High sensitivity analysis of amyloid-beta peptide composition in amyloid deposits from human and PS2APP mouse brain

Effect of astaxanthin in type-2 diabetes -induced APPxhQC transgenic and NTG mice

OBJECTIVES

Aggregation and misfolding of amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau proteins, suggested to arise from post-translational modification processes, are thought to be the main cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Additionally, a plethora of evidence exists that links metabolic dysfunctions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and dyslipidemia to the pathogenesis of AD. We thus investigated the combinatory effect of T2D and human glutaminyl cyclase activity (pyroglutamylation), on the pathology of AD and whether astaxanthin (ASX) treatment ameliorates accompanying pathophysiological manifestations.

METHODS

Male transgenic AD mice, APPxhQC, expressing human APP751 with the Swedish and the London mutation and human glutaminyl cyclase (hQC) enzyme and their non-transgenic (NTG) littermates were used. Both APPxhQC and NTG mice were allocated to 3 groups, control, T2D-control, and T2D-ASX. Mice were fed control or high fat diet ± ASX for 13 weeks starting at an age of 11-12 months. High fat diet fed mice were further treated with streptozocin for T2D induction. Effects of genotype, T2D induction, and ASX treatment were evaluated by analysing glycemic readouts, lipid concentration, Aβ deposition, hippocampus-dependent cognitive function and nutrient sensing using immunosorbent assay, ELISA-based assays, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and behavioral testing via Morris water maze (MWM), respectively.

RESULTS

APPxhQC mice presented a higher glucose sensitivity compared to NTG mice. T2D-induced brain dysfunction was more severe in NTG compared to the APPxhQC mice. T2D induction impaired memory functions while increasing hepatic LC3B, ABCA1, and p65 levels in NTG mice. T2D induction resulted in a progressive shift of Aβ from the soluble to insoluble form in APPxhQC mice. ASX treatment reversed T2D-induced memory dysfunction in NTG mice and in parallel increased hepatic pAKT while decreasing p65 and increasing cerebral p-S6rp and p65 levels. ASX treatment reduced soluble Aβ38 and Aβ40 and insoluble Aβ40 levels in T2D-induced APPxhQC mice.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that T2D induction in APPxhQC mice poses additional risk for AD pathology as seen by increased Aβ deposition. Although ASX treatment reduced Aβ expression in T2D-induced APPxhQC mice and rescued T2D-induced memory impairment in NTG mice, ASX treatment alone may not be effective in cases of T2D comorbidity and AD.

Temporal Characterization of the Amyloidogenic APPswe/PS1dE9;hAPOE4 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating disorder with a global prevalence estimated at 55 million people. In clinical studies administering certain anti-beta-amyloid (Aβ) antibodies, amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIAs) have emerged as major adverse events. The frequency of these events is higher among apolipoprotein ε4 allele carriers (APOE4) compared to non-carriers. To reflect patients most at risk for vascular complications of anti-Aβ immunotherapy, we selected an APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mouse model bearing the human APOE4 gene (APPPS1:E4) and compared it with the same APP/PS1 mouse model bearing the human APOE3 gene (APOE ε3 allele; APPPS1:E3). Using histological and biochemical analyses, we characterized mice at three ages: 8, 12, and 16 months. Female and male mice were assayed for general cerebral fibrillar and pyroglutamate (pGlu-3) Aβ deposition, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), microhemorrhages, apoE and cholesterol composition, astrocytes, microglia, inflammation, lysosomal dysfunction, and neuritic dystrophy. Amyloidosis, lipid deposition, and astrogliosis increased with age in APPPS1:E4 mice, while inflammation did not reveal significant changes with age. In general, APOE4 carriers showed elevated Aβ, apoE, reactive astrocytes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, microglial response, and neuritic dystrophy compared to APOE3 carriers at different ages. These results highlight the potential of the APPPS1:E4 mouse model as a valuable tool in investigating the vascular side effects associated with anti-amyloid immunotherapy.

Novel Vaccine against Pathological Pyroglutamate-Modified Amyloid Beta for Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease

Post-translationally modified N-terminally truncated amyloid beta peptide with a cyclized form of glutamate at position 3 (pE3Aβ) is a highly pathogenic molecule with increased neurotoxicity and propensity for aggregation. In the brains of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) cases, pE3Aβ represents a major constituent of the amyloid plaque. The data show that pE3Aβ formation is increased at early pre-symptomatic disease stages, while tau phosphorylation and aggregation mostly occur at later stages of the disease. This suggests that pE3Aβ accumulation may be an early event in the disease pathogenesis and can be prophylactically targeted to prevent the onset of AD. The vaccine (AV-1986R/A) was generated by chemically conjugating the pE3Aβ3-11 fragment to our universal immunogenic vaccine platform MultiTEP, then formulated in AdvaxCpG adjuvant. AV-1986R/A showed high immunogenicity and selectivity, with endpoint titers in the range of 105-106 against pE3Aβ and 103-104 against the full-sized peptide in the 5XFAD AD mouse model. The vaccination showed efficient clearance of the pathology, including non-pyroglutamate-modified plaques, from the mice brains. AV-1986R/A is a novel promising candidate for the immunoprevention of AD. It is the first late preclinical candidate which selectively targets a pathology-specific form of amyloid with minimal immunoreactivity against the full-size peptide. Successful translation into clinic may offer a new avenue for the prevention of AD via vaccination of cognitively unimpaired individuals at risk of disease.

Differential effects of familial Alzheimer's disease-causing mutations on amyloid precursor protein (APP) trafficking, proteolytic conversion, and synaptogenic activity

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a key player in Alzheimer`s disease (AD) and the precursor of the Aβ peptide, which is generated by consecutive cleavages of β- and γ-secretases. Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) describes a hereditary subgroup of AD that represents a low percentage of AD cases with an early onset of the disease. Different APP FAD mutations are thought to have qualitatively different effects on its proteolytic conversion. However, few studies have explored the pathogenic and putative physiological differences in more detail. Here, we compared different FAD mutations, located at the β- (Swedish), α- (Flemish, Arctic, Iowa) or γ-secretase (Iberian) cleavage sites. We examined heterologous expression of APP WT and FAD mutants in non-neuronal cells and their impact on presynaptic differentiation in contacting axons of co-cultured neurons. To decipher the underlying molecular mechanism, we tested the subcellular localization, the endocytosis rate and the proteolytic processing in detail by immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry. Interestingly, we found that only the Iberian mutation showed altered synaptogenic function. Furthermore, the APP Iowa mutant shows significantly decreased α-secretase processing which is in line with our results that APP carrying the Iowa mutation was significantly increased in early endosomes. However, most interestingly, immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the amino acid substitutions of APP FAD mutants have a decisive impact on their processing reflected in altered Aβ profiles. Importantly, N-terminally truncated Aβ peptides starting at position 5 were detected preferentially for APP Flemish, Arctic, and Iowa mutants containing amino acid substitutions around the α-secretase cleavage site. The strongest change in the ratio of Aβ40/Aβ42 was observed for the Iberian mutation while APP Swedish showed a substantial increase in Aβ1-17 peptides. Together, our data indicate that familial AD mutations located at the α-, β-, and γ-secretase cleavage sites show considerable differences in the underlying pathogenic mechanisms.

Hypochlorite-induced oxidation promotes aggregation and reduces toxicity of amyloid beta 1-42

Exacerbated hypochlorite (OCl^-) production is linked to neurodegenerative processes, but there is growing evidence that lower levels of hypochlorite activity are important to protein homeostasis. In this study we characterise the effects of hypochlorite on the aggregation and toxicity of amyloid beta peptide 1-42 (Aβ_1-42), a major component of amyloid plaques that form in the brain in Alzheimer's disease. Our results demonstrate that treatment with hypochlorite promotes the formation of Aβ_1-42 assemblies ≥100 kDa that have reduced surface exposed hydrophobicity compared to the untreated peptide. This effect is the result of the oxidation of Aβ_1-42 at a single site as determined by mass spectrometry analysis. Although treatment with hypochlorite promotes the aggregation of Aβ_1-42, the solubility of the peptide is enhanced and amyloid fibril formation is inhibited as assessed by filter trap assay, thioflavin T assay and transmission electron microscopy. The results of in vitro assays using SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells show that pre-treatment of Aβ_1-42 with a sub-stoichiometric amount of hypochlorite substantially reduces its toxicity. The results of flow cytometry analysis and internalisation assays indicate that hypochlorite-induced modification of Aβ_1-42 reduces its toxicity via at least two-distinct mechanism, reducing the total binding of Aβ_1-42 to the surface of cells and facilitating the cell surface clearance of Aβ_1-42 to lysosomes. Our data is consistent with a model in which tightly regulated production of hypochlorite in the brain is protective against Aβ-induced toxicity.

Perivascular spaces as a potential biomarker of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a highly damaging disease that affects one's cognition and memory and presents an increasing societal and economic burden globally. Considerable research has gone into understanding AD; however, there is still a lack of effective biomarkers that aid in early diagnosis and intervention. The recent discovery of the glymphatic system and associated Perivascular Spaces (PVS) has led to the theory that enlarged PVS (ePVS) may be an indicator of AD progression and act as an early diagnostic marker. Visible on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), PVS appear to enlarge when known biomarkers of AD, amyloid-β and tau, accumulate. The central goal of ePVS and AD research is to determine when ePVS occurs in AD progression and if ePVS are causal or epiphenomena. Furthermore, if ePVS are indeed causative, interventions promoting glymphatic clearance are an attractive target for research. However, it is necessary first to ascertain where on the pathological progression of AD ePVS occurs. This review aims to examine the knowledge gap that exists in understanding the contribution of ePVS to AD. It is essential to understand whether ePVS in the brain correlate with increased regional tau distribution and global or regional Amyloid-β distribution and to determine if these spaces increase proportionally over time as individuals experience neurodegeneration. This review demonstrates that ePVS are associated with reduced glymphatic clearance and that this reduced clearance is associated with an increase in amyloid-β. However, it is not yet understood if ePVS are the outcome or driver of protein accumulation. Further, it is not yet clear if ePVS volume and number change longitudinally. Ultimately, it is vital to determine early diagnostic criteria and early interventions for AD to ease the burden it presents to the world; ePVS may be able to fulfill this role and therefore merit further research.

Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents the most frequent type of dementia in elderly people. There are two major forms of the disease: sporadic (SAD)—whose causes are not completely understood—and familial (FAD)—with clear autosomal dominant inheritance. The two main hallmarks of AD are extracellular deposits of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide and intracellular deposits of the hyperphosphorylated form of the tau protein (P-tau). An ever-growing body of research supports the infectious hypothesis of sporadic forms of AD. Indeed, it has been documented that some pathogens, such as herpesviruses and certain bacterial species, are commonly present in AD patients, prompting recent clinical research to focus on the characterization of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in this pathology. The literature also demonstrates that Aβ can be considered itself as an AMP; thus, representing a type of innate immune defense peptide that protects the host against a variety of pathogens. Beyond Aβ, other proteins with antimicrobial activity, such as lactoferrin, defensins, cystatins, thymosin β4, LL37, histatin 1, and statherin have been shown to be involved in AD. Here, we summarized and discussed these findings and explored the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of AMPs in AD.

Physiological Roles of Monomeric Amyloid-β and Implications for Alzheimer's Disease Therapeutics

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.

Circadian control of heparan sulfate levels times phagocytosis of amyloid beta aggregates

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neuroinflammatory disease characterized partly by the inability to clear, and subsequent build-up, of amyloid-beta (Aβ). AD has a bi-directional relationship with circadian disruption (CD) with sleep disturbances starting years before disease onset. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the relationship of CD and AD has not been elucidated. Myeloid-based phagocytosis, a key component in the metabolism of Aβ, is circadianly-regulated, presenting a potential link between CD and AD. In this work, we revealed that the phagocytosis of Aβ42 undergoes a daily circadian oscillation. We found the circadian timing of global heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) biosynthesis was the molecular timer for the clock-controlled phagocytosis of Aβ and that both HSPG binding and aggregation may play a role in this oscillation. These data highlight that circadian regulation in immune cells may play a role in the intricate relationship between the circadian clock and AD.

Cryo-EM structures of amyloid-β 42 filaments from human brains

[Figure: see text].

Combination of the Glutaminyl Cyclase Inhibitor PQ912 (Varoglutamstat) and the Murine Monoclonal Antibody PBD-C06 (m6) Shows Additive Effects on Brain Aβ Pathology in Transgenic Mice

Compelling evidence suggests that pyroglutamate-modified Aβ (pGlu3-Aβ; AβN3pG) peptides play a pivotal role in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Approaches targeting pGlu3-Aβ by glutaminyl cyclase (QC) inhibition (Varoglutamstat) or monoclonal antibodies (Donanemab) are currently in clinical development. Here, we aimed at an assessment of combination therapy of Varoglutamstat (PQ912) and a pGlu3-Aβ-specific antibody (m6) in transgenic mice. Whereas the single treatments at subtherapeutic doses show moderate (16–41%) but statistically insignificant reduction of Aβ42 and pGlu-Aβ42 in mice brain, the combination of both treatments resulted in significant reductions of Aβ by 45–65%. Evaluation of these data using the Bliss independence model revealed a combination index of ≈1, which is indicative for an additive effect of the compounds. The data are interpreted in terms of different pathways, in which the two drugs act. While PQ912 prevents the formation of pGlu3-Aβ in different compartments, the antibody is able to clear existing pGlu3-Aβ deposits. The results suggest that combination of the small molecule Varoglutamstat and a pE3Aβ-directed monoclonal antibody may allow a reduction of the individual compound doses while maintaining the therapeutic effect.

The Swedish dilemma - the almost exclusive use of APPswe-based mouse models impedes adequate evaluation of alternative β-secretases

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, however incurable so far. It is widely accepted that aggregated amyloid β (Aβ) peptides play a crucial role for the pathogenesis of AD, as they cause neurotoxicity and deposit as so-called Aβ plaques in AD patient brains. Aβ peptides derive from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) upon consecutive cleavage at the β- and γ-secretase site. Hence, mutations in the APP gene are often associated with autosomal dominant inherited AD. Almost thirty years ago, two mutations at the β-secretase site were observed in two Swedish families (termed Swedish APP (APPswe) mutations), which led to early-onset AD. Consequently, APPswe was established in almost every common AD mouse model, as it contributes to early Aβ plaque formation and cognitive impairments. Analyzing these APPswe-based mouse models, the aspartyl protease BACE1 has been evolving as the prominent β-secretase responsible for Aβ release in AD and as the most important therapeutic target for AD treatment. However, with respect to β-secretase processing, the very rare occurring APPswe variant substantially differs from wild-type APP. BACE1 dominates APPswe processing resulting in the release of Aβ1-x, whereas N-terminally truncated Aβ forms are scarcely generated. However, these N-terminally truncated Aβ species such as Aβ2-x, Aβ3-x and Aβ4-x are elevated in AD patient brains and exhibit an increased potential to aggregate compared to Aβ1-x peptides. Proteases such as meprin β, cathepsin B and ADAMTS4 were identified as alternative β-secretases being capable of generating these N-terminally truncated Aβ species from wild-type APP. However, neither meprin β nor cathepsin B are capable of generating N-terminally truncated Aβ peptides from APPswe. Hence, the role of BACE1 for the Aβ formation during AD might be overrepresented through the excessive use of APPswe mouse models. In this review we critically discuss the consideration of BACE1 as the most promising therapeutic target. Shifting the focus of AD research towards alternative β secretases might unveil promising alternatives to BACE1 inhibitors constantly failing in clinical trials due to ineffectiveness and harmful side effects.

Emerging contributions of formyl peptide receptors to neurodegenerative diseases

Inflammation is a central element of many neurodegenerative diseases. Formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) can trigger several receptor-dependent signal transduction pathways that play a key role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. They are chemotactic receptors that help to regulate pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in most mammals. FPRs are primarily expressed in the immune and nervous systems where they interact with a complex pattern of pathogen-derived and host-endogenous molecules. Mounting evidence points towards a contribution of FPRs - via neuropathological ligands such as Amyloid beta, and neuroprotective ligands such as Humanin, Lipoxin A4, and Annexin A1 - to multiple pathological aspects of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we aim to summarize the interplay of FPRs with neuropathological and neuroprotective ligands. Next, we depict their capability to trigger a number of ligand-dependent cell signaling pathways and their potential to interact with additional intracellular cofactors. Moreover, we highlight first studies, demonstrating that a pharmacological inhibition of FPRs helps to ameliorate neuroinflammation, which may pave the way towards novel therapeutic strategies.

Postmortem Neocortical 3H-PiB Binding and Levels of Unmodified and Pyroglutamate Aβ in Down Syndrome and Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have a genetic predisposition for amyloid-β (Aβ) overproduction and earlier onset of Aβ deposits compared to patients with sporadic late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Positron emission tomography (PET) with Pittsburgh Compound-B (PiB) detects fibrillar Aβ pathology in living people with DS and AD, but its relationship with heterogeneous Aβ forms aggregated within amyloid deposits is not well understood. We performed quantitative in vitro³H-PiB binding assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of fibrillar (insoluble) unmodified Aβ40 and Aβ42 forms and N-terminus truncated and pyroglutamate-modified AβNpE3-40 and AβNpE3-42 forms in postmortem frontal cortex and precuneus samples from 18 DS cases aged 43–63 years and 17 late-onset AD cases aged 62–99 years. Both diagnostic groups had frequent neocortical neuritic plaques, while the DS group had more severe vascular amyloid pathology (cerebral amyloid angiopathy, CAA). Compared to the AD group, the DS group had higher levels of Aβ40 and AβNpE3-40, while the two groups did not differ by Aβ42 and AβNpE3-42 levels. This resulted in lower ratios of Aβ42/Aβ40 and AβNpE3-42/AβNpE3-40 in the DS group compared to the AD group. Correlations of Aβ42/Aβ40 and AβNpE3-42/AβNpE3-40 ratios with CAA severity were strong in DS cases and weak in AD cases. Pyroglutamate-modified Aβ levels were lower than unmodified Aβ levels in both diagnostic groups, but within group proportions of both pyroglutamate-modified Aβ forms relative to both unmodified Aβ forms were lower in the DS group but not in the AD group. The two diagnostic groups did not differ by ³H-PiB binding levels. These results demonstrate that compared to late-onset AD cases, adult DS individuals with similar severity of neocortical neuritic plaques and greater CAA pathology have a preponderance of both pyroglutamate-modified AβNpE3-40 and unmodified Aβ40 forms. Despite the distinct molecular profile of Aβ forms and greater vascular amyloidosis in DS cases, cortical ³H-PiB binding does not distinguish between diagnostic groups that are at an advanced level of amyloid plaque pathology. This underscores the need for the development of CAA-selective PET radiopharmaceuticals to detect and track the progression of cerebral vascular amyloid deposits in relation to Aβ plaques in individuals with DS.

Refining the amyloid β peptide and oligomer fingerprint ambiguities in Alzheimer's disease: Mass spectrometric molecular characterization in brain, cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and plasma

Since its discovery, amyloid-β (Aβ) has been the principal target of investigation of in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Over the years however, no clear correlation was found between the Aβ plaque burden and location, and AD-associated neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Instead, diagnostic potential of specific Aβ peptides and/or their ratio, was established. For instance, a selective reduction in the concentration of the aggregation-prone 42 amino acid-long Aβ peptide (Aβ42) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was put forward as reflective of Aβ peptide aggregation in the brain. With time, Aβ oligomers-the proposed toxic Aβ intermediates-have emerged as potential drivers of synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration in the disease process. Oligomers are commonly agreed upon to come in different shapes and sizes, and are very poorly characterized when it comes to their composition and their "toxic" properties. The concept of structural polymorphism-a diversity in conformational organization of amyloid aggregates-that depends on the Aβ peptide backbone, makes the characterization of Aβ aggregates and their role in AD progression challenging. In this review, we revisit the history of Aβ discovery and initial characterization and highlight the crucial role mass spectrometry (MS) has played in this process. We critically review the common knowledge gaps in the molecular identity of the Aβ peptide, and how MS is aiding the characterization of higher order Aβ assemblies. Finally, we go on to present recent advances in MS approaches for characterization of Aβ as single peptides and oligomers, and convey our optimism, as to how MS holds a promise for paving the way for progress toward a more comprehensive understanding of Aβ in AD research.

PEAβ Triggers Cognitive Decline and Amyloid Burden in a Novel Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Understanding the physiopathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has improved substantially based on studies of mouse models mimicking at least one aspect of the disease. Many transgenic lines have been established, leading to amyloidosis but lacking neurodegeneration. The aim of the current study was to generate a novel mouse model that develops neuritic plaques containing the aggressive pyroglutamate modified amyloid-β (pEAβ) species in the brain. The TAPS line was developed by intercrossing of the pEAβ-producing TBA2.1 mice with the plaque-developing line APPswe/PS1ΔE9. The phenotype of the new mouse line was characterized using immunostaining, and different cognitive and general behavioral tests. In comparison to the parental lines, TAPS animals developed an earlier onset of pathology and increased plaque load, including striatal pEAβ-positive neuritic plaques, and enhanced neuroinflammation. In addition to abnormalities in general behavior, locomotion, and exploratory behavior, TAPS mice displayed cognitive deficits in a variety of tests that were most pronounced in the fear conditioning paradigm and in spatial learning in comparison to the parental lines. In conclusion, the combination of a pEAβ- and a plaque-developing mouse model led to an accelerated amyloid pathology and cognitive decline in TAPS mice, qualifying this line as a novel amyloidosis model for future studies.

Passive immunotherapy with a novel antibody against 3pE-modified Aβ demonstrates potential for enhanced efficacy and favorable safety in combination with BACE inhibitor treatment in plaque-depositing mice

The imbalance between production and clearance of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides and their resulting accumulation in the brain is an early and crucial step in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, Aβ is strongly positioned as a promising and extensively validated therapeutic target for AD. Investigational disease-modifying approaches aiming at reducing cerebral Aβ concentrations include prevention of de novo production of Aβ through inhibition of β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), and clearance of Aβ deposits via passive Aβ immunotherapy. We have developed a novel, high affinity antibody against Aβ peptides bearing a pyroglutamate residue at amino acid position 3 (3pE), an Aβ species abundantly present in plaque deposits in AD brains. Here, we describe the preclinical characterization of this antibody, and demonstrate a significant reduction in amyloid burden in the absence of microhemorrhages in different mouse models with established plaque deposition. Moreover, we combined antibody treatment with chronic BACE1 inhibitor treatment and demonstrate significant clearance of pre-existing amyloid deposits in transgenic mouse brain, without induction of microhemorrhages and other histopathological findings. Together, these data confirm significant potential for the 3pE-specific antibody to be developed as a passive immunotherapy approach that balances efficacy and safety. Moreover, our studies suggest further enhanced treatment efficacy and favorable safety after combination of the 3pE-specific antibody with BACE1 inhibitor treatment.

Design and Synthesis of Ranitidine Analogs as Multi-Target Directed Ligands for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

The aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides and deposition of amyloid plaques are implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, blocking Aβ aggregation with small molecules has been proposed as one therapeutic approach for AD. In the present study, a series of ranitidine analogs containing cyclic imide isosteres were synthesized and their inhibitory activities toward Aβ aggregation were evaluated using in vitro thioflavin T assays. The structure–activity relationship revealed that the 1,8-naphthalimide moiety provided profound inhibition of Aβ aggregation and structural modifications on the other parts of the parent molecule (compound 6) maintained similar efficacy. Some of these ranitidine analogs also possessed potent inhibitory activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is another therapeutic target in AD. These ranitidine analogs, by addressing both Aβ aggregation and AChE, offer insight into the key chemical features of a new type of multi-target directed ligands for the pharmaceutical treatment of AD.

A vaccine to prevent initial loss of cognition and eventual Alzheimer's disease in elderly persons

Prevention is better than cure and prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be possible. In elderly persons who are cognitively normal, synaptic hypometabolism as shown by reduced cerebral uptake of fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), provides a premonitory signal of potential, future loss of cognition if those individuals also have present evidence of amyloid deposition seen in the Pittsburgh compound B positron emission tomography (PIB-PET) scan for amyloid. Those are the persons who should be targeted if one aims to prevent AD. The synaptic hypometabolism implies that the brain's availability of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is inadequate for performance of all required synaptic functions. This review first describes the basis for asserting that reduced cerebral uptake of 18F-FDG accurately reflects synaptic hypometabolism; second, explains the basis for asserting that hypometabolism implies inadequate ATP; third, shows that amyloid beta (Aβ) itself, Aβ modified by pyroglutamate to become a molecule termed pE(3)Aβ, and cyclophilin-D, in concert are the main contributors to inadequate synaptic ATP and that, therefore, reducing all of their levels would neutralize their combined effect and correct the hypometabolism. pE(3)Aβ is more neurotoxic than unmodified Aβ; and cyclophilin D inhibits ATP synthase and reduces ATP formation. Finally, this review describes an mRNA self-replicating vaccine that will raise brain levels of ATP by reducing Aβ, pyroglutamate-modified Aβ, and cyclophilin-D, and thereby-in cognitively normal elderly persons who have synaptic hypometabolism-prevent initiation of the process that terminates in AD.

The Role of Cathepsin B in the Degradation of Aβ and in the Production of Aβ Peptides Starting With Ala2 in Cultured Astrocytes

Astrocytes may not only be involved in the clearance of Amyloid beta peptides (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but appear to produce N-terminally truncated Aβ (Aβ_n−x) independently of BACE1, which generates the N-Terminus of Aβ starting with Asp1 (Aβ_1−x). A candidate protease for the generation of Aβ_n−x is cathepsin B (CatB), especially since CatB has also been reported to degrade Aβ, which could explain the opposite roles of astrocytes in AD. In this study, we investigated the influence of CatB inhibitors and the deletion of the gene encoding CatB (CTSB) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology on Aβ_2−x and Aβ_1−x levels in cell culture supernatants by one- and two-dimensional Urea-SDS-PAGE followed by immunoblot. While the cell-permeant inhibitors E64d and CA-074 Me did not significantly affect the Aβ_1−x levels in supernatants of cultured chicken and human astrocytes, they did reduce the Aβ_2−x levels. In the glioma-derived cell line H4, the Aβ_2−x levels were likewise decreased in supernatants by treatment with the more specific, but cell-impermeant CatB-inhibitor CA-074, by CA-074 Me treatment, and by CTSB gene deletion. Additionally, a more than 2-fold increase in secreted Aβ_1−x was observed under the latter two conditions. The CA-074 Me-mediated increase of Aβ_1−x, but not the decrease of Aβ_2−x, was influenced by concomitant treatment with the vacuolar H⁺-ATPase inhibitor Bafilomycin A1. This indicated that non-lysosomal CatB mediated the production of Aβ_2−x in astrocytes, while the degradation of Aβ_1−x seemed to be dependent on lysosomal CatB in H4 cells, but not in primary astrocytes. These findings highlight the importance of considering organelle targeting in drug development to promote Aβ degradation.

Acute Effects of Two Different Species of Amyloid-β on Oscillatory Activity and Synaptic Plasticity in the Commissural CA3-CA1 Circuit of the Hippocampus

Recent evidence indicates that soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) species induce imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory transmission, resulting in neural network functional impairment and cognitive deficits during early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). To evaluate the in vivo effects of two soluble Aβ species (Aβ_25-35 and Aβ_1-40) on commissural CA3-to-CA1 (cCA3-to-CA1) synaptic transmission and plasticity, and CA1 oscillatory activity, we used acute intrahippocampal microinjections in adult anaesthetized male Wistar rats. Soluble Aβ microinjection increased cCA3-to-CA1 synaptic variability without significant changes in synaptic efficiency. High-frequency CA3 stimulation was rendered inefficient by soluble Aβ intrahippocampal injection to induce long-term potentiation and to enhance synaptic variability in CA1, contrasting with what was observed in vehicle-injected subjects. Although soluble Aβ microinjection significantly increased the relative power of γ-band and ripple oscillations and significantly shifted the average vector of θ-to-γ phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) in CA1, it prevented θ-to-γ PAC shift induced by high-frequency CA3 stimulation, opposite to what was observed in vehicle-injected animals. These results provide further evidence that soluble Aβ species induce synaptic dysfunction causing abnormal synaptic variability, impaired long-term plasticity, and deviant oscillatory activity, leading to network activity derailment in the hippocampus.

Acute targeting of pre-amyloid seeds in transgenic mice reduces Alzheimer-like pathology later in life

Amyloid-β (Aβ) deposits are a relatively late consequence of Aβ aggregation in Alzheimer's disease. When pathogenic Aβ seeds begin to form, propagate and spread is not known, nor are they biochemically defined. We tested various antibodies for their ability to neutralize Aβ seeds before Aβ deposition becomes detectable in Aβ precursor protein-transgenic mice. We also characterized the different antibody recognition profiles using immunoprecipitation of size-fractionated, native, mouse and human brain-derived Aβ assemblies. At least one antibody, aducanumab, after acute administration at the pre-amyloid stage, led to a significant reduction of Aβ deposition and downstream pathologies 6 months later. This demonstrates that therapeutically targetable pathogenic Aβ seeds already exist during the lag phase of protein aggregation in the brain. Thus, the preclinical phase of Alzheimer's disease-currently defined as Aβ deposition without clinical symptoms-may be a relatively late manifestation of a much earlier pathogenic seed formation and propagation that currently escapes detection in vivo.

Discovery and Characterization of Novel Naphthalimide Analogs as Potent Multitargeted Directed Ligands against Alzheimer's Disease

Current therapeutic drugs for Alzheimer's disease (AD) can only offer limited symptomatic benefits and do not halt disease progression. Multitargeted directed ligands (MTDLs) have been considered to be a feasible way to treat AD due to the multiple neuropathological processes in AD. Previous studies proposed that compounds containing two aromatic groups connected by a carbon chain should act as effective amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation inhibitors although the optimal length of the carbon chain has not been explored. In the current study, a series of naphthalimide analogs were designed and synthesized based on the proposed structure and multiple bioactivities beneficial to the AD treatment were reported. In vitro studies showed that compound 8, which has two aromatic groups connected by a two-carbon chain, exhibited significant inhibition of Aβ aggregation through the prevention of elongation and association of Aβ fibril growth. Furthermore, this compound also displayed antioxidative activities and neuroprotection from Aβ monomer induced toxicity in primary cortical neurons. The results of the present study highlight a novel naphthalimide-based compound 8 as a promising MTDL against AD. Its structural elements can be further explored for enhanced therapeutic capabilities.

Development of the clinical candidate PBD-C06, a humanized pGlu3-Aβ-specific antibody against Alzheimer's disease with reduced complement activation

In clinical trials with early Alzheimer's patients, administration of anti-amyloid antibodies reduced amyloid deposits, suggesting that immunotherapies may be promising disease-modifying interventions against Alzheimer's disease (AD). Specific forms of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides, for example post-translationally modified Aβ peptides with a pyroglutamate at the N-terminus (pGlu3, pE3), are attractive antibody targets, due to pGlu3-Aβ's neo-epitope character and its propensity to form neurotoxic oligomeric aggregates. We have generated a novel anti-pGlu3-Aβ antibody, PBD-C06, which is based on a murine precursor antibody that binds with high specificity to pGlu3-Aβ monomers, oligomers and fibrils, including mixed aggregates of unmodified Aβ and pGlu3-Aβ peptides. PBD-C06 was generated by first grafting the murine antigen binding sequences onto suitable human variable light and heavy chains. Subsequently, the humanized antibody was de-immunized and site-specific mutations were introduced to restore original target binding, to eliminate complement activation and to improve protein stability. PBD-C06 binds with the same specificity and avidity as its murine precursor antibody and elimination of C1q binding did not compromise Fcγ-receptor binding or in vitro phagocytosis. Thus, PBD-C06 was specifically designed to target neurotoxic aggregates and to avoid complement-mediated inflammatory responses, in order to lower the risk for vasogenic edemas in the clinic.

Dual strategy for reduced signal-suppression effects in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging

RATIONALE

The molecular complexity of tissue features several signal-suppression effects which reduce the ionization of analytes significantly and thereby weakens the quality of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) imaging (MALDI imaging). We report a novel approach in MALDI imaging by reducing signal-suppression effects for the analysis of beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques, one pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

We analyzed Aβ proteoforms from postmortem AD brains and brains from transgenic mice (APPPS1-21) overexpressing familial AD mutations by combining two techniques: (1) laser capture microdissection (LCM) to accumulate Aβ plaques and (2) phosphoric acid (PA) as additive to the super-2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid matrix.

RESULTS

LCM and MALDI-MS enabled tandem mass spectrometric fragmentation of stained Aβ plaques. PA improved the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, especially of the Aβ1-42 peptide, by three-fold compared with the standard matrix additive trifluoroacetic acid. The beneficial effect of the PA matrix additive in MALDI imaging was particularly important for AD brain tissue. We identified several significant differences in Aβ plaque composition from AD compared with APPPS1-21, underlining the value of reducing signal-suppressing effects in MALDI imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a novel strategy for overcoming signal-suppression effects in MALDI imaging of Aβ proteoforms.

Effect of Post-Translational Modifications and Mutations on Amyloid-β Fibrils Dynamics at N Terminus

We investigate the variability in the dynamics of the disordered N-terminal domain of amyloid-β fibrils (Aβ), comprising residues 1-16 of Aβ1-40, due to post-translational modifications and mutations in the β-bend regions known to modulate aggregation properties. Using 2H static solid-state NMR approaches, we compare the dynamics in the wild-type Aβ fibrils in the threefold symmetric polymorph with the fibrils from three post-translational modification sequences: isoaspartate-D7, the phosphorylation of S8, and an N-terminal truncation ΔE3. Additional comparisons are made with the mutants in the β-bend region (residues 21-23) corresponding to the familial Osaka E22Δ deletion and D23N Iowa mutation. We also include the aggregates induced by Zn2+ ions. The dynamics are probed at the F4 and G9 positions. The main motional model involves two free states undergoing diffusion and conformational exchanges with the bound state in which the diffusion is quenched because of transient interactions involving fibril core and other intrastrand contacts. The fraction of the bound state increases in a sigmoidal fashion with a decrease in temperature. There is clear variability in the dynamics: the phosphorylation of S8 variant is the most rigid at the G9 site in line with structural studies, the ΔE3 fibrils are more flexible at the G9 site in line with the morphological fragmentation pattern, the Zn-induced aggregates are the most mobile, and the two β-bend mutants have the strongest changes at the F4 site toward higher rigidity. Overall, the changes underlie the potential role of conformational ensembles in setting the stage for aggregation-prone states.

Dipeptidyl-Peptidase Activity of Meprin β Links N-truncation of Aβ with Glutaminyl Cyclase-Catalyzed pGlu-Aβ Formation

The formation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides is causally involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A significant proportion of deposited Aβ is N-terminally truncated and modified at the N-terminus by a pGlu-residue (pGlu-Aβ). These forms show enhanced neurotoxicity compared to full-length Aβ. Although the truncation may occur by aminopeptidases after formation of Aβ, recently discovered processing pathways of amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) by proteases such as meprin β may also be involved. Here, we assessed a role of meprin β in forming Aβ3-40/42, which is the precursor of pGlu-Aβ3-40/42 generated by glutaminyl cyclase (QC). Similar to QC, meprin β mRNA is significantly upregulated in postmortem brain from AD patients. A histochemical analysis supports the presence of meprin β in neurons and astrocytes in the vicinity of pGlu-Aβ containing deposits. Cleavage of AβPP-derived peptides by meprin β in vitro results in peptides Aβ1-x, Aβ2-x, and Aβ3-x. The formation of N-truncated Aβ by meprin β was also corroborated in cell culture. A subset of the generated peptides was converted into pGlu-Aβ3-40 by an addition of glutaminyl cyclase, supporting the preceding formation of Aβ3-40. Further analysis of the meprin β cleavage revealed a yet unknown dipeptidyl-peptidase-like activity specific for the N-terminus of Aβ1-x. Thus, our data suggest that meprin β contributes to the formation of N-truncated Aβ by endopeptidase and exopeptidase activity to generate the substrate for QC-catalyzed pGlu-Aβ formation.

Pyroglutamation of amyloid-βx-42 (Aβx-42) followed by Aβ1-40 deposition underlies plaque polymorphism in progressing Alzheimer's disease pathology

Amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the formation of polymorphic deposits comprising diffuse and cored plaques. Because diffuse plaques are predominantly observed in cognitively unaffected, amyloid-positive (CU-AP) individuals, pathogenic conversion into cored plaques appears to be critical to AD pathogenesis. Herein, we identified the distinct Aβ species associated with amyloid polymorphism in brain tissue from individuals with sporadic AD (s-AD) and CU-AP. To this end, we interrogated Aβ polymorphism with amyloid conformation–sensitive dyes and a novel in situ MS paradigm for chemical characterization of hyperspectrally delineated plaque morphotypes. We found that maturation of diffuse into cored plaques correlated with increased Aβ1–40 deposition. Using spatial in situ delineation with imaging MS (IMS), we show that Aβ1–40 aggregates at the core structure of mature plaques, whereas Aβ1–42 localizes to diffuse amyloid aggregates. Moreover, we observed that diffuse plaques have increased pyroglutamated Aβx-42 levels in s-AD but not CU-AP, suggesting an AD pathology–related, hydrophobic functionalization of diffuse plaques facilitating Aβ1–40 deposition. Experiments in tgAPP_Swe mice verified that, similar to what has been observed in human brain pathology, diffuse deposits display higher levels of Aβ1–42 and that Aβ plaque maturation over time is associated with increases in Aβ1–40. Finally, we found that Aβ1–40 deposition is characteristic for cerebral amyloid angiopathy deposition and maturation in both humans and mice. These results indicate that N-terminal Aβx-42 pyroglutamation and Aβ1–40 deposition are critical events in priming and maturation of pathogenic Aβ from diffuse into cored plaques, underlying neurotoxic plaque development in AD.

Assessment of brain beta-amyloid deposition in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease with PET imaging agents 18F-flutemetamol and 18F-florbetaben

BACKGROUND

Although amyloid beta (Aβ) imaging is widely used for diagnosing and monitoring Alzheimer's disease in clinical fields, paralleling comparison between 18F-flutemetamol and 18F-florbetaben was rarely attempted in AD mouse model. We performed a comparison of Aβ PET images between 18F-flutemetamol and 18F-florbetaben in a recently developed APPswe mouse model, C57BL/6-Tg (NSE-hAPPsw) Korl.

RESULTS

After an injection (0.23 mCi) of 18F-flutemetamol and 18F-florbetaben at a time interval of 2-3 days, we compared group difference of SUVR and kinetic parameters between the AD (n = 7) and control (n = 7) mice, as well as between 18F-flutemetamol and 18F-florbetaben image. In addition, bio-distribution and histopathology were conducted. With visual image and VOI-based SUVR analysis, the AD group presented more prominent uptake than did the control group in both the 18F-florbetaben and 18F-flutemetamol images. With kinetic analysis, the 18F-florbetaben images showed differences in K1 and k4 between the AD and control groups, although 18F-flutemetamol images did not show significant difference. 18F-florbetaben images showed more prominent cortical uptake and matched well to the thioflavin S staining images than did the 18F-flutemetamol image. In contrast, 18F-flutemetamol images presented higher K1, k4, K1/k2 values than those of 18F-florbetaben images. Also, 18F-flutemetamol images presented prominent uptake in the bowel and bladder, consistent with higher bio-distribution in kidney, lung, blood and heart.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with 18F-flutemetamol images, 18F-florbetaben images showed prominent visual uptake intensity, SUVR, and higher correlations with the pathology. In contrast, 18F-flutemetamol was more actively metabolized than was 18F-florbetaben (Son et al. in J Nucl Med 58(Suppl 1):S278, 2017].

Shedding Light on the Molecular Pathology of Amyloid Plaques in Transgenic Alzheimer's Disease Mice Using Multimodal MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry

Senile plaques formed by aggregated amyloid β peptides are one of the major pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) which have been suggested to be the primary influence triggering the AD pathogenesis and the rest of the disease process. However, neurotoxic Aβ aggregation and progression are associated with a wide range of enigmatic biochemical, biophysical and genetic processes. MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) is a label-free method to elucidate the spatial distribution patterns of intact molecules in biological tissue sections. In this communication, we utilized multimodal MALDI-IMS analysis on 18 month old transgenic AD mice (tgArcSwe) brain tissue sections to enhance molecular information correlated to individual amyloid aggregates on the very same tissue section. Dual polarity MALDI-IMS analysis of lipids on the same pixel points revealed high throughput lipid molecular information including sphingolipids, phospholipids, and lysophospholipids which can be correlated to the ion images of individual amyloid β peptide isoforms at high spatial resolutions (10 μm). Further, multivariate image analysis was applied in order to probe the multimodal MALDI-IMS data in an unbiased way which verified the correlative accumulations of lipid species with dual polarity and Aβ peptides. This was followed by the lipid fragmentation obtained directly on plaque aggregates at higher laser pulse energies which provided tandem MS information useful for structural elucidation of several lipid species. Majority of the amyloid plaque-associated alterations of lipid species are for the first time reported here. The significance of this technique is that it allows correlating the biological discussion of all detected plaque-associated molecules to the very same individual amyloid plaques which can give novel insights into the molecular pathology of even a single amyloid plaque microenvironment in a specific brain region. Therefore, this allowed us to interpret the possible roles of lipids and amyloid peptides in amyloid plaque-associated pathological events such as focal demyelination, autophagic/lysosomal dysfunction, astrogliosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death.

Effect of ferric citrate on amyloid-beta peptides behavior

Amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation and oxidative stress are two of the central events in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Both these phenomena can be caused by the interaction of Aβ with metal ions. In the last years the interaction between Zn^II , Cu^II , and Aβ was much studied, but between iron and Aβ it is still little known. In this work we determine how three Aβ peptides, present in AD, interact with Fe^III -citrate. The three Aβ peptides are: full length Aβ1-42, an isoform truncated at Glutamic acid in position three, Aβ3-42, and its pyroglutamated form AβpE3-42. Conformation and morphology of the three peptides, aggregated with and without Fe^III -citrate were studied. Besides, we have determined the strength of the interactions Aβ/Fe^III -citrate studying the effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as chelator. Results reported here demonstrate that Fe^III -citrate promotes the aggregation in all the three peptides. Moreover, Aspartic acid 1, Glutamic acid 3, and Tyrosine 10 have an important role in the coordination with iron, generating a more stable complex for Aβ1-42 compared to that for the truncated peptides.

Modified amyloid variants in pathological subgroups of β-amyloidosis

Objective

Amyloid β (Aβ) depositions in plaques and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) represent common features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Sequential deposition of post-translationally modified Aβ in plaques characterizes distinct biochemical stages of Aβ maturation. However, the molecular composition of vascular Aβ deposits in CAA and its relation to plaques remain enigmatic.

Methods

Vascular and parenchymal deposits were immunohistochemically analyzed for pyroglutaminated and phosphorylated Aβ in the medial temporal and occipital lobe of 24 controls, 27 pathologically-defined preclinical AD, and 20 symptomatic AD cases.

Results

Sequential deposition of Aβ in CAA resembled Aβ maturation in plaques and enabled the distinction of three biochemical stages of CAA. B-CAA stage 1 was characterized by deposition of Aβ in the absence of pyroglutaminated Aβ_N3pE and phosphorylated Aβ_pS8. B-CAA stage 2 showed additional Aβ_N3pE and B-CAA stage 3 additional Aβ_pS8. Based on the Aβ maturation staging in CAA and plaques, three case groups for Aβ pathology could be distinguished: group 1 with advanced Aβ maturation in CAA; group 2 with equal Aβ maturation in CAA and plaques; group 3 with advanced Aβ maturation in plaques. All symptomatic AD cases presented with end-stage plaque maturation, whereas CAA could exhibit immature Aβ deposits. Notably, Aβ pathology group 1 was associated with arterial hypertension, and group 2 with the development of dementia.

Interpretation

Balance of Aβ maturation in CAA and plaques defines distinct pathological subgroups of β-amyloidosis. The association of CAA-related Aβ maturation with cognitive decline, the individual contribution of CAA and plaque pathology to the development of dementia within the defined Aβ pathology subgroups, and the subgroup-related association with arterial hypertension should be considered for differential diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.

Pyroglutamate-amyloid-β peptide expression in Drosophila leads to caspase-dependent and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related progressive neurodegeneration

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly. During the progression of AD, massive neuronal degeneration occurs in the late stage of the disease; however, the molecular mechanisms responsible for this neuronal loss remain unknown. AβpE3-42 (an N-terminal-truncated amyloid-β peptide that begins with pyroglutamate at the third position) is produced during late-stage AD. It also aggregates more rapidly in vitro and exhibits greater toxicity in neurons than full-length Aβ1-42. In the present study, we established a Drosophila melanogaster model that expresses Aβ3-42E3Q, which effectively produces AβpE3-42, and investigated the function of AβpE3-42 using the photoreceptor neurons of Drosophila. AβpE3-42 induced caspase-dependent apoptosis and caused progressive degeneration in photoreceptor neurons. Mutations in ER stress response genes or the administration of an inhibitor of the ER stress response markedly suppressed the degeneration phenotype, suggesting that the ER stress response plays an important role in neurodegeneration caused by AβpE3-42. We also confirmed that human Tau-dependent apoptotic induction was strongly enhanced by AβpE3-42. Thus, AβpE3-42 expression system in the fly may be a promising new tool for studying late-onset neurodegeneration in AD.

Passive Aβ Immunotherapy: Current Achievements and Future Perspectives

Passive immunotherapy has emerged as a very promising approach for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, which are characterized by the misfolding and deposition of amyloid peptides. On the basis of the amyloid hypothesis, the majority of antibodies in clinical development are directed against amyloid β (Aβ), the primary amyloid component in extracellular plaques. This review focuses on the current status of Aβ antibodies in clinical development, including their characteristics and challenges that came up in clinical trials with these new biological entities (NBEs). Emphasis is placed on the current view of common side effects observed with passive immunotherapy, so-called amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIAs), and potential ways to overcome this issue. Among these new ideas, a special focus is placed on molecules that are directed against post-translationally modified variants of the Aβ peptide, an emerging approach for development of new antibody molecules.

Cu(II) binding to various forms of amyloid-β peptides. Are they friends or foes?

In the present micro-review, we describe the Cu(II) binding to several forms of amyloid-β peptides, the peptides involved in Alzheimer's disease. It has indeed been shown that in addition to the "full-length" peptide originating from the precursor protein after cleavage at position 1, several other shorter peptides do exist in large proportion and may be involved in the disease as well. Cu(II) binding to amyloid-β peptides is one of the key interactions that impact both the aggregating properties of the amyloid peptides and the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production, two events linked to the etiology of the disease. Binding sites and affinity are described in correlation with Cu(II) induced ROS formation and Cu(II) altered aggregation, for amyloid peptides starting at position 1, 3, 4, 11 and for the corresponding pyroglutamate forms when they could be obtained (i.e. for peptides cleaved at positions 3 and 11). It appears that the current paradigm which points out a toxic role of the Cu(II) - amyloid-β interaction might well be shifted towards a possible protective role when the peptides considered are the N-terminally truncated ones.

Distinct spatiotemporal accumulation of N-truncated and full-length amyloid-β42 in Alzheimer's disease

Accumulation of amyloid-β peptides is a dominant feature in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease; however, it is not clear how individual amyloid-β species accumulate and affect other neuropathological and clinical features in the disease. Thus, we compared the accumulation of N-terminally truncated amyloid-β and full-length amyloid-β, depending on disease stage as well as brain area, and determined how these amyloid-β species respectively correlate with clinicopathological features of Alzheimer's disease. To this end, the amounts of amyloid-β species and other proteins related to amyloid-β metabolism or Alzheimer's disease were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) or theoretically calculated in 12 brain regions, including neocortical, limbic and subcortical areas from Alzheimer's disease cases (n = 19), neurologically normal elderly without amyloid-β accumulation (normal ageing, n = 13), and neurologically normal elderly with cortical amyloid-β accumulation (pathological ageing, n = 15). We observed that N-terminally truncated amyloid-β42 and full-length amyloid-β42 accumulations distributed differently across disease stages and brain areas, while N-terminally truncated amyloid-β40 and full-length amyloid-β40 accumulation showed an almost identical distribution pattern. Cortical N-terminally truncated amyloid-β42 accumulation was increased in Alzheimer's disease compared to pathological ageing, whereas cortical full-length amyloid-β42 accumulation was comparable between Alzheimer's disease and pathological ageing. Moreover, N-terminally truncated amyloid-β42 were more likely to accumulate more in specific brain areas, especially some limbic areas, while full-length amyloid-β42 tended to accumulate more in several neocortical areas, including frontal cortices. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry analysis showed that several N-terminally truncated amyloid-β42 species, represented by pyroglutamylated amyloid-β11-42, were enriched in these areas, consistent with ELISA results. N-terminally truncated amyloid-β42 accumulation showed significant regional association with BACE1 and neprilysin, but not PSD95 that regionally associated with full-length amyloid-β42 accumulation. Interestingly, accumulations of tau and to a greater extent apolipoprotein E (apoE, encoded by APOE) were more strongly correlated with N-terminally truncated amyloid-β42 accumulation than those of other amyloid-β species across brain areas and disease stages. Consistently, immunohistochemical staining and in vitro binding assays showed that apoE co-localized and bound more strongly with pyroglutamylated amyloid-β11-x fibrils than full-length amyloid-β fibrils. Retrospective review of clinical records showed that accumulation of N-terminally truncated amyloid-β42 in cortical areas was associated with disease onset, duration and cognitive scores. Collectively, N-terminally truncated amyloid-β42 species have spatiotemporal accumulation patterns distinct from full-length amyloid-β42, likely due to different mechanisms governing their accumulations in the brain. These truncated amyloid-β species could play critical roles in the disease by linking other clinicopathological features of Alzheimer's disease.

The role of astrocytes in amyloid production and Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is marked by the presence of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and gliosis, activated glial cells, in the brain. It is thought that Aβ plaques trigger NFT formation, neuronal cell death, neuroinflammation and gliosis and, ultimately, cognitive impairment. There are increased numbers of reactive astrocytes in AD, which surround amyloid plaques and secrete proinflammatory factors and can phagocytize and break down Aβ. It was thought that neuronal cells were the major source of Aβ. However, mounting evidence suggests that astrocytes may play an additional role in AD by secreting significant quantities of Aβ and contributing to overall amyloid burden in the brain. Astrocytes are the most numerous cell type in the brain, and therefore even minor quantities of amyloid secretion from individual astrocytes could prove to be substantial when taken across the whole brain. Reactive astrocytes have increased levels of the three necessary components for Aβ production: amyloid precursor protein, β-secretase (BACE1) and γ-secretase. The identification of environmental factors, such as neuroinflammation, that promote astrocytic Aβ production, could redefine how we think about developing therapeutics for AD.

Recent advances in applying mass spectrometry and systems biology to determine brain dynamics

INTRODUCTION

Neurological disorders encompass various pathologies which disrupt normal brain physiology and function. Poor understanding of their underlying molecular mechanisms and their societal burden argues for the necessity of novel prevention strategies, early diagnostic techniques and alternative treatment options to reduce the scale of their expected increase. Areas covered: This review scrutinizes mass spectrometry based approaches used to investigate brain dynamics in various conditions, including neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Different proteomics workflows for isolation/enrichment of specific cell populations or brain regions, sample processing; mass spectrometry technologies, for differential proteome quantitation, analysis of post-translational modifications and imaging approaches in the brain are critically deliberated. Future directions, including analysis of cellular sub-compartments, targeted MS platforms (selected/parallel reaction monitoring) and use of mass cytometry are also discussed. Expert commentary: Here, we summarize and evaluate current mass spectrometry based approaches for determining brain dynamics in health and diseases states, with a focus on neurological disorders. Furthermore, we provide insight on current trends and new MS technologies with potential to improve this analysis.

Glutaminyl Cyclase Inhibitor PQ912 Improves Cognition in Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease-Studies on Relation to Effective Target Occupancy

Numerous studies suggest that the majority of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides deposited in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are truncated and post-translationally modified at the N terminus. Among these modified species, pyroglutamyl-Aβ (pE-Aβ, including N3pE-Aβ40/42 and N11pE-Aβ40/42) has been identified as particularly neurotoxic. The N-terminal modification renders the peptide hydrophobic, accelerates formation of oligomers, and reduces degradation by peptidases, leading ultimately to the accumulation of the peptide and progression of AD. It has been shown that the formation of pyroglutamyl residues is catalyzed by glutaminyl cyclase (QC). Here, we present data about the pharmacological in vitro and in vivo efficacy of the QC inhibitor (S)-1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-5-(4-propoxyphenyl)imidazolidin-2-one (PQ912), the first-in-class compound that is in clinical development. PQ912 inhibits human, rat, and mouse QC activity, with K_i values ranging between 20 and 65 nM. Chronic oral treatment of hAPP_SLxhQC double-transgenic mice with approximately 200 mg/kg/day via chow shows a significant reduction of pE-Aβ levels and concomitant improvement of spatial learning in a Morris water maze test paradigm. This dose results in a brain and cerebrospinal fluid concentration of PQ912 which relates to a QC target occupancy of about 60%. Thus, we conclude that >50% inhibition of QC activity in the brain leads to robust treatment effects. Secondary pharmacology experiments in mice indicate a fairly large potency difference for Aβ cyclization compared with cyclization of physiologic substrates, suggesting a robust therapeutic window in humans. This information constitutes an important translational guidance for predicting the therapeutic dose range in clinical studies with PQ912.

Evidence of Molecular Interactions of Aβ1-42 with N-Terminal Truncated Beta Amyloids by NMR

Aβ peptides, the main protein components of Alzheimer's disease (AD) plaques, derive from a proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein. Due to heterogeneous cleavage sites, a series of Aβ peptides, including the major and widely studied species Aβ1-40 (Aβ40) and Aβ1-42 (Aβ42), are produced. In addition to the C-terminal heterogeneity of Aβ peptides, significant amounts of N-terminal truncated (Aβ3-42) and pyroglutamate-modified amyloid-β peptides (AβpE3-42) have been identified in AD affected brains and shown to be more cytotoxic than unmodified Aβ peptides. Little is known about the properties of their mixtures with Aβ42. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy is here employed to investigate the interaction of N-truncated peptides with Aβ42 at different molar ratios. We highlight the critical concentration of N-truncated forms influencing the aggregation kinetics of Aβ42. We provide evidence, at residue level, that the C-terminal region of Aβ42 is the locus of transient specific interactions with highly aggregation prone N-truncated alloforms.

Influence of gold nanoparticle surface chemistry and diameter upon Alzheimer's disease amyloid-β protein aggregation

Background

Deposits of aggregated amyloid-β protein (Aβ) are a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Thus, one therapeutic strategy is to eliminate these deposits by halting Aβ aggregation. While a variety of possible aggregation inhibitors have been explored, only nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit promise at low substoichiometric ratios. With tunable size, shape, and surface properties, NPs present an ideal platform for rationally designed Aβ aggregation inhibitors. In this study, we characterized the inhibitory capabilities of gold nanospheres exhibiting different surface coatings and diameters.

Results

Both NP diameter and surface chemistry were found to modulate the extent of aggregation, while NP electric charge influenced aggregate morphology. Notably, 8 nm and 18 nm poly(acrylic acid)-coated NPs abrogated Aβ aggregation at a substoichiometric ratio of 1:2,000,000. Theoretical calculations suggest that this low stoichiometry could arise from altered solution conditions near the NP surface. Specifically, local solution pH and charge density are congruent with conditions that influence aggregation.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate the potential of surface-coated gold nanospheres to serve as tunable therapeutic agents for the inhibition of Aβ aggregation. Insights gained into the physiochemical properties of effective NP inhibitors will inform future rational design of effective NP-based therapeutics for AD.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13036-017-0047-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Metalloprotease Meprin β Is an Alternative β-Secretase of APP

The membrane bound metalloprotease meprin β is important for collagen fibril assembly in connective tissue formation and for the detachment of the intestinal mucus layer for proper barrier function. Recent proteomic studies revealed dozens of putative new substrates of meprin β, including the amyloid precursor protein (APP). It was shown that APP is cleaved by meprin β in distinct ways, either at the β-secretase site resulting in increased levels of Aβ peptides, or at the N-terminus releasing 11 kDa, and 20 kDa peptide fragments. The latter event was discussed to be rather neuroprotective, whereas the ectodomain shedding of APP by meprin β reminiscent to BACE-1 is in line with the amyloid hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease, promoting neurodegeneration. The N-terminal 11 kDa and 20 kDa peptide fragments represent physiological cleavage products, since they are found in human brains under different diseased or non-diseased states, whereas these fragments are completely missing in brains of meprin β knock-out animals. Meprin β is not only a sheddase of adhesion molecules, such as APP, but was additionally demonstrated to cleave within the prodomain of ADAM10. Activated ADAM10, the α-secretase of APP, is then able to shed meprin β from the cell surface thereby abolishing the β-secretase activity. All together meprin β seems to be a novel player in APP processing events, even influencing other enzymes involved in APP cleavage.

Characterizing Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Dementia with Blood-Based Biomarkers and Neuropsychology

BACKGROUND

Current treatment in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is initiated at a stage where the brain already has irreversible structural deteriorations. Therefore, the concept of treatment prior to obvious cognitive deficits has become widely accepted, and simple biochemical tests to discriminate normal aging from prodromal or demented stages are now common practice.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was the differentiation of controls, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD patients by novel blood-based assays in combination with neuropsychological tests.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, 143 subjects aged 18 to 85 years were recruited. All participants were classified by a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Blood samples were analyzed for several amyloid-β (Aβ) species, pro-inflammatory markers, anti-Aβ autoantibodies, and ApoE allele status, respectively.

RESULTS

Plasma Aβ1-42 was significantly decreased in MCI and AD compared to age-matched controls, whereas Aβ1-40 did not differ, but increases with age in healthy controls. The Aβ1-42 to Aβ1-40 ratio was stepwise decreased from age-matched controls via MCI to AD, and shows a clear correlation with memory scores. Reduced Aβ1-42 and Aβ1-42 to Aβ1-40 ratio have strongly correlated with carrying ApoE ɛ4 allele. Autoantibodies against pyroglutamate-modified Aβ, but only a certain subclass, were significantly decreased in AD compared to MCI and age-matched controls, whereas autoantibodies against the unmodified N-terminus of Aβ did not differ.

CONCLUSION

Comprehensive sample preparation and assay standardization enable reliable usage of plasma Aβ for diagnosis of MCI and AD. Anti-pGlu-Aβ autoantibodies correlate with cognition, but not with ApoE, supporting the associated plasma Aβ analysis with additional and independent information.