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Crestini A, Carbone E, Rivabene R, Ancidoni A, Rosa P, Tata AM, Fabrizi E, Locuratolo N, Vanacore N, Lacorte E, Piscopo P. A Systematic Review on Drugs Acting as Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Agonists in the Treatment of Dementia. Cells 2024; 13:237. [PMID: 38334629 PMCID: PMC10854606 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine signaling is attenuated in early Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias. A significant reduction in the expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain of AD patients has also been reported in several molecular biological and in situ labeling studies. The modulation of the functional deficit of the cholinergic system as a pharmacological target could therefore have a clinical benefit, which is not to be neglected. This systematic review was conducted to identify clinical trials, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists using Clinicaltrial (CT) and EudraCT databases. Structured searches identified 39 trials, which used 15 different drugs designed to increase the function of the nAChRs. Most of the identified clinical trials were phase II trials, with some of them classified as ongoing for several years. The systematic screening of the literature led to the selection of 14 studies out of the 8261 bibliographic records retrieved. Six trials reported detailed data on adverse events associated with the intervention, while twelve trials reported data on efficacy measures, such as attention, behavior and cognition. Overall, smost of the physical side effects of cholinergic agonists were reported to be well tolerated. Some trials also reported improvements in attention. However, the efficacy of these drugs in other cognitive and behavioral outcomes remains highly controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Crestini
- Department of Neuroscience, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (R.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Elena Carbone
- Department of Neuroscience, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (R.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Roberto Rivabene
- Department of Neuroscience, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (R.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Antonio Ancidoni
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (N.L.); (N.V.); (E.L.)
| | - Paolo Rosa
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, 04100 Latina, Italy;
- ICOT (Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Surgery), 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Ada Maria Tata
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Research Center in Neurobiology Daniel Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Fabrizi
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (N.L.); (N.V.); (E.L.)
- Doctoral School, The Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Nicoletta Locuratolo
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (N.L.); (N.V.); (E.L.)
| | - Nicola Vanacore
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (N.L.); (N.V.); (E.L.)
| | - Eleonora Lacorte
- National Center for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (N.L.); (N.V.); (E.L.)
| | - Paola Piscopo
- Department of Neuroscience, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (R.R.); (P.P.)
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Di Donato M, Moretti A, Sorrentino C, Toro G, Gentile G, Iolascon G, Castoria G, Migliaccio A. Filamin A cooperates with the androgen receptor in preventing skeletal muscle senescence. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:437. [PMID: 38040692 PMCID: PMC10692324 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01737-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging induces a slow and progressive decrease in muscle mass and function, causing sarcopenia. Androgens control muscle trophism and exert important anabolic functions through the binding to the androgen receptor. Therefore, analysis of the androgen receptor-mediated actions in skeletal muscle might provide new hints for a better understanding of sarcopenia pathogenesis. In this study, we report that expression of the androgen receptor in skeletal muscle biopsies from 20 subjects is higher in young, as compared with old subjects. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments reveal that the androgen receptor is complexed with filamin A mainly in young, that in old subjects. Therefore, we have in depth analyzed the role of such complex using C2C12 myoblasts that express a significant amount of the androgen receptor. In these cells, hormone stimulation rapidly triggers the assembly of the androgen receptor/filamin A complex. Such complex prevents the senescence induced by oxidative stress in C2C12 cells, as disruption of the androgen receptor/filamin A complex by Rh-2025u stapled peptide re-establishes the senescent phenotype in C2C12 cells. Simultaneously, androgen stimulation of C2C12 cells rapidly triggers the activation of various signaling effectors, including Rac1, focal adhesion kinase, and mitogen-activated kinases. Androgen receptor blockade by bicalutamide or perturbation of androgen receptor/filamin A complex by Rh-2025u stapled peptide both reverse the hormone activation of signaling effectors. These findings further reinforce the role of the androgen receptor and its extranuclear partners in the rapid hormone signaling that controls the functions of C2C12 cells. Further investigations are needed to promote clinical interventions that might ameliorate muscle cell function as well the clinical outcome of age-related frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Di Donato
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Antimo Moretti
- Dipartimento Multidisciplinare di Specialità Medico- Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 6-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Sorrentino
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Toro
- Dipartimento Multidisciplinare di Specialità Medico- Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 6-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Gentile
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Iolascon
- Dipartimento Multidisciplinare di Specialità Medico- Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 6-80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Castoria
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antimo Migliaccio
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università della Campania 'L. Vanvitelli'- Via L. De Crecchio, 7-80138, Naples, Italy
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Robbins M. Therapies for Tau-associated neurodegenerative disorders: targeting molecules, synapses, and cells. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:2633-2637. [PMID: 37449601 PMCID: PMC10358644 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.373670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in experimental and computational technologies continue to grow rapidly to provide novel avenues for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Despite this, there remain only a handful of drugs that have shown success in late-stage clinical trials for Tau-associated neurodegenerative disorders. The most commonly prescribed treatments are symptomatic treatments such as cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor blockers that were approved for use in Alzheimer's disease. As diagnostic screening can detect disorders at earlier time points, the field needs pre-symptomatic treatments that can prevent, or significantly delay the progression of these disorders (Koychev et al., 2019). These approaches may be different from late-stage treatments that may help to ameliorate symptoms and slow progression once symptoms have become more advanced should early diagnostic screening fail. This mini-review will highlight five key avenues of academic and industrial research for identifying therapeutic strategies to treat Tau-associated neurodegenerative disorders. These avenues include investigating (1) the broad class of chemicals termed "small molecules"; (2) adaptive immunity through both passive and active antibody treatments; (3) innate immunity with an emphasis on microglial modulation; (4) synaptic compartments with the view that Tau-associated neurodegenerative disorders are synaptopathies. Although this mini-review will focus on Alzheimer's disease due to its prevalence, it will also argue the need to target other tauopathies, as through understanding Alzheimer's disease as a Tau-associated neurodegenerative disorder, we may be able to generalize treatment options. For this reason, added detail linking back specifically to Tau protein as a direct therapeutic target will be added to each topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Robbins
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Ave, Trumpington, Cambridge, UK; University of Cambridge, Department of Zoology, Cambridge, UK
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Kim J, Jeon H, Yun Kim H, Kim Y. Failure, Success, and Future Direction of Alzheimer Drugs Targeting Amyloid-β Cascade: Pros and Cons of Chemical and Biological Modalities. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300328. [PMID: 37497809 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent cause of dementia and has become a health concern worldwide urging for an effective therapeutic. The amyloid hypothesis, currently the most pursued basis of AD drug discovery, points the cause of AD to abnormal production and ineffective removal of pathogenic aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ). AD therapeutic research has been focused on targeting different species of Aβ in the amyloidogenic process to control Aβ content and recover cognitive decline. Among the different processes targeted, the clearance mechanism has been found to be the most effective, supported by the recent clinical approval of an Aβ-targeting immunotherapeutic drug which significantly slowed cognitive decline. Although the current AD drug discovery field is extensively researching immunotherapeutic drugs, there are numerous properties of immunotherapy in need of improvements that could be overcome by an equally performing chemical drug. Here, we review chemical and immunotherapy drug candidates, based on their mechanism of modulating the amyloid cascade, selected from the AlzForum database. Through this review, we aim to summarize and evaluate the prospect of Aβ-targeting chemical drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- JiMin Kim
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983, South Korea
| | - Hanna Jeon
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983, South Korea
| | - Hye Yun Kim
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983, South Korea
| | - YoungSoo Kim
- Department of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983, South Korea
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Cummings JL, Osse AML, Kinney JW. Alzheimer's Disease: Novel Targets and Investigational Drugs for Disease Modification. Drugs 2023; 83:1387-1408. [PMID: 37728864 PMCID: PMC10582128 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01938-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Novel agents addressing non-amyloid, non-tau targets in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) comprise 70% of the AD drug development pipeline of agents currently in clinical trials. Most of the target processes identified in the Common Alzheimer's Disease Research Ontology (CADRO) are represented by novel agents in trials. Inflammation and synaptic plasticity/neuroprotection are the CADRO categories with the largest number of novel candidate therapies. Within these categories, there are few overlapping targets among the test agents. Additional categories being evaluated include apolipoprotein E [Formula: see text] 4 (APOE4) effects, lipids and lipoprotein receptors, neurogenesis, oxidative stress, bioenergetics and metabolism, vascular factors, cell death, growth factors and hormones, circadian rhythm, and epigenetic regulators. We highlight current drugs being tested within these categories and their mechanisms. Trials will be informative regarding which targets can be modulated to produce a slowing of clinical decline. Possible therapeutic combinations of agents may be suggested by trial outcomes. Biomarkers are evolving in concert with new targets and novel agents, and biomarker outcomes offer a means of supporting disease modification by the putative treatment. Identification of novel targets and development of corresponding therapeutics offer an important means of advancing new treatments for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Cummings
- Department of Brain Health, Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
- , 1380 Opal Valley Street, Henderson, Nevada, 89052, USA.
| | - Amanda M Leisgang Osse
- Department of Brain Health, Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Jefferson W Kinney
- Department of Brain Health, Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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Wang HY, Cecon E, Dam J, Pei Z, Jockers R, Burns LH. Simufilam Reverses Aberrant Receptor Interactions of Filamin A in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13927. [PMID: 37762230 PMCID: PMC10531384 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Simufilam is a novel oral drug candidate in Phase 3 clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. This small molecule binds an altered form of filamin A (FLNA) that occurs in AD. This drug action disrupts FLNA's aberrant linkage to the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), thereby blocking soluble amyloid beta1-42 (Aβ42)'s signaling via α7nAChR that hyperphosphorylates tau. Here, we aimed to clarify simufilam's mechanism. We now show that simufilam reduced Aβ42 binding to α7nAChR with a 10-picomolar IC50 using time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET), a robust technology to detect highly sensitive molecular interactions. We also show that FLNA links to multiple inflammatory receptors in addition to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in postmortem human AD brains and in AD transgenic mice: TLR2, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5), and T-cell co-receptor cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4). These aberrant FLNA linkages, which can be induced in a healthy control brain by Aβ42 incubation, were disrupted by simufilam. Simufilam reduced inflammatory cytokine release from Aβ42-stimulated human astrocytes. In the AD transgenic mice, CCR5-G protein coupling was elevated, indicating persistent activation. Oral simufilam reduced both the FLNA-CCR5 linkage and the CCR5-G protein coupling in these mice, while restoring CCR5's responsivity to C-C chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3). By disrupting aberrant FLNA-receptor interactions critical to AD pathogenic pathways, simufilam may promote brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoau-Yan Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY 10031, USA; (H.-Y.W.); (Z.P.)
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience, Graduate School, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Erika Cecon
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France; (E.C.); (J.D.); (R.J.)
| | - Julie Dam
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France; (E.C.); (J.D.); (R.J.)
| | - Zhe Pei
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY 10031, USA; (H.-Y.W.); (Z.P.)
| | - Ralf Jockers
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, 75014 Paris, France; (E.C.); (J.D.); (R.J.)
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Buccellato FR, D’Anca M, Tartaglia GM, Del Fabbro M, Scarpini E, Galimberti D. Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: Beyond Symptomatic Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13900. [PMID: 37762203 PMCID: PMC10531090 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813900] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In an ever-increasing aged world, Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents the first cause of dementia and one of the first chronic diseases in elderly people. With 55 million people affected, the WHO considers AD to be a disease with public priority. Unfortunately, there are no final cures for this pathology. Treatment strategies are aimed to mitigate symptoms, i.e., acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) and the N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist Memantine. At present, the best approaches for managing the disease seem to combine pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies to stimulate cognitive reserve. Over the last twenty years, a number of drugs have been discovered acting on the well-established biological hallmarks of AD, deposition of β-amyloid aggregates and accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in cells. Although previous efforts disappointed expectations, a new era in treating AD has been working its way recently. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave conditional approval of the first disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for the treatment of AD, aducanumab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) designed against Aβ plaques and oligomers in 2021, and in January 2023, the FDA granted accelerated approval for a second monoclonal antibody, Lecanemab. This review describes ongoing clinical trials with DMTs and non-pharmacological therapies. We will also present a future scenario based on new biomarkers that can detect AD in preclinical or prodromal stages, identify people at risk of developing AD, and allow an early and curative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca R. Buccellato
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Marianna D’Anca
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Martino Tartaglia
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Del Fabbro
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elio Scarpini
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Galimberti
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Burns LH, Pei Z, Wang HY. Targeting α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and their protein interactions in Alzheimer's disease drug development. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:1085-1095. [PMID: 37291958 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The decades-old cholinergic hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) led to clinical testing and FDA approval of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drugs. Subsequently, the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) was proposed as a new drug target for enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission. Nearly simultaneously, soluble amyloid β1-42 (Aβ42 ) was shown to bind α7nAChR with picomolar affinity to activate kinases that hyperphosphorylate tau, the precursor to tau-containing tangles. Multiple biopharmaceutical companies explored α7nAChR as a drug target for AD, mostly to enhance neurotransmission. Directly targeting α7nAChR proved to be a drug development challenge. The ultra-high-affinity interaction between Aβ42 and α7nAChR posed a significant hurdle for direct competition in the AD brain. The receptor rapidly desensitizes, undermining efficacy of agonists. Drug discovery approaches therefore included partial agonists and allosteric modulators of α7nAChR. After substantial effort, numerous drug candidates were abandoned due to lack of efficacy or drug-related toxicities. As alternatives, proteins interacting with α7nAChR were sought. In 2016, a novel nAChR regulator was identified, but no drug candidates have emerged from this effort. In 2012, the interaction of filamin A with α7nAChR was shown to be critical to Aβ42 's toxic signaling via α7nAChR, presenting a new drug target. The novel drug candidate simufilam disrupts the filamin A-α7nAChR interaction, reduces Aβ42 's high-affinity binding to α7nAChR, and suppresses Aβ42 's toxic signaling. Early clinical trials of simufilam showed improvements in experimental CSF biomarkers and indications of cognitive improvement in mild AD patients at 1 year. Simufilam is currently in phase 3 clinical trials as a disease-modifying treatment for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhe Pei
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hoau-Yan Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of the City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
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Zhang Y, Chen H, Li R, Sterling K, Song W. Amyloid β-based therapy for Alzheimer's disease: challenges, successes and future. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:248. [PMID: 37386015 PMCID: PMC10310781 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01484-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 121.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid β protein (Aβ) is the main component of neuritic plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and its accumulation has been considered as the molecular driver of Alzheimer's pathogenesis and progression. Aβ has been the prime target for the development of AD therapy. However, the repeated failures of Aβ-targeted clinical trials have cast considerable doubt on the amyloid cascade hypothesis and whether the development of Alzheimer's drug has followed the correct course. However, the recent successes of Aβ targeted trials have assuaged those doubts. In this review, we discussed the evolution of the amyloid cascade hypothesis over the last 30 years and summarized its application in Alzheimer's diagnosis and modification. In particular, we extensively discussed the pitfalls, promises and important unanswered questions regarding the current anti-Aβ therapy, as well as strategies for further study and development of more feasible Aβ-targeted approaches in the optimization of AD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Huaqiu Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Keenan Sterling
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Weihong Song
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Wang HY, Pei Z, Lee KC, Nikolov B, Doehner T, Puente J, Friedmann N, Burns LH. Simufilam suppresses overactive mTOR and restores its sensitivity to insulin in Alzheimer's disease patient lymphocytes. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1175601. [PMID: 37457922 PMCID: PMC10339288 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1175601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Implicated in both aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is overactive in AD brain and lymphocytes. Stimulated by growth factors such as insulin, mTOR monitors cell health and nutrient needs. A small molecule oral drug candidate for AD, simufilam targets an altered conformation of the scaffolding protein filamin A (FLNA) found in AD brain and lymphocytes that induces aberrant FLNA interactions leading to AD neuropathology. Simufilam restores FLNA's normal shape to disrupt its AD-associated protein interactions. Methods: We measured mTOR and its response to insulin in lymphocytes of AD patients before and after oral simufilam compared to healthy control lymphocytes. Results: mTOR was overactive and its response to insulin reduced in lymphocytes from AD versus healthy control subjects, illustrating another aspect of insulin resistance in AD. After oral simufilam, lymphocytes showed normalized basal mTOR activity and improved insulin-evoked mTOR activation in mTOR complex 1, complex 2, and upstream and downstream signaling components (Akt, p70S6K and phosphorylated Rictor). Suggesting mechanism, we showed that FLNA interacts with the insulin receptor until dissociation by insulin, but this linkage was elevated and its dissociation impaired in AD lymphocytes. Simufilam improved the insulin-mediated dissociation. Additionally, FLNA's interaction with Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog deleted on Chromosome 10 (PTEN), a negative regulator of mTOR, was reduced in AD lymphocytes and improved by simufilam. Discussion: Reducing mTOR's basal overactivity and its resistance to insulin represents another mechanism of simufilam to counteract aging and AD pathology. Simufilam is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for AD dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoau-Yan Wang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zhe Pei
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kuo-Chieh Lee
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | - John Puente
- Cognitive Clinical Trials, Omaha, NE, United States
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Reiss AB, Muhieddine D, Jacob B, Mesbah M, Pinkhasov A, Gomolin IH, Stecker MM, Wisniewski T, De Leon J. Alzheimer's Disease Treatment: The Search for a Breakthrough. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1084. [PMID: 37374288 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
As the search for modalities to cure Alzheimer's disease (AD) has made slow progress, research has now turned to innovative pathways involving neural and peripheral inflammation and neuro-regeneration. Widely used AD treatments provide only symptomatic relief without changing the disease course. The recently FDA-approved anti-amyloid drugs, aducanumab and lecanemab, have demonstrated unclear real-world efficacy with a substantial side effect profile. Interest is growing in targeting the early stages of AD before irreversible pathologic changes so that cognitive function and neuronal viability can be preserved. Neuroinflammation is a fundamental feature of AD that involves complex relationships among cerebral immune cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which could be altered pharmacologically by AD therapy. Here, we provide an overview of the manipulations attempted in pre-clinical experiments. These include inhibition of microglial receptors, attenuation of inflammation and enhancement of toxin-clearing autophagy. In addition, modulation of the microbiome-brain-gut axis, dietary changes, and increased mental and physical exercise are under evaluation as ways to optimize brain health. As the scientific and medical communities work together, new solutions may be on the horizon to slow or halt AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison B Reiss
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA
| | - Dalia Muhieddine
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA
| | - Berlin Jacob
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA
| | - Michael Mesbah
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA
| | - Aaron Pinkhasov
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA
| | - Irving H Gomolin
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA
| | | | - Thomas Wisniewski
- Center for Cognitive Neurology, Departments of Neurology, Pathology and Psychiatry, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Joshua De Leon
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA
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12
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Direct and Indirect Effects of Filamin A on Tau Pathology in Neuronal Cells. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1021-1039. [PMID: 36399251 PMCID: PMC9849303 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03121-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In Alzheimer disease (AD), Tau, an axonal microtubule-associated protein, becomes hyperphosphorylated, detaches from microtubules, accumulates, and self-aggregates in the somatodendritic (SD) compartment. The accumulation of hyperphosphorylated and aggregated Tau is also seen in other neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-Tau). Previous studies reported a link between filamin A (FLNA), an actin-binding protein found in the SD compartment, and Tau pathology. In the present study, we further explored this link. We confirmed the interaction of Tau with FLNA in neuroblastoma 2a (N2a) cells. This interaction was mediated by a domain located between the 157 and 383 amino acids (a.a.) of Tau. Our results also revealed that the overexpression of FLNA resulted in an intracellular accumulation of wild-type Tau and Tau mutants (P301L, V337M, and R406W) in N2a cells. Tau phosphorylation and cleavage by caspase-3 but not its aggregation were increased upon FLNA overexpression in N2a cells. In the parietal cortex of AD brain, insoluble FLNA was increased compared to control brain, but it did not correlate with Tau pathology. Interestingly, Tau binding to microtubules and F-actin was preserved upon FLNA overexpression in N2a cells. Lastly, our results revealed that FLNA also induced the accumulation of annexin A2, a Tau interacting partner involved in its axonal localization. Collectively, our data indicated that in Tauopathies, FLNA could contribute to Tau pathology by acting on Tau and annexin A2.
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Else H. Alzheimer's drug saga prompts journal to scrutinize whistle-blowers. Nature 2023; 613:618-619. [PMID: 36639445 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-00050-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Wu T, Lin D, Cheng Y, Jiang S, Riaz MW, Fu N, Mou C, Ye M, Zheng Y. Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: Progress and Challenges. Aging Dis 2022; 13:1745-1758. [PMID: 36465173 PMCID: PMC9662281 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The amyloid cascade hypothesis has always been a research focus in the therapeutic field of Alzheimer's disease (AD) since it was put forward. Numerous researchers attempted to find drugs for AD treatment based on this hypothesis. To promote the research of anti-AD drugs development, the current hypothesis and pathogenesis were reviewed with expounding of β-amyloid generation from its precursor protein and related transformations. Meanwhile, the present drug development strategies aimed at each stage in this hypothesis were also summarized. Several strategies especially immunotherapy showed the optimistic results in clinical trials, but only a small percentage of them eventually succeeded. In this review, we also tried to point out some common problems of drug development in preclinical and clinical studies which might be settled through multidisciplinary cooperation as well as the understanding that reinforces the amyloid cascade hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Ding Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Yaqian Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Senze Jiang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Muhammad Waheed Riaz
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Nina Fu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Chenhao Mou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Menglu Ye
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Resources Protection and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
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15
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Aumont E, Tremblay C, Levert S, Bennett DA, Calon F, Leclerc N. Evidence of Filamin A loss of solubility at the prodromal stage of neuropathologically-defined Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1038343. [PMID: 36506473 PMCID: PMC9730531 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1038343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial disorder diagnosed through the assessment of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau protein depositions. Filamin A (FLNA) could be a key partner of both Aβ and tau pathological processes and may be an important contributor to AD progression. The main aim of this study was to describe the differences in FLNA levels across clinicopathologic groups. Methods From parietal cortex samples of 57 individuals (19 with no cognitive impairment (NCI), 19 mild cognitively impaired (MCI) and 19 with dementia) from the Religious Orders Study (ROS), we quantified total tau, phosphorylated tau (pTau), FLNA, synaptophysin, vesicular acetylcholine transporters (VAChT) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) by Western blot. Aβ42 and neuritic plaques (NP) were quantified by ELISA and Bielschowsky silver impregnation, respectively. AD staging was determined using ABC method combining Thal, Braak and the CERAD staging. From this, clinicopathologic stages of AD were established by subdividing subjects with neuropathological AD between preclinical AD, prodromal AD and AD dementia (ADD). Receiver operating characteristics analyses were performed to predict AD neuropathology from FLNA quantifications. Results Insoluble FLNA was significantly and positively correlated with Aβ42, NP, Thal stages, ABC scores and AD clinicopathologic stages (p < 0.05 False discovery rate-corrected). No correlation of FLNA with tau measures was found. Insoluble FLNA levels were significantly higher in the prodromal AD, ADD and intermediate ABC groups. This was consistent with significantly lower levels of soluble FLNA specifically in prodromal AD. Insoluble (AUC: 0.830) and soluble FLNA levels (AUC: 0.830) as well as the ratio of soluble over insoluble FLNA (AUC: 0.852), were excellent predictors of prodromal AD among subjects with MCI from the ROS cohort. Discussion We observed opposite level changes between insoluble and soluble FLNA in prodromal AD. As this stage coincides with the appearance of cognitive symptoms, this may be a key event in the transition from preclinical to prodromal AD. Insoluble FLNA could be useful to identify prodromal AD among subjects with an MCI, indicating that it might be a hallmark of prodromal AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Aumont
- Département de psychologie de l’Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Cyntia Tremblay
- Faculté de pharmacie de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Levert
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de neurosciences Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Frédéric Calon
- Faculté de pharmacie de l’Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nicole Leclerc
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de neurosciences Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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16
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Decourt B, Noorda K, Noorda K, Shi J, Sabbagh MN. Review of Advanced Drug Trials Focusing on the Reduction of Brain Beta-Amyloid to Prevent and Treat Dementia. J Exp Pharmacol 2022; 14:331-352. [PMID: 36339394 PMCID: PMC9632331 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s265626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease and typically affects patients older than age 65. Around this age, the number of neurons begins to gradually decrease in healthy brains, but brains of patients with AD show a marked increase in neuron death, often resulting in a significant loss of cognitive abilities. Cognitive skills affected include information retention, recognition capabilities, and language skills. At present, AD can be definitively diagnosed only through postmortem brain biopsies via the detection of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau neurofibrillary tangles. Because the levels of both Aβ plaques and tau tangles are increased, these 2 proteins are thought to be related to disease progression. Although relatively little is known about the cause of AD and its exact pathobiological development, many forms of treatment have been investigated to determine an effective method for managing AD symptoms by targeting Aβ. These treatments include but are not limited to using small molecules to alter the interactions of Aβ monomers, reducing hyperactivation of neuronal circuits altering Aβ's molecular pathway of synthesis, improving degradation of Aβ, employing passive immunity approaches, and stimulating patients' active immunity to target Aβ. This review summarizes the current therapeutic interventions in Phase II/III of clinical development or higher that are capable of reducing abnormal brain Aβ levels to determine which treatments show the greatest likelihood of clinical efficacy. We conclude that, in the near future, the most promising therapeutic interventions for brain Aβ pathology will likely be passive immunotherapies, with aducanumab and donanemab leading the way, and that these drugs may be combined with antidepressants and acetylcholine esterase inhibitors, which can modulate Aβ synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Decourt
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | | | | | - Jiong Shi
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Marwan N Sabbagh
- Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Division, Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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17
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DiRusso CJ, Dashtiahangar M, Gilmore TD. Scaffold proteins as dynamic integrators of biological processes. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102628. [PMID: 36273588 PMCID: PMC9672449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Scaffold proteins act as molecular hubs for the docking of multiple proteins to organize efficient functional units for signaling cascades. Over 300 human proteins have been characterized as scaffolds, acting in a variety of signaling pathways. While the term scaffold implies a static, supportive platform, it is now clear that scaffolds are not simply inert docking stations but can undergo conformational changes that affect their dependent signaling pathways. In this review, we catalog scaffold proteins that have been shown to undergo actionable conformational changes, with a focus on the role that conformational change plays in the activity of the classic yeast scaffold STE5, as well as three human scaffold proteins (KSR, NEMO, SHANK3) that are integral to well-known signaling pathways (RAS, NF-κB, postsynaptic density). We also discuss scaffold protein conformational changes vis-à-vis liquid-liquid phase separation. Changes in scaffold structure have also been implicated in human disease, and we discuss how aberrant conformational changes may be involved in disease-related dysregulation of scaffold and signaling functions. Finally, we discuss how understanding these conformational dynamics will provide insight into the flexibility of signaling cascades and may enhance our ability to treat scaffold-associated diseases.
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18
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Tortorella I, Argentati C, Emiliani C, Morena F, Martino S. Biochemical Pathways of Cellular Mechanosensing/Mechanotransduction and Their Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases Pathogenesis. Cells 2022; 11:3093. [PMID: 36231055 PMCID: PMC9563116 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we shed light on recent advances regarding the characterization of biochemical pathways of cellular mechanosensing and mechanotransduction with particular attention to their role in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis. While the mechanistic components of these pathways are mostly uncovered today, the crosstalk between mechanical forces and soluble intracellular signaling is still not fully elucidated. Here, we recapitulate the general concepts of mechanobiology and the mechanisms that govern the mechanosensing and mechanotransduction processes, and we examine the crosstalk between mechanical stimuli and intracellular biochemical response, highlighting their effect on cellular organelles' homeostasis and dysfunction. In particular, we discuss the current knowledge about the translation of mechanosignaling into biochemical signaling, focusing on those diseases that encompass metabolic accumulation of mutant proteins and have as primary characteristics the formation of pathological intracellular aggregates, such as Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease. Overall, recent findings elucidate how mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways may be crucial to understand the pathogenic mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases and emphasize the importance of these pathways for identifying potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Tortorella
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Chiara Argentati
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Carla Emiliani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- Centro di Eccellenza CEMIN (Materiali Innovativi Nanostrutturali per Applicazioni Chimica Fisiche e Biomediche), University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Morena
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Sabata Martino
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy
- Centro di Eccellenza CEMIN (Materiali Innovativi Nanostrutturali per Applicazioni Chimica Fisiche e Biomediche), University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
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19
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Dhapola R, Hota SS, Sarma P, Bhattacharyya A, Medhi B, Reddy DH. Recent advances in molecular pathways and therapeutic implications targeting neuroinflammation for Alzheimer's disease. Inflammopharmacology 2021; 29:1669-1681. [PMID: 34813026 PMCID: PMC8608577 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-021-00889-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major contributor of dementia leading to the degeneration of neurons in the brain with major symptoms like loss of memory and learning. Many evidences suggest the involvement of neuroinflammation in the pathology of AD. Cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6 are also found increasing the BACE1 activity and expression of NFκB resulting in generation of Aβ in AD brain. Following the interaction of Aβ with microglia and astrocytes, other inflammatory molecules also get translocated to the site of inflammation by chemotaxis and exaggerate neuroinflammation. Various pathways like NFκB, p38 MAPK, Akt/mTOR, caspase, nitric oxide and COX trigger microglia to release inflammatory cytokines. PPARγ agonists like pioglitazone increases the phagocytosis of Aβ and reduces inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. Celecoxib and roficoxib like selective COX-2 inhibitors also ameliorate neuroinflammation. Non-selective COX inhibitor indomethacin is also potent inhibitor of inflammatory mediators released from microglia. Mitophagy process is considered quite helpful in reducing inflammation due to microglia as it promotes the phagocytosis of over activated microglial cells and other inflammatory cells. Mitophagy induction is also beneficial in the removal of damaged mitochondria and reduction of infiltration of inflammatory molecules at the site of accumulation of the damaged mitochondria. Targeting these pathways and eventually ameliorating the activation of microglia can mitigate neuroinflammation and come out as a better therapeutic option for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishika Dhapola
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151 401, India
| | | | - Phulen Sarma
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160 012, India
| | - Anusuya Bhattacharyya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh, 160 032, India
| | - Bikash Medhi
- Department of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160 012, India
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20
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Zhang L, Huang T, Teaw S, Nguyen LH, Hsieh LS, Gong X, Burns LH, Bordey A. Filamin A inhibition reduces seizure activity in a mouse model of focal cortical malformations. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/531/eaay0289. [PMID: 32075941 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay0289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy treatments for patients with mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) disorders, such as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) or focal cortical dysplasia type II (FCDII), are urgently needed. In these patients, the presence of focal cortical malformations is associated with the occurrence of lifelong epilepsy, leading to severe neurological comorbidities. Here, we show that the expression of the actin cross-linking protein filamin A (FLNA) is increased in resected cortical tissue that is responsible for seizures in patients with FCDII and in mice modeling TSC and FCDII with mutations in phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb) pathway genes. Normalizing FLNA expression in these mice through genetic knockdown limited cell misplacement and neuronal dysmorphogenesis, two hallmarks of focal cortical malformations. In addition, Flna knockdown reduced seizure frequency independently of mTOR signaling. Treating mice with a small molecule targeting FLNA, PTI-125, before the onset of seizures alleviated neuronal abnormalities and reduced seizure frequency compared to vehicle-treated mice. In addition, the treatment was also effective when injected after seizure onset in juvenile and adult mice. These data suggest that targeting FLNA with either short hairpin RNAs or the small molecule PTI-125 might be effective in reducing seizures in patients with TSC and FCDII bearing mutations in PI3K-Rheb pathway genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longbo Zhang
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Street, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Tianxiang Huang
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Street, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Shannon Teaw
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA
| | - Lena H Nguyen
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA
| | - Lawrence S Hsieh
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA
| | - Xuan Gong
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Street, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | | | - Angélique Bordey
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8082, USA.
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21
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Zhou J, Kang X, An H, Lv Y, Liu X. The function and pathogenic mechanism of filamin A. Gene 2021; 784:145575. [PMID: 33737122 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Filamin A(FLNa) is an actin-binding protein, which participates in the formation of the cytoskeleton, anchors a variety of proteins in the cytoskeleton and regulates cell adhesion and migration. It is involved in signal transduction, cell proliferation and differentiation, pseudopodia formation, vesicle transport, tumor resistance and genetic diseases by binding with interacting proteins. In order to fully elucidate the structure, function and pathogenesis of FLNa, we summarized all substances which directly or indirectly act on FLNa so far, upstream and downstream targets which having effect on it, signaling pathways and their functions. It also recorded the expression and effect of FLNa in different diseases, including hereditary disease and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, Fujian, China.
| | - Xinmei Kang
- Department of Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, Fujian, China.
| | - Hanxiang An
- Department of Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, Fujian, China.
| | - Yun Lv
- Department of Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, Fujian, China.
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, Fujian, China.
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22
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Toniolo S, Sen A, Husain M. Modulation of Brain Hyperexcitability: Potential New Therapeutic Approaches in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9318. [PMID: 33297460 PMCID: PMC7730926 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
People with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have significantly higher rates of subclinical and overt epileptiform activity. In animal models, oligomeric Aβ amyloid is able to induce neuronal hyperexcitability even in the early phases of the disease. Such aberrant activity subsequently leads to downstream accumulation of toxic proteins, and ultimately to further neurodegeneration and neuronal silencing mediated by concomitant tau accumulation. Several neurotransmitters participate in the initial hyperexcitable state, with increased synaptic glutamatergic tone and decreased GABAergic inhibition. These changes appear to activate excitotoxic pathways and, ultimately, cause reduced long-term potentiation, increased long-term depression, and increased GABAergic inhibitory remodelling at the network level. Brain hyperexcitability has therefore been identified as a potential target for therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing cognition, and, possibly, disease modification in the longer term. Clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate the potential efficacy in targeting hyperexcitability in AD, with levetiracetam showing some encouraging effects. Newer compounds and techniques, such as gene editing via viral vectors or brain stimulation, also show promise. Diagnostic challenges include identifying best biomarkers for measuring sub-clinical epileptiform discharges. Determining the timing of any intervention is critical and future trials will need to carefully stratify participants with respect to the phase of disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Toniolo
- Cognitive Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6AE, UK
| | - Arjune Sen
- Oxford Epilepsy Research Group, Nuffield Department Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
| | - Masud Husain
- Cognitive Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6AE, UK
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Kreiser RP, Wright AK, Block NR, Hollows JE, Nguyen LT, LeForte K, Mannini B, Vendruscolo M, Limbocker R. Therapeutic Strategies to Reduce the Toxicity of Misfolded Protein Oligomers. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228651. [PMID: 33212787 PMCID: PMC7696907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The aberrant aggregation of proteins is implicated in the onset and pathogenesis of a wide range of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Mounting evidence indicates that misfolded protein oligomers produced as intermediates in the aggregation process are potent neurotoxic agents in these diseases. Because of the transient and heterogeneous nature of these elusive aggregates, however, it has proven challenging to develop therapeutics that can effectively target them. Here, we review approaches aimed at reducing oligomer toxicity, including (1) modulating the oligomer populations (e.g., by altering the kinetics of aggregation by inhibiting, enhancing, or redirecting the process), (2) modulating the oligomer properties (e.g., through the size–hydrophobicity–toxicity relationship), (3) modulating the oligomer interactions (e.g., by protecting cell membranes by displacing oligomers), and (4) reducing oligomer toxicity by potentiating the protein homeostasis system. We analyze examples of these complementary approaches, which may lead to the development of compounds capable of preventing or treating neurodegenerative disorders associated with protein aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P. Kreiser
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA; (R.P.K.); (A.K.W.); (N.R.B.); (J.E.H.); (L.T.N.); (K.L.)
| | - Aidan K. Wright
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA; (R.P.K.); (A.K.W.); (N.R.B.); (J.E.H.); (L.T.N.); (K.L.)
| | - Natalie R. Block
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA; (R.P.K.); (A.K.W.); (N.R.B.); (J.E.H.); (L.T.N.); (K.L.)
| | - Jared E. Hollows
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA; (R.P.K.); (A.K.W.); (N.R.B.); (J.E.H.); (L.T.N.); (K.L.)
| | - Lam T. Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA; (R.P.K.); (A.K.W.); (N.R.B.); (J.E.H.); (L.T.N.); (K.L.)
| | - Kathleen LeForte
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA; (R.P.K.); (A.K.W.); (N.R.B.); (J.E.H.); (L.T.N.); (K.L.)
| | - Benedetta Mannini
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK;
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK;
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (R.L.)
| | - Ryan Limbocker
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA; (R.P.K.); (A.K.W.); (N.R.B.); (J.E.H.); (L.T.N.); (K.L.)
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (R.L.)
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24
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Venkatachalam N, Bakavayev S, Engel D, Barak Z, Engel S. Primate differential redoxome (PDR) - A paradigm for understanding neurodegenerative diseases. Redox Biol 2020; 36:101683. [PMID: 32829254 PMCID: PMC7451816 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite different phenotypic manifestations, mounting evidence points to similarities in the molecular basis of major neurodegenerative diseases (ND). CNS has evolved to be robust against hazard of ROS, a common perturbation aerobic organisms are confronted with. The trade-off of robustness is system's fragility against rare and unexpected perturbations. Identifying the points of CNS fragility is key for understanding etiology of ND. We postulated that the 'primate differential redoxome' (PDR), an assembly of proteins that contain cysteine residues present only in the primate orthologues of mammals, is likely to associate with an added level of regulatory functionalities that enhanced CNS robustness against ROS and facilitated evolution. The PDR contains multiple deterministic and susceptibility factors of major ND, which cluster to form coordinated redox networks regulating various cellular processes. The PDR analysis revealed a potential CNS fragility point, which appears to associates with a non-redundant PINK1-PRKN-SQSTM1(p62) axis coordinating protein homeostasis and mitophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nachiyappan Venkatachalam
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Shamchal Bakavayev
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Daniel Engel
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Zeev Barak
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Stanislav Engel
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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25
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Fluegge K. A model of lipid dysregulation and altered nutrient status in Alzheimer's disease. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2019; 5:139-145. [PMID: 31065583 PMCID: PMC6495090 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dysregulated lipid metabolism and nutrient status are thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the precise involvement is not well understood, and it remains unclear exactly how such dysregulated lipid metabolism and altered nutrient status, especially changes in phosphatidylcholine, B12, and folate, are connected to the hallmark pathology in AD (i.e., amyloidogenesis). METHODS We have postulated that genetic susceptibility (i.e., APOE ε4/ε4) to environmental exposure to emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) could underlie the onset of AD and its early neuropsychiatric correlates. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The current theoretical editorial describes, using clinical, preclinical, and in vitro evidences, how this model contributes not only to amyloidogenesis but also other nonopioid effects, specifically altered lipid metabolism, depletion of vitamin B12, and disruption of the folate-mediated one carbon metabolic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Fluegge
- Institute of Health and Environmental Research, Columbus OH 43220
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26
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Avila-Vazquez MF, Altamirano-Bustamante NF, Altamirano-Bustamante MM. Amyloid Biomarkers in Conformational Diseases at Face Value: A Systematic Review. Molecules 2017; 23:molecules23010079. [PMID: 29286329 PMCID: PMC6017595 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Conformational diseases represent a new aspect of proteomic medicine where diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms are evolving. In this context, the early biomarkers for target cell failure (neurons, β-cells, etc.) represent a challenge to translational medicine and play a multidimensional role as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. This systematic review, which follows the PICO and Prisma methods, analyses this new-fangled multidimensionality, its strengths and limitations, and presents the future possibilities it opens up. The nuclear diagnosis methods are immunoassays: ELISA, immunodot, western blot, etc., while the therapeutic approach is focused on pharmaco- and molecular chaperones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fernanda Avila-Vazquez
- Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Metabólicas, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Mexico City 06720, Mexico.
- Health Department, Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City 01219, Mexico.
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27
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Wang HY, Trocmé-Thibierge C, Stucky A, Shah SM, Kvasic J, Khan A, Morain P, Guignot I, Bouguen E, Deschet K, Pueyo M, Mocaer E, Ousset PJ, Vellas B, Kiyasova V. Increased Aβ 42-α7-like nicotinic acetylcholine receptor complex level in lymphocytes is associated with apolipoprotein E4-driven Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2017; 9:54. [PMID: 28750690 PMCID: PMC5530996 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-017-0280-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE4) genotype is a prominent late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk factor. ApoE4 disrupts memory function in rodents and may contribute to both plaque and tangle formation. METHODS Coimmunoprecipitation and Western blot detection were used to determine: 1) the effects of select fragments from the apoE low-density lipoprotein (LDL) binding domain and recombinant apoE subtypes on amyloid beta (Aβ)42-α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) interaction and tau phosphorylation in rodent brain synaptosomes; and 2) the level of Aβ42-α7nAChR complexes in matched controls and patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia due to AD with known APOE genotypes. RESULTS In an ex vivo study using rodent synaptosomes, apoE141-148 of the apoE promotes Aβ42-α7nAChR association and Aβ42-induced α7nAChR-dependent tau phosphorylation. In a single-blind study, we examined lymphocytes isolated from control subjects, patients with MCI and dementia due to AD with known APOE genotypes, sampled at two time points (1 year apart). APOE ε4 genotype was closely correlated with heightened Aβ42-α7nAChR complex levels and with blunted exogenous Aβ42 effects in lymphocytes derived from AD and MCI due to AD cases. Similarly, plasma from APOE ε4 carriers enhanced the Aβ42-induced Aβ42-α7nAChR association in rat cortical synaptosomes. The progression of cognitive decline in APOE ε4 carriers correlated with higher levels of Aβ42-α7nAChR complexes in lymphocytes and greater enhancement by their plasma of Aβ42-induced Aβ42-α7nAChR association in rat cortical synaptosomes. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that increased lymphocyte Aβ42-α7nAChR-like complexes may indicate the presence of AD pathology especially in APOE ε4 carriers. We show that apoE, especially apoE4, promotes Aβ42-α7nAChR interaction and Aβ42-induced α7nAChR-dependent tau phosphorylation via its apoE141-148 domain. These apoE-mediated effects may contribute to the APOE ε4-driven neurodysfunction and AD pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoau-Yan Wang
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA. .,Department of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, The City University of New York School of Medicine, CDI-3370 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | | | - Andres Stucky
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA.,Department of Biology, Neuroscience Program, Graduate School of The City University of New York, New York, New York, 10061, USA
| | - Sanket M Shah
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Jessica Kvasic
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Amber Khan
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, CUNY School of Medicine, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Philippe Morain
- Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, 50 Rue Carnot, 92284, Suresnes, France
| | - Isabelle Guignot
- Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, 50 Rue Carnot, 92284, Suresnes, France
| | - Eva Bouguen
- Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, 50 Rue Carnot, 92284, Suresnes, France
| | - Karine Deschet
- Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, 50 Rue Carnot, 92284, Suresnes, France
| | - Maria Pueyo
- Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, 50 Rue Carnot, 92284, Suresnes, France
| | - Elisabeth Mocaer
- Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, 50 Rue Carnot, 92284, Suresnes, France
| | - Pierre-Jean Ousset
- Alzheimer's Disease Research and Clinical Center, Inserm U1027, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Bruno Vellas
- Alzheimer's Disease Research and Clinical Center, Inserm U1027, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Vera Kiyasova
- Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, 50 Rue Carnot, 92284, Suresnes, France
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28
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Burns LH, Wang HY. Altered filamin A enables amyloid beta-induced tau hyperphosphorylation and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. NEUROIMMUNOLOGY AND NEUROINFLAMMATION 2017; 4:263-271. [PMID: 34295950 PMCID: PMC8294116 DOI: 10.20517/2347-8659.2017.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with proteopathy characterized by abnormalities in amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau proteins. Defective amyloid and tau propagate and aggregate, leading to eventual amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. New data show that a third proteopathy, an altered conformation of the scaffolding protein filamin A (FLNA), is critically linked to the amyloid and tau pathologies in AD. Altered FLNA is pervasive in AD brain and without apparent aggregation. In a striking interdependence, altered FLNA is both induced by Aβ and required for two prominent pathogenic signaling pathways of Aβ. Aβ monomers or small oligomers signal via the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) to activate kinases that hyperphosphorylate tau to cause neurofibrillary lesions and formation of neurofibrillary tangles. Altered FLNA also enables a persistent activation of toll-like-receptor 4 (TLR4) by Aβ, leading to excessive inflammatory cytokine release and neuroinflammation. The novel AD therapeutic candidate PTI-125 binds and reverses the altered FLNA conformation to prevent Aβ’s signaling via α7nAChR and aberrant activation of TLR4, thus reducing multiple AD-related neuropathologies. As a regulator of Aβ’s signaling via α7nAChR and TLR4, altered FLNA represents a novel AD therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hoau-Yan Wang
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY 10031, USA.,Department of Biology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
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