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Kaur M, Fusco S, Van den Broek B, Aseervatham J, Rostami A, Iacovitti L, Grassi C, Lukomska B, Srivastava AK. Most recent advances and applications of extracellular vesicles in tackling neurological challenges. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:1923-1966. [PMID: 38500405 DOI: 10.1002/med.22035] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, there has been a notable increase in the global burden of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Despite advances in technology and therapeutic options, neurological and neurodegenerative disorders persist as significant challenges in treatment and cure. Recently, there has been a remarkable surge of interest in extracellular vesicles (EVs) as pivotal mediators of intercellular communication. As carriers of molecular cargo, EVs demonstrate the ability to traverse the blood-brain barrier, enabling bidirectional communication. As a result, they have garnered attention as potential biomarkers and therapeutic agents, whether in their natural form or after being engineered for use in the CNS. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to EVs, encompassing various aspects such as their diverse isolation methods, characterization, handling, storage, and different routes for EV administration. Additionally, it underscores the recent advances in their potential applications in neurodegenerative disorder therapeutics. By exploring their unique capabilities, this study sheds light on the promising future of EVs in clinical research. It considers the inherent challenges and limitations of these emerging applications while incorporating the most recent updates in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep Kaur
- Department of Medicine, Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Salvatore Fusco
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Bram Van den Broek
- Department of Neurology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jaya Aseervatham
- Department of Neurology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Abdolmohamad Rostami
- Department of Neurology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lorraine Iacovitti
- Department of Neuroscience, Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Jefferson Stem Cell and Regenerative Neuroscience Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Lukomska
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Amit K Srivastava
- Department of Medicine, Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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2
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Naaman E, Qarawani A, Ben-Zvi Elimelech R, Harel M, Sigal-Dror S, Safuri S, Smirnovas V, Baronaite I, Romanova NV, Morozova-Roche LA, Zayit-Soudry S. The Surprising Nonlinear Effects of S100A9 Proteins in the Retina. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:735-744. [PMID: 38324770 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00650] [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] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex disease in which inflammation is implicated as a key factor but the precise molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. AMD lesions contain an excess of the pro-inflammatory S100A9 protein, but its retinal significance was yet unexplored. S100A9 was shown to be intrinsically amyloidogenic in vitro and in vivo. Here, we hypothesized that the retinal effects of S100A9 are related to its supramolecular conformation. ARPE-19 cultures were treated with native dimeric and fibrillar S100A9 preparations, and cell viability was determined. Wild-type rats were treated intravitreally with the S100A9 solutions in the right eye and with the vehicle in the left. Retinal function was assessed longitudinally by electroretinography (ERG), comparing the amplitudes and configurations for each intervention. Native S100A9 had no impact on cellular viability in vitro or on the retinal function in vivo. Despite dispersed intracellular uptake, fibrillar S100A9 did not decrease ARPE-19 cell viability. In contrast, S100A9 fibrils impaired retinal function in vivo following intravitreal injection in rats. Intriguingly, low-dose fibrillar S100A9 induced contrasting in vivo effects, significantly increasing the ERG responses, particularly over 14 days postinjection. The retinal effects of S100A9 were further characterized by glial and microglial cell activation. We provide the first indication for the retinal effects of S100A9, showing that its fibrils inflicted retinal dysfunction and glial activation in vivo, while low dose of the same assemblies resulted in an unpredicted enhancement of the ERG amplitudes. These nonlinear responses highlight the consequences of self-assembly of S100A9 and provide insight into its pathophysiological and possibly physiological roles in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Naaman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Clinical Research Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Amanda Qarawani
- Clinical Research Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 69094, Israel
| | - Rony Ben-Zvi Elimelech
- Clinical Research Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 69094, Israel
| | - Michal Harel
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 69094, Israel
| | - Shahaf Sigal-Dror
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 69094, Israel
| | - Shadi Safuri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Clinical Research Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Vytautas Smirnovas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Ieva Baronaite
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius LT-10257, Lithuania
| | - Nina V Romanova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå SE-90781, Sweden
| | | | - Shiri Zayit-Soudry
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Clinical Research Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 69094, Israel
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3
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Huang Z. Evidence that Alzheimer's Disease Is a Disease of Competitive Synaptic Plasticity Gone Awry. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:447-470. [PMID: 38669548 PMCID: PMC11119021 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240042] [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] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that a physiological function of amyloid-β (Aβ) is to mediate neural activity-dependent homeostatic and competitive synaptic plasticity in the brain. I have previously summarized the lines of evidence supporting this hypothesis and highlighted the similarities between Aβ and anti-microbial peptides in mediating cell/synapse competition. In cell competition, anti-microbial peptides deploy a multitude of mechanisms to ensure both self-protection and competitor elimination. Here I review recent studies showing that similar mechanisms are at play in Aβ-mediated synapse competition and perturbations in these mechanisms underpin Alzheimer's disease (AD). Specifically, I discuss evidence that Aβ and ApoE, two crucial players in AD, co-operate in the regulation of synapse competition. Glial ApoE promotes self-protection by increasing the production of trophic monomeric Aβ and inhibiting its assembly into toxic oligomers. Conversely, Aβ oligomers, once assembled, promote the elimination of competitor synapses via direct toxic activity and amplification of "eat-me" signals promoting the elimination of weak synapses. I further summarize evidence that neuronal ApoE may be part of a gene regulatory network that normally promotes competitive plasticity, explaining the selective vulnerability of ApoE expressing neurons in AD brains. Lastly, I discuss evidence that sleep may be key to Aβ-orchestrated plasticity, in which sleep is not only induced by Aβ but is also required for Aβ-mediated plasticity, underlining the link between sleep and AD. Together, these results strongly argue that AD is a disease of competitive synaptic plasticity gone awry, a novel perspective that may promote AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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4
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Melo de Farias AR, Pelletier A, Iohan LCC, Saha O, Bonnefond A, Amouyel P, Delahaye F, Lambert JC, Costa MR. Amyloid-Beta Peptides Trigger Premature Functional and Gene Expression Alterations in Human-Induced Neurons. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2564. [PMID: 37761004 PMCID: PMC10526858 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent cause of dementia in the elderly, characterized by the presence of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, neuroinflammation, synapse loss and neurodegeneration in the brain. The amyloid cascade hypothesis postulates that deposition of Aβ peptides is the causative agent of AD pathology, but we still lack comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms connecting Aβ peptides to neuronal dysfunctions in AD. In this work, we investigate the early effects of Aβ peptide accumulation on the functional properties and gene expression profiles of human-induced neurons (hiNs). We show that hiNs acutely exposed to low concentrations of both cell-secreted Aβ peptides or synthetic Aβ1-42 exhibit alterations in the frequency of calcium transients suggestive of increased neuronal excitability. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we also show that cell-secreted Aβ up-regulates the expression of several synapse-related genes and down-regulates the expression of genes associated with metabolic stress mainly in glutamatergic neurons and, to a lesser degree, in GABAergic neurons and astrocytes. These neuronal alterations correlate with activation of the SEMA5, EPHA and NECTIN signaling pathways, which are important regulators of synaptic plasticity. Altogether, our findings indicate that slight elevations in Aβ concentrations are sufficient to elicit transcriptional changes in human neurons, which can contribute to early alterations in neural network activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Raquel Melo de Farias
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, DISTALZ, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, 59019 Lille, France; (A.R.M.d.F.); (O.S.); (P.A.); (J.-C.L.)
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário Lagoa Nova, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Pelletier
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1283-UMR 8199 EGID, Pôle Recherche, 1 Place de Verdun, CEDEX, 59045 Lille, France; (A.P.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
| | - Lukas Cruz Carvalho Iohan
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil;
| | - Orthis Saha
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, DISTALZ, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, 59019 Lille, France; (A.R.M.d.F.); (O.S.); (P.A.); (J.-C.L.)
| | - Amélie Bonnefond
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1283-UMR 8199 EGID, Pôle Recherche, 1 Place de Verdun, CEDEX, 59045 Lille, France; (A.P.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
| | - Philippe Amouyel
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, DISTALZ, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, 59019 Lille, France; (A.R.M.d.F.); (O.S.); (P.A.); (J.-C.L.)
| | - Fabien Delahaye
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1283-UMR 8199 EGID, Pôle Recherche, 1 Place de Verdun, CEDEX, 59045 Lille, France; (A.P.); (A.B.); (F.D.)
| | - Jean-Charles Lambert
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, DISTALZ, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, 59019 Lille, France; (A.R.M.d.F.); (O.S.); (P.A.); (J.-C.L.)
| | - Marcos R. Costa
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1167-RID-AGE Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, DISTALZ, 1 rue du Professeur Calmette, 59019 Lille, France; (A.R.M.d.F.); (O.S.); (P.A.); (J.-C.L.)
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário Lagoa Nova, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
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5
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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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6
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Sidiropoulou GA, Metaxas A, Kourti M. Natural antioxidants that act against Alzheimer's disease through modulation of the NRF2 pathway: a focus on their molecular mechanisms of action. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1217730. [PMID: 37465125 PMCID: PMC10351420 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1217730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterized by a complex pathophysiology that includes the intraneuronal formation of neurofibrillary tangles and the extracellular deposition of β-amyloid plaques, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a terminal neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia in older adults. Oxidative stress in the brain is considered as one of the contributing factors to the pathogenesis of AD, and thus, antioxidants have attracted much interest as potential therapeutic agents against the disorder. Natural antioxidants are typically characterized by low acute and chronic toxicity, which facilitates their potential therapeutic application. One important molecular target for the beneficial effects of natural antioxidants is the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2/NRF2). NRF2 is a key transcription factor that orchestrates the cellular antioxidant response through regulating the expression of oxidative stress-related genes harboring the antioxidant response element (ARE) in their promoters. Indeed, in the case of excessive oxidative damage, NRF2 migrates to the nucleus and binds to ARE, activating the transcription of antioxidant protector genes. There is increasing evidence that NRF2 is implicated in AD pathology through dysfunction and altered localization, which renders it as a potential therapeutic target for AD. Thus, this review summarizes the most recent (2018-2023) advances on the NRF2-modulating activity of natural antioxidants observed in vitro and in AD animal models. This information will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing the antioxidant activity of such phytochemicals to highlight their therapeutic potential against common neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grammatiki Alexandra Sidiropoulou
- Angiogenesis and Cancer Drug Discovery Group, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Centre, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Athanasios Metaxas
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Malamati Kourti
- Angiogenesis and Cancer Drug Discovery Group, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Centre, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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7
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Chen J, Zhao X, Zhang W, Zhang T, Wu S, Shao J, Shi FD. Reference intervals for plasma amyloid-β, total tau, and phosphorylated tau181 in healthy elderly Chinese individuals without cognitive impairment. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:100. [PMID: 37237388 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01246-1] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides and tau proteins are promising biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD), not only for predicting Aβ and tau pathology but also for differentiating AD from other neurodegenerative diseases. However, reference intervals for plasma biomarkers of AD in healthy elderly Chinese individuals have not yet been established. METHODS Biomarkers of AD were measured using single-molecule array (Simoa) assays in plasma samples from 193 healthy, cognitively unimpaired Chinese individuals aged 50-89 years. The 95% reference intervals for plasma Aβ42, Aβ40, t-tau, p-tau181, and derived ratios were calculated by using log-transformed parametric methods. RESULTS Plasma Aβ42, Aβ40, and p-tau181 levels were positively correlated with age, while the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio was negatively correlated with age. The 95% reference intervals for plasma Aβ42 and Aβ40 were 2.72-11.09 pg/mL and 61.4-303.9 pg/mL, respectively, and the 95% reference intervals for plasma t-tau and p-tau181 were 0.20-3.12 pg/mL and 0.49-3.29 pg/mL, respectively. The 95% reference intervals for the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, p-tau181/t-tau ratio, and p-tau181/Aβ42 ratio were 0.022-0.064, 0.38-6.34, and 0.05-0.55, respectively. CONCLUSION Reference intervals for plasma biomarkers of AD may assist clinicians in making accurate clinical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshan Chen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Wenyan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Tianxiang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Siting Wu
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Jinghao Shao
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Fu-Dong Shi
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroimmunology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China.
- Division of Neuroimmunology, China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, 100070, China.
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8
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Whiteaker P, George AA. Discoveries and future significance of research into amyloid-beta/α7-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) interactions. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106743. [PMID: 37084859 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Initiated by findings that Alzheimer's disease is associated with a profound loss of cholinergic markers in human brain, decades of studies have examined the interactions between specific subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and amyloid-β [derive from the amyloid precursor protein (APP), which is cleaved to yield variable isoforms of amyloid-β]. We review the evolving understanding of amyloid-β's roles in Alzheimer's disease and pioneering studies that highlighted a role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in mediating important aspects of amyloid-β's effects. This review also surveys the current state of research into amyloid-β / nicotinic acetylcholine receptor interactions. The field has reached an exciting point in which common themes are emerging from the wide range of prior research and a range of accessible, relevant model systems are available to drive further progress. We highlight exciting new areas of inquiry and persistent challenges that need to be considered while conducting this research. Studies of amyloid-β and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor populations that it interacts with provide opportunities for innovative basic and translational scientific breakthroughs related to nicotinic receptors biology, Alzheimer's disease, and cholinergic contributions to cognition more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Whiteaker
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, VCU Health Sciences Research Building, Box 980613, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA
| | - Andrew A George
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, VCU Health Sciences Research Building, Box 980613, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA.
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9
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Cho E, Jeon SJ, Jeon J, Yi JH, Kwon H, Kwon HJ, Kwon KJ, Moon M, Shin CY, Kim DH. Phyllodulcin improves hippocampal long-term potentiation in 5XFAD mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114511. [PMID: 36913892 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a well-known neurodegenerative brain disease, and no curative treatment has yet been developed. The main symptoms include various brain lesions, caused by amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation, and cognitive decline. Therefore, it is believed that substances that control Aβ will inhibit the onset of Alzheimer's disease and slow its progression. In this study, the effect of phyllodulcin, a major component of hydrangea, on Aβ aggregation and brain pathology in an animal model of AD was studied. Phyllodulcin inhibited the aggregation of Aβ and decomposed the pre-aggregated Aβ in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, it inhibited the cytotoxicity of Aβ aggregates. Oral administration of phyllodulcin improved Aβ-induced memory impairments in normal mice, reduced Aβ deposition in the hippocampus, inhibited the activation of microglia and astrocytes, and improved synaptic plasticity in 5XFAD mice. These results suggest that phyllodulcin may be a candidate for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunbi Cho
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Jeon
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrative Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Jeon
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Yi
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Huiyoung Kwon
- Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ji Kwon
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Ja Kwon
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; Institute of Biomedical Sciences & Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Minho Moon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; Institute of Biomedical Sciences & Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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10
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The Fuzzy Border between the Functional and Dysfunctional Effects of Beta-Amyloid: A Synaptocentric View of Neuron-Glia Entanglement. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020484. [PMID: 36831020 PMCID: PMC9953143 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent observations from clinical trials using monoclonal antibodies against Aβ seem to suggest that Aβ-targeting is modestly effective and not sufficiently based on an effective challenge of the role of Aβ from physiological to pathological. After an accelerated approval procedure for aducanumab, and more recently lecanemab, their efficacy and safety remain to be fully defined despite previous attempts with various monoclonal antibodies, and both academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies are actively searching for novel treatments. Aβ needs to be clarified further in a more complicated context, taking into account both its accumulation and its biological functions during the course of the disease. In this review, we discuss the border between activities affecting early, potentially reversible dysfunctions of the synapse and events trespassing the threshold of inflammatory, self-sustaining glial activation, leading to irreversible damage. We detail a clear understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the derangement from function to dysfunction and the switch of the of Aβ role from physiological to pathological. A picture is emerging where the optimal therapeutic strategy against AD should involve a number of allied molecular processes, displaying efficacy not only in reducing the well-known AD pathogenesis players, such as Aβ or neuroinflammation, but also in preventing their adverse effects.
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11
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Huang Z. A Function of Amyloid-β in Mediating Activity-Dependent Axon/Synapse Competition May Unify Its Roles in Brain Physiology and Pathology. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 92:29-57. [PMID: 36710681 PMCID: PMC10023438 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) gives rise to amyloid-β (Aβ), a peptide at the center of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AβPP, however, is also an ancient molecule dating back in evolution to some of the earliest forms of metazoans. This suggests a possible ancestral function that may have been obscured by those that evolve later. Based on literature from the functions of Aβ/AβPP in nervous system development, plasticity, and disease, to those of anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) in bacterial competition as well as mechanisms of cell competition uncovered first by Drosophila genetics, I propose that Aβ/AβPP may be part of an ancient mechanism employed in cell competition, which is subsequently co-opted during evolution for the regulation of activity-dependent neural circuit development and plasticity. This hypothesis is supported by foremost the high similarities of Aβ to AMPs, both of which possess unique, opposite (i.e., trophic versus toxic) activities as monomers and oligomers. A large body of data further suggests that the different Aβ oligomeric isoforms may serve as the protective and punishment signals long predicted to mediate activity-dependent axonal/synaptic competition in the developing nervous system and that the imbalance in their opposite regulation of innate immune and glial cells in the brain may ultimately underpin AD pathogenesis. This hypothesis can not only explain the diverse roles observed of Aβ and AβPP family molecules, but also provide a conceptual framework that can unify current hypotheses on AD. Furthermore, it may explain major clinical observations not accounted for and identify approaches for overcoming shortfalls in AD animal modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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12
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Natale F, Fusco S, Grassi C. Dual role of brain-derived extracellular vesicles in dementia-related neurodegenerative disorders: cargo of disease spreading signals and diagnostic-therapeutic molecules. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:50. [PMID: 36437458 PMCID: PMC9701396 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00326-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are one of the most common causes of disability and represent 6.3% of the global burden of disease. Among them, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases cause cognitive decline, representing the most disabling symptom on both personal and social levels. The molecular mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of dementia are still poorly understood, and include secretory factors potentially affecting differentiated neurons, glial cells and neural stem cell niche. In the last decade, much attention has been devoted to exosomes as novel carriers of information exchanged among both neighbouring and distant cells. These vesicles can be generated and internalized by different brain cells including neurons, neural stem cells, astrocytes, and microglia, thereby affecting neural plasticity and cognitive functions in physiological and pathological conditions. Here, we review data on the roles of exosomes as carriers of bioactive molecules potentially involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders and detectable in biological fluids as biomarkers of dementia. We also discuss the experimental evidence of the therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived vesicles in experimental models of neurodegeneration-dependent cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Natale
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy ,grid.414603.4Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Fusco
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy ,grid.414603.4Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy ,grid.414603.4Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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13
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Jin SX, Liu L, Li S, Meunier AL, Selkoe DJ. Aβ oligomers from human brain impair mossy fiber LTP in CA3 of hippocampus, but activating cAMP-PKA and cGMP-PKG prevents this. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 172:105816. [PMID: 35820646 PMCID: PMC9809147 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Early cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease may result in part from synaptic dysfunction caused by the accumulation oligomeric assemblies of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). Changes in hippocampal function seem critical for cognitive impairment in early Alzheimer's disease (AD). Diffusible oligomers of Aβ (oAβ) have been shown to block canonical long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 area of hippocampus, but whether there is also a direct effect of oAβ on synaptic transmission and plasticity at synapses between mossy fibers (axons) from the dentate gyrus granule cells and CA3 pyramidal neurons (mf-CA3 synapses) is unknown. Studies in APP transgenic mice have suggested an age-dependent impairment of mossy fiber LTP. Here we report that although endogenous AD brain-derived soluble oAβ had no effect on mossy-fiber basal transmission, it strongly impaired paired-pulse facilitation in the mossy fiber pathway and presynaptic mossy fiber LTP (mf-LTP). Selective activation of both β1 and β2 adrenergic receptors and their downstream cAMP/PKA signaling pathway prevented oAβ-mediated inhibition of mf-LTP. Unexpectedly, activation of the cGMP/PKG signaling pathway also prevented oAβ-impaired mf-LTP. Our results reveal certain specific pharmacological targets to ameliorate human oAβ-mediated impairment at the mf-CA3 synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Dennis J. Selkoe
- Corresponding author at: Hale Building for Transformative Medicine, Rm 10002Q, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America. (D.J. Selkoe)
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14
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Application of 3D Printing Technology to Produce Hippocampal Customized Guide Cannulas. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0099-22.2022. [PMID: 36104275 PMCID: PMC9522464 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0099-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantation of guide cannulas is a widely used technique to access specific brain areas. Although commercially available, the need to personalize these implants and the high cost prompted us to design open-source customized devices taking advantage of 3D printing technology. Our cannulas consisted in a 3D-printed head mount designed according to the Paxinos coordinates to reach the CA1 area of the hippocampus. To cut guide cannulas to the proper length, we designed and realized an original 3D-printed linear motion apparatus. Polylactic acid thermoplastic polymer was used as printing material. Homemade or commercial cannulas were implanted in 4- to 6-month-old wild-type mice and intrahippocampal injections of amyloid-β peptide at different concentrations were performed. In vivo behavioral studies of novel object recognition indicated that results obtained with homemade versus commercial devices were comparable. Methylene blue injections and Nissl staining confirmed the correct localization of cannulas in the CA1 area of mouse hippocampus. Our method allows a fast manufacturing of hippocampal cannulas preserving the required precision at very low cost. Furthermore, this system can be easily modified to produce cannulas to target other brain areas. In conclusion, 3D printing might be used as a useful and versatile technology to realize open-source customized devices in neuroscience laboratories.
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15
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Jeong H, Shin H, Hong S, Kim Y. Physiological Roles of Monomeric Amyloid-β and Implications for Alzheimer's Disease Therapeutics. Exp Neurobiol 2022; 31:65-88. [PMID: 35673997 PMCID: PMC9194638 DOI: 10.5607/en22004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) progressively inflicts impairment of synaptic functions with notable deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) as senile plaques within the extracellular space of the brain. Accordingly, therapeutic directions for AD have focused on clearing Aβ plaques or preventing amyloidogenesis based on the amyloid cascade hypothesis. However, the emerging evidence suggests that Aβ serves biological roles, which include suppressing microbial infections, regulating synaptic plasticity, promoting recovery after brain injury, sealing leaks in the blood-brain barrier, and possibly inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. More importantly, these functions were found in in vitro and in vivo investigations in a hormetic manner, that is to be neuroprotective at low concentrations and pathological at high concentrations. We herein summarize the physiological roles of monomeric Aβ and current Aβ-directed therapies in clinical trials. Based on the evidence, we propose that novel therapeutics targeting Aβ should selectively target Aβ in neurotoxic forms such as oligomers while retaining monomeric Aβ in order to preserve the physiological functions of Aβ monomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyomin Jeong
- Division of Integrated Science and Engineering, Underwood International College, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Korea
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Korea
- Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Korea
| | - Heewon Shin
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Korea
- Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Korea
| | - Seungpyo Hong
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Korea
- Yonsei Frontier Lab, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - YoungSoo Kim
- Division of Integrated Science and Engineering, Underwood International College, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Korea
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Korea
- Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Korea
- Yonsei Frontier Lab, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
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16
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Cho E, Youn K, Kwon H, Jeon J, Cho WS, Park SJ, Son SH, Jang DS, Shin CY, Moon M, Jun M, Kim NJ, Kim DH. Eugenitol ameliorates memory impairments in 5XFAD mice by reducing Aβ plaques and neuroinflammation. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 148:112763. [PMID: 35240526 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is caused by various pathological mechanisms; therefore, it is necessary to develop drugs that simultaneously act on multiple targets. In this study, we investigated the effects of eugenitol, which has anti-amyloid β (Aβ) and anti-neuroinflammatory effects, in an AD mouse model. We found that eugenitol potently inhibited Aβ plaque and oligomer formation. Moreover, eugenitol dissociated the preformed Aβ plaques and reduced Aβ-induced nero2a cell death. An in silico docking simulation study showed that eugenitol may interact with Aβ1-42 monomers and fibrils. Eugenitol showed radical scavenging effects and potently reduced the release of proinflammatory cytokines from lipopolysaccharide-treated BV2 cells. Systemic administration of eugenitol blocked Aβ aggregate-induced memory impairment in the Morris water maze test in a dose-dependent manner. In 5XFAD mice, prolonged administration of eugenitol ameliorated memory and hippocampal long-term potentiation impairment. Moreover, eugenitol significantly reduced Aβ deposits and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of 5XFAD mice. These results suggest that eugenitol, which has anti-Aβ aggregation, Aβ fibril dissociation, and anti-inflammatory effects, potently modulates AD-like pathologies in 5XFAD mice, and could be a promising candidate for AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunbi Cho
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kumju Youn
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Huiyoung Kwon
- Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Jeon
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan-Seob Cho
- Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Park
- School of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Son
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Sik Jang
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, Republic of Korea, Kyung Hee East-West Pharmaceutical Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Minho Moon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea
| | - Mira Jun
- Department of Health Sciences, The Graduate School of Dong-A University, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nam-Jung Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Advanced Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; Institute of Biomedical Sciences & Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Blanco-Luquin I, Acha B, Urdánoz-Casado A, Gómez-Orte E, Roldan M, Pérez-Rodríguez DR, Cabello J, Mendioroz M. NXN Gene Epigenetic Changes in an Adult Neurogenesis Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071069. [PMID: 35406633 PMCID: PMC8998146 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In view of the proven link between adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) and learning and memory impairment, we generated a straightforward adult neurogenesis in vitro model to recapitulate DNA methylation marks in the context of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) were differentiated for 29 days and Aβ peptide 1–42 was added. mRNA expression of Neuronal Differentiation 1 (NEUROD1), Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 (NCAM1), Tubulin Beta 3 Class III (TUBB3), RNA Binding Fox-1 Homolog 3 (RBFOX3), Calbindin 1 (CALB1), and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) was determined by RT-qPCR to characterize the culture and framed within the multistep process of AHN. Hippocampal DNA methylation marks previously identified in Contactin-Associated Protein 1 (CNTNAP1), SEPT5-GP1BB Readthrough (SEPT5-GP1BB), T-Box Transcription Factor 5 (TBX5), and Nucleoredoxin (NXN) genes were profiled by bisulfite pyrosequencing or bisulfite cloning sequencing; mRNA expression was also measured. NXN outlined a peak of DNA methylation overlapping type 3 neuroblasts. Aβ-treated NPCs showed transient decreases of mRNA expression for SEPT5-GP1BB and NXN on day 9 or 19 and an increase in DNA methylation on day 29 for NXN. NXN and SEPT5-GP1BB may reflect alterations detected in the brain of AD human patients, broadening our understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idoia Blanco-Luquin
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory-Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (B.A.); (A.U.-C.); (M.R.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-848425739
| | - Blanca Acha
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory-Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (B.A.); (A.U.-C.); (M.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Amaya Urdánoz-Casado
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory-Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (B.A.); (A.U.-C.); (M.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Eva Gómez-Orte
- CIBIR (Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja), 26006 Logroño, Spain; (E.G.-O.); (J.C.)
| | - Miren Roldan
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory-Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (B.A.); (A.U.-C.); (M.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Diego R. Pérez-Rodríguez
- Neurophysiology Department, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Juan Cabello
- CIBIR (Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja), 26006 Logroño, Spain; (E.G.-O.); (J.C.)
| | - Maite Mendioroz
- Neuroepigenetics Laboratory-Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (B.A.); (A.U.-C.); (M.R.); (M.M.)
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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18
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Chai AB, Lam HHJ, Kockx M, Gelissen IC. Apolipoprotein E isoform-dependent effects on the processing of Alzheimer's amyloid-β. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2021; 1866:158980. [PMID: 34044125 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.158980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Since the identification of the apolipoprotein E (apoE) *ε4 allele as a major genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease, significant efforts have been aimed at elucidating how apoE4 expression confers greater brain amyloid-β (Aβ) burden, earlier disease onset and worse clinical outcomes compared to apoE2 and apoE3. ApoE primarily functions as a lipid carrier to regulate cholesterol metabolism in circulation as well as in the brain. However, it has also been suggested to interact with hydrophobic Aβ peptides to influence their processing in an isoform-dependent manner. Here, we review evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies extricating the effects of the three apoE isoforms, on different stages of the Aβ processing pathway including synthesis, aggregation, deposition, clearance and degradation. ApoE4 consistently correlates with impaired Aβ clearance, however data regarding Aβ synthesis and aggregation are conflicting and likely reflect inconsistencies in experimental approaches across studies. We further discuss the physical and chemical properties of apoE that may explain the inherent differences in activity between the isoforms. The lipidation status and lipid transport function of apoE are intrinsically linked with its ability to interact with Aβ. Traditionally, apoE-oriented therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease have been proposed to non-specifically enhance or inhibit apoE activity. However, given the wide-ranging physiological functions of apoE in the brain and periphery, a more viable approach may be to specifically target and neutralise the pathological apoE4 isoform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B Chai
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Hin Hei Julian Lam
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Maaike Kockx
- ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, University of Sydney, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Ingrid C Gelissen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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19
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Genetic deletion of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors induces an age-dependent Alzheimer's disease-like pathology. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 206:102154. [PMID: 34453977 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) and the failure of cholinergic transmission are key players in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, in the healthy brain, Aβ contributes to synaptic plasticity and memory acting through α7 subtype nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs). Here, we hypothesized that the α7nAChR deletion blocks Aβ physiological function and promotes a compensatory increase in Aβ levels that, in turn, triggers an AD-like pathology. To validate this hypothesis, we studied the age-dependent phenotype of α7 knock out mice. We found that α7nAChR deletion caused an impairment of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory at 12 months of age, paralleled by an increase of Amyloid Precursor Protein expression and Aβ levels. This was accompanied by other classical AD features such as a hyperphosphorylation of tau at residues Ser 199, Ser 396, Thr 205, a decrease of GSK-3β at Ser 9, the presence of paired helical filaments and neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal loss and an increase of GFAP-positive astrocytes. Our findings suggest that α7nAChR malfunction might precede Aβ and tau pathology, offering a different perspective to interpret the failure of anti-Aβ therapies against AD and to find novel therapeutical approaches aimed at restoring α7nAChRs-mediated Aβ function at the synapse.
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20
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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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21
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Insights into the Pathophysiology of Psychiatric Symptoms in Central Nervous System Disorders: Implications for Early and Differential Diagnosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094440. [PMID: 33922780 PMCID: PMC8123079 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Different psychopathological manifestations, such as affective, psychotic, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and impulse control disturbances, may occur in most central nervous system (CNS) disorders including neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. Psychiatric symptoms often represent the clinical onset of such disorders, thus potentially leading to misdiagnosis, delay in treatment, and a worse outcome. In this review, psychiatric symptoms observed along the course of several neurological diseases, namely Alzheimer’s disease, fronto-temporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, are discussed, as well as the involved brain circuits and molecular/synaptic alterations. Special attention has been paid to the emerging role of fluid biomarkers in early detection of these neurodegenerative diseases. The frequent occurrence of psychiatric symptoms in neurological diseases, even as the first clinical manifestations, should prompt neurologists and psychiatrists to share a common clinico-biological background and a coordinated diagnostic approach.
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22
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Fagiani F, Lanni C, Racchi M, Govoni S. (Dys)regulation of Synaptic Activity and Neurotransmitter Release by β-Amyloid: A Look Beyond Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:635880. [PMID: 33716668 PMCID: PMC7943918 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.635880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Beside its widely studied role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), β-amyloid (Aβ) is a normal and soluble product of neuronal metabolism that regulates several key physiological functions, exerting neuromodulatory effects on synaptic plasticity, memory, and neurotransmitter release. Such effects have been observed to occur in a hormetic fashion, with Aβ exhibiting a dual role influenced by its concentration, the different isoforms, or aggregation forms of the peptide. However, to date, our knowledge about the physiological functions of Aβ and, in particular, its modulatory role on synaptic activity and neurotransmission in the normal brain is fragmentary, thus hindering a clear comprehension of the biological mechanisms underlying the derangement from function to dysfunction. In particular, according to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, the switch from physiology to pathology is linked to the abnormal increase in Aβ levels, due to an imbalance in Aβ production and clearance. In this regard, increased Aβ levels have been hypothesized to induce early defects in synaptic function and such alterations have been suggested to account, at least in part, for the onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., apathy, anxiety, changes in mood, depression, and agitation/aggression), frequently observed in the prodromal stage of AD. Therefore, understanding the biological mechanisms underlying early synaptic alterations in AD is a key starting point to frame the relevant time windows for AD treatment and to gain insight into AD etiopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fagiani
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Istituto Universitario di Studi Superiori - IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Lanni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Racchi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Govoni
- Department of Drug Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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23
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Lennol MP, Canelles S, Guerra-Cantera S, Argente J, García-Segura LM, de Ceballos ML, Chowen JA, Frago LM. Amyloid-β 1-40 differentially stimulates proliferation, activation of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in male and female hippocampal astrocyte cultures. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 195:111462. [PMID: 33609535 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and has a higher incidence in women. The main component of the senile plaques characteristic of AD is amyloid-beta (Aβ), with surrounding astrocytes contributing to the degenerative process. We hypothesized that the sex difference in the incidence of AD could be partially due to differential astrocytic responses to Aβ. Thus, the effect of Aβ1-40 on cell viability, the inflammatory response, and oxidative status was studied in cultures of hippocampal astrocytes from male and female rats. Aβ1-40 increased astrocyte viability in both female and male cultures by activating proliferation and survival pathways. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses were induced in astrocytes from both sexes. Aβ1-40 did not affect endoplasmic reticulum stress although it induced oxidative stress in male and female astrocytes. Interestingly, male astrocytes had an increase in cell number and significantly lower cell death in response to Aβ1-40. Conversely, astrocytes from females displayed a greater inflammatory response after the Aβ1-40 challenge. These results suggest that the inflammatory and oxidative environment induced by Aβ1-40 in female astrocytes may contribute to enhance the vulnerability to AD and warrants further studies to unveil the mechanisms underlying sex differences in astrocytic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Lennol
- Department of Paediatrics, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain
| | - Sandra Canelles
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Santiago Guerra-Cantera
- Department of Paediatrics, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Jesús Argente
- Department of Paediatrics, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain; IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Carretera de Cantoblanco 8, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel García-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Av. Doctor Arce, 37, Madrid, 28002, Spain; CIBER de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - María L de Ceballos
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Av. Doctor Arce, 37, Madrid, 28002, Spain; CIBER de Investigación Biomédica en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Julie A Chowen
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain; IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Carretera de Cantoblanco 8, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Laura M Frago
- Department of Paediatrics, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain.
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24
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A review on α-mangostin as a potential multi-target-directed ligand for Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 897:173950. [PMID: 33607107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive memory loss, declining language skills and other cognitive disorders. AD has brought great mental and economic burden to patients, families and society. However due to the complexity of AD's pathology, drugs developed for the treatment of AD often fail in clinical or experimental trials. The main problems of current anti-AD drugs are low efficacy due to mono-target method or side effects, especially high hepatotoxicity. To tackle these two main problems, multi-target-directed ligand (MTDL) based on "one molecule, multiple targets" has been studied. MTDLs can regulate multiple biological targets at the same time, so it has shown higher efficacy, better safety. As a natural active small molecule, α-mangostin (α-M) has shown potential multi-factor anti-AD activities in a series of studies, furthermore it also has a certain hepatoprotective effect. The good availability of α-M also provides support for its application in clinical research. In this work, multiple activities of α-M related to AD therapy were reviewed, which included anti-cholinesterase, anti-amyloid-cascade, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, low toxicity, hepatoprotective effects and drug formulation. It shows that α-M is a promising candidate for the treatment of AD.
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25
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Kwon J, Choi JS, Lee J, Na J, Sung J, Lee HJ, Lee HS, Lim YB, Choi HJ. Disaggregation of Amyloid-β Plaques by a Local Electric Field Generated by a Vertical Nanowire Electrode Array. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:55596-55604. [PMID: 33269924 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c16000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation and accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides is a characteristic pathology for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although noninvasive therapies involving stimulation by electric field (EF) have been reported, the efficiency of Aβ disaggregation needs to be further improved for this strategy to be used in clinical settings. In this study, we show that an electrode based on a vertical nanowire electrode array (VNEA) is far more superior to a typical flat-type electrode in disaggregating Aβ plaques. The enhanced disaggregation efficiency of VNEA is due to the formation of high-strength local EF between the nanowires, as verified by in silico and empirical evidence. Compared with those of the flat electrode, the simulation data revealed that 19.8-fold and 8.8-fold higher EFs are generated above and between the nanowires, respectively. Moreover, empirical cyclic voltammetry data demonstrated that VNEA had a 2.7-fold higher charge capacity than the flat electrode; this is associated with the higher surface area of VNEA. The conformational transition of Aβ peptides between the β-sheet and α-helix could be sensitively monitored in real time by the newly designed in situ circular dichroism instrument. This highly efficient EF-configuration of VNEA will lower the stimulation power for disaggregating the Aβ plaques, compared to that of other existing field-mediated modulation systems. Considering the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor-compatibility and biocompatible strength of the EF for perturbing the Aβ aggregation, our study could pave the way for the potential use of electric stimulation devices for in vivo therapeutic application as well as scientific studies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juyoung Kwon
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Shik Choi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaejun Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jukwan Na
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesuk Sung
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jung Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Soo Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Beom Lim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Heon-Jin Choi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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26
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Karisetty BC, Bhatnagar A, Armour EM, Beaver M, Zhang H, Elefant F. Amyloid-β Peptide Impact on Synaptic Function and Neuroepigenetic Gene Control Reveal New Therapeutic Strategies for Alzheimer's Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:577622. [PMID: 33304239 PMCID: PMC7693454 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.577622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides can form protease-resistant aggregates within and outside of neurons. Accumulation of these aggregates is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology and contributes to devastating cognitive deficits associated with this disorder. The primary etiological factor for Aβ aggregation is either an increase in Aβ production or a decrease in its clearance. Aβ is produced by the sequential activity of β- and γ-secretase on the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the clearance is mediated by chaperone-mediated mechanisms. The Aβ aggregates vary from soluble monomers and oligomers to insoluble senile plaques. While excess intraneuronal oligomers can transduce neurotoxic signals into neurons causing cellular defects like oxidative stress and neuroepigenetic mediated transcriptional dysregulation, extracellular senile plaques cause neurodegeneration by impairing neural membrane permeabilization and cell signaling pathways. Paradoxically, senile plaque formation is hypothesized to be an adaptive mechanism to sequester excess toxic soluble oligomers while leaving native functional Aβ levels intact. This hypothesis is strengthened by the absence of positive outcomes and side effects from immunotherapy clinical trials aimed at complete Aβ clearance, and support beneficial physiological roles for native Aβ in cellular function. Aβ has been shown to modulate synaptic transmission, consolidate memory, and protect against excitotoxicity. We discuss the current understanding of beneficial and detrimental roles for Aβ in synaptic function and epigenetic gene control and the future promising prospects of early therapeutic interventions aimed at mediating Aβ induced neuroepigenetic and synaptic dysfunctions to delay AD onset.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Felice Elefant
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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27
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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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28
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Proteotoxicity and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165646. [PMID: 32781742 PMCID: PMC7460676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a major burden for our society, affecting millions of people worldwide. A main goal of past and current research is to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying proteotoxicity, a common theme among these incurable and debilitating conditions. Cell proteome alteration is considered to be one of the main driving forces that triggers neurodegeneration, and unraveling the biological complexity behind the affected molecular pathways constitutes a daunting challenge. This review summarizes the current state on key processes that lead to cellular proteotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, providing a comprehensive landscape of recent literature. A foundational understanding of how proteotoxicity affects disease etiology and progression may provide essential insight towards potential targets amenable of therapeutic intervention.
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29
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Cocco S, Rinaudo M, Fusco S, Longo V, Gironi K, Renna P, Aceto G, Mastrodonato A, Li Puma DD, Podda MV, Grassi C. Plasma BDNF Levels Following Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Allow Prediction of Synaptic Plasticity and Memory Deficits in 3×Tg-AD Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:541. [PMID: 32719795 PMCID: PMC7349675 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) supposedly increases the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. However, presently available diagnostic procedures are either invasive or require complex and expensive technologies, which cannot be applied at a larger scale to screen populations at risk of AD. We were looking for a biomarker allowing to unveil a dysfunction of molecular mechanisms, which underly synaptic plasticity and memory, before the AD phenotype is manifested and investigated the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in 3×Tg-AD mice, an experimental model of AD which does not exhibit any long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory deficits at the age of 3 months (3×Tg-AD-3M). Our results demonstrated that tDCS differentially affected 3×Tg-AD-3M and age-matched wild-type (WT) mice. While tDCS increased LTP at CA3-CA1 synapses and memory in WT mice, it failed to elicit these effects in 3×Tg-AD-3M mice. Remarkably, 3×Tg-AD-3M mice did not show the tDCS-dependent increases in pCREBSer133 and pCaMKIIThr286, which were found in WT mice. Of relevance, tDCS induced a significant increase of plasma BDNF levels in WT mice, which was not found in 3×Tg-AD-3M mice. Collectively, our results showed that plasticity mechanisms are resistant to tDCS effects in the pre-AD stage. In particular, the lack of BDNF responsiveness to tDCS in 3×Tg-AD-3M mice suggests that combining tDCS with dosages of plasma BDNF levels may provide an easy-to-detect and low-cost biomarker of covert impairment of synaptic plasticity mechanisms underlying memory, which could be clinically applicable. Testing proposed here might be useful to identify AD in its preclinical stage, allowing timely and, hopefully, more effective disease-modifying interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cocco
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Rinaudo
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Fusco
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Longo
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Gironi
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Renna
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Aceto
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Domenica Donatella Li Puma
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Podda
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Guo MF, Zhang HY, Li YH, Gu QF, Wei WY, Wang YY, Zhang XJ, Liu XQ, Song LJ, Chai Z, Yu JZ, Ma CG. Fasudil inhibits the activation of microglia and astrocytes of transgenic Alzheimer's disease mice via the downregulation of TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB pathway. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 346:577284. [PMID: 32652366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests an association of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) with microglial and astrocytic dysregulation. Recent studies have proposed that activated microglia can transform astrocytes to a neurotoxic A1 phenotype, which has been shown to be involved in the promotion of neuronal damage in several neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. In the present study, we observed an obvious microglial activation and A1-specific astrocyte response in the brain tissue of APP/PS1 Tg mice. Fasudil treatment improved the cognitive deficits of APP/PS1 Tg mice, inhibited microglial activation and promoted their transformation to an anti-inflammatory phenotype, and further shifted astrocytes from an A1 to an A2 phenotype. Our experiments suggest Fasudil exerted these functions by inhibing the expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB, which are key mediators of inflammation. Using in vitro experiments, we further validated in vivo findings. Our cell experiments indicated that Fasudil induces a shift of inflammatory microglia towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype. LPS-induced microglia-conditioned medium promotes A1 astrocytic polarization, but Fasudil treatment resulted in a direct transformation of A1 astrocytes to A2. To summarize, our results show that Fasudil inhibits the neurotoxic activation of microglia and shifts astrocytes towards a neuroprotective A2 phenotype, representing a promising candidate for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Fang Guo
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Hui-Yu Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Yan-Hua Li
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Qing-Fang Gu
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Wen-Yue Wei
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China; Dept. of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Yu-Yin Wang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China; Research Center of Neurobiology, The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China; Dept. of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Xiao-Qin Liu
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Li-Juan Song
- Research Center of Neurobiology, The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China; Dept. of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Zhi Chai
- Research Center of Neurobiology, The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China
| | - Jie-Zhong Yu
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China; Dept. of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Dept. of Neurology, Datong Fifth People's Hospital, Datong 037009, China.
| | - Cun-Gen Ma
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China; Research Center of Neurobiology, The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China; Dept. of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
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31
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Caneus J, Akanda N, Rumsey JW, Guo X, Jackson M, Long CJ, Sommerhage F, Georgieva S, Kanaan NM, Morgan D, Hickman JJ. A human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical neuron human-on-a chip system to study Aβ 42 and tau-induced pathophysiological effects on long-term potentiation. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2020; 6:e12029. [PMID: 32490141 PMCID: PMC7253154 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The quest to identify an effective therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases, such as mild congitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), suffers from the lack of good human-based models. Animals represent the most common models used in basic research and drug discovery studies. However, safe and effective compounds identified in animal studies often translate poorly to humans, yielding unsuccessful clinical trials. METHODS A functional in vitro assay based on long-term potentiation (LTP) was used to demonstrate that exposure to amyloid beta (Aβ42) and tau oligomers, or brain extracts from AD transgenic mice led to prominent changes in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived cortical neurons, notably, without cell death. RESULTS Impaired information processing was demonstrated by treatment of neuron-MEA (microelectrode array) systems with the oligomers and brain extracts by reducing the effects of LTP induction. These data confirm the neurotoxicity of molecules linked to AD pathology and indicate the utility of this human-based system to model aspects of AD in vitro and study LTP deficits without loss of viability; a phenotype that more closely models the preclinical or early stage of AD. DISCUSSION In this study, by combining multiple relevant and important molecular and technical aspects of neuroscience research, we generated a new, fully human in vitro system to model and study AD at the preclinical stage. This system can serve as a novel drug discovery platform to identify compounds that rescue or alleviate the initial neuronal deficits caused by Aβ42 and/or tau oligomers, a main focus of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julbert Caneus
- NanoScience Technology CenterUniversity of Central FloridaOrlandoFloridaUSA
| | - Nesar Akanda
- NanoScience Technology CenterUniversity of Central FloridaOrlandoFloridaUSA
| | | | - Xiufang Guo
- NanoScience Technology CenterUniversity of Central FloridaOrlandoFloridaUSA
| | | | | | - Frank Sommerhage
- NanoScience Technology CenterUniversity of Central FloridaOrlandoFloridaUSA
| | - Sanya Georgieva
- NanoScience Technology CenterUniversity of Central FloridaOrlandoFloridaUSA
| | - Nicholas M. Kanaan
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityCollege of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids Research CenterGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - David Morgan
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceMichigan State UniversityCollege of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids Research CenterGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - James J. Hickman
- NanoScience Technology CenterUniversity of Central FloridaOrlandoFloridaUSA
- Hesperos Inc.OrlandoFloridaUSA
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32
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Crystal JD. Memory: Amyloid Beta Is Good Before It Is Bad. Curr Biol 2020; 30:R449-R450. [PMID: 32428478 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A fundamental mystery in the biology of memory is to understand the pathway from normal memory to later dysfunctional memory. Some insight on this problem comes from new research suggesting that amyloid beta helps memory consolidation, before it impairs memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon D Crystal
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 1101 E. 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405-7007, USA.
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33
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Marcocci ME, Napoletani G, Protto V, Kolesova O, Piacentini R, Li Puma DD, Lomonte P, Grassi C, Palamara AT, De Chiara G. Herpes Simplex Virus-1 in the Brain: The Dark Side of a Sneaky Infection. Trends Microbiol 2020; 28:808-820. [PMID: 32386801 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) establishes latency preferentially in sensory neurons of peripheral ganglia. A variety of stresses can induce recurrent reactivations of the virus, which spreads and then actively replicates to the site of primary infection (usually the lips or eyes). Viral particles produced following reactivation can also reach the brain, causing a rare but severe form of diffuse acute infection, namely herpes simplex encephalitis. Most of the time, this infection is clinically asymptomatic. However, it was recently correlated with the production and accumulation of neuropathological biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease. In this review we discuss the different cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the acute and long-term damage caused by HSV-1 infection in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Marcocci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Napoletani
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Protto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Olga Kolesova
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Piacentini
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenica Donatella Li Puma
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrick Lomonte
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5310, INSERM U 1217, Institut NeuroMyoGène (INMG), Lyon, France
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy; San Raffaele Pisana, IRCCS, Telematic University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanna De Chiara
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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34
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Corsetti V, Borreca A, Latina V, Giacovazzo G, Pignataro A, Krashia P, Natale F, Cocco S, Rinaudo M, Malerba F, Florio R, Ciarapica R, Coccurello R, D’Amelio M, Ammassari-Teule M, Grassi C, Calissano P, Amadoro G. Passive immunotherapy for N-truncated tau ameliorates the cognitive deficits in two mouse Alzheimer's disease models. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa039. [PMID: 32954296 PMCID: PMC7425324 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and neuropathological studies have shown that tau pathology better correlates with the severity of dementia than amyloid plaque burden, making tau an attractive target for the cure of Alzheimer's disease. We have explored whether passive immunization with the 12A12 monoclonal antibody (26-36aa of tau protein) could improve the Alzheimer's disease phenotype of two well-established mouse models, Tg2576 and 3xTg mice. 12A12 is a cleavage-specific monoclonal antibody which selectively binds the pathologically relevant neurotoxic NH226-230 fragment (i.e. NH2htau) of tau protein without cross-reacting with its full-length physiological form(s). We found out that intravenous administration of 12A12 monoclonal antibody into symptomatic (6 months old) animals: (i) reaches the hippocampus in its biologically active (antigen-binding competent) form and successfully neutralizes its target; (ii) reduces both pathological tau and amyloid precursor protein/amyloidβ metabolisms involved in early disease-associated synaptic deterioration; (iii) improves episodic-like type of learning/memory skills in hippocampal-based novel object recognition and object place recognition behavioural tasks; (iv) restores the specific up-regulation of the activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein involved in consolidation of experience-dependent synaptic plasticity; (v) relieves the loss of dendritic spine connectivity in pyramidal hippocampal CA1 neurons; (vi) rescues the Alzheimer's disease-related electrophysiological deficits in hippocampal long-term potentiation at the CA3-CA1 synapses; and (vii) mitigates the neuroinflammatory response (reactive gliosis). These findings indicate that the 20-22 kDa NH2-terminal tau fragment is crucial target for Alzheimer's disease therapy and prospect immunotherapy with 12A12 monoclonal antibody as safe (normal tau-preserving), beneficial approach in contrasting the early Amyloidβ-dependent and independent neuropathological and cognitive alterations in affected subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonella Borreca
- Humanitas University Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Pathology, Neuro Center, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Paraskevi Krashia
- IRCSS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Department of Science and Technology for Humans and Environment, University Campus Bio-medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Natale
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Cocco
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Rinaudo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rita Florio
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Coccurello
- IRCSS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Institute for Complex Systems (ISC), CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D’Amelio
- IRCSS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Medicine, University Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Department of Science and Technology for Humans and Environment, University Campus Bio-medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Grassi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppina Amadoro
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), 00161 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT)–National Research Council (CNR), 00133 Rome, Italy
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35
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Li S, Selkoe DJ. A mechanistic hypothesis for the impairment of synaptic plasticity by soluble Aβ oligomers from Alzheimer's brain. J Neurochem 2020; 154:583-597. [PMID: 32180217 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
It is increasingly accepted that early cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease results in considerable part from synaptic dysfunction caused by the accumulation of a range of oligomeric assemblies of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). Most studies have used synthetic Aβ peptides to explore the mechanisms of memory deficits in rodent models, but recent work suggests that Aβ assemblies isolated from human (AD) brain tissue are far more potent and disease-relevant. Although reductionist experiments show Aβ oligomers to impair synaptic plasticity and neuronal viability, the responsible mechanisms are only partly understood. Glutamatergic receptors, GABAergic receptors, nicotinic receptors, insulin receptors, the cellular prion protein, inflammatory mediators, and diverse signaling pathways have all been suggested. Studies using AD brain-derived soluble Aβ oligomers suggest that only certain bioactive forms (principally small, diffusible oligomers) can disrupt synaptic plasticity, including by binding to plasma membranes and changing excitatory-inhibitory balance, perturbing mGluR, PrP, and other neuronal surface proteins, down-regulating glutamate transporters, causing glutamate spillover, and activating extrasynaptic GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors. We synthesize these emerging data into a mechanistic hypothesis for synaptic failure in Alzheimer's disease that can be modified as new knowledge is added and specific therapeutics are developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaomin Li
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dennis J Selkoe
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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36
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Finnie PSB, Nader K. Amyloid Beta Secreted during Consolidation Prevents Memory Malleability. Curr Biol 2020; 30:1934-1940.e4. [PMID: 32243855 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.02.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Memory allows organisms to predict future events based on their prior sampling of the world. Rather than faithfully encoding each detail of related episodes, the brain is thought to incrementally construct probabilistic estimates of environmental statistics that are re-evaluated each time relevant events are encountered [1]. When faced with evidence that does not adequately fit mnemonic predictions, a process called reconsolidation can alter relevant memories to better recapitulate ongoing experience [2]. Conversely, when an ongoing event matches well-established predictions, reactivated memories tend to remain stable [3, 4]. In part, the brain may confer selective mnemonic stability by shifting cell-intrinsic mechanisms of plasticity induction [5], which could serve to constrain maladaptive updating of reliably predictive representations during anomalous events. Based on evidence of decreased cognitive flexibility and restricted synaptic plasticity in later life [6], we hypothesized that some prevalent age-associated neurobiological changes might in fact contribute to mnemonic stability [7]. Specifically, we predicted that amyloid beta (Aβ)-a peptide that often accumulates in the brains of individuals expressing senescent dementia [8-10]-is required for memory stabilization. Indeed, we observe elevated soluble Aβx-42 concentrations in the amygdala shortly after young adult rats form reconsolidation-resistant auditory fear memories. Suppressing secretases required for Aβ production immediately after learning prevents mnemonic stabilization, rendering these memories vulnerable to disruption by post-reactivation amnestic treatments. Thus, the seemingly pathogenic Aβ42 peptide may serve an adaptive physiological function during memory consolidation by engaging mechanisms that protect reliably predictive representations against subsequent modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S B Finnie
- Psychology Department, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Dr. Penfield, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada.
| | - Karim Nader
- Psychology Department, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Dr. Penfield, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, Canada.
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37
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Transcriptome Profile of Nicotinic Receptor-Linked Sensitization of Beta Amyloid Neurotoxicity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5696. [PMID: 32231242 PMCID: PMC7105468 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62726-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the specific gene changes underlying the prodromic stages of Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis will aid the development of new, targeted therapeutic strategies for this neurodegenerative disorder. Here, we employed RNA-sequencing to analyze global differential gene expression in a defined model nerve cell line expressing α4β2 nicotinic receptors (nAChRs), high-affinity targets for beta amyloid (Aβ). The nAChR-expressing neuronal cells were treated with nanomolar Aβ1–42 to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in the presence of this sensitizing target receptor. We identified 15 genes (out of 15,336) that were differentially expressed upon receptor-linked Aβ treatment. Genes up-regulated with Aβ treatment were associated with calcium signaling and axonal vesicle transport (including the α4 nAChR subunit, the calcineurin regulator RCAN3, and KIF1C of the kinesin family). Downregulated genes were associated with metabolic, apoptotic or DNA repair pathways (including APBA3, PARP1 and RAB11). Validation of the differential expression was performed via qRT-PCR and immunoblot analysis in the defined model nerve cell line and primary mouse neurons. Further verification was performed using immunocytochemistry. In conclusion, we identified apparent changes in gene expression on Aβ treatment in the presence of the sensitizing nAChRs, linked to early-stage Aβ-induced neurotoxicity, which may represent novel therapeutic targets.
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38
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Das BC, Dasgupta S, Ray SK. Potential therapeutic roles of retinoids for prevention of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:1880-1892. [PMID: 31290437 PMCID: PMC6676868 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.259604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
All retinoids, which can be natural and synthetic, are chemically related to vitamin A. Both natural and synthetic retinoids use specific nuclear receptors such as retinoic acid receptors and retinoid X receptors to activate specific signaling pathways in the cells. Retinoic acid signaling is extremely important in the central nervous system. Impairment of retinoic acid signaling pathways causes severe pathological processes in the central nervous system, especially in the adult brain. Retinoids have major roles in neural patterning, differentiation, axon outgrowth in normal development, and function of the brain. Impaired retinoic acid signaling results in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial malfunction, and neurodegeneration leading to progressive Alzheimer's disease, which is pathologically characterized by extra-neuronal accumulation of amyloid plaques (aggregated amyloid-beta) and intra-neurofibrillary tangles (hyperphosphorylated tau protein) in the temporal lobe of the brain. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and loss of memory in old adults. Inactive cholinergic neurotransmission is responsible for cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease patients. Deficiency or deprivation of retinoic acid in mice is associated with loss of spatial learning and memory. Retinoids inhibit expression of chemokines and neuroinflammatory cytokines in microglia and astrocytes, which are activated in Alzheimer's disease. Stimulation of retinoic acid receptors and retinoid X receptors slows down accumulation of amyloids, reduces neurodegeneration, and thereby prevents pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease in mice. In this review, we described chemistry and biochemistry of some natural and synthetic retinoids and potentials of retinoids for prevention of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar C. Das
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Somsankar Dasgupta
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Swapan K. Ray
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, USA
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39
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Meng X, Li T, Wang X, Lv X, Sun Z, Zhang J, Su F, Kang S, Kim S, An SSA, Yu X, Zhang C, Wang H. Association between increased levels of amyloid-β oligomers in plasma and episodic memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2019; 11:89. [PMID: 31651358 PMCID: PMC6814096 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-019-0535-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective The objectives of this study were to investigate whether the plasma levels of oligomeric amyloid-β (OAβ) were affected in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and to examine the associations (or possible correlations) between plasma OAβ levels and memory performance. Method Thirty subjects with AD and 28 cognitively normal controls were recruited in the study. The multimer detection system (MDS) was used to measure the levels of OAβ in the plasma. In addition to assessing the general cognitive function with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–cognitive portion (ADAS-Cog), the common objects memory test (COMT) was used to examine the episodic memory performance. Pearson’s and partial correlation analyses were conducted to explore the associations between cognitive performance and OAβ levels in the plasma. A receiving operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to discriminate between the AD and control groups. Results The plasma OAβ levels in the AD group were significantly higher than those in the control group [1.88 (0.38) ng/ml vs 1.20 (0.40) ng/ml, p < 0.001]. The elevated levels of plasma OAβ showed a strong correlation with cognitive performance in patients with AD, including an inverse correlation with scores on the MMSE (r = − 0.43, p = 0.02), CASI (r = − 0.56, p < 0.01), and the immediate recall (r = − 0.45, p = 0.01), 5-min delayed recall (r = − 0.56, p < 0.01), and 30-min delayed recall (r = − 0.71, p < 0.001) tests of the COMT, and a positive correlation with the ADAS-Cog scores (r = 0.59, p < 0.001). The EDTA plasma Aβ oligomer optical density (OD) value measured using the MDS could discriminate between the AD and control groups with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.89. The optimal sensitivity and specificity were 82.1% and 90.0%, respectively. Conclusion The elevated levels of OAβ in the plasma distinguished the AD and control groups and were associated with the severity of symptoms, especially memory performance, in patients with AD. Our results suggested that plasma OAβ could potentially be a simple and non-invasive blood-based biomarker for AD diagnosis. Furthermore, longitudinal studies are warranted to explore the application of plasma OAβ levels as a valid diagnostic biomarker in patients with AD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13195-019-0535-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Meng
- Dementia Care and Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Translational Research on Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia, Peking University Institute of Mental Health (Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Key Laboratory for Mental Health, National Health Commission, Beijing, 100191, China.,State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Tao Li
- Dementia Care and Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Translational Research on Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia, Peking University Institute of Mental Health (Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Key Laboratory for Mental Health, National Health Commission, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Dementia Care and Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Translational Research on Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia, Peking University Institute of Mental Health (Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Key Laboratory for Mental Health, National Health Commission, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaozhen Lv
- Dementia Care and Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Translational Research on Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia, Peking University Institute of Mental Health (Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Key Laboratory for Mental Health, National Health Commission, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhiyu Sun
- Dementia Care and Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Translational Research on Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia, Peking University Institute of Mental Health (Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jichun Zhang
- Dementia Care and Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Translational Research on Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia, Peking University Institute of Mental Health (Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.,State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Feng Su
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Sungmin Kang
- Department of Research and Development, PeopleBio, Inc., Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - SangYun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine, 82, Gumi-ro 173, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 463-707, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Soo A An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 461-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Xin Yu
- Dementia Care and Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Translational Research on Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia, Peking University Institute of Mental Health (Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Key Laboratory for Mental Health, National Health Commission, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Chen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences, PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Huali Wang
- Dementia Care and Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Translational Research on Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia, Peking University Institute of Mental Health (Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Key Laboratory for Mental Health, National Health Commission, Beijing, 100191, China.
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40
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Li Puma DD, Piacentini R, Leone L, Gironi K, Marcocci ME, De Chiara G, Palamara AT, Grassi C. Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Infection Impairs Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis via Amyloid-β Protein Accumulation. Stem Cells 2019; 37:1467-1480. [PMID: 31381841 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) infection of cultured neurons triggered intracellular accumulation of amyloid-β protein (Aβ) markedly impinging on neuronal functions. Here, we demonstrated that HSV-1 affects in vitro and in vivo adult hippocampal neurogenesis by reducing neural stem/progenitor cell (NSC) proliferation and their neuronal differentiation via intracellular Aβ accumulation. Specifically, cultured NSCs were more permissive for HSV-1 replication than mature neurons and, once infected, they exhibited reduced proliferation (assessed by 5'-bromo-deoxyuridine incorporation, Ki67 immunoreactivity, and Sox2 mRNA expression) and impaired neuronal differentiation in favor of glial phenotype (evaluated by immunoreactivity for the neuronal marker MAP2, the glial marker glial fibrillary astrocyte protein, and the expression of the proneuronal genes Mash1 and NeuroD1). Similarly, impaired adult neurogenesis was observed in the subgranular zone of hippocampal dentate gyrus of an in vivo model of recurrent HSV-1 infections, that we recently set up and characterized, with respect to mock-infected mice. The effects of HSV-1 on neurogenesis did not depend on cell death and were due to Aβ accumulation in infected NSCs. Indeed, they were: (a) reverted, in vitro, by the presence of either β/γ-secretase inhibitors preventing Aβ production or the specific 4G8 antibody counteracting the action of intracellular Aβ; (b) not detectable, in vivo, in HSV-1-infected amyloid precursor protein knockout mice, unable to produce and accumulate Aβ. Given the critical role played by adult neurogenesis in hippocampal-dependent memory and learning, our results suggest that multiple virus reactivations in the brain may contribute to Alzheimer's disease phenotype by also targeting NSCs. Stem Cells 2019;37:1467-1480.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenica Donatella Li Puma
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Piacentini
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Leone
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Gironi
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Marcocci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna De Chiara
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy.,San Raffaele Pisana, IRCCS, Telematic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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41
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Forest KH, Nichols RA. Assessing Neuroprotective Agents for Aβ-Induced Neurotoxicity. Trends Mol Med 2019; 25:685-695. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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42
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Gulisano W, Melone M, Ripoli C, Tropea MR, Li Puma DD, Giunta S, Cocco S, Marcotulli D, Origlia N, Palmeri A, Arancio O, Conti F, Grassi C, Puzzo D. Neuromodulatory Action of Picomolar Extracellular Aβ42 Oligomers on Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Mechanisms Underlying Synaptic Function and Memory. J Neurosci 2019; 39:5986-6000. [PMID: 31127002 PMCID: PMC6650983 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0163-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Failure of anti-amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) therapies against Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by high amounts of the peptide in the brain, raised the question of the physiological role of Aβ released at low concentrations in the healthy brain. To address this question, we studied the presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms underlying the neuromodulatory action of picomolar amounts of oligomeric Aβ42 (oAβ42) on synaptic glutamatergic function in male and female mice. We found that 200 pm oAβ42 induces an increase of frequency of miniature EPSCs and a decrease of paired pulse facilitation, associated with an increase in docked vesicle number, indicating that it augments neurotransmitter release at presynaptic level. oAβ42 also produced postsynaptic changes as shown by an increased length of postsynaptic density, accompanied by an increased expression of plasticity-related proteins such as cAMP-responsive element binding protein phosphorylated at Ser133, calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase II phosphorylated at Thr286, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, suggesting a role for Aβ in synaptic tagging. These changes resulted in the conversion of early into late long-term potentiation through the nitric oxide/cGMP/protein kinase G intracellular cascade consistent with a cGMP-dependent switch from short- to long-term memory observed in vivo after intrahippocampal administration of picomolar amounts of oAβ42 These effects were present upon extracellular but not intracellular application of the peptide and involved α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These observations clarified the physiological role of oAβ42 in synaptic function and memory formation providing solid fundamentals for investigating the pathological effects of high Aβ levels in the AD brains.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT High levels of oligomeric amyloid-β42 (oAβ42) induce synaptic dysfunction leading to memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, at picomolar concentrations, the peptide is needed to ensure long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory. Here, we show that extracellular 200 pm oAβ42 concentrations increase neurotransmitter release, number of docked vesicles, postsynaptic density length, and expression of plasticity-related proteins leading to the conversion of early LTP into late LTP and of short-term memory into long-term memory. These effects require α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and are mediated through the nitric oxide/cGMP/protein kinase G pathway. The knowledge of Aβ function in the healthy brain might be useful to understand the causes leading to its increase and detrimental effect in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Gulisano
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Marcello Melone
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60020, Italy
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Ricovero e Cura Anziani (INRCA), Ancona 60020, Italy
| | - Cristian Ripoli
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Tropea
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Domenica D Li Puma
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giunta
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Sara Cocco
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Daniele Marcotulli
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60020, Italy
| | - Nicola Origlia
- Neuroscience Institute, Italian National Research Council, Pisa 56100, Italy
| | - Agostino Palmeri
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60020, Italy
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Ricovero e Cura Anziani (INRCA), Ancona 60020, Italy
- Foundation for Molecular Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60020, Italy, and
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Daniela Puzzo
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy,
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, 94018, Italy
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Zhao P, Qian X, Nie Y, Sun N, Wang Z, Wu J, Wei C, Ma R, Wang Z, Chai G, Li Y. Neuropeptide S Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment of APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice by Promoting Synaptic Plasticity and Reducing Aβ Deposition. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:138. [PMID: 31293402 PMCID: PMC6603143 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating disease in the elderly with no known effective treatment. It is characterized by progressive deterioration of memory and cognition. Many new potential targets are being investigated to develop effective therapeutic strategies for AD. Neuropeptide S (NPS) is an endogenous peptide in the central nervous system, which has been shown to play a beneficial role in learning and memory. However, whether NPS can ameliorate cognitive deficits in AD remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of NPS treatment on the cognitive behaviors and pathological hallmarks in 8-month-old APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) AD mice. We found that the APP/PS1 mice exhibited lower levels of NPS receptors (NPSRs) in the hippocampal area, and NPS administration increased c-Fos expression in the hippocampus and cortex, which suggests the NPS/NPSR system may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. After an intracerebroventricular injection of NPS (1 nmol) for 2 weeks, we found NPS treatment ameliorated spatial memory deficits and promoted dendrite ramification and spine generation in hippocampal CA1 neurons, which was accompanied by the upregulation of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synapsin1. We also demonstrated that the injection of NPS decreased Aβ plaque deposits by decreasing the γ-secretase activity and the phosphorylation of APP at Thr668. Furthermore, application of NPS reversed the deficits in hippocampal late-phase long-term potentiation (LTP). These findings suggest NPS attenuated cognitive deficits by reducing pathological features in APP/PS1 mice, and NPS might be a potential therapeutic agent for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiaohang Qian
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yunjuan Nie
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Na Sun
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | | | - Jiajun Wu
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Chen Wei
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ruikun Ma
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Gaoshang Chai
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yuqing Li
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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44
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Marino C, Krishnan B, Cappello F, Taglialatela G. Hsp60 Protects against Amyloid β Oligomer Synaptic Toxicity via Modification of Toxic Oligomer Conformation. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:2858-2867. [PMID: 31091411 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. While the etiology of AD remains uncertain, neurotoxic effects of amyloid beta oligomers (Aβo) on synaptic function, a well-established early event in AD, is an attractive area for the development of novel strategies to modify or cease the disease's progression. In this work, we tested the protective action of the mitochondrial chaperone Hsp60 against Aβo neurotoxicity, by determining the direct effect of Hsp60 in changing Aβo toxic conformations and thus reducing their dysfunctional synaptic binding and consequent suppression of long-term potentiation. Our data suggest that Hsp60 has a direct impact on Aβo, resulting in a reduction of cytotoxicity and rescue of Aβo-driven synaptic damage, thus proposing Hsp60 as an attractive therapeutic target candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Marino
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1045 United States
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Balaji Krishnan
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1045 United States
| | - Francesco Cappello
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulio Taglialatela
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1045 United States
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45
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Wang L, Fang J, Jiang H, Wang Q, Xue S, Li Z, Liu R. 7-Pyrrolidinethoxy-4'-Methoxyisoflavone Prevents Amyloid β-Induced Injury by Regulating Histamine H3 Receptor-Mediated cAMP/CREB and AKT/GSK3β Pathways. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:334. [PMID: 31024245 PMCID: PMC6468582 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In studies on the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), in which cognition is enhanced even modestly or selectively, it has been considered that the histamine H3 receptor (H3R) may be a potential target. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the ability of 7-pyrrolidinethoxy-4′-methoxyisoflavone (indicated as LC1405), a novel potential H3R antagonist identified from our H3R antagonist screening system, to ameliorate amyloid β (Aβ)-induced cognitive deficits, and to explore the underlying mechanisms that are related to H3R-modulated signaling. Our results demonstrated that LC1405 effectively reduced the progression of Aβ-associated disorders, such as improved learning and memory capabilities, preserved tissues from suffering neurodegeneration and ultrastructural abnormalities, and ameliorated cholinergic dysfunction in an APP/PS1 double transgenic mouse model of AD. In an in vitro model, LC1405 protected neuronal cells against copper-induced Aβ toxicity, as demonstrated by the improvement in cell viability and decrease in neuronal apoptotic ratio. In addition, treatment with LC1405 resulted in the up-regulation of acetylcholine (ACh) or histamine release and provided neuroprotection through cellular signaling cascades involving H3R-mediated cAMP/CREB and AKT/GSK3β pathways. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of LC1405 on Aβ-mediated toxicity and H3R-mediated cAMP/CREB and AKT/GSK3β axes were reversed after pharmacological activation of H3R. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that LC1405 blocked Aβ-induced toxicity through H3R-modulated signaling transduction both in vitro and in vivo. The results also suggested that LC1405 might have translational potential as a complementary therapy to control disease progression in AD patients who developed cognitive deficits with H3R-related ACh neurotransmission abnormality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiansong Fang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hailun Jiang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Situ Xue
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuorong Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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46
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Puzzo D. Aβ oligomers: role at the synapse. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:1077-1078. [PMID: 30738412 PMCID: PMC6402528 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Puzzo
- Department Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
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47
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Liang X, Yao Y, Lin Y, Kong L, Xiao H, Shi Y, Yang J. Panaxadiol inhibits synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and targets the Fyn protein in APP/PS1 mice and APP-SH-SY5Y cells. Life Sci 2019; 221:35-46. [PMID: 30735733 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by memory loss and synaptic damage. Up to now, there are limited drugs to cure or delay the state of this illness. Recently, the Fyn tyrosine kinase is implicated in AD pathology triggered by synaptic damage. Thus, Fyn inhibition may prevent or delay the AD progression. Therefore, in this paper, we investigated whether Panaxadiol could decrease synaptic damage in AD and the underlying mechanism. MAIN METHODS The ability of learning and memory of mice has detected by Morris Water Maze. The pathological changes detected by H&E staining and Nissl staining. The percentage of cell apoptosis and the calcium concentration were detected by Flow Cytometry in vitro. The amount of synaptic protein and related proteins in the Fyn/GluN2B/CaMKIIα signaling pathway were detected by Western Blot. KEY FINDINGS In the present article, Panaxadiol could significantly improve the ability of learning and memory of mice and reduce its synaptic dysfunction. Panaxadiol could down-regulate GluN2B's phosphorylation level by inhibition Fyn kinase activity, Subsequently, decrease Ca2+-mediated synaptic damage, reducing LDH leakage, inhibiting apoptosis in AD, resulting in facilitating the cells survival. For the underlying molecular mechanism, we used PP2 to block the Fyn/GluN2B/CaMKIIα signaling pathway. The results from WB showed that the expression of related proteins in the Fyn signaling pathway decreased with PP2 treated. SIGNIFICANCE Our results indicate that Panaxadiol could decrease synaptic damage, which will cause AD via inhibition of the Fyn/GluN2B/CaMKIIα signaling pathway. Thus, the Panaxadiol is a best promising candidate to test as a potential therapy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xicai Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Yingjia Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Ying Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Liang Kong
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Honghe Xiao
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Yue Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China
| | - Jingxian Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dalian 116600, China.
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