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Liu Y, Xia X, Zheng M, Shi B. Bio-Nano Toolbox for Precision Alzheimer's Disease Gene Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2314354. [PMID: 38778446 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most burdensome aging-associated neurodegenerative disorder, and its treatment encounters numerous failures during drug development. Although there are newly approved in-market β-amyloid targeting antibody solutions, pathological heterogeneity among patient populations still challenges the treatment outcome. Emerging advances in gene therapies offer opportunities for more precise personalized medicine; while, major obstacles including the pathological heterogeneity among patient populations, the puzzled mechanism for druggable target development, and the precision delivery of functional therapeutic elements across the blood-brain barrier remain and limit the use of gene therapy for central neuronal diseases. Aiming for "precision delivery" challenges, nanomedicine provides versatile platforms that may overcome the targeted delivery challenges for AD gene therapy. In this perspective, to picture a toolbox for AD gene therapy strategy development, the most recent advances from benchtop to clinics are highlighted, possibly available gene therapy targets, tools, and delivery platforms are outlined, their challenges as well as rational design elements are addressed, and perspectives in this promising research field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy and Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475000, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Xue Xia
- Department of Radiotherapy and Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475000, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Meng Zheng
- Department of Radiotherapy and Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475000, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Bingyang Shi
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
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2
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Thananthirige KPM, Chitranshi N, Basavarajappa D, Rajput R, Abbasi M, Palanivel V, Gupta VB, Paulo JA, Koronyo-Hamaoui M, Mirzaei M, Graham SL, Gupta V. Tau modulation through AAV9 therapy augments Akt/Erk survival signalling in glaucoma mitigating the retinal degenerative phenotype. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:89. [PMID: 38845058 PMCID: PMC11158005 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01804-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein Tau is a key player in various neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Tauopathies, where its hyperphosphorylation disrupts neuronal microtubular lattice stability. Glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the retina, leads to irreversible vision loss by damaging retinal ganglion cells and the optic nerve, often associated with increased intraocular pressure. Prior studies have indicated Tau expression and phosphorylation alterations in the retina in both AD and glaucoma, yet the causative or downstream nature of Tau protein changes in these pathologies remains unclear. This study investigates the impact of Tau protein modulation on retinal neurons under normal and experimental glaucoma conditions. Employing AAV9-mediated gene therapy for Tau overexpression and knockdown, both manipulations were found to adversely affect retinal structural and functional measures as well as neuroprotective Akt/Erk survival signalling in healthy conditions. In the experimental glaucoma model, Tau overexpression intensified inner retinal degeneration, while Tau silencing provided significant protection against these degenerative changes. These findings underscore the critical role of endogenous Tau protein levels in preserving retinal integrity and emphasize the therapeutic potential of targeting Tau in glaucoma pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nitin Chitranshi
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Devaraj Basavarajappa
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Rashi Rajput
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Mojdeh Abbasi
- Division of Ophthalmology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Viswanthram Palanivel
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Veer Bala Gupta
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
- Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Departments of Neurology and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 127 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Stuart L Graham
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Vivek Gupta
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
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3
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Martin SC, Joyce KK, Lord JS, Harper KM, Nikolova VD, Cohen TJ, Moy SS, Diering GH. Sleep Disruption Precedes Forebrain Synaptic Tau Burden and Contributes to Cognitive Decline in a Sex-Dependent Manner in the P301S Tau Transgenic Mouse Model. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0004-24.2024. [PMID: 38858068 PMCID: PMC11209651 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0004-24.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Sleep disruption and impaired synaptic processes are common features in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Hyperphosphorylated Tau is known to accumulate at neuronal synapses in AD, contributing to synapse dysfunction. However, it remains unclear how sleep disruption and synapse pathology interact to contribute to cognitive decline. Here, we examined sex-specific onset and consequences of sleep loss in AD/tauopathy model PS19 mice. Using a piezoelectric home-cage monitoring system, we showed PS19 mice exhibited early-onset and progressive hyperarousal, a selective dark-phase sleep disruption, apparent at 3 months in females and 6 months in males. Using the Morris water maze test, we report that chronic sleep disruption (CSD) accelerated the onset of decline of hippocampal spatial memory in PS19 males only. Hyperarousal occurs well in advance of robust forebrain synaptic Tau burden that becomes apparent at 6-9 months. To determine whether a causal link exists between sleep disruption and synaptic Tau hyperphosphorylation, we examined the correlation between sleep behavior and synaptic Tau, or exposed mice to acute or chronic sleep disruption at 6 months. While we confirm that sleep disruption is a driver of Tau hyperphosphorylation in neurons of the locus ceruleus, we were unable to show any causal link between sleep loss and Tau burden in forebrain synapses. Despite the finding that hyperarousal appears earlier in females, female cognition was resilient to the effects of sleep disruption. We conclude sleep disruption interacts with the synaptic Tau burden to accelerate the onset of cognitive decline with greater vulnerability in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenée C Martin
- Departments of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Kathryn K Joyce
- Departments of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Julia S Lord
- Departments of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Kathryn M Harper
- Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Viktoriya D Nikolova
- Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Todd J Cohen
- Neurology, Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Sheryl S Moy
- Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, Carrboro, North Carolina 27510
| | - Graham H Diering
- Departments of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, Carrboro, North Carolina 27510
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Fischer I, Connors T, Bouyer J, Jin Y. The unique properties of Big tau in the visual system. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 38761116 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule associated protein that plays important roles in regulating the properties of microtubules and axonal transport, as well as tauopathies associated with toxic aggregates leading to neurodegenerative diseases. It is encoded by the MAPT gene forming multiple isoforms (45-60 kDa) by alternative splicing which are developmentally regulated. The high molecular weight (MW) tau isoform of 105 kDa, termed Big tau, was originally discovered in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) but later found in selective CNS areas. It contains an additional large exon 4a generating a long projecting domain of about 250 amino acids. Here we investigated the properties of Big tau in the visual system of rats, its distribution in retinal ganglion cells and the optic nerve as well as its developmental regulation using biochemical, molecular and histological analyses. We discovered that Big tau is expresses as a 95 kDa protein (termed middle MW) containing exons 4a, 6 as well as exon 10 which defines a 4 microtubule-binding repeats (4R). It lacks exons 2/3 but shares the extensive phosphorylation characteristic of other tau isoforms. Importantly, early in development the visual system expresses only the low MW isoform (3R) switching to both the low and middle MW isoforms (4R) in adult retinal ganglion neurons and their corresponding axons. This is a unique structure and expression pattern of Big tau, which we hypothesize is associated with the specific properties of the visual system different from what has been previously described in the PNS and other areas of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itzhak Fischer
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Theresa Connors
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Julien Bouyer
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ying Jin
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Olesen MA, Pradenas E, Villavicencio-Tejo F, Porter GA, Johnson GVW, Quintanilla RA. Mitochondria-tau association promotes cognitive decline and hippocampal bioenergetic deficits during the aging. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 217:141-156. [PMID: 38552927 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Current studies indicate that pathological modifications of tau are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic failure, and cognitive decline in neurological disorders and aging. We previously showed that caspase-3 cleaved tau, a relevant tau form in Alzheimer's disease (AD), affects mitochondrial bioenergetics, dynamics and synaptic plasticity by the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Also, genetic ablation of tau promotes mitochondrial function boost and increased cognitive capacities in aging mice. However, the mechanisms and relevance of these alterations for the cognitive and mitochondrial abnormalities during aging, which is the primary risk factor for AD, has not been explored. Therefore, in this study we used aging C57BL/6 mice (2-15 and 28-month-old) to evaluate hippocampus-dependent cognitive performance and mitochondrial function. Behavioral tests revealed that aged mice (15 and 28-month-old) showed a reduced cognitive performance compared to young mice (2 month). Concomitantly, isolated hippocampal mitochondria of aged mice showed a significant decrease in bioenergetic-related functions including increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial depolarization, ATP decreases, and calcium handling defects. Importantly, full-length and caspase-3 cleaved tau were preferentially present in mitochondrial fractions of 15 and 28-month-old mice. Also, aged mice (15 and 28-month-old) showed an increase in cyclophilin D (CypD), the principal regulator of mPTP opening, and a decrease in Opa-1 mitochondrial localization, indicating a possible defect in mitochondrial dynamics. Importantly, we corroborated these findings in immortalized cortical neurons expressing mitochondrial targeted full-length (GFP-T4-OMP25) and caspase-3 cleaved tau (GFP-T4C3-OMP25) which resulted in increased ROS levels and mitochondrial fragmentation, along with a decrease in Opa-1 protein expression. These results suggest that tau associates with mitochondria and this binding increases during aging. This connection may contribute to defects in mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics which later may conduce to cognitive decline present during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margrethe A Olesen
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eugenia Pradenas
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca Villavicencio-Tejo
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - George A Porter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Gail V W Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Rodrigo A Quintanilla
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Lin H, Sandkuhler S, Dunlea C, Rodwell-Bullock J, King DH, Johnson GVW. BAG3 regulates the specificity of the recognition of specific MAPT species by NBR1 and SQSTM1. Autophagy 2024; 20:577-589. [PMID: 37899687 PMCID: PMC10936643 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2276622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy/autophagy receptors are essential for the recognition and clearance of specific cargos by selective autophagy, which is essential for maintaining MAPT proteostasis. Previous studies have implicated different autophagy receptors in directing distinct species of MAPT to autophagy, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully investigated. Here we examine how the autophagy receptors NBR1 and SQSTM1 differentially associate with specific forms of MAPT. In primary neurons depletion of NBR1, unlike depletion of SQSTM1, significantly increased phosphorylated MAPT levels. The specificity of the interactions was confirmed using in vitro binding assays with purified proteins. We provide direct evidence that the co-chaperone BAG3 promotes the preferential association of NBR1 with monomeric MAPT and SQSTM1 with oligomeric MAPT. Using an in vitro affinity-isolation assay, we show that SQSTM1 only binds to monomeric MAPT when BAG3 is absent and fails to bind when BAG3 is present. The opposite is true of NBR1; its association with monomeric MAPT was dependent on the presence of BAG3. Interestingly, in Alzheimer disease brain the association of NBR1 with BAG3 was significantly decreased. In a mouse model, ablation of BAG3 in neural cells disrupted the association of NBR1 with phosphorylated MAPT and led to increased levels of phosphorylated and oligomeric MAPT. Overall, our results uncover a novel role for BAG3 in regulating the specificity of selective autophagy receptors in targeting different species of MAPT and provide compelling evidence that BAG3 plays a key role in maintaining MAPT proteostasis.Abbreviations: AD: Alzheimer disease; BAG3: BCL2-associated athanogene 3; BSA: bovine serum albumin; CERAD: Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease; ESCRT: endosomal sorting complexes required for transport; GST: glutathione S-transferases; MAPT: microtubule-associated protein tau; NBR1: NBR1, autophagy cargo receptor; NFT: neurofibrillary tangles; PMI: postmortem interval; SQSTM1: sequestosome 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Sandkuhler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Colleen Dunlea
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Joel Rodwell-Bullock
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Darron H King
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Gail V. W. Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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7
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James LM, Strickland Z, Lopez N, Whited JL, Maden M, Lewis J. Identification and Analysis of Axolotl Homologs for Proteins Implicated in Human Neurodegenerative Proteinopathies. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:310. [PMID: 38540368 PMCID: PMC10969905 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative proteinopathies such as Alzheimer's Disease are characterized by abnormal protein aggregation and neurodegeneration. Neuroresilience or regenerative strategies to prevent neurodegeneration, preserve function, or restore lost neurons may have the potential to combat human proteinopathies; however, the adult human brain possesses a limited capacity to replace lost neurons. In contrast, axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) show robust brain regeneration. To determine whether axolotls may help identify potential neuroresilience or regenerative strategies in humans, we first interrogated whether axolotls express putative proteins homologous to human proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. We compared the homology between human and axolotl proteins implicated in human proteinopathies and found that axolotls encode proteins highly similar to human microtubule-binding protein tau (tau), amyloid precursor protein (APP), and β-secretase 1 (BACE1), which are critically involved in human proteinopathies like Alzheimer's Disease. We then tested monoclonal Tau and BACE1 antibodies previously used in human and rodent neurodegenerative disease studies using immunohistochemistry and western blotting to validate the homology for these proteins. These studies suggest that axolotls may prove useful in studying the role of these proteins in disease within the context of neuroresilience and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas M. James
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (L.M.J.); (Z.S.)
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Zachary Strickland
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (L.M.J.); (Z.S.)
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Noah Lopez
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- The Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jessica L. Whited
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- The Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Malcolm Maden
- Department of Biology and UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jada Lewis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; (L.M.J.); (Z.S.)
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Zhu Y, Hui Q, Zhang Z, Fu H, Qin Y, Zhao Q, Li Q, Zhang J, Guo L, He W, Han C. Advancements in the study of synaptic plasticity and mitochondrial autophagy relationship. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25309. [PMID: 38400573 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Synapses serve as the points of communication between neurons, consisting primarily of three components: the presynaptic membrane, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic membrane. They transmit signals through the release and reception of neurotransmitters. Synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to undergo structural and functional changes, is influenced by proteins such as growth-associated proteins, synaptic vesicle proteins, postsynaptic density proteins, and neurotrophic growth factors. Furthermore, maintaining synaptic plasticity consumes more than half of the brain's energy, with a significant portion of this energy originating from ATP generated through mitochondrial energy metabolism. Consequently, the quantity, distribution, transport, and function of mitochondria impact the stability of brain energy metabolism, thereby participating in the regulation of fundamental processes in synaptic plasticity, including neuronal differentiation, neurite outgrowth, synapse formation, and neurotransmitter release. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the proteins associated with presynaptic plasticity, postsynaptic plasticity, and common factors between the two, as well as the relationship between mitochondrial energy metabolism and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousong Zhu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Qinlong Hui
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Hao Fu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Yali Qin
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Qiong Zhao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Qinqing Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Junlong Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Wenbin He
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Cheng Han
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Encephalopathy, Jinzhong, China
- National International Joint Research Center for Molecular Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
- Basic Medical College of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
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9
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Pragati, Sarkar S. Reinstated Activity of Human Tau-induced Enhanced Insulin Signaling Restricts Disease Pathogenesis by Regulating the Functioning of Kinases/Phosphatases and Tau Hyperphosphorylation in Drosophila. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:982-1001. [PMID: 37674037 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03599-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Tauopathies such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Frontotemporal dementia, and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17), etc. are characterized by tau hyperphosphorylation and distinguished accumulation of paired helical filaments (PHFs)/or neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in a specific-neuronal subset of the brain. Among different reported risk factors, type 2 diabetes (T2D) has gained attention due to its correlation with tau pathogenesis. However, mechanistic details and the precise contribution of insulin pathway in tau etiology is still debatable. We demonstrate that expression of human tau causes overactivation of insulin pathway in Drosophila disease models. We subsequently noted that tissue-specific downregulation of insulin signaling or even exclusive reduction of its growth-promoting sub-branch effectively reinstates the overactivated insulin signaling pathway in human tau expressing cells, which in turn restricts pathogenic tau hyperphosphorylation and aggregate formation. It was further noted that restored tau phosphorylation was achieved due to a reestablished balance between the levels of different kinase(s) (GSK3β and ERK/P38 MAP kinase) and phosphatase (PP2A). Taken together, our study demonstrates a precise involvement of the insulin pathway and associated molecular events in the pathogenesis of human tauopathies in Drosophila, which will be immensely helpful in developing novel therapeutic options against these devastating human brain disorders. Moreover, our study reveals an interesting link between tau etiology and aberrant insulin signaling, which is a characteristic feature of Type 2 Diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragati
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Surajit Sarkar
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India.
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10
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Shi H, Zhao Y. Modulation of Tau Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease by Dietary Bioactive Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:831. [PMID: 38255905 PMCID: PMC10815728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein essential for microtubule assembly and stability in neurons. The abnormal intracellular accumulation of tau aggregates is a major characteristic of brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. In AD, the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), which is composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, is positively correlated with the severity of the cognitive decline. Evidence suggests that the accumulation and aggregation of tau cause synaptic dysfunction and neuronal degeneration. Thus, the prevention of abnormal tau phosphorylation and elimination of tau aggregates have been proposed as therapeutic strategies for AD. However, currently tau-targeting therapies for AD and other tauopathies are limited. A number of dietary bioactive compounds have been found to modulate the posttranslational modifications of tau, including phosphorylation, small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) mediated modification (SUMOylation) and acetylation, as well as inhibit tau aggregation and/or promote tau degradation. The advantages of using these dietary components over synthetic substances in AD prevention and intervention are their safety and accessibility. This review summarizes the mechanisms leading to tau pathology in AD and highlights the effects of bioactive compounds on the hyperphosphorylation, aggregation and clearance of tau protein. The potential of using these bioactive compounds for AD prevention and intervention is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huahua Shi
- Department of Bioengineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai 264209, China;
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Bioengineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Weihai 264209, China;
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
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11
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Pérez MJ, Ibarra-García-Padilla R, Tang M, Porter GA, Johnson GVW, Quintanilla RA. Caspase-3 cleaved tau impairs mitochondrial function through the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166898. [PMID: 37774936 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a significant factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous studies have demonstrated that the expression of tau cleaved at Asp421 by caspase-3 leads to mitochondrial abnormalities and bioenergetic impairment. However, the underlying mechanism behind these alterations and their impact on neuronal function remains unknown. To investigate the mechanism behind mitochondrial dysfunction caused by this tau form, we used transient transfection and pharmacological approaches in immortalized cortical neurons and mouse primary hippocampal neurons. We assessed mitochondrial morphology and bioenergetics function after expression of full-length tau and caspase-3-cleaved tau. We also evaluated the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and its conformation as a possible mechanism to explain mitochondrial impairment induced by caspase-3 cleaved tau. Our studies showed that pharmacological inhibition of mPTP by cyclosporine A (CsA) prevented all mitochondrial length and bioenergetics abnormalities in neuronal cells expressing caspase-3 cleaved tau. Neuronal cells expressing caspase-3-cleaved tau showed sustained mPTP opening which is mostly dependent on cyclophilin D (CypD) protein expression. Moreover, the impairment of mitochondrial length and bioenergetics induced by caspase-3-cleaved tau were prevented in hippocampal neurons obtained from CypD knock-out mice. Interestingly, previous studies using these mice showed a prevention of mPTP opening and a reduction of mitochondrial failure and neurodegeneration induced by AD. Therefore, our findings showed that caspase-3-cleaved tau negatively impacts mitochondrial bioenergetics through mPTP activation, highlighting the importance of this channel and its regulatory protein, CypD, in the neuronal damage induced by tau pathology in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Pérez
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Ibarra-García-Padilla
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maoping Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - George A Porter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Gail V W Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Rodrigo A Quintanilla
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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12
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Wang Y, Wang J, Chen H, Li X, Xu R, Gao F, Yu H, Li F, Qin D, Wang J, Shi Y, Li Y, Liu S, Zhang X, Ding S, Hu Y, Huang L, Gao XY, Lu Z, Luo J, Wang ZH. A tau fragment links depressive-like behaviors and cognitive declines in Alzheimer's disease mouse models through attenuating mitochondrial function. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1293164. [PMID: 38131009 PMCID: PMC10734641 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1293164] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease characterized by extracellular senile plaques including amyloid-β peptides and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles consisting of abnormal Tau. Depression is one of the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD, and clinical evidence demonstrates that depressive symptoms accelerate the cognitive deficit of AD patients. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of depressive symptoms present in the process of AD remain unclear. Methods Depressive-like behaviors and cognitive decline in hTau mice were induced by chronic restraint stress (CRS). Computational prediction and molecular experiments supported that an asparagine endopeptidase (AEP)-derived Tau fragment, Tau N368 interacts with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPAR-δ). Further behavioral studies investigated the role of Tau N368-PPAR-δ interaction in depressive-like behaviors and cognitive declines of AD models exposed to CRS. Results We found that mitochondrial dysfunction was positively associated with depressive-like behaviors and cognitive deficits in hTau mice. Chronic stress increased Tau N368 and promoted the interaction of Tau N368 with PPAR-δ, repressing PPAR-δ-mediated transactivation in the hippocampus of mice. Then we predicted and identified the binding sites of PPAR-δ. Finally, inhibition of AEP, clearance of Tau N368 and pharmacological activation of PPAR-δ effectively alleviated CRS-induced depressive-like behaviors and cognitive decline in mice. Conclusion These results demonstrate that Tau N368 in the hippocampus impairs mitochondrial function by suppressing PPAR-δ, facilitating the occurrence of depressive-like behaviors and cognitive decline. Therefore, our findings may provide new mechanistic insight in the pathophysiology of depression-like phenotype in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianhao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruifeng Xu
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hang Yu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongdong Qin
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiabei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuke Shi
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiyi Li
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Songyan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuai Ding
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiqian Hu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liqin Huang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin-Ya Gao
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
- Laboratory of Neurology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zuneng Lu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Eremin DV, Kondaurova EM, Rodnyy AY, Molobekova CA, Kudlay DA, Naumenko VS. Serotonin Receptors as a Potential Target in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:2023-2042. [PMID: 38462447 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923120064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide that has an increasing impact on aging societies. Besides its critical role in the control of various physiological functions and behavior, brain serotonin (5-HT) system is involved in the regulation of migration, proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and programmed death of neurons. At the same time, a growing body of evidence indicates the involvement of 5-HT neurotransmission in the formation of insoluble aggregates of β-amyloid and tau protein, the main histopathological signs of AD. The review describes the role of various 5-HT receptors and intracellular signaling cascades induced by them in the pathological processes leading to the development of AD, first of all, in protein aggregation. Changes in the functioning of certain types of 5-HT receptors or associated intracellular signaling mediators prevent accumulation of β-amyloid plaques and tau protein neurofibrillary tangles. Based on the experimental data, it can be suggested that the use of 5-HT receptors as new drug targets will not only improve cognitive performance in AD, but will be also important in treating the causes of AD-related dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrii V Eremin
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
| | - Elena M Kondaurova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Aleksander Ya Rodnyy
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Camilla A Molobekova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitrii A Kudlay
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Naumenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
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Zhao S, Jiang X, Han L, Jiang Y, Wang Y, Meng J, Zhu X, Zhang X, Luo H, Zhang YW. Tau reduction attenuates autism-like features in Fmr1 knockout mice. Mol Autism 2023; 14:42. [PMID: 37936174 PMCID: PMC10629153 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00574-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a leading cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and resulted from a loss of the FMR1-encoded fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP) protein due to large CGG repeat expansions in the promoter region of the FMR1 gene. The microtubule-associated protein Tau is a promising target for Tauopathic diseases and our preliminary study found that Tau protein levels were increased in the brain of Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice, a model of FXS. However, whether Tau reduction can prevent autism-like features in Fmr1 KO mice and become a novel strategy for FXS treatment remain unknown. METHODS Tau was genetically reduced in Fmr1 KO mice through crossing Fmr1± female mice with Mapt± male mice. The male offspring with different genotypes were subjected to various autism-related behavioral tests, RNA sequencing, and biochemical analysis. Fmr1 KO male mice were treated with Tau-targeting antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and then subjected to behavioral tests and biochemical analysis. RESULTS Tau expression was increased in the cortex of Fmr1 KO mice. Genetically reducing Tau prevented social defects, stereotyped and repetitive behavior, and spine abnormality in Fmr1 KO mice. Tau reduction also reversed increased periodic activity and partially rescued Per1 expression reduction in Fmr1 KO mice. Moreover, Tau reduction reversed compromised P38/MAPK signaling in Fmr1 KO mice. Finally, Tau-targeting ASO also effectively alleviated autism-like phenotypes and promoted P38/MAPK signaling in Fmr1 KO mice. LIMITATIONS Our study is limited to male mice, in agreement with the higher incidence of FXS in males than females. Whether Tau reduction also exerts protection in females deserves further scrutiny. Moreover, although Tau reduction rescues impaired P38/MAPK signaling in Fmr1 KO mice, whether this is the responsible molecular mechanism requires further determination. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that Tau reduction prevents autism-like phenotypes in Fmr1 KO mice. Tau may become a new target for FXS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhao
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xiangyu Jiang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Linkun Han
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yiru Jiang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Jian Meng
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xiang Zhu
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Hong Luo
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yun-Wu Zhang
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Brain Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
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15
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Hymel HC, Anderson JC, Liu D, Gauthier TJ, Melvin AT. Incorporating a β-hairpin sequence motif to increase intracellular stability of a peptide-based PROTAC. Biochem Eng J 2023; 199:109063. [PMID: 37637833 PMCID: PMC10455042 DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2023.109063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as a new class of therapeutics that utilize the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to facilitate proteasomal degradation of "undruggable" targets. Peptide-based PROTACs contain three essential components: a binding motif for the target protein, a short amino acid sequence recognized by an E3 ligase called a degron, and a cell penetrating peptide to facilitate uptake into intact cells. While peptide-based PROTACs have been shown to successfully degrade numerous targets, they have often been found to exhibit low cell permeability and high protease susceptibility. Prior work identified peptides containing a β-hairpin sequence motif that function not only as protecting elements, but also as CPPs and degrons. The goal of this study was to investigate if a β-hairpin sequence could replace commonly used unstructured peptides sequences as the degron and the CPP needed for PROTAC uptake and function. The degradation of the protein Tau was selected as a model system as several published works have identified a Tau binding element that could easily be conjugated to the β-hairpin sequence. A series of time- and concentration-dependent studies confirmed that the βhairpin sequence was an adequate alternative CPP and degron to facilitate the proteasomemediated degradation of Tau. Microscopy studies confirmed the time-dependent uptake of the PROTAC and a degradation assay confirmed that the β-hairpin conjugated PROTAC had a greater lifetime in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Hymel
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803
| | - Jeffery C Anderson
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803
| | - Dong Liu
- LSU AgCenter Biotechnology Lab, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Ted J Gauthier
- LSU AgCenter Biotechnology Lab, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Adam T Melvin
- Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803
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Olesen MA, Quintanilla RA. Pathological Impact of Tau Proteolytical Process on Neuronal and Mitochondrial Function: a Crucial Role in Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5691-5707. [PMID: 37332018 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03434-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Tau protein plays a pivotal role in the central nervous system (CNS), participating in microtubule stability, axonal transport, and synaptic communication. Research interest has focused on studying the role of post-translational tau modifications in mitochondrial failure, oxidative damage, and synaptic impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Soluble tau forms produced by its pathological cleaved induced by caspases could lead to neuronal injury contributing to oxidative damage and cognitive decline in AD. For example, the presence of tau cleaved by caspase-3 has been suggested as a relevant factor in AD and is considered a previous event before neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formation.Interestingly, we and others have shown that caspase-cleaved tau in N- or C- terminal sites induce mitochondrial bioenergetics defects, axonal transport impairment, neuronal injury, and cognitive decline in neuronal cells and murine models. All these abnormalities are considered relevant in the early neurodegenerative manifestations such as memory and cognitive failure reported in AD. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss for the first time the importance of truncated tau by caspases activation in the pathogenesis of AD and how its negative actions could impact neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margrethe A Olesen
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, El Llano Subercaseaux 2801, 5to Piso, San Miguel, 8910060, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo A Quintanilla
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, El Llano Subercaseaux 2801, 5to Piso, San Miguel, 8910060, Santiago, Chile.
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17
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Oliva CA, Lira M, Jara C, Catenaccio A, Mariqueo TA, Lindsay CB, Bozinovic F, Cavieres G, Inestrosa NC, Tapia-Rojas C, Rivera DS. Long-term social isolation stress exacerbates sex-specific neurodegeneration markers in a natural model of Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1250342. [PMID: 37810621 PMCID: PMC10557460 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1250342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Social interactions have a significant impact on health in humans and animal models. Social isolation initiates a cascade of stress-related physiological disorders and stands as a significant risk factor for a wide spectrum of morbidity and mortality. Indeed, social isolation stress (SIS) is indicative of cognitive decline and risk to neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of chronic, long-term SIS on the propensity to develop hallmarks of AD in young degus (Octodon degus), a long-lived animal model that mimics sporadic AD naturally. We examined inflammatory factors, bioenergetic status, reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress, antioxidants, abnormal proteins, tau protein, and amyloid-β (Aβ) levels in the hippocampus of female and male degus that were socially isolated from post-natal and post-weaning until adulthood. Additionally, we explored the effect of re-socialization following chronic isolation on these protein profiles. Our results showed that SIS promotes a pro-inflammatory scenario more severe in males, a response that was partially mitigated by a period of re-socialization. In addition, ATP levels, ROS, and markers of oxidative stress are severely affected in female degus, where a period of re-socialization fails to restore them as it does in males. In females, these effects might be linked to antioxidant enzymes like catalase, which experience a decline across all SIS treatments without recovery during re-socialization. Although in males, a previous enzyme in antioxidant pathway diminishes in all treatments, catalase rebounds during re-socialization. Notably, males have less mature neurons after chronic isolation, whereas phosphorylated tau and all detectable forms of Aβ increased in both sexes, persisting even post re-socialization. Collectively, these findings suggest that long-term SIS may render males more susceptible to inflammatory states, while females are predisposed to oxidative states. In both scenarios, the accumulation of tau and Aβ proteins increase the individual susceptibility to early-onset neurodegenerative conditions such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina A. Oliva
- Centro para la Transversalización de Género en I+D+i+e, Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Doctorados, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Matías Lira
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Aging, Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Jara
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Aging, Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandra Catenaccio
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Aging, Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Trinidad A. Mariqueo
- Centro de Investigaciones Médicas, Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Carolina B. Lindsay
- Laboratory of Neurosystems, Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Bozinovic
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Grisel Cavieres
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nibaldo C. Inestrosa
- Center of Aging and Regeneration UC (CARE-UC), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Cheril Tapia-Rojas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Aging, Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniela S. Rivera
- GEMA Center for Genomics, Ecology and Environment, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
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Wang R, Lu KP, Zhou XZ. Function and regulation of cis P-tau in the pathogenesis and treatment of conventional and nonconventional tauopathies. J Neurochem 2023; 166:904-914. [PMID: 37638382 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Conventional tauopathies are a group of disease characterized by tau inclusions in the brains, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Pick's disease (PiD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and certain types of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), among which AD is the most prevalent. Extensive post-translational modifications, especially hyperphosphorylation, and abnormal aggregation of tau protein underlie tauopathy. Cis-trans isomerization of protein plays an important role in protein folding, function, and degradation, which is regulated by peptidyl-proline isomerases (PPIases). Peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (Pin1), the only PPIase found to isomerize Pro following phosphorylated Ser or Thr residues, alters phosphorylated tau protein conformation at pT231-P motif. The cis P-tau but not trans P-tau serves as an early driver of multiple neurodegenerative disease, encompassing AD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Cis but not trans P-tau is resistant to protein dephosphorylation and degradation, and also prone to protein aggregation. Cis P-tau loses its ability to stabilize microtubule, causing and spreading tauopathy mainly in axons, a pathological process called cistauosis. The conformation-specific monoclonal antibody that targets only the cis P-tau serves as a very early diagnosis method and a potential treatment of not only conventional tauopathies but also nonconventional tauopathies such as VCID, with clinical trials ongoing. Notably, cis P-tau antibody is the only clinical-stage Alzheimer's therapeutic that has shown the efficacy in animal models of not only AD but also TBI and stroke, which are very early stages of dementia. Here we review the identification and pathological consequences of cis pt231-tau, the role of its regulator Pin1, as well as the clinical implication of cis pt231-tau conformation-specific antibody in conventional and nonconventional tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhi Wang
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kun Ping Lu
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiao Zhen Zhou
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Oncology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Mangiafico SP, Tuo QZ, Li XL, Liu Y, Haralambous C, Ding XL, Ayton S, Wang Q, Laybutt DR, Chan JY, Zhang X, Kos C, Thomas HE, Loudovaris T, Yang CH, Joannides CN, Lamont BJ, Dai L, He HH, Dong B, Andrikopoulos S, Bush AI, Lei P. Tau suppresses microtubule-regulated pancreatic insulin secretion. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3982-3993. [PMID: 37735502 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02267-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Tau protein is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies, but its physiological function is in debate. Mostly explored in the brain, tau is also expressed in the pancreas. We further explored the mechanism of tau's involvement in the regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in islet β-cells, and established a potential relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and AD. We demonstrate that pancreatic tau is crucial for insulin secretion regulation and glucose homeostasis. Tau levels were found to be elevated in β-islet cells of patients with T2DM, and loss of tau enhanced insulin secretion in cell lines, drosophila, and mice. Pharmacological or genetic suppression of tau in the db/db diabetic mouse model normalized glucose levels by promoting insulin secretion and was recapitulated by pharmacological inhibition of microtubule assembly. Clinical studies further showed that serum tau protein was positively correlated with blood glucose levels in healthy controls, which was lost in AD. These findings present tau as a common therapeutic target between AD and T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore P Mangiafico
- Department of Medicine, Austin Hospital, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Qing-Zhang Tuo
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Xiao-Lan Li
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Christian Haralambous
- Department of Medicine, Austin Hospital, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Xu-Long Ding
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Scott Ayton
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - D Ross Laybutt
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Jeng Yie Chan
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Cameron Kos
- St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Helen E Thomas
- St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Thomas Loudovaris
- St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
- Institute for Cellular Transplantation, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724-5066, USA
| | - Chieh-Hsin Yang
- Department of Medicine, Austin Hospital, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Christos N Joannides
- Department of Medicine, Austin Hospital, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Lamont
- Department of Medicine, Austin Hospital, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Lunzhi Dai
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Hai-Huai He
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Biao Dong
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Sofianos Andrikopoulos
- Department of Medicine, Austin Hospital, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Peng Lei
- Department of Neurology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China.
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
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20
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Flavin WP, Hosseini H, Ruberti JW, Kavehpour HP, Giza CC, Prins ML. Traumatic brain injury and the pathways to cerebral tau accumulation. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1239653. [PMID: 37638180 PMCID: PMC10450935 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1239653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau is a protein that has received national mainstream recognition for its potential negative impact to the brain. This review succinctly provides information on the structure of tau and its normal physiological functions, including in hibernation and changes throughout the estrus cycle. There are many pathways involved in phosphorylating tau including diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer's disease (AD), brain injury, aging, and drug use. The common mechanisms for these processes are put into context with changes observed in mild and repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The phosphorylation of tau is a part of the progression to pathology, but the ability for tau to aggregate and propagate is also addressed. Summarizing both the functional and dysfunctional roles of tau can help advance our understanding of this complex protein, improve our care for individuals with a history of TBI, and lead to development of therapeutic interventions to prevent or reverse tau-mediated neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P. Flavin
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Program, Department of Pediatrics and Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Helia Hosseini
- Department of Bioengineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey W. Ruberti
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - H. Pirouz Kavehpour
- Department of Bioengineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Christopher C. Giza
- Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Program, Department of Pediatrics and Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Injury Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mayumi L. Prins
- Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Program, Department of Pediatrics and Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Injury Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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21
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Wu WF, Lin JT, Qiu YK, Dong W, Wan J, Li S, Zheng H, Wu YQ. The role of epigenetic modification in postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 89:101983. [PMID: 37321381 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
With the ageing of the population, the health problems of elderly individuals have become particularly important. Through a large number of clinical studies and trials, it has been confirmed that elderly patients can experience postoperative cognitive dysfunction after general anesthesia/surgery. However, the mechanism of postoperative cognitive dysfunction is still unknown. In recent years, the role of epigenetics in postoperative cognitive dysfunction has been widely studied and reported. Epigenetics includes the genetic structure and biochemical changes of chromatin not involving changes in the DNA sequence. This article summarizes the epigenetic mechanism of cognitive impairment after general anesthesia/surgery and analyses the broad prospects of epigenetics as a therapeutic target for postoperative cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Feng Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Jia-Tao Lin
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Yong-Kang Qiu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Jie Wan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Hui Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Yu-Qing Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China.
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Oreshko AS, Rodnyy AY, Bazovkina DV, Naumenko VS. Effects of central administration of the human Tau protein on the Bdnf, Trkb, p75, Mapt, Bax and Bcl-2 genes expression in the mouse brain. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2023; 27:342-348. [PMID: 37465194 PMCID: PMC10350857 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-23-41] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite intensive work by many researchers, the mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease development have not yet been elucidated. Recently, more studies have been directed to the investigation of the processes leading to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles consisting of hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated Tau proteins. Pathological aggregation of this protein leads to the development of neurodegeneration associated with impaired neurogenesis and apoptosis. In the present study, the effects of central administration of aggregating human Tau protein on the expression of the Bdnf, Ntrk2, Ngfr, Mapt, Bax and Bcl-2 genes in the brain of C57Bl/6J mice were explored. It was found that five days after administration of the protein into the fourth lateral ventricle, significant changes occurred in the expression of the genes involved in apoptosis and neurogenesis regulation, e. g., a notable decrease in the mRNA level of the gene encoding the most important neurotrophic factor BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) was observed in the frontal cortex which could play an important role in neurodegeneration caused by pathological Tau protein aggregation. Central administration of the Tau protein did not affect the expression of the Ntrk2, Ngfr, Mapt, Bax and Bcl-2 genes in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. Concurrently, a significant decrease in the expression of the Mapt gene encoding endogenous mouse Tau protein was found in the cerebellum. However, no changes in the level or phosphorylation of the endogenous Tau protein were observed. Thus, central administration of aggregating human Tau protein decreases the expression of the Bdnf gene in the frontal cortex and the Mapt gene encoding endogenous mouse Tau protein in the cerebellum of C57Bl/6J mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Oreshko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A Ya Rodnyy
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - D V Bazovkina
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - V S Naumenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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23
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Needs HI, Wilkinson KA, Henley JM, Collinson I. Aggregation-prone Tau impairs mitochondrial import, which affects organelle morphology and neuronal complexity. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260993. [PMID: 37303235 PMCID: PMC10357015 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial protein import is essential for organellar biogenesis, and thereby for the sufficient supply of cytosolic ATP - which is particularly important for cells with high energy demands like neurons. This study explores the prospect of import machinery perturbation as a cause of neurodegeneration instigated by the accumulation of aggregating proteins linked to disease. We found that the aggregation-prone Tau variant (TauP301L) reduces the levels of components of the import machinery of the outer (TOM20, encoded by TOMM20) and inner membrane (TIM23, encoded by TIMM23) while associating with TOM40 (TOMM40). Intriguingly, this interaction affects mitochondrial morphology, but not protein import or respiratory function; raising the prospect of an intrinsic rescue mechanism. Indeed, TauP301L induced the formation of tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs), potentially for the recruitment of healthy mitochondria from neighbouring cells and/or the disposal of mitochondria incapacitated by aggregated Tau. Consistent with this, inhibition of TNT formation (and rescue) reveals Tau-induced import impairment. In primary neuronal cultures, TauP301L induced morphological changes characteristic of neurodegeneration. Interestingly, these effects were mirrored in cells where the import sites were blocked artificially. Our results reveal a link between aggregation-prone Tau and defective mitochondrial import relevant to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope I. Needs
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | | | - Jeremy M. Henley
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Ian Collinson
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
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24
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Martin SC, Joyce KK, Harper KM, Nikolova VD, Cohen TJ, Moy SS, Diering GH. Sleep disruption precedes forebrain synaptic Tau burden and contributes to cognitive decline in a sex-dependent manner in the P301S Tau transgenic mouse model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.07.544101. [PMID: 37333395 PMCID: PMC10274785 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.07.544101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Sleep is an essential process that supports brain health and cognitive function in part through the modification of neuronal synapses. Sleep disruption, and impaired synaptic processes, are common features in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the casual role of sleep disruption in disease progression is not clear. Neurofibrillary tangles, made from hyperphosphorylated and aggregated Tau protein, form one of the major hallmark pathologies seen in AD and contribute to cognitive decline, synapse loss and neuronal death.Tau has been shown to aggregate in synapses which may impair restorative synapse processes occurring during sleep. However, it remains unclear how sleep disruption and synaptic Tau pathology interact to drive cognitive decline. It is also unclear whether the sexes show differential vulnerability to the effects of sleep loss in the context of neurodegeneration. Methods We used a piezoelectric home-cage monitoring system to measure sleep behavior in 3-11month-old transgenic hTau P301S Tauopathy model mice (PS19) and littermate controls of both sexes. Subcellular fractionation and Western blot was used to examine Tau pathology in mouse forebrain synapse fractions. To examine the role of sleep disruption in disease progression, mice were exposed to acute or chronic sleep disruption. The Morris water maze test was used to measure spatial learning and memory performance. Results PS19 mice exhibited a selective loss of sleep during the dark phase, referred to as hyperarousal, as an early symptom with an onset of 3months in females and 6months in males. At 6months, forebrain synaptic Tau burden did not correlate with sleep measures and was not affected by acute or chronic sleep disruption. Chronic sleep disruption accelerated the onset of decline of hippocampal spatial memory in PS19 males, but not females. Conclusions Dark phase hyperarousal is an early symptom in PS19 mice that precedes robust Tau aggregation. We find no evidence that sleep disruption is a direct driver of Tau pathology in the forebrain synapse. However, sleep disruption synergized with Tau pathology to accelerate the onset of cognitive decline in males. Despite the finding that hyperarousal appears earlier in females, female cognition was resilient to the effects of sleep disruption.
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25
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Cheng WH, Cheung H, Kang A, Fan J, Cooper J, Anwer M, Barron C, Wilkinson A, Hu G, Yue J, Cripton PA, Vocadlo DJ, Wellington CL. Altered Tau Kinase Activity in rTg4510 Mice after a Single Interfaced CHIMERA Traumatic Brain Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119439. [PMID: 37298388 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an established risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we used the Closed Head Injury Model of Engineered Rotational Acceleration (CHIMERA) to investigate the effects of a single high-energy TBI in rTg4510 mice, a mouse model of tauopathy. Fifteen male rTg4510 mice (4 mo) were impacted at 4.0 J using interfaced CHIMERA and were compared to sham controls. Immediately after injury, the TBI mice showed significant mortality (7/15; 47%) and a prolonged duration of loss of the righting reflex. At 2 mo post-injury, surviving mice displayed significant microgliosis (Iba1) and axonal injury (Neurosilver). Western blotting indicated a reduced p-GSK-3β (S9):GSK-3β ratio in TBI mice, suggesting chronic activation of tau kinase. Although longitudinal analysis of plasma total tau suggested that TBI accelerates the appearance of tau in the circulation, there were no significant differences in brain total or p-tau levels, nor did we observe evidence of enhanced neurodegeneration in TBI mice compared to sham mice. In summary, we showed that a single high-energy head impact induces chronic white matter injury and altered GSK-3β activity without an apparent change in post-injury tauopathy in rTg4510 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Hang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Honor Cheung
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Amy Kang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Jianjia Fan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Jennifer Cooper
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mehwish Anwer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Carlos Barron
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Anna Wilkinson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Grace Hu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Jefferey Yue
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Peter A Cripton
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - David J Vocadlo
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Cheryl L Wellington
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
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26
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Moreno R, Recio J, Barber S, Gil C, Martinez A. The emerging role of mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) and its potential as a target for neurodegenerative diseases therapies. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115511. [PMID: 37247505 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115511] [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: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Selective and brain-permeable protein kinase inhibitors are in preclinical development for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Among them, MLK3 inhibitors, with a potent neuroprotective biological action have emerged as valuable agents for the treatment of pathologies such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In fact, one MLK3 inhibitor, CEP-1347, reached clinical trials for Parkinson's disease. Additionally, another compound called prostetin/12k, a potent and rather selective MLK3 inhibitor has started clinical development for ALS based on its motor neuron protection in both in vitro and in vivo models. In this review, we will focus on the role of MLK3 in neuron-related cell death processes, neurodegenerative diseases, and the potential advantages of targeting this kinase through pharmacological modulation for neuroprotective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Moreno
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas"-CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Recio
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas"-CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Barber
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas"-CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Gil
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas"-CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana Martinez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas "Margarita Salas"-CSIC, Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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27
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Tapia-Monsalves C, Olesen MA, Villavicencio-Tejo F, Quintanilla RA. Cyclosporine A (CsA) prevents synaptic impairment caused by truncated tau by caspase-3. Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 125:103861. [PMID: 37182572 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
During Alzheimer's (AD), tau protein suffers from abnormal post-translational modifications, including cleaving by caspase-3. These tau forms affect synaptic plasticity contributing to the cognitive decline observed in the early stages of AD. In addition, caspase-3 cleaved tau (TauC3) impairs mitochondrial dynamics and organelles transport, which are both relevant processes for synapse. We recently showed that the absence of tau expression reverts age-associated cognitive and mitochondrial failure by blocking the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). mPTP is a mitochondrial complex involved in calcium regulation and apoptosis. Therefore, we studied the effects of TauC3 against the dendritic spine and synaptic vesicle formation and the possible role of mPTP in these alterations. We used mature hippocampal mice neurons to express a reporter protein (GFP, mCherry), coupled to full-length human tau protein (GFP-T4, mCherry-T4), and coupled to human tau protein cleaved at D421 by caspase-3 (GFP-T4C3, mCherry-T4C3) and synaptic elements were evaluated. Treatment with cyclosporine A (CsA), an immunosuppressive drug with inhibitory activity on mPTP, prevented ROS increase and mitochondrial depolarization induced by TauC3 in hippocampal neurons. These results were corroborated with immortalized cortical neurons in which ROS increase and ATP loss induced by this tau form were prevented by CsA. Interestingly, TauC3 expression significantly reduced dendritic spine density (filopodia type) and synaptic vesicle number in hippocampal neurons. Also, neurons transfected with TauC3 showed a significant accumulation of synaptophysin protein in their soma. More importantly, all these synaptic alterations were prevented by CsA, suggesting an mPTP role in these negative changes derived from TauC3 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Tapia-Monsalves
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidad Autonoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Margrethe A Olesen
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidad Autonoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca Villavicencio-Tejo
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidad Autonoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo A Quintanilla
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidad Autonoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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28
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Lin H, Deaton CA, Johnson GVW. Commentary: BAG3 as a Mediator of Endosome Function and Tau Clearance. Neuroscience 2023; 518:4-9. [PMID: 35550160 PMCID: PMC9646927 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Tauopathies are a group of heterogeneous neurodegenerative conditions characterized by the deposition of abnormal tau protein in the brain. The underlying mechanisms that contribute to the accumulation of tau in these neurodegenerative diseases are multifactorial; nonetheless, there is a growing awareness that dysfunction of endosome-lysosome pathways is a pivotal factor. BCL2 associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) is a multidomain protein that plays a key role in maintaining neuronal proteostasis. Further, recent data indicate that BAG3 plays an important role in mediating vacuolar-dependent degradation of tau. Overexpression of BAG3 in a tauopathy mouse model decreased pathological tau levels and alleviated synapse loss. High throughput screens of BAG3 interactors have identified key players in the vacuolar system; these include clathrin and regulators of small GTPases. These findings suggest that BAG3 is an important regulator of endocytic pathways. In this commentary, we discuss the potential mechanisms by which BAG3 regulates the vacuolar system and tau proteostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Carol A Deaton
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Gail V W Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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Lin L, Liu X, Cheng X, Li Y, Gearing M, Levey A, Huang X, Li Y, Jin P, Li X. MicroRNA-650 Regulates the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease Through Targeting Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:2426-2441. [PMID: 36656459 PMCID: PMC10039829 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03224-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis feature progressive neurodegeneration, amyloid-β plaque formation, and neurofibrillary tangles. Ample evidence has indicated the involvement of epigenetic pathways in AD pathogenesis. Here, we show that the expression of microRNA 650 (miR-650) is altered in brains from AD patients. Furthermore, we found that the processing of primary miR-650 to mature miR-650 is misregulated. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that miR-650 targets the expression of three AD-associated components: Apolipoprotein E (APOE), Presenilin 1 (PSEN1), and Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 (CDK5), and we have experimentally confirmed that miR-650 is able to significantly reduce the expression of APOE, PSEN1, and CDK5 in vitro. Importantly, the overexpression of miR-650 was further shown to significantly alter the CDK5 level and ameliorate AD pathologies in APP-PSEN1 transgenic mice. Overall, our results indicate that miR-650 influences AD pathogenesis through regulation of CDK5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Lin
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nonhuman Primate Models of Human Diseases, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nonhuman Primate Models of Human Diseases, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xuejun Cheng
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yujing Li
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Marla Gearing
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Allan Levey
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Xiaoli Huang
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Ying Li
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Xuekun Li
- The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- The Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Fujikawa R, Tsuda M. The Functions and Phenotypes of Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081207. [PMID: 37190116 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide, but therapeutic strategies to slow down AD pathology and symptoms have not yet been successful. While attention has been focused on neurodegeneration in AD pathogenesis, recent decades have provided evidence of the importance of microglia, and resident immune cells in the central nervous system. In addition, new technologies, including single-cell RNA sequencing, have revealed heterogeneous cell states of microglia in AD. In this review, we systematically summarize the microglial response to amyloid-β and tau tangles, and the risk factor genes expressed in microglia. Furthermore, we discuss the characteristics of protective microglia that appear during AD pathology and the relationship between AD and microglia-induced inflammation during chronic pain. Understanding the diverse roles of microglia will help identify new therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risako Fujikawa
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Makoto Tsuda
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Kyushu University Institute for Advanced Study, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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31
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Brandimarti R, Irollo E, Meucci O. The US9-Derived Protein gPTB9TM Modulates APP Processing Without Targeting Secretase Activities. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1811-1825. [PMID: 36576708 PMCID: PMC9984340 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03153-2] [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: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alteration of neuronal protein processing is often associated with neurological disorders and is highly dependent on cellular protein trafficking. A prime example is the amyloidogenic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in intracellular vesicles, which plays a key role in age-related cognitive impairment. Most approaches to correct this altered processing aim to limit enzymatic activities that lead to toxic products, such as protein cleavage by β-secretase and the resulting amyloid β production. A viable alternative is to direct APP to cellular compartments where non-amyloidogenic mechanisms are favored. To this end, we exploited the molecular properties of the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) transport protein US9 to guide APP interaction with preferred endogenous targets. Specifically, we generated a US9 chimeric construct that facilitates APP processing through the non-amyloidogenic pathway and tested it in primary cortical neurons. In addition to reducing amyloid β production, our approach controls other APP-dependent biochemical steps that lead to neuronal deficits, including phosphorylation of APP and tau proteins. Notably, it also promotes the release of neuroprotective soluble αAPP. In contrast to other neuroprotective strategies, these US9-driven effects rely on the activity of endogenous neuronal proteins, which lends itself well to the study of fundamental mechanisms of APP processing/trafficking. Overall, this work introduces a new method to limit APP misprocessing and its cellular consequences without directly targeting secretase activity, offering a novel tool to reduce cognitive decline in pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Brandimarti
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N.15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.,Center for Neuroimmunology and CNS Therapeutics, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N.15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.,Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo,14, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Irollo
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N.15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.,Center for Neuroimmunology and CNS Therapeutics, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N.15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Olimpia Meucci
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N.15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA. .,Center for Neuroimmunology and CNS Therapeutics, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N.15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 245 N.15th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
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Donnaloja F, Limonta E, Mancosu C, Morandi F, Boeri L, Albani D, Raimondi MT. Unravelling the mechanotransduction pathways in Alzheimer's disease. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:22. [PMID: 36978103 PMCID: PMC10045049 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00336-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents one of the most common and debilitating neurodegenerative disorders. By the end of 2040, AD patients might reach 11.2 million in the USA, around 70% higher than 2022, with severe consequences on the society. As now, we still need research to find effective methods to treat AD. Most studies focused on the tau and amyloid hypothesis, but many other factors are likely involved in the pathophysiology of AD. In this review, we summarize scientific evidence dealing with the mechanotransduction players in AD to highlight the most relevant mechano-responsive elements that play a role in AD pathophysiology. We focused on the AD-related role of extracellular matrix (ECM), nuclear lamina, nuclear transport and synaptic activity. The literature supports that ECM alteration causes the lamin A increment in the AD patients, leading to the formation of nuclear blebs and invaginations. Nuclear blebs have consequences on the nuclear pore complexes, impairing nucleo-cytoplasmic transport. This may result in tau hyperphosphorylation and its consequent self-aggregation in tangles, which impairs the neurotransmitters transport. It all exacerbates in synaptic transmission impairment, leading to the characteristic AD patient's memory loss. Here we related for the first time all the evidence associating the mechanotransduction pathway with neurons. In addition, we highlighted the entire pathway influencing neurodegenerative diseases, paving the way for new research perspectives in the context of AD and related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Donnaloja
- Politecnico Di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Campus Leonardo, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Emma Limonta
- Politecnico Di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Campus Leonardo, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Mancosu
- Politecnico Di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Campus Leonardo, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Morandi
- Politecnico Di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Campus Leonardo, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Boeri
- Politecnico Di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Campus Leonardo, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Albani
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Teresa Raimondi
- Politecnico Di Milano, Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Campus Leonardo, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Penke B, Szűcs M, Bogár F. New Pathways Identify Novel Drug Targets for the Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065383. [PMID: 36982456 PMCID: PMC10049476 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an incurable, progressive neurodegenerative disorder. AD is a complex and multifactorial disease that is responsible for 60–80% of dementia cases. Aging, genetic factors, and epigenetic changes are the main risk factors for AD. Two aggregation-prone proteins play a decisive role in AD pathogenesis: β-amyloid (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau). Both of them form deposits and diffusible toxic aggregates in the brain. These proteins are the biomarkers of AD. Different hypotheses have tried to explain AD pathogenesis and served as platforms for AD drug research. Experiments demonstrated that both Aβ and pTau might start neurodegenerative processes and are necessary for cognitive decline. The two pathologies act in synergy. Inhibition of the formation of toxic Aβ and pTau aggregates has been an old drug target. Recently, successful Aβ clearance by monoclonal antibodies has raised new hopes for AD treatments if the disease is detected at early stages. More recently, novel targets, e.g., improvements in amyloid clearance from the brain, application of small heat shock proteins (Hsps), modulation of chronic neuroinflammation by different receptor ligands, modulation of microglial phagocytosis, and increase in myelination have been revealed in AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botond Penke
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm Square 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence:
| | - Mária Szűcs
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm Square 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Bogár
- ELKH-SZTE Biomimetic Systems Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Dóm Square 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
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Salvador CL, Oppebøen M, Vassli AØ, Pfeiffer HCV, Varhaug KN, Elgstøen KBP, Yazdani M. Increased Sphingomyelin and Free Sialic Acid in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Kearns-Sayre Syndrome: New Findings Using Untargeted Metabolomics. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 143:68-76. [PMID: 37018879 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kearns-Sayre syndrome (KSS) is caused by duplications and/or deletions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and is typically diagnosed based on a classic triad of symptoms with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO), retinitis pigmentosa, and onset before age 20 years. The present study aimed to diagnose two patients, on suspicion of KSS. METHODS One of the patients went through a diagnostic odyssey, with normal results from several mtDNA analyses, both in blood and muscle, before the diagnosis was confirmed genetically. RESULTS Two patients presented increased tau protein and low 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Untargeted metabolomics on CSF samples also showed an increase in the levels of free sialic acid and sphingomyelin C16:0 (d18:1/C16:0), compared with four control groups (patients with mitochondrial disorders, nonmitochondrial disorders, low 5-MTHF, or increased tau proteins). CONCLUSIONS It is the first time that elevated sphingomyelin C16:0 (d18:1/C16:0) and tau protein in KSS are reported. Using an untargeted metabolomics approach and standard laboratory methods, the study could shed new light on metabolism in KSS to better understand its complexity. In addition, the findings may suggest the combination of elevated free sialic acid, sphingomyelin C16:0 (d18:1/C16:0), and tau protein as well as low 5-MTHF as new biomarkers in the diagnostics of KSS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mari Oppebøen
- Department of Pediatrics, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anja Østeby Vassli
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Helle Cecilie Viekilde Pfeiffer
- Department of Pediatrics, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kristin Nielsen Varhaug
- The Mitochondrial Medicine and Neurogenetics (MMN) Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Mazyar Yazdani
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
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Lin H, Sandkuhler S, Dunlea C, King DH, Johnson GVW. BAG3 regulates the specificity of the recognition of specific MAPT species by NBR1 and SQSTM1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.08.527546. [PMID: 36798173 PMCID: PMC9934686 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.08.527546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy receptors are essential for the recognition and clearance of specific cargos by selective autophagy, which is essential for maintaining MAPT proteostasis. Previous studies have implicated different autophagy receptors in directing distinct species of MAPT to autophagy, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully investigated. Here we examine how the autophagy receptors NBR1 and SQSTM1 differentially engage specific forms of MAPT and facilitate their clearance. In primary neurons depletion of NBR1, unlike depletion of SQSTM1, significantly increased phosphorylated MAPT levels. The specificity of the interactions were confirmed using in vitro binding assays with purified proteins. We provide direct evidence that NBR1 preferentially binds to monomeric MAPT, while SQSTM1 interacts predominantly with oligomeric MAPT, and that the co-chaperone BAG3 regulates the specificity of these interactions. Using an in vitro pulldown assay, we show that SQSTM1 only binds to monomeric MAPT when BAG3 is absent and fails to bind when BAG3 is present. The opposite is true of NBR1; its binding to monomeric MAPT was dependent on the presence of BAG3. Interestingly, in Alzheimer's disease brain the association of NBR1 with BAG3 was significantly decreased. In a mouse model, ablation of BAG3 in neural cells disrupted the association of NBR1 with phosphorylated MAPT and lead to increased levels of phosphorylated and oligomeric MAPT. Overall, our results uncover a novel role for BAG3 in regulating the specificity of selective autophagy receptors in targeting different species of MAPT and provide compelling evidence that BAG3 plays a key role in maintaining MAPT proteostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14620 USA
| | - Sarah Sandkuhler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14620 USA
| | - Colleen Dunlea
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14620 USA
| | - Darron H King
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14620 USA
| | - Gail V. W. Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14620 USA
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Oliveira AC, Santos M, Pinho M, Lopes CS. String/Cdc25 phosphatase is a suppressor of Tau-associated neurodegeneration. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:286255. [PMID: 36601903 PMCID: PMC9903143 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau pathology is defined by the intracellular accumulation of abnormally phosphorylated Tau (MAPT) and is prevalent in several neurodegenerative disorders. The identification of modulators of Tau abnormal phosphorylation and aggregation is key to understanding disease progression and developing targeted therapeutic approaches. In this study, we identified String (Stg)/Cdc25 phosphatase as a suppressor of abnormal Tau phosphorylation and associated toxicity. Using a Drosophila model of tauopathy, we showed that Tau dephosphorylation by Stg/Cdc25 correlates with reduced Tau oligomerization, brain vacuolization and locomotor deficits in flies. Moreover, using a disease mimetic model, we provided evidence that Stg/Cdc25 reduces Tau phosphorylation levels independently of Tau aggregation status and delays neurodegeneration progression in the fly. These findings uncover a role for Stg/Cdc25 phosphatases as regulators of Tau biology that extends beyond their well-characterized function as cell-cycle regulators during cell proliferation, and indicate Stg/Cdc25-based approaches as promising entry points to target abnormal Tau phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia C. Oliveira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- PhD Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Madalena Santos
- Department of Anatomy, Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), ICBAS, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathological, Cytological and Thanatological Anatomy, ESS|P.PORTO, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Pinho
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla S. Lopes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Author for correspondence ()
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Hu LT, Xie XY, Zhou GF, Wen QX, Song L, Luo B, Deng XJ, Pan QL, Chen GJ. HMGCS2-Induced Autophagic Degradation of Tau Involves Ketone Body and ANKRD24. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 91:407-426. [PMID: 36442191 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulation of hyperphosphorylated Tau (pTau) contributes to the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and targeting Tau/pTau metabolism has emerged as a therapeutic approach. We have previously reported that mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-COA synthase 2 (HMGCS2) is involved in AD by promoting autophagic clearance of amyloid-β protein precursor via ketone body-associated mechanism, whether HMGCS2 may also regulate Tau metabolism remains elusive. OBJECTIVE The present study was to investigate the role of HMGCS2 in Tau/p degradation. METHODS The protein levels of Tau and pTau including pT217 and pT181, as well as autophagic markers LAMP1 and LC3-II were assessed by western blotting. The differentially regulated genes by HMGCS2 were analyzed by RNA sequencing. Autophagosomes were assessed by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS HMGCS2 significantly decreased Tau/pTau levels, which was paralleled by enhanced formation of autophagic vacuoles and prevented by autophagic regulators chloroquine, bafilomycin A1, 3-methyladenine, and rapamycin. Moreover, HMGCS2-induced alterations of LAMP1/LC3-II and Tau/pTau levels were mimicked by ketone body acetoacetate or β-hydroxybutyrate. Further RNA-sequencing identified ankyrin repeat domain 24 (ANKRD24) as a target gene of HMGCS2, and silencing of ANKRD24 reduced LAMP1/LC3-II levels, which was accompanied by the altered formation of autophagic vacuoles, and diminished the effect of HMGCS2 on Tau/pTau. CONCLUSION HMGCS2 promoted autophagic clearance of Tau/pTau, in which ketone body and ANKRD24 played an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Tian Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China.,Department of Neurology, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Gui-Feng Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi-Xin Wen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Song
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Biao Luo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Deng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiu-Ling Pan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China
| | - Guo-Jun Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Major Neurological and Mental Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, China.,Institute for Brain Science and Disease, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Yang X, Ma Z, Lian P, Xu Y, Cao X. Common mechanisms underlying axonal transport deficits in neurodegenerative diseases: a mini review. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1172197. [PMID: 37168679 PMCID: PMC10164940 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1172197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are characterized by the accumulation of pathogenic proteins and abnormal localization of organelles. These pathological features may be related to axonal transport deficits in neurons, which lead to failures in pathological protein targeting to specific sites for degradation and organelle transportation to designated areas needed for normal physiological functioning. Axonal transport deficits are most likely early pathological events in such diseases and gradually lead to the loss of axonal integrity and other degenerative changes. In this review, we investigated reports of mechanisms underlying the development of axonal transport deficits in a variety of common neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease to provide new ideas for therapeutic targets that may be used early in the disease process. The mechanisms can be summarized as follows: (1) motor protein changes including expression levels and post-translational modification alteration; (2) changes in microtubules including reducing stability and disrupting tracks; (3) changes in cargoes including diminished binding to motor proteins. Future studies should determine which axonal transport defects are disease-specific and whether they are suitable therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative diseases.
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de Lima IB, Ribeiro FM. The Implication of Glial Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:164-182. [PMID: 34951388 PMCID: PMC10190153 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666211223140303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) was first identified more than 100 years ago, yet aspects pertaining to its origin and the mechanisms underlying disease progression are not well known. To this date, there is no therapeutic approach or disease-modifying drug that could halt or at least delay disease progression. Until recently, glial cells were seen as secondary actors in brain homeostasis. Although this view was gradually refuted and the relevance of glial cells for the most diverse brain functions such as synaptic plasticity and neurotransmission was vastly proved, many aspects of its functioning, as well as its role in pathological conditions, remain poorly understood. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in glial cells were shown to be involved in neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity. Besides its relevance for glial function, glutamatergic receptors are also central in the pathology of AD, and recent studies have shown that glial mGluRs play a role in the establishment and progression of AD. AD-related alterations in Ca2+ signalling, APP processing, and Aβ load, as well as AD-related neurodegeneration, are influenced by glial mGluRs. However, different types of mGluRs play different roles, depending on the cell type and brain region that is being analysed. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the current understanding of glial mGluRs and their implication in AD, providing an insight for future therapeutics and identifying existing research gaps worth investigating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella B.Q. de Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabíola M. Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Karimi N, Bayram Çatak F, Arslan E, Saghazadeh A, Rezaei N. Tau immunotherapy in Alzheimer’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109445. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Activation of PI3k/Akt/mTOR Signaling Induces Deposition of p-tau to Promote Aluminum Neurotoxicity. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1516-1525. [PMID: 36066748 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00573-9] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Aluminum neurotoxicity impairs learning and memory ability, but the molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to examine the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in regulating the expression of synaptic plasticity-related proteins (PRPs) and p-tau deposition to explore the mechanism underlying aluminum-induced neurotoxicity. We constructed a sub-chronic aluminum-exposed Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model to assess aluminum neurotoxicity in vivo. The learning and memory abilities of rats were examined using the Morris water maze test. We also assessed the effect of aluminum in vitro using rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. To explore the role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in aluminum neurotoxicity, we used the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin and the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin in aluminum-treated PC12 cells. Protein expression was examined by western blotting. Aluminum disrupted the learning and memory abilities of SD rats. Mechanistically, aluminum reduced the levels of the synaptic PRPs (cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1), glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), and it increased p-tau deposition in the hippocampus of SD rats. We observed similar results in aluminum-treated PC12 cells. Further, PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling was abnormally activated in aluminum-treated PC12 cells, and treatment with rapamycin reversed the decrease in synaptic PRPs levels and the increase in p-tau deposition. In conclusion, the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling reduces the levels of synaptic PRPs and increases p-tau deposition induced by aluminum. Therefore, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway participates in the mechanism of aluminum neurotoxicity.
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Jiang L, Ding X, Wang W, Yang X, Li T, Lei P. Head-to-Head Comparison of Different Blood Collecting Tubes for Quantification of Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers in Plasma. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091194. [PMID: 36139033 PMCID: PMC9496121 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
To examine whether the type of blood collection tubes affects the quantification of plasma biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease analyzed with a single-molecule array (Simoa), we recruited a healthy cohort (n = 34, 11 males, mean age = 28.7 ± 7.55) and collected plasma in the following tubes: dipotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (K2-EDTA), heparin lithium (Li-Hep), and heparin sodium (Na-Hep). Plasma tau, phosphorylated tau 181 (p-tau181), amyloid β (1–40) (Aβ40), and amyloid β (1–42) (Aβ42) were quantified using Simoa. We compared the value of plasma analytes, as well as the effects of sex on the measurements. We found that plasma collected in Li-Hep and Na-Hep tubes yielded significantly higher tau and p-tau181 levels compared to plasma collected in K2-EDTA tubes from the same person, but there was no difference in the measured values of the Aβ40, Aβ42, and Aβ42/40 ratio. Therefore, the type of blood collecting tubes should be considered when planning studies that measure plasma tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Jiang
- Mental Health Center and Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xulong Ding
- Mental Health Center and Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Medical Center of Soochow University, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital, Suzhou 215125, China
| | - Wenxiao Wang
- Deyang Mental Health Center, Deyang 618099, China
| | - Xiaobin Yang
- Deyang Mental Health Center, Deyang 618099, China
| | - Tao Li
- Mental Health Center and Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310063, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (P.L.)
| | - Peng Lei
- Mental Health Center and Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (P.L.)
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Prohibitins: A Key Link between Mitochondria and Nervous System Diseases. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:7494863. [PMID: 35847581 PMCID: PMC9286927 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7494863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Prohibitins (PHBs) are conserved proteins in eukaryotic cells, which are mainly located in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM), cell nucleus, and cell membrane. PHBs play crucial roles in various cellular functions, including the cell cycle regulation, tumor suppression, immunoglobulin M receptor binding, and aging. In addition, recent in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed that PHBs are important in nervous system diseases. PHBs can prevent apoptosis, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy in neurological disorders through different molecules and pathways, such as OPA-1, PINK1/Parkin, IL6/STAT3, Tau, NO, LC3, and TDP43. Therefore, PHBs show great promise in the protection of neurological disorders. This review summarizes the relevant studies on the relationship between PHBs and neurological disorders and provides an update on the molecular mechanisms of PHBs in nervous system diseases.
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Tau as a Biomarker of Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137307. [PMID: 35806324 PMCID: PMC9266883 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Less than 50 years since tau was first isolated from a porcine brain, its detection in femtolitre concentrations in biological fluids is revolutionizing the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. This review highlights the molecular and technological advances that have catapulted tau from obscurity to the forefront of biomarker diagnostics. Comprehensive updates are provided describing the burgeoning clinical applications of tau as a biomarker of neurodegeneration. For the clinician, tau not only enhances diagnostic accuracy, but holds promise as a predictor of clinical progression, phenotype, and response to drug therapy. For patients living with neurodegenerative disorders, characterization of tau dysregulation could provide much-needed clarity to a notoriously murky diagnostic landscape.
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The Roles of Par3, Par6, and aPKC Polarity Proteins in Normal Neurodevelopment and in Neurodegenerative and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. J Neurosci 2022; 42:4774-4793. [PMID: 35705493 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0059-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal neural circuits and functions depend on proper neuronal differentiation, migration, synaptic plasticity, and maintenance. Abnormalities in these processes underlie various neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. Neural development and maintenance are regulated by many proteins. Among them are Par3, Par6 (partitioning defective 3 and 6), and aPKC (atypical protein kinase C) families of evolutionarily conserved polarity proteins. These proteins perform versatile functions by forming tripartite or other combinations of protein complexes, which hereafter are collectively referred to as "Par complexes." In this review, we summarize the major findings on their biophysical and biochemical properties in cell polarization and signaling pathways. We next summarize their expression and localization in the nervous system as well as their versatile functions in various aspects of neurodevelopment, including neuroepithelial polarity, neurogenesis, neuronal migration, neurite differentiation, synaptic plasticity, and memory. These versatile functions rely on the fundamental roles of Par complexes in cell polarity in distinct cellular contexts. We also discuss how cell polarization may correlate with subcellular polarization in neurons. Finally, we review the involvement of Par complexes in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. While emerging evidence indicates that Par complexes are essential for proper neural development and maintenance, many questions on their in vivo functions have yet to be answered. Thus, Par3, Par6, and aPKC continue to be important research topics to advance neuroscience.
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Triebkorn P, Stefanovski L, Dhindsa K, Diaz‐Cortes M, Bey P, Bülau K, Pai R, Spiegler A, Solodkin A, Jirsa V, McIntosh AR, Ritter P. Brain simulation augments machine-learning-based classification of dementia. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2022; 8:e12303. [PMID: 35601598 PMCID: PMC9107774 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Computational brain network modeling using The Virtual Brain (TVB) simulation platform acts synergistically with machine learning (ML) and multi-modal neuroimaging to reveal mechanisms and improve diagnostics in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods We enhance large-scale whole-brain simulation in TVB with a cause-and-effect model linking local amyloid beta (Aβ) positron emission tomography (PET) with altered excitability. We use PET and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 33 participants of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI3) combined with frequency compositions of TVB-simulated local field potentials (LFP) for ML classification. Results The combination of empirical neuroimaging features and simulated LFPs significantly outperformed the classification accuracy of empirical data alone by about 10% (weighted F1-score empirical 64.34% vs. combined 74.28%). Informative features showed high biological plausibility regarding the AD-typical spatial distribution. Discussion The cause-and-effect implementation of local hyperexcitation caused by Aβ can improve the ML-driven classification of AD and demonstrates TVB's ability to decode information in empirical data using connectivity-based brain simulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Triebkorn
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department of Neurology with Experimental NeurologyBrain Simulation Section, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
- Institut de Neurosciences des SystèmesAix Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
| | - Leon Stefanovski
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department of Neurology with Experimental NeurologyBrain Simulation Section, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Kiret Dhindsa
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department of Neurology with Experimental NeurologyBrain Simulation Section, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Margarita‐Arimatea Diaz‐Cortes
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department of Neurology with Experimental NeurologyBrain Simulation Section, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Patrik Bey
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department of Neurology with Experimental NeurologyBrain Simulation Section, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Konstantin Bülau
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department of Neurology with Experimental NeurologyBrain Simulation Section, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Roopa Pai
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department of Neurology with Experimental NeurologyBrain Simulation Section, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Andreas Spiegler
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department of Neurology with Experimental NeurologyBrain Simulation Section, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department of Neurophysiology and PathophysiologyUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Ana Solodkin
- Neuroscience, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, UT Dallas RichardsonDallasTexasUSA
| | - Viktor Jirsa
- Institut de Neurosciences des SystèmesAix Marseille UniversitéMarseilleFrance
| | | | - Petra Ritter
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department of Neurology with Experimental NeurologyBrain Simulation Section, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt‐Universität zu BerlinBerlinGermany
- Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience BerlinBerlinGermany
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Chen D, Lan G, Li R, Mei Y, Shui X, Gu X, Wang L, Zhang T, Gan CL, Xia Y, Hu L, Tian Y, Zhang M, Lee TH. Melatonin ameliorates tau-related pathology via the miR-504-3p and CDK5 axis in Alzheimer’s disease. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:27. [PMID: 35527277 PMCID: PMC9082841 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00302-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intracellular accumulation of the microtubule-associated protein tau and its hyperphosphorylated forms is a key neuropathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Melatonin has been shown to prevent tau hyperphosphorylation in cellular and animal models. However, the molecular mechanisms by which melatonin attenuates tau hyperphosphorylation and tau-related pathologies are not fully understood. Methods Immunofluorescence, immunoblotting analysis and thioflavin-S staining were employed to examine the effects of early and late treatment of melatonin on tau-related pathology in hTau mice, in which nonmutated human tau is overexpressed on a mouse tau knockout background. High-throughput microRNA (miRNA) sequencing, quantitative RT-PCR, luciferase reporter assay and immunoblotting analysis were performed to determine the molecular mechanism. Results We found that both early and late treatment of melatonin efficiently decreased the phosphorylation of soluble and insoluble tau at sites related to AD. Moreover, melatonin significantly reduced the number of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and attenuated neuronal loss in the cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, using miRNA microarray analysis, we found that miR-504-3p expression was upregulated by melatonin in the hTau mice. The administration of miR-504-3p mimics dramatically decreased tau phosphorylation by targeting p39, an activator of the well-known tau kinase cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5). Compared with miR-504-3p mimics alone, co-treatment with miR-504-3p mimics and p39 failed to reduce tau hyperphosphorylation. Conclusions Our results suggest for the first time that melatonin alleviates tau-related pathologies through upregulation of miR-504-3p expression by targeting the p39/CDK5 axis and provide novel insights into AD treatment strategies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40035-022-00302-4.
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Mietelska-Porowska A, Domańska J, Want A, Więckowska-Gacek A, Chutorański D, Koperski M, Wojda U. Induction of Brain Insulin Resistance and Alzheimer's Molecular Changes by Western Diet. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094744. [PMID: 35563135 PMCID: PMC9102094 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The term Western diet (WD) describes the consumption of large amounts of highly processed foods, rich in simple sugars and saturated fats. Long-term WD feeding leads to insulin resistance, postulated as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is the main cause of progressive dementia characterized by the deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles consisting of the hyperphosphorylated tau (p-Tau) protein in the brain, starting from the entorhinal cortex and the hippocampus. In this study, we report that WD-derived impairment in insulin signaling induces tau and Aβ brain pathology in wild-type C57BL/6 mice, and that the entorhinal cortex is more sensitive than the hippocampus to the impairment of brain insulin signaling. In the brain areas developing WD-induced insulin resistance, we observed changes in p-Tau(Thr231) localization in neuronal subcellular compartments, indicating progressive tauopathy, and a decrease in amyloid precursor protein levels correlating with the appearance of Aβ peptides. These results suggest that WD promotes the development of AD and may be considered not only a risk factor, but also a modifiable trigger of AD.
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Han Y, Ye H, Li P, Zeng Y, Yang J, Gao M, Su Z, Huang Y. In vitro characterization and molecular dynamics simulation reveal mechanism of 14-3-3ζ regulated phase separation of the tau protein. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 208:1072-1081. [PMID: 35381286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.03.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As a major microtubule-associated protein, tau is involved in the assembly of microtubules in the central nervous system. However, under pathological conditions tau assembles into amyloid filaments. Liquid droplets formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) are a recently identified assembly state of tau and may have a major effect on the physiological function of tau and the formation of tau aggregates. 14-3-3 proteins are ubiquitously expressed in various tissues and regulate a wide variety of biological processes. In this work, we demonstrate that 14-3-3ζ is recruited into tau droplets and regulates tau LLPS by in vitro assays. While the mobility of tau molecules inside the droplets is not affected in the presence of 14-3-3ζ, the amount and size of droplets can vary significantly. Mechanistic studies reveal that 14-3-3ζ regulates tau LLPS by electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic interactions with the proline-rich domain and the microtubule-binding domain of tau. Surprisingly, the disordered C-terminal tail rather than the amphipathic binding groove of 14-3-3ζ plays a key role. Our findings not only provide a novel dimension to understand the interactions between 14 and 3-3 proteins and tau, but also suggest that 14-3-3 proteins may play an important role in regulating the LLPS of their binding partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Han
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Department of Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Haiqiong Ye
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Department of Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Ping Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Department of Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Yifan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Department of Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Department of Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Meng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Department of Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China.
| | - Zhengding Su
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Department of Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Yongqi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China; Department of Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China.
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Perea JR, García E, Vallés-Saiz L, Cuadros R, Hernández F, Bolós M, Avila J. p38 activation occurs mainly in microglia in the P301S Tauopathy mouse model. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2130. [PMID: 35136118 PMCID: PMC8826411 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05980-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in the brain. Many of these pathologies also present an inflammatory component determined by the activation of microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain. p38 MAPK is one of the molecular pathways involved in neuroinflammation. Although this kinase is expressed mainly in glia, its activation in certain neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease has been associated with its ability to phosphorylate tau in neurons. Using the P301S Tauopathy mouse model, here we show that p38 activation increases during aging and that this occurs mainly in microglia of the hippocampus rather than in neurons. Furthermore, we have observed that these mice present an activated microglial variant called rod microglia. Interestingly, p38 activation in this subpopulation of microglia is decreased. On the basis of our findings, we propose that rod microglia might have a neuroprotective phenotype in the context of tau pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan R Perea
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM-CSIC) (Campus de Cantoblanco), 1 Nicolás Cabrera st, 28049, Madrid, Spain.,Center for Networked Biomedical Research On Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther García
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM-CSIC) (Campus de Cantoblanco), 1 Nicolás Cabrera st, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Vallés-Saiz
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM-CSIC) (Campus de Cantoblanco), 1 Nicolás Cabrera st, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Cuadros
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM-CSIC) (Campus de Cantoblanco), 1 Nicolás Cabrera st, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Félix Hernández
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM-CSIC) (Campus de Cantoblanco), 1 Nicolás Cabrera st, 28049, Madrid, Spain.,Center for Networked Biomedical Research On Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Bolós
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM-CSIC) (Campus de Cantoblanco), 1 Nicolás Cabrera st, 28049, Madrid, Spain.,Center for Networked Biomedical Research On Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Avila
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM-CSIC) (Campus de Cantoblanco), 1 Nicolás Cabrera st, 28049, Madrid, Spain. .,Center for Networked Biomedical Research On Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031, Madrid, Spain.
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