suggest that the toxic aggregates impair the synaptic vesicular machinery. This may lead to an understanding of the neuron-type specificity observed in these diseases. A disruption of the vesicular machinery can also be deleterious for extra-synaptic, especially somatic, neurotransmission (common in serotonergic and dopaminergic systems which are specifically affected in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), respectively), though this relationship has remained unexplored. In this review, we discuss amyloid-induced damage to the neurotransmitter vesicular machinery, with an eye on the possible implications for somatic exocytosis. We argue that the larger size of the system, and the availability of multi-photon microscopy techniques for directly visualizing monoamines, make the somatic exocytosis machinery a more tractable model for understanding the effect of amyloids on all types of vesicular neurotransmission. Indeed, exploring this neglected connection may not just be important, it may be a more fruitful route for understanding AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Kant Das
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400005, India
| | - Rucha Pandit
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400005, India
| | - Sudipta Maiti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400005, India
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Di Scala C, Yahi N, Flores A, Boutemeur S, Kourdougli N, Chahinian H, Fantini J. Broad neutralization of calcium-permeable amyloid pore channels with a chimeric Alzheimer/Parkinson peptide targeting brain gangliosides. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2016; 1862:213-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Fernández-Fernández D, Dorner-Ciossek C, Kroker KS, Rosenbrock H. Age-related synaptic dysfunction in Tg2576 mice starts as a failure in early long-term potentiation which develops into a full abolishment of late long-term potentiation. J Neurosci Res 2015; 94:266-81. [PMID: 26629777 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Tg2576 mice are widely used to study amyloid-dependent synaptic dysfunction related to Alzheimer's disease. However, conflicting data have been reported for these mice with regard to basal transmission as well as the in vitro correlate of memory, long-term potentiation (LTP). Some studies show clear impairments, whereas others report no deficiency. The present study uses hippocampal slices from 3-, 10-, and 15-month-old wild-type (WT) and Tg2576 mice to evaluate synaptic function in each group, including experiments to investigate basal synaptic transmission, short- and long-term plasticity by inducing paired-pulse facilitation, and both early and late LTP. We show that synaptic function remains intact in hippocampal slices from Tg2576 mice at 3 months of age. However, both early and late LTP decline progressively during aging in these mice. This deterioration of synaptic plasticity starts affecting early LTP, ultimately leading to the abolishment of both forms of LTP in 15-month-old animals. In comparison, WT littermates display normal synaptic parameters during aging. Additional pharmacological investigation into the involvement of NMDA receptors and L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in LTP suggests a distinct mechanism of induction among age groups, demonstrating that both early and late LTP are differentially affected by these channels in Tg2576 mice during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fernández-Fernández
- Deparment of CNS Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach (Riss), Germany
| | - Cornelia Dorner-Ciossek
- Deparment of CNS Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach (Riss), Germany
| | - Katja S Kroker
- Deptartment of Drug Discovery Support, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach (Riss), Germany
| | - Holger Rosenbrock
- Deparment of CNS Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach (Riss), Germany
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Williams SM, Schulz P, Sierks MR. Oligomeric α-synuclein and β-amyloid variants as potential biomarkers for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 43:3-16. [PMID: 26332448 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oligomeric forms of α-synuclein and β-amyloid are toxic protein variants that are thought to contribute to the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), respectively. The detection of toxic variants in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood has great promise for facilitating early and accurate diagnoses of these devastating diseases. Two hurdles that have impeded the use of these protein variants as biomarkers are the availability of reagents that can bind the different variants and a sensitive assay to detect their very low concentrations. We previously isolated antibody-based reagents that selectively bind two different oligomeric variants of α-synuclein and two of β-amyloid, and developed a phage-based capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with subfemtomolar sensitivity to quantify their presence. Here, we used these reagents to show that these oligomeric α-synuclein variants are preferentially present in PD brain tissue, CSF and serum, and that the oligomeric β-amyloid variants are preferentially present in AD brain tissue, CSF, and serum. Some AD samples also had α-synuclein pathology and some PD samples also had β-amyloid pathology, and, very intriguingly, these PD cases also had a history of dementia. Detection of different oligomeric α-synuclein and β-amyloid species is an effective method for identifying tissue, CSF and sera from PD and AD samples, respectively, and samples that also contained early stages of other protein pathologies, indicating their potential value as blood-based biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Williams
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-6106, USA
| | - Philip Schulz
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-6106, USA
| | - Michael R Sierks
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-6106, USA
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Wilkaniec A, Czapski GA, Adamczyk A. Cdk5 at crossroads of protein oligomerization in neurodegenerative diseases: facts and hypotheses. J Neurochem 2015; 136:222-33. [PMID: 26376455 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is involved in proper neurodevelopment and brain function and serves as a switch between neuronal survival and death. Overactivation of Cdk5 is associated with many neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases. It is believed that in those diseases Cdk5 may be an important link between disease-initiating factors and cell death effectors. A common hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders is incorrect folding of specific proteins, thus leading to their intra- and extracellular accumulation in the nervous system. Abnormal Cdk5 signaling contributes to dysfunction of individual proteins and has a substantial role in either direct or indirect interactions of proteins common to, and critical in, different neurodegenerative diseases. While the roles of Cdk5 in α-synuclein (ASN) - tau or β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) - tau interactions are well documented, its contribution to many other pertinent interactions, such as that of ASN with Aβ, or interactions of the Aβ - ASN - tau triad with prion proteins, did not get beyond plausible hypotheses and remains to be proven. Understanding of the exact position of Cdk5 in the deleterious feed-forward loop critical for development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases may help designing successful therapeutic strategies of several fatal neurodegenerative diseases. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is associated with many neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's diseases. It is believed that in those diseases Cdk5 may be an important factor involved in protein misfolding, toxicity and interaction. We suggest that Cdk5 may contribute to the vicious circle of neurotoxic events involved in the pathogenesis of different neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wilkaniec
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz A Czapski
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Adamczyk
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Tiwari SS, d'Orange M, Troakes C, Shurovi BN, Engmann O, Noble W, Hortobágyi T, Giese KP. Evidence that the presynaptic vesicle protein CSPalpha is a key player in synaptic degeneration and protection in Alzheimer's disease. Mol Brain 2015; 8:6. [PMID: 25631211 PMCID: PMC4314762 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-015-0096-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Alzheimer’s disease synapse loss precedes neuronal loss and correlates best with impaired memory formation. However, the mechanisms underlying synaptic degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease are not well known. Further, it is unclear why synapses in AD cerebellum are protected from degeneration. Our recent work on the cyclin-dependent kinase 5 activator p25 suggested that expression of the multifunctional presynaptic molecule cysteine string protein alpha (CSPalpha) may be affected in Alzheimer’s disease. Results Using western blots and immunohistochemistry, we found that CSPalpha expression is reduced in hippocampus and superior temporal gyrus in Alzheimer’s disease. Reduced CSPalpha expression occurred before synaptophysin levels drop, suggesting that it contributes to the initial stages of synaptic degeneration. Surprisingly, we also found that CSPalpha expression is upregulated in cerebellum in Alzheimer’s disease. This CSPalpha upregulation reached the same level as in young, healthy cerebellum. We tested the idea whether CSPalpha upregulation might be neuroprotective, using htau mice, a model of tauopathy that expresses the entire wild-type human tau gene in the absence of mouse tau. In htau mice CSPalpha expression was found to be elevated at times when neuronal loss did not occur. Conclusion Our findings provide evidence that the presynaptic vesicle protein CSPalpha is a key player in synaptic degeneration and protection in Alzheimer’s disease. In the forebrain CSPalpha expression is reduced early in the disease and this may contribute to the initial stages of synaptic degeneration. In the cerebellum CSPalpha expression is upregulated to young, healthy levels and this may protect cerebellar synapses and neurons to survive. Accordingly, CSPalpha upregulation also occurs in a mouse model of tauopathy only at time when neuronal loss does not take place. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13041-015-0096-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin S Tiwari
- Centre for Cellular Basis of Behaviour, Department of Neuroscience, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NU, UK.
| | - Marie d'Orange
- Centre for Cellular Basis of Behaviour, Department of Neuroscience, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NU, UK. marie.d'
| | - Claire Troakes
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Badrun N Shurovi
- Centre for Cellular Basis of Behaviour, Department of Neuroscience, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NU, UK.
| | - Olivia Engmann
- Centre for Cellular Basis of Behaviour, Department of Neuroscience, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NU, UK.
| | - Wendy Noble
- Department of Neuroscience, King's College London, DeCrespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Tibor Hortobágyi
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK. .,Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Debrecen, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Karl P Giese
- Centre for Cellular Basis of Behaviour, Department of Neuroscience, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NU, UK. .,Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour, James Black Centre, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NU, UK.
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Nenov MN, Tempia F, Denner L, Dineley KT, Laezza F. Impaired firing properties of dentate granule neurons in an Alzheimer's disease animal model are rescued by PPARγ agonism. J Neurophysiol 2014; 113:1712-26. [PMID: 25540218 PMCID: PMC4359997 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00419.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Early cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD) correlates with medial temporal lobe dysfunction, including two areas essential for memory formation: the entorhinal cortex and dentate gyrus (DG). In the Tg2576 animal model for AD amyloidosis, activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) with rosiglitazone (RSG) ameliorates hippocampus-dependent cognitive impairment and restores aberrant synaptic activity at the entorhinal cortex to DG granule neuron inputs. It is unknown, however, whether intrinsic firing properties of DG granule neurons in these animals are affected by amyloid-β pathology and if they are sensitive to RSG treatment. Here, we report that granule neurons from 9-mo-old wild-type and Tg2576 animals can be segregated into two cell types with distinct firing properties and input resistance that correlate with less mature type I and more mature type II neurons. The DG type I cell population was greater than type II in wild-type littermates. In the Tg2576 animals, the type I and type II cell populations were nearly equal but could be restored to wild-type levels through cognitive enhancement with RSG. Furthermore, Tg2576 cell firing frequency and spike after depolarization were decreased in type I and increased in type II cells, both of which could also be restored to wild-type levels upon RSG treatment. That these parameters were restored by PPARγ activation emphasizes the therapeutic value of RSG against early AD cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav N Nenov
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Filippo Tempia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Larry Denner
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; and
| | - Kelly T Dineley
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; and
| | - Fernanda Laezza
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Center for Addiction Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; and Center for Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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Lack of synaptic vesicle protein SV2B protects against amyloid-β25–35-induced oxidative stress, cholinergic deficit and cognitive impairment in mice. Behav Brain Res 2014; 271:277-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Protective effects of testosterone on presynaptic terminals against oligomeric β-amyloid peptide in primary culture of hippocampal neurons. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:103906. [PMID: 25045655 PMCID: PMC4086619 DOI: 10.1155/2014/103906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Increasing lines of evidence support that testosterone may have neuroprotective effects. While observational studies reported an association between higher bioavailable testosterone or brain testosterone levels and reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is limited understanding of the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms. Previous studies demonstrated that testosterone could alleviate neurotoxicity induced by β-amyloid (Aβ), but these findings mainly focused on neuronal apoptosis. Since synaptic dysfunction and degeneration are early events during the pathogenesis of AD, we aim to investigate the effects of testosterone on oligomeric Aβ-induced synaptic changes. Our data suggested that exposure of primary cultured hippocampal neurons to oligomeric Aβ could reduce the length of neurites and decrease the expression of presynaptic proteins including synaptophysin, synaptotagmin, and synapsin-1. Aβ also disrupted synaptic vesicle recycling and protein folding machinery. Testosterone preserved the integrity of neurites and the expression of presynaptic proteins. It also attenuated Aβ-induced impairment of synaptic exocytosis. By using letrozole as an aromatase antagonist, we further demonstrated that the effects of testosterone on exocytosis were unlikely to be mediated through the estrogen receptor pathway. Furthermore, we showed that testosterone could attenuate Aβ-induced reduction of HSP70, which suggests a novel mechanism that links testosterone and its protective function on Aβ-induced synaptic damage. Taken together, our data provide further evidence on the beneficial effects of testosterone, which may be useful for future drug development for AD.
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Cognitive enhancing treatment with a PPARγ agonist normalizes dentate granule cell presynaptic function in Tg2576 APP mice. J Neurosci 2014; 34:1028-36. [PMID: 24431460 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3413-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hippocampal network hyperexcitability is considered an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease (AD) memory impairment. Some AD mouse models exhibit similar network phenotypes. In this study we focused on dentate gyrus (DG) granule cell spontaneous and evoked properties in 9-month-old Tg2576 mice that model AD amyloidosis and cognitive deficits. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, we found that Tg2576 DG granule cells exhibited spontaneous EPSCs that were higher in frequency but not amplitude compared with wild-type mice, suggesting hyperactivity of DG granule cells via a presynaptic mechanism. Further support of a presynaptic mechanism was revealed by increased I-O relationships and probability of release in Tg2576 DG granule cells. Since we and others have shown that activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) axis improves hippocampal cognition in mouse models for AD as well as benefitting memory performance in some humans with early AD, we investigated how PPARγ agonism affected synaptic activity in Tg2576 DG. We found that PPARγ agonism normalized the I-O relationship of evoked EPSCs, frequency of spontaneous EPSCs, and probability of release that, in turn, correlated with selective expression of DG proteins essential for presynaptic SNARE function that are altered in patients with AD. These findings provide evidence that DG principal cells may contribute to early AD hippocampal network hyperexcitability via a presynaptic mechanism, and that hippocampal cognitive enhancement via PPARγ activation occurs through regulation of presynaptic vesicular proteins critical for proper glutamatergic neurotransmitter release, synaptic transmission, and short-term plasticity.
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45
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Gordon SL, Cousin MA. The Sybtraps: control of synaptobrevin traffic by synaptophysin, α-synuclein and AP-180. Traffic 2013; 15:245-54. [PMID: 24279465 PMCID: PMC3992847 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Synaptobrevin II (sybII) is a key fusogenic molecule on synaptic vesicles (SVs) therefore the active maintenance of both its conformation and location in sufficient numbers on this organelle is critical in both mediating and sustaining neurotransmitter release. Recently three proteins have been identified having key roles in the presentation, trafficking and retrieval of sybII during the fusion and endocytosis of SVs. The nerve terminal protein α-synuclein catalyses sybII entry into SNARE complexes, whereas the monomeric adaptor protein AP-180 is required for sybII retrieval during SV endocytosis. Overarching these events is the tetraspan SV protein synaptophysin, which is a major sybII interaction partner on the SV. This review will evaluate recent studies to propose working models for the control of sybII traffic by synaptophysin and other Sybtraps (sybII trafficking partners) and suggest how dysfunction in sybII traffic may contribute to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Gordon
- Membrane Biology Group, Centre for Integrative Physiology, George Square, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, EH8 9XD, UK
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Mota SI, Ferreira IL, Rego AC. Dysfunctional synapse in Alzheimer's disease - A focus on NMDA receptors. Neuropharmacology 2013; 76 Pt A:16-26. [PMID: 23973316 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 08/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia in the elderly. Alterations capable of causing brain circuitry dysfunctions in AD may take several years to develop. Oligomeric amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) plays a complex role in the molecular events that lead to progressive loss of function and eventually to neurodegeneration in this devastating disease. Moreover, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) activation has been recently implicated in AD-related synaptic dysfunction. Thus, in this review we focus on glutamatergic neurotransmission impairment and the changes in NMDAR regulation in AD, following the description on the role and location of NMDARs at pre- and post-synaptic sites under physiological conditions. In addition, considering that there is currently no effective ways to cure AD or stop its progression, we further discuss the relevance of NMDARs antagonists to prevent AD symptomatology. This review posits additional information on the role played by Aβ in AD and the importance of targeting the tripartite glutamatergic synapse in early asymptomatic and possible reversible stages of the disease through preventive and/or disease-modifying therapeutic strategies. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'The Synaptic Basis of Neurodegenerative Disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra I Mota
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
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