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Hair K, Wilson E, Maksym O, Macleod MR, Sena ES. A Systematic Online Living Evidence Summary of experimental Alzheimer's disease research. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 409:110209. [PMID: 38964475 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110209] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite extensive investment, the development of effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been largely unsuccessful. To improve translation, it is crucial to ensure the quality and reproducibility of foundational evidence generated from laboratory models. Systematic reviews play a key role in providing an unbiased overview of the evidence, assessing rigour and reporting, and identifying factors that influence reproducibility. However, the sheer pace of evidence generation is prohibitive to evidence synthesis and assessment. NEW METHOD To address these challenges, we have developed AD-SOLES, an integrated workflow of automated tools that collect, curate, and visualise the totality of evidence from in vivo experiments. RESULTS AD-SOLES is a publicly accessible interactive dashboard aiming to surface and expose data from in vivo experiments. It summarises the latest evidence, tracks reporting quality and transparency, and allows research users to easily locate evidence relevant to their specific research question. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Using automated screening methodologies within AD-SOLES, systematic reviews can begin at an accelerated starting point compared to traditional approaches. Furthermore, through text-mining approaches within the full-text of publications, users can identify research of interest using specific models, outcomes, or interventions without relying on details in the title and/or abstract. CONCLUSIONS By automating the collection, curation, and visualisation of evidence from in vivo experiments, AD-SOLES addresses the challenges posed by the rapid pace of evidence generation. AD-SOLES aims to offer guidance for research improvement, reduce research waste, highlight knowledge gaps, and support informed decision making for researchers, funders, patients, and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Hair
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emma Wilson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Olena Maksym
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Malcolm R Macleod
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emily S Sena
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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Katsuyama Y, Hattori M. REELIN ameliorates Alzheimer's disease, but how? Neurosci Res 2024:S0168-0102(24)00095-6. [PMID: 39094979 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.07.004] [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: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia; therefore, there is a high demand for therapeutic medication targeting it. In this context, extensive research has been conducted to identify molecular targets for drugs. AD manifests through two primary pathological signs: senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, caused by accumulations of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau, respectively. Thus, studies concerning the molecular mechanisms underlying AD etiology have primarily focused on Aβ generation and tau phosphorylation, with the anticipation of uncovering a signaling pathway impacting these molecular processes. Over the past two decades, studies using not only experimental model systems but also examining human brains have accumulated fragmentary evidences suggesting that REELIN signaling pathway is deeply involved in AD. Here, we explore REELIN signaling pathway and its involvement in memory function within the brain and review studies investigating molecular connections between REELIN signaling pathway and AD etiology. This review aims to understand how the manipulation (activation) of this pathway might ameliorate the disease's etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Katsuyama
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan.
| | - Mitsuharu Hattori
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8603, Japan
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Manippa V, Palmisano A, Nitsche MA, Filardi M, Vilella D, Logroscino G, Rivolta D. Cognitive and Neuropathophysiological Outcomes of Gamma-tACS in Dementia: A Systematic Review. Neuropsychol Rev 2024; 34:338-361. [PMID: 36877327 PMCID: PMC10920470 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-023-09589-0] [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: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the numerous pharmacological interventions targeting dementia, no disease-modifying therapy is available, and the prognosis remains unfavorable. A promising perspective involves tackling high-frequency gamma-band (> 30 Hz) oscillations involved in hippocampal-mediated memory processes, which are impaired from the early stages of typical Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Particularly, the positive effects of gamma-band entrainment on mouse models of AD have prompted researchers to translate such findings into humans using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), a methodology that allows the entrainment of endogenous cortical oscillations in a frequency-specific manner. This systematic review examines the state-of-the-art on the use of gamma-tACS in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and dementia patients to shed light on its feasibility, therapeutic impact, and clinical effectiveness. A systematic search from two databases yielded 499 records resulting in 10 included studies and a total of 273 patients. The results were arranged in single-session and multi-session protocols. Most of the studies demonstrated cognitive improvement following gamma-tACS, and some studies showed promising effects of gamma-tACS on neuropathological markers, suggesting the feasibility of gamma-tACS in these patients anyhow far from the strong evidence available for mouse models. Nonetheless, the small number of studies and their wide variability in terms of aims, parameters, and measures, make it difficult to draw firm conclusions. We discuss results and methodological limitations of the studies, proposing possible solutions and future avenues to improve research on the effects of gamma-tACS on dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Manippa
- Department of Education, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Palmisano
- Department of Education, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marco Filardi
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at Pia Fondazione "Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy
- Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Davide Vilella
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at Pia Fondazione "Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at Pia Fondazione "Cardinale G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce, Italy
- Department of Basic Medicine, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Davide Rivolta
- Department of Education, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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Morgan DG, Lamb BT. Transgenic amyloid precursor protein mouse models of amyloidosis. Incomplete models for Alzheimer's disease but effective predictors of anti-amyloid therapies. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:1459-1464. [PMID: 38085800 PMCID: PMC10916971 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13566] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyloid precursor protein (APP) transgenic mice are models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) amyloidosis, not all of AD. Diffuse, compacted, and vascular deposits in APP mice mimic those found in AD cases. METHODS Most interventional studies in APP mice start treatment early in the process of amyloid deposition, consistent with a prevention treatment regimen. Most clinical trials treat patients with established amyloid deposits in a therapeutic treatment regimen. RESULTS The first treatment to reduce amyloid and cognitive impairment in mice was immunotherapy. The APP mouse models not only predicted efficacy, but presaged the vascular leakage called ARIA. The recent immunotherapy clinical trials that removed amyloid and slowed cognitive decline confirms the utility of these early APP models when used in therapeutic designs. DISCUSSION New mouse models of AD pathologies will add to the research armamentarium, but the early models have accurately predicted responses to amyloid therapies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G. Morgan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, and Alzheimer's AllianceCollege of Human MedicineMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Bruce T. Lamb
- Department of Medical and Molecular GeneticsStark Neurosciences Research InstituteIndianapolisIndianaUSA
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Benichou Haziot C, Birak KS. Therapeutic Potential of Microbiota Modulation in Alzheimer's Disease: A Review of Preclinical Studies. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:415-431. [PMID: 37220623 PMCID: PMC10200201 DOI: 10.3233/adr-220097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, yet it currently lacks effective treatment due to its complex etiology. The pathological changes in AD have been linked to the neurotoxic immune responses following aggregation of Aβ and phosphorylated tau. The gut microbiota (GM) is increasingly studied for modulating neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases and in vivo studies emerge for AD. This critical review selected 7 empirical preclinical studies from 2019 onwards assessing therapy approaches targeting GM modulating microglia neuroinflammation in AD mouse models. Results from probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drugs were compared and contrasted, including for cognition, neuroinflammation, and toxic aggregation of proteins. Studies consistently reported significant amelioration or prevention of cognitive deficits, decrease in microglial activation, and lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, compared to AD mouse models. However, there were differences across papers for the brain regions affected, and changes in astrocytes were inconsistent. Aβ plaques deposition significantly decreased in all papers, apart from Byur dMar Nyer lNga Ril Bu (BdNlRB) treatment. Tau phosphorylation significantly declined in 5 studies. Effects in microbial diversity following treatment varied across studies. Findings are encouraging regarding the efficacy of study but information on the effect size is limited. Potentially, GM reverses GM derived abnormalities, decreasing neuroinflammation, which reduces AD toxic aggregations of proteins in the brain, resulting in cognitive improvements. Results support the hypothesis of AD being a multifactorial disease and the potential synergies through multi-target approaches. The use of AD mice models limits conclusions around effectiveness, as human translation is challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Benichou Haziot
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Kulbir Singh Birak
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
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Bermejo-Bescós P, Jiménez-Aliaga KL, Benedí J, Martín-Aragón S. A Diet Containing Rutin Ameliorates Brain Intracellular Redox Homeostasis in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054863. [PMID: 36902309 PMCID: PMC10003355 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054863] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Quercetin has been studied extensively for its anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) and anti-aging effects. Our previous studies have found that quercetin and in its glycoside form, rutin, can modulate the proteasome function in neuroblastoma cells. We aimed to explore the effects of quercetin and rutin on intracellular redox homeostasis of the brain (reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione, GSH/GSSG), its correlation with β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) activity, and amyloid precursor protein (APP) expression in transgenic TgAPP mice (bearing human Swedish mutation APP transgene, APPswe). On the basis that BACE1 protein and APP processing are regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and that supplementation with GSH protects neurons from proteasome inhibition, we investigated whether a diet containing quercetin or rutin (30 mg/kg/day, 4 weeks) diminishes several early signs of AD. Genotyping analyses of animals were carried out by PCR. In order to determine intracellular redox homeostasis, spectrofluorometric methods were adopted to quantify GSH and GSSG levels using o-phthalaldehyde and the GSH/GSSG ratio was ascertained. Levels of TBARS were determined as a marker of lipid peroxidation. Enzyme activities of SOD, CAT, GR, and GPx were determined in the cortex and hippocampus. ΒACE1 activity was measured by a secretase-specific substrate conjugated to two reporter molecules (EDANS and DABCYL). Gene expression of the main antioxidant enzymes: APP, BACE1, a Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10), caspase-3, caspase-6, and inflammatory cytokines were determined by RT-PCR. First, overexpression of APPswe in TgAPP mice decreased GSH/GSSG ratio, increased malonaldehyde (MDA) levels, and, overall, decreased the main antioxidant enzyme activities in comparison to wild-type (WT) mice. Treatment of TgAPP mice with quercetin or rutin increased GSH/GSSG, diminished MDA levels, and favored the enzyme antioxidant capacity, particularly with rutin. Secondly, both APP expression and BACE1 activity were diminished with quercetin or rutin in TgAPP mice. Regarding ADAM10, it tended to increase in TgAPP mice with rutin treatment. As for caspase-3 expression, TgAPP displayed an increase which was the opposite with rutin. Finally, the increase in expression of the inflammatory markers IL-1β and IFN-γ in TgAPP mice was lowered by both quercetin and rutin. Collectively, these findings suggest that, of the two flavonoids, rutin may be included in a day-to-day diet as a form of adjuvant therapy in AD.
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Poon CH, Wong STN, Roy J, Wang Y, Chan HWH, Steinbusch H, Blokland A, Temel Y, Aquili L, Lim LW. Sex Differences between Neuronal Loss and the Early Onset of Amyloid Deposits and Behavioral Consequences in 5xFAD Transgenic Mouse as a Model for Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050780. [PMID: 36899916 PMCID: PMC10000751 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A promising direction in the research on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the identification of biomarkers that better inform the disease progression of AD. However, the performance of amyloid-based biomarkers in predicting cognitive performance has been shown to be suboptimal. We hypothesise that neuronal loss could better inform cognitive impairment. We have utilised the 5xFAD transgenic mouse model that displays AD pathology at an early phase, already fully manifested after 6 months. We have evaluated the relationships between cognitive impairment, amyloid deposition, and neuronal loss in the hippocampus in both male and female mice. We observed the onset of disease characterized by the emergence of cognitive impairment in 6-month-old 5xFAD mice coinciding with the emergence of neuronal loss in the subiculum, but not amyloid pathology. We also showed that female mice exhibited significantly increased amyloid deposition in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, highlighting sex-related differences in the amyloid pathology of this model. Therefore, parameters based on neuronal loss might more accurately reflect disease onset and progression compared to amyloid-based biomarkers in AD patients. Moreover, sex-related differences should be considered in studies involving 5xFAD mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Him Poon
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - San Tung Nicholas Wong
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jaydeep Roy
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingyi Wang
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hui Wang Hujo Chan
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Harry Steinbusch
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Arjan Blokland
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Yasin Temel
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Luca Aquili
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- College of Health and Education, Discipline of Psychology, Murdoch University, Perth 6150, Australia
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Correspondence:
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Xie D, Deng T, Zhai Z, Sun T, Xu Y. The cellular model for Alzheimer's disease research: PC12 cells. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1016559. [PMID: 36683856 PMCID: PMC9846650 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1016559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and irreversible memory impairment. Currently, several studies have failed to fully elucidate AD's cellular and molecular mechanisms. For this purpose, research on related cellular models may propose potential predictive models for the drug development of AD. Therefore, many cells characterized by neuronal properties are widely used to mimic the pathological process of AD, such as PC12, SH-SY5Y, and N2a, especially the PC12 pheochromocytoma cell line. Thus, this review covers the most systematic essay that used PC12 cells to study AD. We depict the cellular source, culture condition, differentiation methods, transfection methods, drugs inducing AD, general approaches (evaluation methods and metrics), and in vitro cellular models used in parallel with PC12 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenwei Zhai
- School of Medical Information Engineering, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- School of Medical Information Engineering, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Xu
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Kobro-Flatmoen A, Hormann TM, Gouras G. Intracellular Amyloid-β in the Normal Rat Brain and Human Subjects and Its relevance for Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 95:719-733. [PMID: 37574734 PMCID: PMC10578257 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyloid-β (Aβ) is a normal product of neuronal activity, including that of the aggregation-prone Aβ42 variant that is thought to cause Alzheimer's disease (AD). Much knowledge about AD comes from studies of transgenic rodents expressing mutated human amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) to increase Aβ production or the Aβ42/40 ratio. Yet, little is known about the normal expression of Aβ42 in rodent brains. OBJECTIVE To characterize the brain-wide expression of Aβ42 throughout the life span of outbred Wistar rats, and to relate these findings to brains of human subjects without neurological disease. METHODS Aβ42 immunolabeling of 12 Wistar rat brains (3-18 months of age) and brain sections from six human subjects aged 20-88 years. RESULTS In healthy Wistar rats, we find intracellular Aβ42 (iAβ42) in neurons throughout the brain at all ages, but levels vary greatly between brain regions. The highest levels are in neurons of entorhinal cortex layer II, alongside hippocampal neurons at the CA1/subiculum border. Concerning entorhinal cortex layer II, we find similarly high levels of iAβ42 in the human subjects. CONCLUSION Expression of iAβ42 in healthy Wistar rats predominates in the same structures where iAβ accumulates and Aβ plaques initially form in the much used, Wistar based McGill-R-Thy1-APP rat model for AD. The difference between wild-type Wistar rats and these AD model rats, with respect to Aβ42, is therefore quantitative rather that qualitative. This, taken together with our human results, indicate that the McGill rat model in fact models the underlying wild-type neuronal population-specific vulnerability to Aβ42 accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asgeir Kobro-Flatmoen
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Alzheimer’s Disease, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thea Meier Hormann
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gunnar Gouras
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Experimental Dementia Research Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Parker KJ. Leveraging a translational research approach to drive diagnostic and treatment advances for autism. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2650-2658. [PMID: 35365807 PMCID: PMC9167797 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01532-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and poorly understood neurodevelopmental disorder. There are currently no laboratory-based diagnostic tests to detect ASD, nor are there any disease-modifying medications that effectively treat ASD's core behavioral symptoms. Scientific progress has been impeded, in part, by overreliance on model organisms that fundamentally lack the sophisticated social and cognitive abilities essential for modeling ASD. We therefore saw significant value in studying naturally low-social rhesus monkeys to model human social impairment, taking advantage of a large outdoor-housed colony for behavioral screening and biomarker identification. Careful development and validation of our animal model, combined with a strong commitment to evaluating the translational utility of our preclinical findings directly in patients with ASD, yielded a robust neurochemical marker (cerebrospinal fluid vasopressin concentration) of trans-primate social impairment and a first-in-class medication (intranasal vasopressin) shown in a small phase 2a pilot trial to improve social abilities in children with ASD. This translational research approach stands to advance our understanding of ASD in a manner not readily achievable with existing animal models, and can be adapted to investigate a variety of other human brain disorders which currently lack valid preclinical options, thereby streamlining translation and amplifying clinical impact more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Parker
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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Wakeman DR, Weed MR, Perez SE, Cline EN, Viola KL, Wilcox KC, Moddrelle DS, Nisbett EZ, Kurian AM, Bell AF, Pike R, Jacobson PB, Klein WL, Mufson EJ, Lawrence MS, Elsworth JD. Intrathecal amyloid-beta oligomer administration increases tau phosphorylation in the medial temporal lobe in the African green monkey: A nonhuman primate model of Alzheimer's disease. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2022; 48:e12800. [PMID: 35156715 PMCID: PMC10902791 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS An obstacle to developing new treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been the inadequate translation of findings in current AD transgenic rodent models to the prediction of clinical outcomes. By contrast, nonhuman primates (NHPs) share a close neurobiology with humans in virtually all aspects relevant to developing a translational AD model. The present investigation used African green monkeys (AGMs) to refine an inducible NHP model of AD based on the administration of amyloid-beta oligomers (AβOs), a key upstream initiator of AD pathology. METHODS AβOs or vehicle were repeatedly delivered over 4 weeks to age-matched young adult AGMs by intracerebroventricular (ICV) or intrathecal (IT) injections. Induction of AD-like pathology was assessed in subregions of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) by quantitative immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the AT8 antibody to detect hyperphosphorylated tau. Hippocampal volume was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans prior to, and after, intrathecal injections. RESULTS IT administration of AβOs in young adult AGMs revealed an elevation of tau phosphorylation in the MTL cortical memory circuit compared with controls. The largest increases were detected in the entorhinal cortex that persisted for at least 12 weeks after dosing. MRI scans showed a reduction in hippocampal volume following AβO injections. CONCLUSIONS Repeated IT delivery of AβOs in young adult AGMs led to an accelerated AD-like neuropathology in MTL, similar to human AD, supporting the value of this translational model to de-risk the clinical trial of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sylvia E Perez
- Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Erika N Cline
- Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Kirsten L Viola
- Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Kyle C Wilcox
- Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - David S Moddrelle
- Virscio Inc., St. Kitts Biomedical Research Foundation, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - Ernell Z Nisbett
- Virscio Inc., St. Kitts Biomedical Research Foundation, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | | | - Amanda F Bell
- Virscio Inc., St. Kitts Biomedical Research Foundation, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | - Ricaldo Pike
- Virscio Inc., St. Kitts Biomedical Research Foundation, St. Kitts, West Indies
| | | | - William L Klein
- Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Elliott J Mufson
- Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Nieraad H, de Bruin N, Arne O, Hofmann MCJ, Pannwitz N, Resch E, Luckhardt S, Schneider AK, Trautmann S, Schreiber Y, Gurke R, Parnham MJ, Till U, Geisslinger G. The Roles of Long-Term Hyperhomocysteinemia and Micronutrient Supplementation in the AppNL–G–F Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:876826. [PMID: 35572151 PMCID: PMC9094364 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.876826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A causal contribution of hyperhomocysteinemia to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), as well as potential prevention or mitigation of the pathology by dietary intervention, have frequently been subjects of controversy. In the present in vivo study, we attempted to further elucidate the impact of elevated homocysteine (HCys) and homocysteic acid (HCA) levels, induced by dietary B-vitamin deficiency, and micronutrient supplementation on AD-like pathology, which was simulated using the amyloid-based AppNL–G–F knock-in mouse model. For this purpose, cognitive assessment was complemented by analyses of ex vivo parameters in whole blood, serum, CSF, and brain tissues from the mice. Furthermore, neurotoxicity of HCys and HCA was assessed in a separate in vitro assay. In confirmation of our previous study, older AppNL–G–F mice also exhibited subtle phenotypic impairment and extensive cerebral amyloidosis, whereas dietary manipulations did not result in significant effects. As revealed by proximity extension assay-based proteome analysis, the AppNL–G–F genotype led to an upregulation of AD-characteristic neuronal markers. Hyperhomocysteinemia, in contrast, indicated mainly vascular effects. Overall, since there was an absence of a distinct phenotype despite both a significant amyloid-β burden and serum HCys elevation, the results in this study did not corroborate the pathological role of amyloid-β according to the “amyloid hypothesis,” nor of hyperhomocysteinemia on cognitive performance. Nevertheless, this study aided in further characterizing the AppNL–G–F model and in elucidating the role of HCys in diverse biological processes. The idea of AD prevention with the investigated micronutrients, however, was not supported, at least in this mouse model of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Nieraad
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Natasja de Bruin
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- *Correspondence: Natasja de Bruin,
| | - Olga Arne
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martine C. J. Hofmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nina Pannwitz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eduard Resch
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sonja Luckhardt
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Schneider
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sandra Trautmann
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Yannick Schreiber
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Robert Gurke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael J. Parnham
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- EpiEndo Pharmaceuticals, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Uwe Till
- Former Institute of Pathobiochemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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13
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Ren W, Ji B, Guan Y, Cao L, Ni R. Recent Technical Advances in Accelerating the Clinical Translation of Small Animal Brain Imaging: Hybrid Imaging, Deep Learning, and Transcriptomics. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:771982. [PMID: 35402436 PMCID: PMC8987112 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.771982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Small animal models play a fundamental role in brain research by deepening the understanding of the physiological functions and mechanisms underlying brain disorders and are thus essential in the development of therapeutic and diagnostic imaging tracers targeting the central nervous system. Advances in structural, functional, and molecular imaging using MRI, PET, fluorescence imaging, and optoacoustic imaging have enabled the interrogation of the rodent brain across a large temporal and spatial resolution scale in a non-invasively manner. However, there are still several major gaps in translating from preclinical brain imaging to the clinical setting. The hindering factors include the following: (1) intrinsic differences between biological species regarding brain size, cell type, protein expression level, and metabolism level and (2) imaging technical barriers regarding the interpretation of image contrast and limited spatiotemporal resolution. To mitigate these factors, single-cell transcriptomics and measures to identify the cellular source of PET tracers have been developed. Meanwhile, hybrid imaging techniques that provide highly complementary anatomical and molecular information are emerging. Furthermore, deep learning-based image analysis has been developed to enhance the quantification and optimization of the imaging protocol. In this mini-review, we summarize the recent developments in small animal neuroimaging toward improved translational power, with a focus on technical improvement including hybrid imaging, data processing, transcriptomics, awake animal imaging, and on-chip pharmacokinetics. We also discuss outstanding challenges in standardization and considerations toward increasing translational power and propose future outlooks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuwei Ren
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Energy Efficient and Custom AI IC, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Ji
- Department of Radiopharmacy and Molecular Imaging, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihui Guan
- PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Shanghai Changes Tech, Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zürich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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14
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Kim JY, Mo H, Kim J, Kim JW, Nam Y, Rim YA, Ju JH. Mitigating Effect of Estrogen in Alzheimer’s Disease-Mimicking Cerebral Organoid. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:816174. [PMID: 35401074 PMCID: PMC8990972 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.816174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common condition in patients with dementia and affects a large population worldwide. The incidence of AD is expected to increase in future owing to the rapid expansion of the aged population globally. Researchers have shown that women are twice more likely to be affected by AD than men. This phenomenon has been attributed to the postmenopausal state, during which the level of estrogen declines significantly. Estrogen is known to alleviate neurotoxicity in the brain and protect neurons. While the effects of estrogen have been investigated in AD models, to our knowledge, they have not been investigated in a stem cell-based three-dimensional in vitro system. Here, we designed a new model for AD using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in a three-dimensional, in vitro culture system. We used 5xFAD mice to confirm the potential of estrogen in alleviating the effects of AD pathogenesis. Next, we confirmed a similar trend in an AD model developed using iPSC-derived cerebral organoids, in which the key characteristics of AD were recapitulated. The findings emphasized the potential of estrogen as a treatment agent for AD and also showed the suitability of AD-recapitulating cerebral organoids as a reliable platform for disease modeling and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyunkyung Mo
- CiSTEM Laboratory, Catholic iPSC Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Jang Woon Kim
- CiSTEM Laboratory, Catholic iPSC Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Yeri Alice Rim
- CiSTEM Laboratory, Catholic iPSC Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Hyeon Ju
- CiSTEM Laboratory, Catholic iPSC Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
- YiPSCELL, Inc., Seoul, South Korea
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Institute of Medical Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Ji Hyeon Ju,
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15
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Yoo TJ. Anti-Inflammatory Gene Therapy Improves Spatial Memory Performance in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 85:1001-1008. [PMID: 34897091 PMCID: PMC8925118 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The immune system plays a critical role in neurodegenerative processes involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, a gene-based immunotherapeutic method examined the effects of anti-inflammatory cellular immune response elements (CIREs) in the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) mouse model. Bi-monthly intramuscular administration, beginning at either 4 or 6 months, and examined at 7.5 through 16 months, with plasmids encoding Interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, TGF-β polynucleotides, or a combination thereof, into AβPP mice improved spatial memory performance. This work demonstrates an efficient gene therapy strategy to downregulate neuroinflammation, and possibly prevent or delay cognitive decline in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai June Yoo
- Korea Allergy Clinic, KangNam Gu, Seoul, South Korea.,University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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16
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Knock E, Julian LM. Building on a Solid Foundation: Adding Relevance and Reproducibility to Neurological Modeling Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:767457. [PMID: 34867204 PMCID: PMC8637745 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.767457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is our most complex and least understood organ. Animal models have long been the most versatile tools available to dissect brain form and function; however, the human brain is highly distinct from that of standard model organisms. In addition to existing models, access to human brain cells and tissues is essential to reach new frontiers in our understanding of the human brain and how to intervene therapeutically in the face of disease or injury. In this review, we discuss current and developing culture models of human neural tissue, outlining advantages over animal models and key challenges that remain to be overcome. Our principal focus is on advances in engineering neural cells and tissue constructs from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), though primary human cell and slice culture are also discussed. By highlighting studies that combine animal models and human neural cell culture techniques, we endeavor to demonstrate that clever use of these orthogonal model systems produces more reproducible, physiological, and clinically relevant data than either approach alone. We provide examples across a range of topics in neuroscience research including brain development, injury, and cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychiatric conditions. Finally, as testing of PSC-derived neurons for cell replacement therapy progresses, we touch on the advancements that are needed to make this a clinical mainstay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Knock
- Research and Development, STEMCELL Technologies Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Lisa M Julian
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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17
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Ni R. Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Animal Models of Alzheimer's Disease Amyloidosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12768. [PMID: 34884573 PMCID: PMC8657987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-beta (Aβ) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Aberrant Aβ accumulation induces neuroinflammation, cerebrovascular alterations, and synaptic deficits, leading to cognitive impairment. Animal models recapitulating the Aβ pathology, such as transgenic, knock-in mouse and rat models, have facilitated the understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of therapeutics targeting Aβ. There is a rapid advance in high-field MRI in small animals. Versatile high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences, such as diffusion tensor imaging, arterial spin labeling, resting-state functional MRI, anatomical MRI, and MR spectroscopy, as well as contrast agents, have been developed for preclinical imaging in animal models. These tools have enabled high-resolution in vivo structural, functional, and molecular readouts with a whole-brain field of view. MRI has been used to visualize non-invasively the Aβ deposits, synaptic deficits, regional brain atrophy, impairment in white matter integrity, functional connectivity, and cerebrovascular and glymphatic system in animal models of Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis. Many of the readouts are translational toward clinical MRI applications in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in MRI for visualizing the pathophysiology in amyloidosis animal models. We discuss the outstanding challenges in brain imaging using MRI in small animals and propose future outlook in visualizing Aβ-related alterations in the brains of animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH Zurich & University of Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Zurich, Switzerland
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18
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Morsy A, Carmona AV, Trippier PC. Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Models for Phenotypic Screening in the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26206235. [PMID: 34684815 PMCID: PMC8538546 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Batten disease or neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a group of rare, fatal, inherited neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders. Numerous genes (CLN1–CLN8, CLN10–CLN14) were identified in which mutations can lead to NCL; however, the underlying pathophysiology remains elusive. Despite this, the NCLs share some of the same features and symptoms but vary in respect to severity and onset of symptoms by age. Some common symptoms include the progressive loss of vision, mental and motor deterioration, epileptic seizures, premature death, and in the rare adult-onset, dementia. Currently, all forms of NCL are fatal, and no curative treatments are available. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into any cell type of the human body. Cells reprogrammed from a patient have the advantage of acquiring disease pathogenesis along with recapitulation of disease-associated phenotypes. They serve as practical model systems to shed new light on disease mechanisms and provide a phenotypic screening platform to enable drug discovery. Herein, we provide an overview of available iPSC models for a number of different NCLs. More specifically, we highlight findings in these models that may spur target identification and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Morsy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA; (A.M.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Angelica V. Carmona
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA; (A.M.); (A.V.C.)
| | - Paul C. Trippier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA; (A.M.); (A.V.C.)
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
- UNMC Center for Drug Discovery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68106, USA
- Correspondence:
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19
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Shriver AJ, John TM. Neuroethics and Animals: Report and Recommendations From the University of Pennsylvania Animal Research Neuroethics Workshop. ILAR J 2021; 60:424-433. [PMID: 34370840 PMCID: PMC8767460 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilab024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing awareness of the ethical implications of neuroscience in the early years of the 21st century led to the emergence of the new academic field of “neuroethics,” which studies the ethical implications of developments in the neurosciences. However, despite the acceleration and evolution of neuroscience research on nonhuman animals, the unique ethical issues connected with neuroscience research involving nonhuman animals remain underdiscussed. This is a significant oversight given the central place of animal models in neuroscience. To respond to these concerns, the Center for Neuroscience and Society and the Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society at the University of Pennsylvania hosted a workshop on the “Neuroethics of Animal Research” in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At the workshop, expert speakers and attendees discussed ethical issues arising from neuroscience research involving nonhuman animals, including the use of animal models in the study of pain and psychiatric conditions, animal brain-machine interfaces, animal–animal chimeras, cerebral organoids, and the relevance of neuroscience to debates about personhood. This paper highlights important emerging ethical issues based on the discussions at the workshop. This paper includes recommendations for research in the United States from the authors based on the discussions at the workshop, loosely following the format of the 2 Gray Matters reports on neuroethics published by the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Shriver
- W. Maurice Young Centre for Applied Ethics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, CA.,Center for Neuroscience & Society, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Tyler M John
- Department of Philosophy, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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20
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Chowdhury EA, Noorani B, Alqahtani F, Bhalerao A, Raut S, Sivandzade F, Cucullo L. Understanding the brain uptake and permeability of small molecules through the BBB: A technical overview. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:1797-1820. [PMID: 33444097 PMCID: PMC8327119 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x20985946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The brain is the most important organ in our body requiring its unique microenvironment. By the virtue of its function, the blood-brain barrier poses a significant hurdle in drug delivery for the treatment of neurological diseases. There are also different theories regarding how molecules are typically effluxed from the brain. In this review, we comprehensively discuss how the different pharmacokinetic techniques used for measuring brain uptake/permeability of small molecules have evolved with time. We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages associated with these different techniques as well as the importance to utilize the right method to properly assess CNS exposure to drug molecules. Even though very strong advances have been made we still have a long way to go to ensure a reduction in failures in central nervous system drug development programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekram Ahmed Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, USA
| | - Behnam Noorani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, USA
| | - Faleh Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aditya Bhalerao
- Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, USA
| | - Snehal Raut
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, USA
| | - Farzane Sivandzade
- Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, USA
| | - Luca Cucullo
- Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, USA
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21
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Schächtle MA, Rosshart SP. The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Health and Disease and Its Implications for Translational Research. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:698172. [PMID: 34335190 PMCID: PMC8321234 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.698172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, microbiome research has evolved rapidly and became a hot topic in basic, preclinical and clinical research, for the pharmaceutical industry and for the general public. With the help of new high-throughput sequencing technologies tremendous progress has been made in the characterization of host-microbiota interactions identifying the microbiome as a major factor shaping mammalian physiology. This development also led to the discovery of the gut-brain axis as the crucial connection between gut microbiota and the nervous system. Consequently, a rapidly growing body of evidence emerged suggesting that the commensal gut microbiota plays a vital role in brain physiology. Moreover, it became evident that the communication along this microbiota-gut-brain axis is bidirectional and primarily mediated by biologically active microbial molecules and metabolites. Further, intestinal dysbiosis leading to changes in the bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota and the nervous system was linked to the pathogenesis of several psychiatric and neurological disorders. Here, we discuss the impact of the gut microbiota on the brain in health and disease, specifically as regards to neuronal homeostasis, development and normal aging as well as their role in neurological diseases of the highest socioeconomic burden such as Alzheimer's disease and stroke. Subsequently, we utilize Alzheimer's disease and stroke to examine the translational research value of current mouse models in the spotlight of microbiome research. Finally, we propose future strategies on how we could conduct translational microbiome research in the field of neuroscience that may lead to the identification of novel treatments for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Anna Schächtle
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases), Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Patrick Rosshart
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases), Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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22
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Bang S, Lee S, Choi N, Kim HN. Emerging Brain-Pathophysiology-Mimetic Platforms for Studying Neurodegenerative Diseases: Brain Organoids and Brains-on-a-Chip. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2002119. [PMID: 34028201 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202002119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of disorders characterized by progressive degeneration of the structural and functional integrity of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Millions of people suffer from degenerative brain diseases worldwide, and the mortality continues to increase every year, causing a growing demand for knowledge of the underlying mechanisms and development of therapeutic targets. Conventional 2D-based cell culture platforms and animal models cannot fully recapitulate the pathophysiology, and this has limited the capability for estimating drug efficacy. Recently, engineered platforms, including brain organoids and brain-on-a-chip, have emerged. They mimic the physiology of brain tissue and reflect the fundamental pathophysiological signatures of neurodegenerative diseases, such as the accumulation of neurotoxic proteins, structural abnormalities, and functional loss. In this paper, recent advances in brain-mimetic platforms and their potential for modeling features of neurodegenerative diseases in vitro are reviewed. The development of a physiologically relevant model should help overcome unresolved neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokyoung Bang
- Brain Science Institute Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Seoul 02792 Republic of Korea
| | - Songhyun Lee
- Department of Medical Engineering Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul 03722 Republic of Korea
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Brain Science Institute Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Seoul 02792 Republic of Korea
- KU‐KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology Korea University Seoul 02841 Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Brain Science Institute Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Seoul 02792 Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio‐Medical Science & Technology KIST School Korea University of Science and Technology (UST) Seoul 02792 Republic of Korea
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23
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Talbot S, Gerdjikov T, De Lillo C. Two variations and one similarity in memory functions deployed by mice and humans to support foraging. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2021; 75:245-259. [PMID: 33818203 DOI: 10.1177/17470218211010576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Assessing variations in cognitive function between humans and animals is vital for understanding the idiosyncrasies of human cognition and for refining animal models of human brain function and disease. We determined memory functions deployed by mice and humans to support foraging with a search task acting as a test battery. Mice searched for food from the top of poles within an open arena. Poles were divided into groups based on visual cues and baited according to different schedules. White and black poles were baited in alternate trials. Striped poles were never baited. The requirement of the task was to find all baits in each trial. Mice's foraging efficiency, defined as the number of poles visited before all baits were retrieved, improved with practice. Mice learnt to avoid visiting unbaited poles across trials (long-term memory) and revisits to poles within each trial (working memory). Humans tested with a virtual reality version of the task outperformed mice in foraging efficiency, working memory, and exploitation of the temporal pattern of rewards across trials. Moreover, humans, but not mice, reduced the number of possible movement sequences used to search the set of poles. For these measures, interspecies differences were maintained throughout the 3 weeks of testing. By contrast, long-term memory for never-rewarded poles was similar in mice and humans after the first week of testing. These results indicate that human cognitive functions relying on archaic brain structures may be adequately modelled in mice. Conversely, modelling in mice fluid skills likely to have developed specifically in primates requires caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer Talbot
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Todor Gerdjikov
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Carlo De Lillo
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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24
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Kelliny S, Lin L, Deng I, Xiong J, Zhou F, Al-Hawwas M, Bobrovskaya L, Zhou XF. A New Approach to Model Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease by Intracerebroventricular Streptozotocin Injection in APP/PS1 Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:3692-3711. [PMID: 33797693 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02338-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia among elderly people. Majority of AD cases are sporadic (SAD) with unknown cause. Transgenic animal models closely reflect the familial (genetic) aspect of the disease but not the sporadic type. However, most new drug candidates which are tested positive in transgenic animal models failed in clinical studies so far. Herein, we aim to develop an AD animal model that combines most of the neuropathological features seen in sporadic AD in humans with amyloid plaques observed in transgenic mice. Four-month-old wild-type and APP/PS1 AD mice were given a single intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of 3 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ), a diabetogenic agent. Three weeks later, their cognitive behavior was assessed, and their brain tissues were collected for biochemical and histological analysis. STZ produced cognitive deficits in both non-transgenic mice and AD mice. Biochemical analysis showed a severe decline in synaptic proteins, increase in tau phosphorylation, oxidative stress, disturbed brain insulin signaling with extensive neuroinflammation, and cell death. Significant increase was also observed in the level of the soluble beta amyloid precursor protein (APP) fragments and robust accumulation of amyloid plaques in AD mice compared to the control. These results suggest that STZ ICV treatment causes disturbance in multiple metabolic and cell signaling pathways in the brain that facilitated amyloid plaque accumulation and tau phosphorylation. Therefore, this animal model can be used to evaluate new AD therapeutic agents for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Kelliny
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Liying Lin
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Isaac Deng
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Jing Xiong
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Fiona Zhou
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Mohammed Al-Hawwas
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Larisa Bobrovskaya
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Xin-Fu Zhou
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
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Alzheimer-related genes show accelerated evolution. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:5790-5796. [PMID: 32203153 PMCID: PMC8758480 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0680-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder of unknown cause with complex genetic and environmental traits. While AD is extremely prevalent in human elderly, it hardly occurs in non-primate mammals and even non-human-primates develop only an incomplete form of the disease. This specificity of AD to human clearly implies a phylogenetic aspect. Still, the evolutionary dimension of AD pathomechanism remains difficult to prove and has not been established so far. To analyze the evolutionary age and dynamics of AD-associated-genes, we established the AD-associated genome-wide RNA-profile comprising both protein-coding and non-protein-coding transcripts. We than applied a systematic analysis on the conservation of splice-sites as a measure of gene-structure based on multiple alignments across vertebrates of homologs of AD-associated-genes. Here, we show that nearly all AD-associated-genes are evolutionarily old and did not originate later in evolution than not-AD-associated-genes. However, the gene-structures of loci, that exhibit AD-associated changes in their expression, evolve faster than the genome at large. While protein-coding-loci exhibit an enhanced rate of small changes in gene structure, non-coding loci show even much larger changes. The accelerated evolution of AD-associated-genes indicates a more rapid functional adaptation of these genes. In particular AD-associated non-coding-genes play an important, as yet largely unexplored, role in AD. This phylogenetic trait indicates that recent adaptive evolution of human brain is causally involved in basic principles of neurodegeneration. It highlights the necessity for a paradigmatic change of our disease-concepts and to reconsider the appropriateness of current animal-models to develop disease-modifying strategies that can be translated to human.
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Metabolic Profiling of Female Tg2576 Mouse Brains Provides Novel Evidence Supporting Intranasal Low-Dose Pioglitazone for Long-Term Treatment at an Early Stage of Alzheimer's Disease. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120589. [PMID: 33317213 PMCID: PMC7764407 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that disruptions in brain energy metabolism may be a key player in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Pioglitazone (PIO) has been found to exert beneficial effects on metabolic dysfunction in many AD preclinical studies. However, limited success in clinical trials remains an obstacle to its development for the treatment of AD. PIO’s poor brain penetration was often cited as a contributing factor to the lack of clinical benefit. In this study, we prepared PIO-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles and administered them as suspended nanoparticles via nebulization. Preliminary investigation of drug distribution to the brain revealed comparatively reduced systemic exposure after administering PIO nanoparticles via the intranasal route. In vitro, extracellular flux analysis showed significantly raised spare respiratory capacity when cells were treated with low-dose PIO nanoparticles. Tg2576 transgenic mice treated with low-dose PIO nanoparticles over four months exhibited an overall trend of reduced hyperactivity in open field tests but did not show any visible effect on alternation rates in the Y-maze task. Subsequent 1H NMR-based metabolic profiling of their plasma and different brain regions revealed differences in metabolic profiles in the cerebellum, cortex, and hippocampus of Tg2576 mice after long-term PIO treatment, but not in their midbrain and plasma. In particular, the specificity of PIO’s treatment effects on perturbed amino acid metabolism was observed in the cortex of transgenic mice with increases in alanine and N-acetylaspartate levels, supporting the notion that PIO treatment exerts beneficial effects on impaired energy metabolism associated with AD. In conclusion, inhalation exposure to PIO nanoparticles presents an exciting opportunity that this drug could be administered intranasally at a much lower dose while achieving a sufficient level in the brain to elicit metabolic benefits at an early stage of AD but with reduced systemic exposure.
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Nieraad H, de Bruin N, Arne O, Hofmann MCJ, Schmidt M, Saito T, Saido TC, Gurke R, Schmidt D, Till U, Parnham MJ, Geisslinger G. Impact of Hyperhomocysteinemia and Different Dietary Interventions on Cognitive Performance in a Knock-in Mouse Model for Alzheimer's Disease. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113248. [PMID: 33114054 PMCID: PMC7690745 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperhomocysteinemia is considered a possible contributor to the complex pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). For years, researchers in this field have discussed the apparent detrimental effects of the endogenous amino acid homocysteine in the brain. In this study, the roles of hyperhomocysteinemia driven by vitamin B deficiency, as well as potentially beneficial dietary interventions, were investigated in the novel AppNL-G-F knock-in mouse model for AD, simulating an early stage of the disease. METHODS Urine and serum samples were analyzed using a validated LC-MS/MS method and the impact of different experimental diets on cognitive performance was studied in a comprehensive behavioral test battery. Finally, we analyzed brain samples immunohistochemically in order to assess amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque deposition. RESULTS Behavioral testing data indicated subtle cognitive deficits in AppNL-G-F compared to C57BL/6J wild type mice. Elevation of homocysteine and homocysteic acid, as well as counteracting dietary interventions, mostly did not result in significant effects on learning and memory performance, nor in a modified Aβ plaque deposition in 35-week-old AppNL-G-F mice. CONCLUSION Despite prominent Aβ plaque deposition, the AppNL-G-F model merely displays a very mild AD-like phenotype at the investigated age. Older AppNL-G-F mice should be tested in order to further investigate potential effects of hyperhomocysteinemia and dietary interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Nieraad
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Natasja de Bruin
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Olga Arne
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Martine C. J. Hofmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Mike Schmidt
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Takashi Saito
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; (T.S.); (T.C.S.)
- Department of Neurocognitive Science, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Takaomi C. Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; (T.S.); (T.C.S.)
| | - Robert Gurke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dominik Schmidt
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Uwe Till
- Former Institute of Pathobiochemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Nonnenplan 2, 07743 Jena, Germany;
| | - Michael J. Parnham
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Branch for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (N.d.B.); (O.A.); (M.C.J.H.); (M.S.); (R.G.); (D.S.); (M.J.P.); (G.G.)
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Van den Broeck L, Sierksma A, Hansquine P, Thonnard D, Callaerts-Vegh Z, D'Hooge R. Comparison between touchscreen operant chambers and water maze to detect early prefrontal dysfunction in mice. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 20:e12695. [PMID: 32812350 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The relative lack of sensitive and clinically valid tests of rodent behavior might be one of the reasons for the limited success of the clinical translation of preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) research findings. There is a general interest in innovative behavioral methodology, and protocols have been proposed for touchscreen operant chambers that might be superior to existing cognitive assessment methods. We assessed and analyzed touchscreen performance in several novel ways to examine the possible occurrence of early signs of prefrontal (PFC) functional decline in the APP/PS1 mouse model of AD. Touchscreen learning performance was compared between APP/PS1-21 mice and wildtype littermates on a C57BL/6J background at 3, 6 and 12 months of age in parallel to the assessment of spatial learning, memory and cognitive flexibility in the Morris water maze (MWM). We found that older mice generally needed more training sessions to complete the touchscreen protocol than younger ones. Older mice also displayed defects in MWM working memory performance, but touchscreen protocols detected functional changes beginning at 3 months of age. Histological changes in PFC of APP/PS1 mice indeed occurred as early as 3 months. Our results suggest that touchscreen operant protocols are more sensitive to PFC dysfunction, which is of relevance to the use of these tasks and devices in preclinical AD research and experimental pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lore Van den Broeck
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annerieke Sierksma
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pierre Hansquine
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Thonnard
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Rudi D'Hooge
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
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Lee C, Willerth SM, Nygaard HB. The Use of Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Alzheimer’s Disease Modeling. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 192:101804. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Sidiqi A, Wahl D, Lee S, Ma D, To E, Cui J, To E, Beg MF, Sarunic M, Matsubara JA. In vivo Retinal Fluorescence Imaging With Curcumin in an Alzheimer Mouse Model. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:713. [PMID: 32719582 PMCID: PMC7350785 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques in the brain detectable by highly invasive in vivo brain imaging or in post-mortem tissues. A non-invasive and inexpensive screening method is needed for early diagnosis of asymptomatic AD patients. The shared developmental origin and similarities with the brain make the retina a suitable surrogate tissue to assess Aβ load in AD. Using curcumin, a FluoroProbe that binds to Aβ, we labeled and measured the retinal fluorescence in vivo and compared with the immunohistochemical measurements of the brain and retinal Aβ load in the APP/PS1 mouse model. In vivo retinal images were acquired every 2 months using custom fluorescence scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (fSLO) after tail vein injections of curcumin in individual mice followed longitudinally from ages 5 to 19 months. At the same time points, 1–2 mice from the same cohort were sacrificed and immunohistochemistry was performed on their brain and retinal tissues. Results demonstrated cortical and retinal Aβ immunoreactivity were significantly greater in Tg than WT groups. Age-related increase in retinal Aβ immunoreactivity was greater in Tg than WT groups. Retinal Aβ immunoreactivity was present in the inner retinal layers and consisted of small speck-like extracellular deposits and intracellular labeling in the cytoplasm of a subset of retinal ganglion cells. In vivo retinal fluorescence with curcumin injection was significantly greater in older mice (11–19 months) than younger mice (5–9 months) in both Tg and WT groups. In vivo retinal fluorescence with curcumin injection was significantly greater in Tg than WT in older mice (ages 11–19 months). Finally, and most importantly, the correlation between in vivo retinal fluorescence with curcumin injection and Aβ immunoreactivity in the cortex was stronger in Tg compared to WT groups. Our data reveal that retina and brain of APP/PS1 Tg mice increasingly express Aβ with age. In vivo retinal fluorescence with curcumin correlated strongly with cortical Aβ immunohistochemistry in Tg mice. These findings suggest that using in vivo fSLO imaging of AD-susceptible retina may be a useful, non-invasive method of detecting Aβ in the retina as a surrogate indicator of Aβ load in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Sidiqi
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel Wahl
- School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Sieun Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Da Ma
- School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Elliott To
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jing Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eleanor To
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mirza Faisal Beg
- School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Marinko Sarunic
- School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Joanne A Matsubara
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Bhalerao A, Sivandzade F, Archie SR, Chowdhury EA, Noorani B, Cucullo L. In vitro modeling of the neurovascular unit: advances in the field. Fluids Barriers CNS 2020; 17:22. [PMID: 32178700 PMCID: PMC7077137 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-020-00183-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a fundamental component of the central nervous system. Its functional and structural integrity is vital in maintaining the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment. On the other hand, the BBB is also a major hindering obstacle for the delivery of effective therapies to treat disorders of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Over time, various model systems have been established to simulate the complexities of the BBB. The development of realistic in vitro BBB models that accurately mimic the physiological characteristics of the brain microcapillaries in situ is of fundamental importance not only in CNS drug discovery but also in translational research. Successful modeling of the Neurovascular Unit (NVU) would provide an invaluable tool that would aid in dissecting out the pathological factors, mechanisms of action, and corresponding targets prodromal to the onset of CNS disorders. The field of BBB in vitro modeling has seen many fundamental changes in the last few years with the introduction of novel tools and methods to improve existing models and enable new ones. The development of CNS organoids, organ-on-chip, spheroids, 3D printed microfluidics, and other innovative technologies have the potential to advance the field of BBB and NVU modeling. Therefore, in this review, summarize the advances and progress in the design and application of functional in vitro BBB platforms with a focus on rapidly advancing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Bhalerao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Farzane Sivandzade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Sabrina Rahman Archie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Ekram Ahmed Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Behnam Noorani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Luca Cucullo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 1300 S. Coulter Street, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA. .,Center for Blood-Brain Barrier Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA.
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Sierksma A, Lu A, Mancuso R, Fattorelli N, Thrupp N, Salta E, Zoco J, Blum D, Buée L, De Strooper B, Fiers M. Novel Alzheimer risk genes determine the microglia response to amyloid-β but not to TAU pathology. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e10606. [PMID: 31951107 PMCID: PMC7059012 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201910606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Polygenic risk scores have identified that genetic variants without genome-wide significance still add to the genetic risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Whether and how subthreshold risk loci translate into relevant disease pathways is unknown. We investigate here the involvement of AD risk variants in the transcriptional responses of two mouse models: APPswe/PS1L166P and Thy-TAU22. A unique gene expression module, highly enriched for AD risk genes, is specifically responsive to Aβ but not TAU pathology. We identify in this module 7 established AD risk genes (APOE, CLU, INPP5D, CD33, PLCG2, SPI1, and FCER1G) and 11 AD GWAS genes below the genome-wide significance threshold (GPC2, TREML2, SYK, GRN, SLC2A5, SAMSN1, PYDC1, HEXB, RRBP1, LYN, and BLNK), that become significantly upregulated when exposed to Aβ. Single microglia sequencing confirms that Aβ, not TAU, pathology induces marked transcriptional changes in microglia, including increased proportions of activated microglia. We conclude that genetic risk of AD functionally translates into different microglia pathway responses to Aβ pathology, placing AD genetic risk downstream of the amyloid pathway but upstream of TAU pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annerieke Sierksma
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative DiseasesDepartment of NeurosciencesLeuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU Leuven (University of Leuven)LeuvenBelgium
| | - Ashley Lu
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative DiseasesDepartment of NeurosciencesLeuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU Leuven (University of Leuven)LeuvenBelgium
| | - Renzo Mancuso
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative DiseasesDepartment of NeurosciencesLeuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU Leuven (University of Leuven)LeuvenBelgium
| | - Nicola Fattorelli
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative DiseasesDepartment of NeurosciencesLeuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU Leuven (University of Leuven)LeuvenBelgium
| | - Nicola Thrupp
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative DiseasesDepartment of NeurosciencesLeuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU Leuven (University of Leuven)LeuvenBelgium
| | - Evgenia Salta
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative DiseasesDepartment of NeurosciencesLeuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU Leuven (University of Leuven)LeuvenBelgium
| | - Jesus Zoco
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative DiseasesDepartment of NeurosciencesLeuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU Leuven (University of Leuven)LeuvenBelgium
| | - David Blum
- INSERM, CHU Lille, LabEx DISTALZ, UMR‐S 1172, Alzheimer & TauopathiesUniversité LilleLilleFrance
| | - Luc Buée
- INSERM, CHU Lille, LabEx DISTALZ, UMR‐S 1172, Alzheimer & TauopathiesUniversité LilleLilleFrance
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative DiseasesDepartment of NeurosciencesLeuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU Leuven (University of Leuven)LeuvenBelgium
- UK Dementia Research InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Mark Fiers
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease ResearchLeuvenBelgium
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative DiseasesDepartment of NeurosciencesLeuven Brain Institute (LBI)KU Leuven (University of Leuven)LeuvenBelgium
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Oligomeric Aβ in the monkey brain impacts synaptic integrity and induces accelerated cortical aging. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:26239-26246. [PMID: 31871145 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1902301116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As the average age of the population continues to rise, the number of individuals affected with age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has increased and is projected to cost more than $290 billion in the United States in 2019. Despite significant investment in research over the last decades, there is no effective treatment to prevent or delay AD progression. There is a translational gap in AD research, with promising drugs based on work in rodent models failing in clinical trials. Aging is the leading risk factor for developing AD and understanding neurobiological changes that affect synaptic integrity with aging will help clarify why the aged brain is vulnerable to AD. We describe here the development of a rhesus monkey model of AD using soluble oligomers of the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide (AβOs). AβOs infused into the monkey brain target a specific population of spines in the prefrontal cortex, induce neuroinflammation, and increase AD biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid to similar levels observed in patients with AD. Importantly, AβOs lead to similar dendritic spine loss to that observed in normal aging in monkeys, but so far without detection of amyloid plaques or tau pathology. Understanding the basis of synaptic impairment is the most effective route to early intervention and prevention or postponement of age-related cognitive decline and transition to AD. These initial findings support the use of monkeys as a platform to understand age-related vulnerabilities of the primate brain and may help develop effective disease-modifying therapies for treatment of AD and related dementias.
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Li H, Zhang L, Qin C. Current state of research on non-human primate models of Alzheimer's disease. Animal Model Exp Med 2019; 2:227-238. [PMID: 31942555 PMCID: PMC6930996 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increasingly serious aging of the global population, dementia has already become a severe clinical challenge on a global scale. Dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia observed in the elderly, but its pathogenetic mechanism has still not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, no effective treatment strategy has been developed to date, despite considerable efforts. This can be mainly attributed to the paucity of animal models of AD that are sufficiently similar to humans. Among the presently established animal models, non-human primates share the closest relationship with humans, and their neural anatomy and neurobiology share highly similar characteristics with those of humans. Thus, there is no doubt that these play an irreplaceable role in AD research. Considering this, the present literature on non-human primate models of AD was reviewed to provide a theoretical basis for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong‐Wei Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicinePeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Human Diseases Animal ModelState Administration of Traditional Chinese MedicinePeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
- The Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Peking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
- Ministry of HealthComparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
| | - Ling Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicinePeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Human Diseases Animal ModelState Administration of Traditional Chinese MedicinePeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
- The Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Peking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
- Ministry of HealthComparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
| | - Chuan Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative MedicinePeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
- Key Laboratory of Human Diseases Animal ModelState Administration of Traditional Chinese MedicinePeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
- The Institute of Laboratory Animal SciencesChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS)Peking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
- Ministry of HealthComparative Medicine CenterPeking Union Medical College (PUMC)BeijingChina
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35
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Developing Trojan horses to induce, diagnose and suppress Alzheimer’s pathology. Pharmacol Res 2019; 149:104471. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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36
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Cline EN, Bicca MA, Viola KL, Klein WL. The Amyloid-β Oligomer Hypothesis: Beginning of the Third Decade. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 64:S567-S610. [PMID: 29843241 PMCID: PMC6004937 DOI: 10.3233/jad-179941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 535] [Impact Index Per Article: 107.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The amyloid-β oligomer (AβO) hypothesis was introduced in 1998. It proposed that the brain damage leading to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was instigated by soluble, ligand-like AβOs. This hypothesis was based on the discovery that fibril-free synthetic preparations of AβOs were potent CNS neurotoxins that rapidly inhibited long-term potentiation and, with time, caused selective nerve cell death (Lambert et al., 1998). The mechanism was attributed to disrupted signaling involving the tyrosine-protein kinase Fyn, mediated by an unknown toxin receptor. Over 4,000 articles concerning AβOs have been published since then, including more than 400 reviews. AβOs have been shown to accumulate in an AD-dependent manner in human and animal model brain tissue and, experimentally, to impair learning and memory and instigate major facets of AD neuropathology, including tau pathology, synapse deterioration and loss, inflammation, and oxidative damage. As reviewed by Hayden and Teplow in 2013, the AβO hypothesis “has all but supplanted the amyloid cascade.” Despite the emerging understanding of the role played by AβOs in AD pathogenesis, AβOs have not yet received the clinical attention given to amyloid plaques, which have been at the core of major attempts at therapeutics and diagnostics but are no longer regarded as the most pathogenic form of Aβ. However, if the momentum of AβO research continues, particularly efforts to elucidate key aspects of structure, a clear path to a successful disease modifying therapy can be envisioned. Ensuring that lessons learned from recent, late-stage clinical failures are applied appropriately throughout therapeutic development will further enable the likelihood of a successful therapy in the near-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika N Cline
- Department of Neurobiology, Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, International Institute for Nanotechnology, and Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Maíra Assunção Bicca
- Department of Neurobiology, Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, International Institute for Nanotechnology, and Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Kirsten L Viola
- Department of Neurobiology, Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, International Institute for Nanotechnology, and Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - William L Klein
- Department of Neurobiology, Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, International Institute for Nanotechnology, and Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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37
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Gerakis Y, Hetz C. Brain organoids: a next step for humanized Alzheimer's disease models? Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:474-478. [PMID: 30617271 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0343-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yannis Gerakis
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Hetz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile. .,Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA. .,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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38
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Abstract
Richard M. Ransohoff, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Third Rock Ventures and Visiting Scientist at Harvard Medical School, provides his personal opinion on using animal models to address current challenges and opportunities in drug development for neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Ransohoff
- Third Rock Ventures, Boston, MA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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39
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Wilkins HM, Morris JK. New Therapeutics to Modulate Mitochondrial Function in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Curr Pharm Des 2018; 23:731-752. [PMID: 28034353 DOI: 10.2174/1381612822666161230144517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitochondrial function and energy metabolism are impaired in neurodegenerative diseases. There is evidence for these functional declines both within the brain and systemically in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Due to these observations, therapeutics targeted to alter mitochondrial function and energy pathways are increasingly studied in pre-clinical and clinical settings. METHODS The goal of this article was to review therapies with specific implications on mitochondrial energy metabolism published through May 2016 that have been tested for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. RESULTS We discuss implications for mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases and how this drives new therapeutic initiatives. CONCLUSION Thus far, treatments have achieved varying degrees of success. Further investigation into the mechanisms driving mitochondrial dysfunction and bioenergetic failure in neurodegenerative diseases is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Wilkins
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Jill K Morris
- University of Kansas School of Medicine, University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Center MS 6002, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160. United States
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40
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Transgenic autoinhibition of p21-activated kinase exacerbates synaptic impairments and fronto-dependent behavioral deficits in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Aging (Albany NY) 2018; 9:1386-1403. [PMID: 28522792 PMCID: PMC5472739 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Defects in p21-activated kinase (PAK) lead to dendritic spine abnormalities and are sufficient to cause cognition impairment. The decrease in PAK in the brain of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients is suspected to underlie synaptic and dendritic disturbances associated with its clinical expression, particularly with symptoms related to frontal cortex dysfunction. To investigate the role of PAK combined with Aβ and tau pathologies (3xTg-AD mice) in the frontal cortex, we generated a transgenic model of AD with a deficit in PAK activity (3xTg-AD-dnPAK mice). PAK inactivation had no effect on Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels, but increased the phosphorylation ratio of tau in detergent-insoluble protein fractions in the frontal cortex of 18-month-old heterozygous 3xTg-AD mice. Morphometric analyses of layer II/III pyramidal neurons in the frontal cortex showed that 3xTg-AD-dnPAK neurons exhibited significant dendritic attrition, lower spine density and longer spines compared to NonTg and 3xTg-AD mice. Finally, behavioral assessments revealed that 3xTg-AD-dnPAK mice exhibited pronounced anxious traits and disturbances in social behaviors, reminiscent of fronto-dependent symptoms observed in AD. Our results substantiate a critical role for PAK in the genesis of neuronal abnormalities in the frontal cortex underlying the emergence of psychiatric-like symptoms in AD.
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41
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Rajmohan R, Reddy PH. Amyloid-Beta and Phosphorylated Tau Accumulations Cause Abnormalities at Synapses of Alzheimer's disease Neurons. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 57:975-999. [PMID: 27567878 DOI: 10.3233/jad-160612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-beta (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau are hallmark lesions of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the loss of synapses and dysfunctions of neurotransmission are more directly tied to disease severity. The role of these lesions in the pathoetiological progression of the disease remains contested. Biochemical, cellular, molecular, and pathological studies provided several lines of evidence and improved our understanding of how Aβ and hyperphosphorylated tau accumulation may directly harm synapses and alter neurotransmission. In vitro evidence suggests that Aβ and hyperphosphorylated tau have both direct and indirect cytotoxic effects that affect neurotransmission, axonal transport, signaling cascades, organelle function, and immune response in ways that lead to synaptic loss and dysfunctions in neurotransmitter release. Observations in preclinical models and autopsy studies support these findings, suggesting that while the pathoetiology of positive lesions remains elusive, their removal may reduce disease severity and progression. The purpose of this article is to highlight the need for further investigation of the role of tau in disease progression and its interactions with Aβ and neurotransmitters alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Rajmohan
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Neurology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
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42
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Affiliation(s)
- M Paul Murphy
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington
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43
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Steen Jensen C, Portelius E, Siersma V, Høgh P, Wermuth L, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Waldemar G, Gregers Hasselbalch S, Hviid Simonsen A. Cerebrospinal Fluid Amyloid Beta and Tau Concentrations Are Not Modulated by 16 Weeks of Moderate- to High-Intensity Physical Exercise in Patients with Alzheimer Disease. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2018; 42:146-158. [PMID: 27643858 DOI: 10.1159/000449408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical exercise may have some effect on cognition in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). However, the underlying biochemical effects are unclear. Animal studies have shown that amyloid beta (Aβ), one of the pathological hallmarks of AD, can be altered with high levels of physical activity. AIM The objective of this study was to elucidate the effect of 16 weeks of moderate- to high-intensity physical exercise on the biomarkers of AD, with special emphasis on the amyloidogenic pathway. METHODS From a total of 53 patients with AD participating in the Preserving Cognition, Quality of Life, Physical Health and Functional Ability in Alzheimer's Disease: The Effect of Physical Exercise (ADEX) study we analyzed cerebrospinal fluid samples for Aβ species, total tau (t-tau), phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and soluble amyloid precursor protein (sAPP) species. We also assessed the patients for apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) genotype. RESULTS We found no effect of 16 weeks of physical exercise on the selected biomarkers, and no effect of ApoE ε4 genotype. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the possible effect of physical exercise on cognition in patients with AD is not due to modulation of Aβ, t-tau, p-tau and sAPP species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Steen Jensen
- Danish Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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44
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Bioprinting for Neural Tissue Engineering. Trends Neurosci 2018; 41:31-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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45
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Zeiss CJ. From Reproducibility to Translation in Neurodegenerative Disease. ILAR J 2017; 58:106-114. [PMID: 28444192 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilx006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite tremendous investment and preclinical success in neurodegenerative disease, effective disease-altering treatments for patients have remained elusive. One highly cited reason for this discrepancy is flawed animal study design and reporting. If this can be broadly remedied, reproducibility of preclinical studies will improve. However, without concurrent efforts to improve generalizability, these improvements may not translate effectively from animal experiments to more complex human neurodegenerative diseases. Mechanistic and phenotypic variability of neurodegenerative disease is such that most models are only able to interrogate individual aspects of complex phenomena. One approach is to consider animals as models of individual targets rather than as models of individual diseases and to migrate the concept of predictive validity from the individual model to the body of experiments that demonstrate translatability of a target. Both exploratory and therapeutic preclinical studies are dependent upon study design methods that promote rigor and reproducibility. However, the body of evidence that is needed to demonstrate efficacy in therapeutic studies is substantially broader than that needed for exploratory studies. In addition to requiring rigor within individual experiments, convincing evidence for therapeutic potential must assess the relationships between model choice, intended goal of the intervention, pharmacologic criteria, and integration of biomarker data with outcome measures that are clinically relevant to humans. It is conceivable that proof-of-concept studies will migrate to cell-based systems and that animal systems will be increasingly reserved for more distal translational purposes. If this occurs, it is likely to prompt reexamination of what the term "translational" truly means.
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46
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Guidelines to improve animal study design and reproducibility for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: For funders and researchers. Alzheimers Dement 2017; 12:1177-1185. [PMID: 27836053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The reproducibility of laboratory experiments is fundamental to the scientific process. There have been increasing reports regarding challenges in reproducing and translating preclinical experiments in animal models. In Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, there have been similar reports and growing interest from funding organizations, researchers, and the broader scientific community to set parameters around experimental design, statistical power, and reporting requirements. A number of efforts in recent years have attempted to develop standard guidelines; however, these have not yet been widely implemented by researchers or by funding agencies. A workgroup of the International Alzheimer's disease Research Funder Consortium, a group of over 30 research funding agencies from around the world, worked to compile the best practices identified in these prior efforts for preclinical biomedical research. This article represents a consensus of this work group's review and includes recommendations for researchers and funding agencies on designing, performing, reviewing, and funding preclinical research studies.
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47
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Bao J, Mahaman YAR, Liu R, Wang JZ, Zhang Z, Zhang B, Wang X. Sex Differences in the Cognitive and Hippocampal Effects of Streptozotocin in an Animal Model of Sporadic AD. Front Aging Neurosci 2017; 9:347. [PMID: 29163130 PMCID: PMC5671606 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 95% of Alzheimer's disease (AD) belongs to sporadic AD (sAD), and related animal models are the important research tools for investigating the pathogenesis and developing new drugs for sAD. An intracerebroventricular infusion of streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) is commonly employed to generate sporadic AD animal model. Moreover, the potential impact of sex on brain function is now emphasized in the field of AD. However, whether sex differences exist in AD animal models remains unknown. Here we reported that ICV-STZ remarkably resulted in learning and memory impairment in the Sprague-Dawley male rats, but not in the female rats. We also found tau hyperphosphorylation, an increase of Aβ40/42 as well as increase in both GSK-3β and BACE1 activities, while a loss of dendritic and synaptic plasticity was observed in the male STZ rats. However, STZ did not induce above alterations in the female rats. Furthermore, estradiol levels of serum and hippocampus of female rats were much higher than that of male rats. In conclusion, sex differences exist in this sporadic AD animal model (Sprague-Dawley rats induced by STZ), and this should be considered in future AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Bao
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yacoubou A R Mahaman
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Xiaochuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of China for Neurological Disorders, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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48
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Decourt B, Lahiri DK, Sabbagh MN. Targeting Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha for Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2017; 14:412-425. [PMID: 27697064 DOI: 10.2174/1567205013666160930110551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects an estimated 44 million individuals worldwide, yet no therapeutic intervention is available to stop the progression of the dementia. Neuropathological hallmarks of AD are extracellular deposits of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides assembled in plaques, intraneuronal accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein forming tangles, and chronic inflammation. A pivotal molecule in inflammation is the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Several lines of evidence using genetic and pharmacological manipulations indicate that TNF-α signaling exacerbates both Aβ and tau pathologies in vivo. Interestingly, preventive and intervention anti-inflammatory strategies demonstrated a reduction in brain pathology and an amelioration of cognitive function in rodent models of AD. Phase I and IIa clinical trials suggest that TNF-α inhibitors might slow down cognitive decline and improve daily activities in AD patients. In the present review, we summarize the evidence pointing towards a beneficial role of anti-TNF-α therapies to prevent or slow the progression of AD. We also present possible physical and pharmacological interventions to modulate TNF-α signaling in AD subjects along with their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Decourt
- Banner Sun Health Research Institute, 10515 W. Santa Fe Dr., Sun City AZ 85351, United States
| | - Debomoy K Lahiri
- Institute of Psychiatry Research, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Marwan N Sabbagh
- Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders Division, Barrow Neurological Institute, 240 West Thomas, Ste 301, Phoenix, AZ 85013, United States
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49
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Sasaguri H, Nilsson P, Hashimoto S, Nagata K, Saito T, De Strooper B, Hardy J, Vassar R, Winblad B, Saido TC. APP mouse models for Alzheimer's disease preclinical studies. EMBO J 2017; 36:2473-2487. [PMID: 28768718 PMCID: PMC5579350 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201797397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 454] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models of human diseases that accurately recapitulate clinical pathology are indispensable for understanding molecular mechanisms and advancing preclinical studies. The Alzheimer's disease (AD) research community has historically used first‐generation transgenic (Tg) mouse models that overexpress proteins linked to familial AD (FAD), mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP), or APP and presenilin (PS). These mice exhibit AD pathology, but the overexpression paradigm may cause additional phenotypes unrelated to AD. Second‐generation mouse models contain humanized sequences and clinical mutations in the endogenous mouse App gene. These mice show Aβ accumulation without phenotypes related to overexpression but are not yet a clinical recapitulation of human AD. In this review, we evaluate different APP mouse models of AD, and review recent studies using the second‐generation mice. We advise AD researchers to consider the comparative strengths and limitations of each model against the scientific and therapeutic goal of a prospective preclinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Sasaguri
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan .,Department of Neurology and Neurological Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Per Nilsson
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan.,Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Shoko Hashimoto
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan
| | - Kenichi Nagata
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan
| | - Takashi Saito
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan.,Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Bart De Strooper
- Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK.,Department for Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - John Hardy
- Reta Lila Research Laboratories and the Department of Molecular Neuroscience, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Robert Vassar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bengt Winblad
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Takaomi C Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan
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50
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Daugherty D, Goldberg J, Fischer W, Dargusch R, Maher P, Schubert D. A novel Alzheimer's disease drug candidate targeting inflammation and fatty acid metabolism. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2017; 9:50. [PMID: 28709449 PMCID: PMC5513091 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-017-0277-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background CAD-31 is an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) drug candidate that was selected on the basis of its ability to stimulate the replication of human embryonic stem cell-derived neural precursor cells as well as in APPswe/PS1ΔE9 AD mice. To move CAD-31 toward the clinic, experiments were undertaken to determine its neuroprotective and pharmacological properties, as well as to assay its therapeutic efficacy in a rigorous mouse model of AD. Results CAD-31 has potent neuroprotective properties in six distinct nerve cell assays that mimic toxicities observed in the old brain. Pharmacological and preliminary toxicological studies show that CAD-31 is brain-penetrant and likely safe. When fed to old, symptomatic APPswe/PS1ΔE9 AD mice starting at 10 months of age for 3 additional months in a therapeutic model of the disease, there was a reduction in the memory deficit and brain inflammation, as well as an increase in the expression of synaptic proteins. Small-molecule metabolic data from the brain and plasma showed that the major effect of CAD-31 is centered on fatty acid metabolism and inflammation. Pathway analysis of gene expression data showed that CAD-31 had major effects on synapse formation and AD energy metabolic pathways. Conclusions All of the multiple physiological effects of CAD-31 were favorable in the context of preventing some of the toxic events in old age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13195-017-0277-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Daugherty
- Cellular Neuroendocrinology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037-1002, USA
| | - Joshua Goldberg
- Cellular Neuroendocrinology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037-1002, USA
| | - Wolfgang Fischer
- Cellular Neuroendocrinology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037-1002, USA
| | - Richard Dargusch
- Cellular Neuroendocrinology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037-1002, USA
| | - Pamela Maher
- Cellular Neuroendocrinology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037-1002, USA
| | - David Schubert
- Cellular Neuroendocrinology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037-1002, USA.
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