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Singh AK, Malviya R, Prakash A, Verma S. Neuropsychiatric Manifestations in Alzheimer's Disease Patients: Genetics and Treatment Options. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:39-54. [PMID: 36856177 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230301111216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), which cause great misery to those with dementia and those who care for them and may lead to early institutionalization. OBJECTIVE The present systematic review aims to discuss the various aspects of Alzheimer's, including treatment options. METHODS The databases Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched to collect data. RESULTS Incipient cognitive deterioration is commonly accompanied by these early warning signals of neurocognitive diseases. The neurobiology of NPSs in Alzheimer's disease, as well as particular symptoms, including psychosis, agitation, apathy, sadness, and sleep disorders, will be examined in this review. For NPSs in Alzheimer's disease, clinical trial designs, as well as regulatory issues, were also addressed. A fresh wave of research, however, is helping to push the discipline ahead. For medication development and repurposing, we highlight the most recent results in genetics, neuroimaging, and neurobiology. Even though identifying and treating psychosis in adults with dementia is still a challenging endeavor, new options are coming up that give the field fresh focus and hope. Conclsuion: It can be concluded from the complete literature survey that Alzheimer's-related psychosis as well as other symptoms that are not psychotic, have made significant progress in the last decade. These milestones in the development of safer, more effective treatments have been achieved as a consequence of great focus on non-pharmacological interventions like DICE or WHELD; the investigation into ways to improve existing drugs like aripiprazole, risperidone, amisulpride, and Escitalopram for safer precision-based treatment; and the development of a clinical trial program for pimavanserin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rishabha Malviya
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anuj Prakash
- Reference Standard Division, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Sec-23, Raj Nagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Swati Verma
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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2
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Milicic L, Porter T, Vacher M, Laws SM. Utility of DNA Methylation as a Biomarker in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:475-503. [PMID: 37313495 PMCID: PMC10259073 DOI: 10.3233/adr-220109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation have been implicated in a number of diseases including cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. While it is recognized that DNA methylation is tissue-specific, a limitation for many studies is the ability to sample the tissue of interest, which is why there is a need for a proxy tissue such as blood, that is reflective of the methylation state of the target tissue. In the last decade, DNA methylation has been utilized in the design of epigenetic clocks, which aim to predict an individual's biological age based on an algorithmically defined set of CpGs. A number of studies have found associations between disease and/or disease risk with increased biological age, adding weight to the theory of increased biological age being linked with disease processes. Hence, this review takes a closer look at the utility of DNA methylation as a biomarker in aging and disease, with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidija Milicic
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Collaborative Genomics and Translation Group, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tenielle Porter
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Collaborative Genomics and Translation Group, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Vacher
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian e-Health Research Centre, Floreat, Western Australia
| | - Simon M. Laws
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Collaborative Genomics and Translation Group, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
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3
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Hajjo R, Sabbah DA, Abusara OH, Al Bawab AQ. A Review of the Recent Advances in Alzheimer's Disease Research and the Utilization of Network Biology Approaches for Prioritizing Diagnostics and Therapeutics. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12122975. [PMID: 36552984 PMCID: PMC9777434 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12122975] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a polygenic multifactorial neurodegenerative disease that, after decades of research and development, is still without a cure. There are some symptomatic treatments to manage the psychological symptoms but none of these drugs can halt disease progression. Additionally, over the last few years, many anti-AD drugs failed in late stages of clinical trials and many hypotheses surfaced to explain these failures, including the lack of clear understanding of disease pathways and processes. Recently, different epigenetic factors have been implicated in AD pathogenesis; thus, they could serve as promising AD diagnostic biomarkers. Additionally, network biology approaches have been suggested as effective tools to study AD on the systems level and discover multi-target-directed ligands as novel treatments for AD. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review on Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology to provide a better understanding of disease pathogenesis hypotheses and decipher the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in disease development and progression. We also provide an overview of disease biomarkers and drug targets and suggest network biology approaches as new tools for identifying novel biomarkers and drugs. We also posit that the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence to mining Alzheimer's disease multi-omics data will facilitate drug and biomarker discovery efforts and lead to effective individualized anti-Alzheimer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Hajjo
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan
- Laboratory for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carlina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- National Center for Epidemics and Communicable Disease Control, Amman 11118, Jordan
- Correspondence:
| | - Dima A. Sabbah
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan
| | - Osama H. Abusara
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan
| | - Abdel Qader Al Bawab
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, P.O. Box 130, Amman 11733, Jordan
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4
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Creese B, Lunnon K. Neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD: the search for mechanisms. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:639-640. [PMID: 36114241 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00721-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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5
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Agüera-Ortiz L, Babulal GM, Bruneau MA, Creese B, D'Antonio F, Fischer CE, Gatchel JR, Ismail Z, Kumar S, McGeown WJ, Mortby ME, Nuñez NA, de Oliveira FF, Pereiro AX, Ravona-Springer R, Rouse HJ, Wang H, Lanctôt KL. Psychosis as a Treatment Target in Dementia: A Roadmap for Designing Interventions. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 88:1203-1228. [PMID: 35786651 PMCID: PMC9484097 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Psychotic phenomena are among the most severe and disruptive symptoms of dementias and appear in 30% to 50% of patients. They are associated with a worse evolution and great suffering to patients and caregivers. Their current treatments obtain limited results and are not free of adverse effects, which are sometimes serious. It is therefore crucial to develop new treatments that can improve this situation. We review available data that could enlighten the future design of clinical trials with psychosis in dementia as main target. Along with an explanation of its prevalence in the common diseases that cause dementia, we present proposals aimed at improving the definition of symptoms and what should be included and excluded in clinical trials. A review of the available information regarding the neurobiological basis of symptoms, in terms of pathology, neuroimaging, and genomics, is provided as a guide towards new therapeutic targets. The correct evaluation of symptoms is transcendental in any therapeutic trial and these aspects are extensively addressed. Finally, a critical overview of existing pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments is made, revealing the unmet needs, in terms of efficacy and safety. Our work emphasizes the need for better definition and measurement of psychotic symptoms in dementias in order to highlight their differences with symptoms that appear in non-dementing diseases such as schizophrenia. Advances in neurobiology should illuminate the development of new, more effective and safer molecules for which this review can serve as a roadmap in the design of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Agüera-Ortiz
- Department of Psychiatry, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (imas12), Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, & Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ganesh M Babulal
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Marie-Andrée Bruneau
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Geriatric Institute of Montreal Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Byron Creese
- Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | | | - Corinne E Fischer
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,University of Toronto, Department of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer R Gatchel
- Harvard Medical School; Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA.,McLean Hospital, Belmont MA, USA
| | - Zahinoor Ismail
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute & O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - William J McGeown
- School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Moyra E Mortby
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia & Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicolas A Nuñez
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Fabricio F de Oliveira
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arturo X Pereiro
- Facultade de Psicoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ramit Ravona-Springer
- Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel & Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Hillary J Rouse
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.,SiteRx, New York, NY, USA
| | - Huali Wang
- Dementia Care and Research Center, Peking University Institute of Mental Health; National & Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Krista L Lanctôt
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute and Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Washer SJ, Flynn R, Oguro‐Ando A, Hannon E, Burrage J, Jeffries A, Mill J, Dempster EL. Functional characterization of the schizophrenia associated gene AS3MT identifies a role in neuronal development. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2022; 189:151-162. [PMID: 35719055 PMCID: PMC9546433 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple genomic regions associated with schizophrenia, although many variants reside in noncoding regions characterized by high linkage disequilibrium (LD) making the elucidation of molecular mechanisms challenging. A genomic region on chromosome 10q24 has been consistently associated with schizophrenia with risk attributed to the AS3MT gene. Although AS3MT is hypothesized to play a role in neuronal development and differentiation, work to fully understand the function of this gene has been limited. In this study we explored the function of AS3MT using a neuronal cell line (SH-SY5Y). We confirm previous findings of isoform specific expression of AS3MT during SH-SY5Y differentiation toward neuronal fates. Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing we generated AS3MT knockout SH-SY5Y cell lines and used RNA-seq to identify significant changes in gene expression in pathways associated with neuronal development, inflammation, extracellular matrix formation, and RNA processing, including dysregulation of other genes strongly implicated in schizophrenia. We did not observe any morphological changes in cell size and neurite length following neuronal differentiation and MAP2 immunocytochemistry. These results provide novel insights into the potential role of AS3MT in brain development and identify pathways through which genetic variation in this region may confer risk for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam J. Washer
- University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health, University of ExeterExeterUK,Cellular Operations, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome CampusHinxtonUK
| | - Robert Flynn
- University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health, University of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Asami Oguro‐Ando
- University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health, University of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Eilis Hannon
- University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health, University of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Joe Burrage
- University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health, University of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Aaron Jeffries
- University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health, University of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Jonathan Mill
- University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health, University of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Emma L. Dempster
- University of Exeter College of Medicine and Health, University of ExeterExeterUK
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7
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Benmelouka AY, Ouerdane Y, Outani O, Alnasser YT, Alghamdi BS, Perveen A, Ashraf GM, Ebada MA. Alzheimer's Disease-Related Psychosis: An Overview of Clinical Manifestations, Pathogenesis, and Current Treatment. Curr Alzheimer Res 2022; 19:285-301. [PMID: 35440308 DOI: 10.2174/1567205019666220418151914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral and psychotic manifestations, including aggression, delusions, and hallucinations, are frequent comorbidities in patients with debilitating nervous illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. AD-related psychosis may be linked to a poor disease prognosis, highlighting that early detection and management are mandatory. The manifestations are variable and may be very heterogeneous, imposing a real diagnostic issue. Some assessment tools such as BEHAVE-AD, CERAD-BRSD, and the Psycho-Sensory Hallucinations Scale have been designed to facilitate the diagnosis. The mechanisms behind neurodegeneration-related psychosis are complex and are not fully understood, imposing a burden on researchers to find appropriate management modalities. Familial history and some genetic disturbances may have a determinant role in these delusions and hallucinations in cases with AD. The loss of neuronal cells, atrophy in some regions of the central nervous, and synaptic dysfunction may also contribute to these comorbidities. Furthermore, inflammatory disturbances triggered by pro-inflammatory agents such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factors are stratified among the potential risk factors of the onset of numerous psychotic symptoms in Alzheimer's patients. Little is known about the possible management tools; therefore, it is urgent to conduct well-designed trials to investigate pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions that can improve the care process of these patients. This review summarizes the current findings regarding the AD-related psychosis symptoms, pathological features, assessment, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oumaima Outani
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed 5 University
| | | | - Badrah S Alghamdi
- Neuroscience Unit, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah.,Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah
| | - Asma Perveen
- Glocal University, Mirzapur Pole, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah.,Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah
| | - Mahmoud Ahmed Ebada
- Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Al-Sharkia.,Internal Medicine Resident, Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt, Cairo
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8
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Psychosis in Alzheimer disease - mechanisms, genetics and therapeutic opportunities. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:131-144. [PMID: 34983978 PMCID: PMC9074132 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00597-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Psychosis is a common and distressing symptom in people with Alzheimer disease, and few safe and effective treatments are available. However, new approaches to symptom assessment and treatment are beginning to drive the field forward. New nosological perspectives have been provided by incorporating the emergence of psychotic symptoms in older adults - even in advance of dementia - into epidemiological and neurobiological frameworks as well as into diagnostic and research criteria such as the International Psychogeriatric Association criteria for psychosis in neurocognitive disorders, the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART) research criteria for psychosis in neurodegenerative disease, and the ISTAART criteria for mild behavioural impairment. Here, we highlight the latest findings in genomics, neuroimaging and neurobiology that are informing approaches to drug discovery and repurposing. Current pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options are discussed, with a focus on safety and precision medicine. We also explore trial data for pimavanserin, a novel agent that shows promise for the treatment of psychosis in people with dementia, and discuss existing agents that might be useful but need further exploration such as escitalopram, lithium, cholinesterase inhibitors and vitamin D. Although the assessment and management of psychosis in people with dementia remain challenging, new opportunities are providing direction and hope to the field.
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9
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Kaur G, Rathod SSS, Ghoneim MM, Alshehri S, Ahmad J, Mishra A, Alhakamy NA. DNA Methylation: A Promising Approach in Management of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11010090. [PMID: 35053088 PMCID: PMC8773419 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification of genes which affects corresponding gene expression. During the developmental stage, embryonic stem cells undergo various epigenetic modifications to produce different specialized cells. DNA methylation appears as one of the important epigenetic modifications which not only potentiate neuronal development but also have been sought in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The present work focuses on the history of DNA methylation, its role in neurodevelopment functions, and how assessment of DNA hypermethylation and hypomethylation can be utilized for the prognosis of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. This review also paves the way for the development of novel treatment strategies based on targeting DNA methylation in neurodegenerative diseases. Abstract DNA methylation, in the mammalian genome, is an epigenetic modification that involves the transfer of a methyl group on the C5 position of cytosine to derive 5-methylcytosine. The role of DNA methylation in the development of the nervous system and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease has been an interesting research area. Furthermore, mutations altering DNA methylation affect neurodevelopmental functions and may cause the progression of several neurodegenerative diseases. Epigenetic modifications in neurodegenerative diseases are widely studied in different populations to uncover the plausible mechanisms contributing to the development and progression of the disease and detect novel biomarkers for early prognosis and future pharmacotherapeutic targets. In this manuscript, we summarize the association of DNA methylation with the pathogenesis of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, such as, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington diseases, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and discuss the potential of DNA methylation as a potential biomarker and therapeutic tool for neurogenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Kaur
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India; (G.K.); (S.S.S.R.)
| | - Suraj Singh S. Rathod
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India; (G.K.); (S.S.S.R.)
| | - Mohammed M. Ghoneim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Ad Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Javed Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran 11001, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Awanish Mishra
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)—Guwahati, Changsari, Kamrup 781101, Assam, India
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +91-972-1554-158 or +91-829-976-4600
| | - Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
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10
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Nikolac Perkovic M, Videtic Paska A, Konjevod M, Kouter K, Svob Strac D, Nedic Erjavec G, Pivac N. Epigenetics of Alzheimer's Disease. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020195. [PMID: 33573255 PMCID: PMC7911414 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There are currently no validated biomarkers which can be used to accurately diagnose Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or to distinguish it from other dementia-causing neuropathologies. Moreover, to date, only symptomatic treatments exist for this progressive neurodegenerative disorder. In the search for new, more reliable biomarkers and potential therapeutic options, epigenetic modifications have emerged as important players in the pathogenesis of AD. The aim of the article was to provide a brief overview of the current knowledge regarding the role of epigenetics (including mitoepigenetics) in AD, and the possibility of applying these advances for future AD therapy. Extensive research has suggested an important role of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, histone posttranslational modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation (with the emphasis on microRNAs) in the course and development of AD. Recent studies also indicated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as an interesting biomarker of AD, since dysfunctions in the mitochondria and lower mtDNA copy number have been associated with AD pathophysiology. The current evidence suggests that epigenetic changes can be successfully detected, not only in the central nervous system, but also in the cerebrospinal fluid and on the periphery, contributing further to their potential as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matea Nikolac Perkovic
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.N.P.); (M.K.); (D.S.S.); (G.N.E.)
| | - Alja Videtic Paska
- Medical Center for Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.V.P.); (K.K.)
| | - Marcela Konjevod
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.N.P.); (M.K.); (D.S.S.); (G.N.E.)
| | - Katarina Kouter
- Medical Center for Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.V.P.); (K.K.)
| | - Dubravka Svob Strac
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.N.P.); (M.K.); (D.S.S.); (G.N.E.)
| | - Gordana Nedic Erjavec
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.N.P.); (M.K.); (D.S.S.); (G.N.E.)
| | - Nela Pivac
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.N.P.); (M.K.); (D.S.S.); (G.N.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +38-514-571-207
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11
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Pan Q, Liu YJ, Bai XF, Han XL, Jiang Y, Ai B, Shi SS, Wang F, Xu MC, Wang YZ, Zhao J, Chen JX, Zhang J, Li XC, Zhu J, Zhang GR, Wang QY, Li CQ. VARAdb: a comprehensive variation annotation database for human. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:D1431-D1444. [PMID: 33095866 PMCID: PMC7779011 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
With the study of human diseases and biological processes increasing, a large number of non-coding variants have been identified and facilitated. The rapid accumulation of genetic and epigenomic information has resulted in an urgent need to collect and process data to explore the regulation of non-coding variants. Here, we developed a comprehensive variation annotation database for human (VARAdb, http://www.licpathway.net/VARAdb/), which specifically considers non-coding variants. VARAdb provides annotation information for 577,283,813 variations and novel variants, prioritizes variations based on scores using nine annotation categories, and supports pathway downstream analysis. Importantly, VARAdb integrates a large amount of genetic and epigenomic data into five annotation sections, which include ‘Variation information’, ‘Regulatory information’, ‘Related genes’, ‘Chromatin accessibility’ and ‘Chromatin interaction’. The detailed annotation information consists of motif changes, risk SNPs, LD SNPs, eQTLs, clinical variant-drug-gene pairs, sequence conservation, somatic mutations, enhancers, super enhancers, promoters, transcription factors, chromatin states, histone modifications, chromatin accessibility regions and chromatin interactions. This database is a user-friendly interface to query, browse and visualize variations and related annotation information. VARAdb is a useful resource for selecting potential functional variations and interpreting their effects on human diseases and biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Pan
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yue-Juan Liu
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Xue-Feng Bai
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Xiao-Le Han
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Bo Ai
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Shan-Shan Shi
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Fan Wang
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Ming-Cong Xu
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yue-Zhu Wang
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Jia-Xin Chen
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Xue-Cang Li
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Jiang Zhu
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Guo-Rui Zhang
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Qiu-Yu Wang
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Chun-Quan Li
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
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