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Langerscheidt F, Wied T, Al Kabbani MA, van Eimeren T, Wunderlich G, Zempel H. Genetic forms of tauopathies: inherited causes and implications of Alzheimer's disease-like TAU pathology in primary and secondary tauopathies. J Neurol 2024; 271:2992-3018. [PMID: 38554150 PMCID: PMC11136742 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12314-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Tauopathies are a heterogeneous group of neurologic diseases characterized by pathological axodendritic distribution, ectopic expression, and/or phosphorylation and aggregation of the microtubule-associated protein TAU, encoded by the gene MAPT. Neuronal dysfunction, dementia, and neurodegeneration are common features of these often detrimental diseases. A neurodegenerative disease is considered a primary tauopathy when MAPT mutations/haplotypes are its primary cause and/or TAU is the main pathological feature. In case TAU pathology is observed but superimposed by another pathological hallmark, the condition is classified as a secondary tauopathy. In some tauopathies (e.g. MAPT-associated frontotemporal dementia (FTD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD)) TAU is recognized as a significant pathogenic driver of the disease. In many secondary tauopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD), TAU is suggested to contribute to the development of dementia, but in others (e.g. Niemann-Pick disease (NPC)) TAU may only be a bystander. The genetic and pathological mechanisms underlying TAU pathology are often not fully understood. In this review, the genetic predispositions and variants associated with both primary and secondary tauopathies are examined in detail, assessing evidence for the role of TAU in these conditions. We highlight less common genetic forms of tauopathies to increase awareness for these disorders and the involvement of TAU in their pathology. This approach not only contributes to a deeper understanding of these conditions but may also lay the groundwork for potential TAU-based therapeutic interventions for various tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Langerscheidt
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Tamara Wied
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Natural Sciences, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Von-Liebig-Str. 20, 53359, Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Mohamed Aghyad Al Kabbani
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thilo van Eimeren
- Multimodal Neuroimaging Group, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gilbert Wunderlich
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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Lahoud E, Moynier F, Luu TH, Mahan B, Borgne ML. Impact of aging on copper isotopic composition in the murine brain. Metallomics 2024; 16:mfae008. [PMID: 38289854 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfae008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Aging is the main risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is linked to alterations in metal homeostasis and changes in stable metal isotopic composition can occur, possibly allowing the latter to serve as relevant biomarkers for potential AD diagnosis. Copper stable isotopes are used to investigate changes in Cu homeostasis associated with various diseases. Prior work has shown that in AD mouse models, the accumulation of 63Cu in the brain is associated with the disease's progression. However, our understanding of how the normal aging process influences the brain's isotopic composition of copper remains limited. In order to determine the utility and predictive power of Cu isotopes in AD diagnostics, we aim-in this study-to develop a baseline trajectory of Cu isotopic composition in the normally aging mouse brain. We determined the copper concentration and isotopic composition in brains of 30 healthy mice (WT) ranging in age from 6 to 12 mo, and further incorporate prior data obtained for 3-mo-old healthy mice; this range approximately equates to 20-50 yr in human equivalency. A significant 65Cu enrichment has been observed in the 12-mo-old mice compared to the youngest group, concomitant with an increase in Cu concentration with age. Meanwhile, literature data for brains of AD mice display an enrichment in 63Cu isotope compared to WT. It is acutely important that this baseline enrichment in 65Cu is fully constrained and normalized against if any coherent diagnostic observations regarding 63Cu enrichment as a biomarker for AD are to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Lahoud
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, 1 rue Jussieu 75005, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Moynier
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, 1 rue Jussieu 75005, Paris, France
| | - Tu-Han Luu
- Université Paris Cité, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, 1 rue Jussieu 75005, Paris, France
| | - Brandon Mahan
- School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marie Le Borgne
- Université Paris Cité, LVTS, Inserm U1148, F-75018, Paris, France
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Buchholz S, Zempel H. The six brain-specific TAU isoforms and their role in Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative dementia syndromes. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:3606-3628. [PMID: 38556838 PMCID: PMC11095451 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alternative splicing of the human MAPT gene generates six brain-specific TAU isoforms. Imbalances in the TAU isoform ratio can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, underscoring the need for precise control over TAU isoform balance. Tauopathies, characterized by intracellular aggregates of hyperphosphorylated TAU, exhibit extensive neurodegeneration and can be classified by the TAU isoforms present in pathological accumulations. METHODS A comprehensive review of TAU and related dementia syndromes literature was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and preprint server. RESULTS While TAU is recognized as key driver of neurodegeneration in specific tauopathies, the contribution of the isoforms to neuronal function and disease development remains largely elusive. DISCUSSION In this review we describe the role of TAU isoforms in health and disease, and stress the importance of comprehending and studying TAU isoforms in both, physiological and pathological context, in order to develop targeted therapeutic interventions for TAU-associated diseases. HIGHLIGHTS MAPT splicing is tightly regulated during neuronal maturation and throughout life. TAU isoform expression is development-, cell-type and brain region specific. The contribution of TAU to neurodegeneration might be isoform-specific. Ineffective TAU-based therapies highlight the need for specific targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Buchholz
- Institute of Human GeneticsFaculty of Medicine and University Hospital CologneUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC)University of CologneCologneGermany
- Present address:
Department Schaefer, Neurobiology of AgeingMax Planck Institute for Biology of AgeingCologneGermany
| | - Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human GeneticsFaculty of Medicine and University Hospital CologneUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC)University of CologneCologneGermany
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Benarroch E. What Are the Roles of Cellular Prion Protein in Normal and Pathologic Conditions? Neurology 2024; 102:e209272. [PMID: 38484222 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
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Facal CL, Fernández Bessone I, Muñiz JA, Pereyra AE, Pedroncini O, Páez-Paz I, Clerici-Delville R, Arnaiz C, Urrutia L, Falasco G, Argañaraz CV, Saez T, Marin-Burgin A, Soiza-Reilly M, Falzone T, Avale ME. Tau reduction with artificial microRNAs modulates neuronal physiology and improves tauopathy phenotypes in mice. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1080-1095. [PMID: 38310353 PMCID: PMC11163272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.033] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormal tau accumulation is the hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases, named tauopathies. Strategies aimed at reducing tau in the brain are promising therapeutic interventions, yet more precise therapies would require targeting specific nuclei and neuronal subpopulations affected by disease while avoiding global reduction of physiological tau. Here, we developed artificial microRNAs directed against the human MAPT mRNA to dwindle tau protein by engaging the endogenous RNA interference pathway. In human differentiated neurons in culture, microRNA-mediated tau reduction diminished neuronal firing without affecting neuronal morphology or impairing axonal transport. In the htau mouse model of tauopathy, we locally expressed artificial microRNAs in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), an area particularly vulnerable to initiating tau pathology in this model. Tau knockdown prevented the accumulation of insoluble and hyperphosphorylated tau, modulated firing activity of putative pyramidal neurons, and improved glucose uptake in the PFC. Moreover, such tau reduction prevented cognitive decline in aged htau mice. Our results suggest target engagement of designed tau-microRNAs to effectively reduce tau pathology, providing a proof of concept for a potential therapeutic approach based on local tau knockdown to rescue tauopathy-related phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Lucía Facal
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Iván Fernández Bessone
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias (IBCN), Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Javier Andrés Muñiz
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A Ezequiel Pereyra
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Olivia Pedroncini
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA), Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, CONICET-MPSP, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Indiana Páez-Paz
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ramiro Clerici-Delville
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cayetana Arnaiz
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA), Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, CONICET-MPSP, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leandro Urrutia
- Centro de imágenes Moleculares, FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Germán Falasco
- Centro de imágenes Moleculares, FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla Verónica Argañaraz
- Instituto de Fisiología Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Trinidad Saez
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias (IBCN), Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Antonia Marin-Burgin
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA), Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, CONICET-MPSP, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano Soiza-Reilly
- Instituto de Fisiología Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomás Falzone
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias (IBCN), Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA), Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, CONICET-MPSP, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Elena Avale
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular (INGEBI), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Kuznetsov IA, Kuznetsov AV. Why slow axonal transport is bidirectional - can axonal transport of tau protein rely only on motor-driven anterograde transport? Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2024; 27:620-631. [PMID: 37068039 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2023.2197541] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Slow axonal transport (SAT) moves multiple proteins from the soma, where they are synthesized, to the axon terminal. Due to the great lengths of axons, SAT almost exclusively relies on active transport, which is driven by molecular motors. The puzzling feature of slow axonal transport is its bidirectionality. Although the net direction of SAT is anterograde, from the soma to the terminal, experiments show that it also contains a retrograde component. One of the proteins transported by SAT is the microtubule-associated protein tau. To better understand why the retrograde component in tau transport is needed, we used the perturbation technique to analyze how the full tau SAT model can be simplified for the specific case when retrograde motor-driven transport and diffusion-driven transport of tau are negligible and tau is driven only by anterograde (kinesin) motors. The solution of the simplified equations shows that without retrograde transport the tau concentration along the axon length stays almost uniform (decreases very slightly), which is inconsistent with the experimenal tau concentration at the outlet boundary (at the axon tip). Thus kinesin-driven transport alone is not enough to explain the empirically observed distribution of tau, and the retrograde motor-driven component in SAT is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan A Kuznetsov
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrey V Kuznetsov
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Zhang T, Tian Y, Zheng X, Li R, Hu L, Shui X, Mei Y, Wang Q, Zhang M, Zheng X, Wang L, Chen D, Tao W, Lee TH. Activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 ameliorates tau accumulation-induced synaptic damage and cognitive dysfunction via autophagy enhancement. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14432. [PMID: 37641913 PMCID: PMC10916438 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14432] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The autophagy-lysosomal pathway is important for maintaining cellular proteostasis, while dysfunction of this pathway has been suggested to drive the aberrant intraneuronal accumulation of tau protein, leading to synaptic damage and cognitive impairment. Previous studies have demonstrated that the activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) by capsaicin has a positive impact on cognition and AD-related biomarkers. However, the effect and mechanism of TPRV1 activation on neuronal tau homeostasis remain elusive. METHODS A mouse model of tauopathy was established by overexpressing full-length human tau in the CA3 area. Mice were fed capsaicin diet (0.0125%) or normal diet for 9 weeks. The cognitive ability, synaptic function, tau phosphorylation levels, and autophagy markers were detected. In vitro, capsaicin-induced alterations in cellular autophagy and tau degradation were characterized using two cell models. Besides, various inhibitors were applied to validate the role of TRPV1-mediated autophagy enhancement in tau clearance. RESULTS We observed that TRPV1 activation by capsaicin effectively mitigates hippocampal tau accumulation-induced synaptic damages, gliosis, and cognitive impairment in vivo. Capsaicin promotes the degradation of abnormally accumulated tau through enhancing autophagic function in neurons, which is dependent on TRPV1-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and subsequent inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Blocking AMPK activation abolishes capsaicin-induced autophagy enhancement and tau degradation in neurons. CONCLUSION Our findings reveal that capsaicin-induced TRPV1 activation confers neuroprotection by restoring neuronal tau homeostasis via modulating cellular autophagy and provides additional evidence to support the potential of TRPV1 as a therapeutic target for tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Yuan Tian
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Xiaoqing Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Ruomeng Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Li Hu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Xindong Shui
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Yingxue Mei
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Quling Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Mi Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Xiuzhi Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Long Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Dongmei Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Wucheng Tao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Tae Ho Lee
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical SciencesFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
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Buchholz S, Bell-Simons M, Zempel H. Tracking Tau in Neurons: How to Transfect and Track Exogenous Tau in Primary Neurons. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2754:499-506. [PMID: 38512685 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3629-9_28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Primary murine neurons have proved to be an essential tool for the general investigation of neuronal polarity, polarized Tau distribution, and Tau-based neuronal dysfunction in disease paradigms. However, mature primary neurons are notoriously difficult to transfect with non-viral approaches and are very sensitive to cytoskeletal manipulation and imaging. Furthermore, standard non-viral transfection techniques require the use of a supportive glial monolayer or high-density cultures, both of which interfere with microscopy. Here we provide a simple non-viral liposome-based transfection method that enables transfection of Tau in low levels comparable to endogenous Tau. This allows the investigation of, for example, distribution and trafficking of Tau, without affecting other cytoskeleton-based parameters such as microtubule density or microtubule-based transport. Using this protocol, we achieve a profound transfection efficiency but avoid high overexpression rates. Importantly, this transfection method can be applied to neurons at different ages and is also suitable for very old cultures (up to 18 days in vitro). In addition, the protocol can be used in cultures without glial support and at suitable cell densities for microscopy-based single cell analysis. In sum, this protocol has proven a reliable tool suitable for most microscopy-based approaches in our laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Buchholz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Bell-Simons
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Zempel H. Genetic and sporadic forms of tauopathies-TAU as a disease driver for the majority of patients but the minority of tauopathies. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:66-70. [PMID: 37795931 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Ageing-associated tauopathies like frontotemporal dementia (FTD), variants thereof (like progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), pick diseases (PiD), corticobasal degeneration (CBD)), and of course the most prevalent form of dementia, Alzheimer Disease (AD), are widely recognized forms of tauopathies. The list of tauopathies is expanding. We now include: (i) tauopathies where the disease cause or trigger is clearly either physical, such as in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and (ii) genetic diseases that result in tauopathy but have pathogenic genetic variants in genes not related to TAU. Examples of the latter are myotonic dystrophy Type 1 and Type 2 (DM1, DM2, due to pathogenic genetic variants in the genes DMPK and CNBP, respectively), Niemann-Pick Disease Type C (NPD, due to mutations in NPC1 or NPC2), Kufs Disease (CLN6), Christianson Syndrome (SLC9A6), familial forms of Parkinson Disease (PD), and many others. In terms of affected brain regions and cell types, intracellular distribution of TAU pathology/aggregates, age of disease onset, velocity of disease progression and spreading of TAU pathology, there is, however, little in common in most of these disease entities. Here, I reason that TAU/MAPT is causative for the minority of tauopathies (e.g., MAPT-related FTD/PSP and Vacuolar Tauopathy (VCP)) and a critical mediator for others, like shown by overwhelming evidence for AD. However, TAU may also be a mere bystander or even protective in other settings. Improved understanding of rare tauopathies is necessary to develop specific treatments, but also to improve our understanding of the pathomechanistic role of TAU and to identify diseases that may profit from TAU-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Buchholz S, Bell-Simons M, Haag N, Zempel H. Tracking Tau in Neurons: How to Grow, Fix, and Stain Primary Neurons for the Investigation of Tau in All Developmental Stages. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2754:507-519. [PMID: 38512686 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3629-9_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Primary murine neurons are a well-established tool for investigating Tau in the context of neuronal development and neurodegeneration. However, culturing primary neurons is usually time-consuming and requires multiple feeding steps, media exchanges, proprietary media supplements, and/or preparation of complex media. Here, we describe (i) a relatively cheap and easy cell culture procedure for the cultivation of forebrain neurons from embryonic mice (E13.5) based on a commercially available neuronal supplement (NS21), (ii) a protocol for the cultivation of hippocampal and cortical neurons from postnatal (P0-P3) animals, and (iii) basic fixation and immunofluorescence techniques for the staining of neuronal markers and endogenous Tau. We demonstrate a staining technique, which minimizes antibody consumption and allows for fast and convenient processing of samples for immunofluorescence microscopy of endogenous Tau in primary neurons. We also provide a protocol that enables cryopreservation of fixed cells for years without measurable loss of Tau signal. In sum, we provide reliable protocols enabling microscopy-based studies of Tau in primary murine neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Buchholz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Bell-Simons
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Natja Haag
- Institute for Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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De A, Mishra TK, Saraf S, Tripathy B, Reddy SS. A Review on the Use of Modern Computational Methods in Alzheimer's Disease-Detection and Prediction. Curr Alzheimer Res 2024; 20:845-861. [PMID: 38468529 DOI: 10.2174/0115672050301514240307071217] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Discoveries in the field of medical sciences are blooming rapidly at the cost of voluminous efforts. Presently, multidisciplinary research activities have been especially contributing to catering cutting-edge solutions to critical problems in the domain of medical sciences. The modern age computing resources have proved to be a boon in this context. Effortless solutions have become a reality, and thus, the real beneficiary patients are able to enjoy improved lives. One of the most emerging problems in this context is Alzheimer's disease, an incurable neurological disorder. For this, early diagnosis is made possible with benchmark computing tools and schemes. These benchmark schemes are the results of novel research contributions being made intermittently in the timeline. In this review, an attempt is made to explore all such contributions in the past few decades. A systematic review is made by categorizing these contributions into three folds, namely, First, Second, and Third Generations. However, priority is given to the latest ones as a handful of literature reviews are already available for the classical ones. Key contributions are discussed vividly. The objectives set for this review are to bring forth the latest discoveries in computing methodologies, especially those dedicated to the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. A detailed timeline of the contributions is also made available. Performance plots for certain key contributions are also presented for better graphical understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arka De
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Tusar Kanti Mishra
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology Bengaluru, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Sameeksha Saraf
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Balakrushna Tripathy
- School of Information Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Shiva Shankar Reddy
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sagi Rama Krishnam Raju Engineering College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
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12
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Kamboj S, Sharma P, Kamboj R, Kamboj S, Hariom, Girija, Guarve K, Dutt R, Verma I, Dua K, Rani N. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Phytoconstituents for Addressing Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem 2024; 24:129-144. [PMID: 38265386 DOI: 10.2174/0118715249273015231225091339] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorder is a serious condition that is caused by abnormal or no neurological function. Neurodegenerative disease is a major growing cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, especially in the elderly. After World War Ⅱ, eugenics term was exterminated from medicines. Neurodegenerative disease is a genetically inherited disease. Lifestyle changes, environmental factors, and genetic modification, together or alone, are involved in the occurrence of this disorder. The major examples of neurodegenerative disorders are Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, in which apoptosis and necrosis are the two major death pathways for neurons. It has been determined from various studies that the etiology of the neurodegenerative disease involves the role of oxidative stress and anti-oxidant defence system, which are prime factors associated with the activation of signal transduction pathway that is responsible for the formation of synuclein in the brain and manifestation of toxic reactions in the form of functional abnormality, which ultimately leads to the dysfunction of neuronal pathway or cell. There has not been much success in the discovery of effective therapy to treat neurodegenerative diseases because the main cause of abnormal functioning or death of neurons is not well known. However, the use of natural products that are derived from plants has effective therapeutic potential against neurodegenerative disease. The natural compounds with medicinal properties to prevent neurological dysfunction are curcumin, wolfberry, ginseng, and Withania somnifera. The selection and use of natural compounds are based on their strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties against neurodegenerative disease. Herbal products have active constituents that play an important role in the prevention of communication errors between neurons and neurotransmitters and their respective receptors in the brain, which influence their function. Considering this, natural products have great potential against neurodegenerative diseases. This article reviews the natural compounds used to treat neurodegenerative diseases and their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Kamboj
- Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Yamuna Nagar, India
| | - Prerna Sharma
- Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Yamuna Nagar, India
| | - Rohit Kamboj
- Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Yamuna Nagar, India
| | - Shikha Kamboj
- Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Yamuna Nagar, India
| | - Hariom
- Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Yamuna Nagar, India
| | - Girija
- Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Yamuna Nagar, India
| | - Kumar Guarve
- Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Yamuna Nagar, India
| | - Rohit Dutt
- Gandhi Memorial National College, Ambala, India
| | - Inderjeet Verma
- MM College of Pharmacy, MM (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, India
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy Graduate of Technology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nidhi Rani
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Chandigarh, Punjab, India
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13
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Buchholz S, Bell-Simons M, Cakmak C, Klimek J, Gan L, Zempel H. Cultivation, Differentiation, and Lentiviral Transduction of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (hiPSC)-Derived Glutamatergic Neurons for Studying Human Tau. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2754:533-549. [PMID: 38512688 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3629-9_31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Tau pathology is a major hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases summarized under the term tauopathies. In most of these disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, the neuronal axonal microtubule-binding Tau protein becomes mislocalized to the somatodendritic compartment. In human disease, this missorting of Tau is accompanied by an abnormally high phosphorylation state of the Tau protein, and several downstream pathological consequences (e.g., loss of microtubules, degradation of postsynaptic spines, impaired synaptic transmission, neuronal death). While some mechanisms of Tau sorting, missorting, and associated pathologies have been addressed in rodent models, few studies have addressed human Tau in physiological disease-relevant human neurons. Thus, suitable human-derived in vitro models are necessary. This protocol provides a simple step-by-step protocol for generating homogeneous cultures of cortical glutamatergic neurons using an engineered Ngn2 transgene-carrying WTC11 iPSC line. We further demonstrate strategies to improve neuronal maturity, that is, synapse formation, Tau isoform expression, and neuronal activity by co-culturing hiPSC-derived glutamatergic neurons with mouse-derived astrocytes. Finally, we describe a simple protocol for high-efficiency lentiviral transduction of hiPSC-derived neurons at almost all stages of differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Buchholz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Bell-Simons
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cagla Cakmak
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jennifer Klimek
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Li Gan
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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14
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Younas N, Saleem T, Younas A, Zerr I. Nuclear face of Tau: an inside player in neurodegeneration. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:196. [PMID: 38087392 PMCID: PMC10714511 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01702-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau (Tubulin associated unit) protein is a major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and tauopathies. Tau is predominantly an axonal protein with a crucial role in the stabilization and dynamics of the microtubules. Since the discovery of Tau protein in 1975, research efforts were concentrated on the pathophysiological role of Tau protein in the context of the microtubules. Although, for more than three decades, different localizations of Tau protein have been discovered e.g., in the nuclear compartments. Discovery of the role of Tau protein in various cellular compartments especially in the nucleus opens up a new fold of complexity in tauopathies. Data from cellular models, animal models, and the human brain indicate that nuclear Tau is crucial for genome stability and to cope with cellular distress. Moreover, it's nature of nuclear translocation, its interactions with the nuclear DNA/RNA and proteins suggest it could play multiple roles in the nucleus. To comprehend Tau pathophysiology and efficient Tau-based therapies, there is an urgent need to understand whole repertoire of Tau species (nuclear and cytoplasmic) and their functional relevance. To complete the map of Tau repertoire, understanding of various species of Tau in the nucleus and cytoplasm, identification if specific transcripts of Tau, isoforms and post-translational modifications could foretell Tau's localizations and functions, and how they are modified in neurodegenerative diseases like AD, is urgently required. In this review, we explore the nuclear face of Tau protein, its nuclear localizations and functions and its linkage with Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelam Younas
- University Medical Center Göttingen, National Reference Center for Surveillance of TSE, Department of Neurology, Robert-Koch strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, 37075, Germany.
| | - Tayyaba Saleem
- University Medical Center Göttingen, National Reference Center for Surveillance of TSE, Department of Neurology, Robert-Koch strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, 37075, Germany
| | - Abrar Younas
- University Medical Center Göttingen, National Reference Center for Surveillance of TSE, Department of Neurology, Robert-Koch strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, 37075, Germany
| | - Inga Zerr
- University Medical Center Göttingen, National Reference Center for Surveillance of TSE, Department of Neurology, Robert-Koch strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, 37075, Germany
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15
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Shen Z, Sun D, Savastano A, Varga SJ, Cima-Omori MS, Becker S, Honigmann A, Zweckstetter M. Multivalent Tau/PSD-95 interactions arrest in vitro condensates and clusters mimicking the postsynaptic density. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6839. [PMID: 37891164 PMCID: PMC10611757 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42295-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease begins with mild memory loss and slowly destroys memory and thinking. Cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease has been associated with the localization of the microtubule-associated protein Tau at the postsynapse. However, the correlation between Tau at the postsynapse and synaptic dysfunction remains unclear. Here, we show that Tau arrests liquid-like droplets formed by the four postsynaptic density proteins PSD-95, GKAP, Shank, Homer in solution, as well as NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate)-receptor-associated protein clusters on synthetic membranes. Tau-mediated condensate/cluster arrest critically depends on the binding of multiple interaction motifs of Tau to a canonical GMP-binding pocket in the guanylate kinase domain of PSD-95. We further reveal that competitive binding of a high-affinity phosphorylated peptide to PSD-95 rescues the diffusional dynamics of an NMDA truncated construct, which contains the last five amino acids of the NMDA receptor subunit NR2B fused to the C-terminus of the tetrameric GCN4 coiled-coil domain, in postsynaptic density-like condensates/clusters. Taken together, our findings propose a molecular mechanism where Tau modulates the dynamic properties of the postsynaptic density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Shen
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daxiao Sun
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Adriana Savastano
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sára Joana Varga
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maria-Sol Cima-Omori
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Becker
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of NMR-based Structural Biology, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alf Honigmann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Technische Universität Dresden, Biotechnologisches Zentrum (BIOTEC), Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of NMR-based Structural Biology, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
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16
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Hu J, Sha W, Yuan S, Wu J, Huang Y. Aggregation, Transmission, and Toxicity of the Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau: A Complex Comprehension. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15023. [PMID: 37834471 PMCID: PMC10573976 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241915023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau is an intrinsically disordered protein containing a few short and transient secondary structures. Tau physiologically associates with microtubules (MTs) for its stabilization and detaches from MTs to regulate its dynamics. Under pathological conditions, tau is abnormally modified, detaches from MTs, and forms protein aggregates in neuronal and glial cells. Tau protein aggregates can be found in a number of devastating neurodegenerative diseases known as "tauopathies", such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), etc. However, it is still unclear how the tau protein is compacted into ordered protein aggregates, and the toxicity of the aggregates is still debated. Fortunately, there has been considerable progress in the study of tau in recent years, particularly in the understanding of the intercellular transmission of pathological tau species, the structure of tau aggregates, and the conformational change events in the tau polymerization process. In this review, we summarize the concepts of tau protein aggregation and discuss the views on tau protein transmission and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Wenchi Sha
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Shuangshuang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yunpeng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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17
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Bell-Simons M, Buchholz S, Klimek J, Zempel H. Laser-Induced Axotomy of Human iPSC-Derived and Murine Primary Neurons Decreases Somatic Tau and AT8 Tau Phosphorylation: A Single-Cell Approach to Study Effects of Acute Axonal Damage. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3497-3510. [PMID: 37171549 PMCID: PMC10477226 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01359-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein Tau is highly enriched in axons of brain neurons where it regulates axonal outgrowth, plasticity, and transport. Efficient axonal Tau sorting is critical since somatodendritic Tau missorting is a major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. However, the molecular mechanisms of axonal Tau sorting are still not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to unravel to which extent anterograde protein transport contributes to axonal Tau sorting. We developed a laser-based axotomy approach with single-cell resolution and combined it with spinning disk confocal microscopy enabling multi live-cell monitoring. We cultivated human iPSC-derived cortical neurons and mouse primary forebrain neurons in specialized chambers allowing reliable post-fixation identification and Tau analysis. Using this approach, we achieved high post-axotomy survival rates and observed axonal regrowth in a subset of neurons. When we assessed somatic missorting and phosphorylation levels of endogenous human or murine Tau at different time points after axotomy, we surprisingly did not observe somatic Tau accumulation or hyperphosphorylation, regardless of their regrowing activity, consistent for both models. These results indicate that impairment of anterograde transit of Tau protein and acute axonal damage may not play a role for the development of somatic Tau pathology. In sum, we developed a laser-based axotomy model suitable for studying the impact of different Tau sorting mechanisms in a highly controllable and reproducible setting, and we provide evidence that acute axon loss does not induce somatic Tau accumulation and AT8 Tau phosphorylation. UV laser-induced axotomy of human iPSC-derived and mouse primary neurons results in decreased somatic levels of endogenous Tau and AT8 Tau phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bell-Simons
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - S Buchholz
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - J Klimek
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - H Zempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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18
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Dimou E, Katsinelos T, Meisl G, Tuck BJ, Keeling S, Smith AE, Hidari E, Lam JYL, Burke M, Lövestam S, Ranasinghe RT, McEwan WA, Klenerman D. Super-resolution imaging unveils the self-replication of tau aggregates upon seeding. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112725. [PMID: 37393617 PMCID: PMC7614924 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau is a soluble protein interacting with tubulin to stabilize microtubules. However, under pathological conditions, it becomes hyperphosphorylated and aggregates, a process that can be induced by treating cells with exogenously added tau fibrils. Here, we employ single-molecule localization microscopy to resolve the aggregate species formed in early stages of seeded tau aggregation. We report that entry of sufficient tau assemblies into the cytosol induces the self-replication of small tau aggregates, with a doubling time of 5 h inside HEK cells and 1 day in murine primary neurons, which then grow into fibrils. Seeding occurs in the vicinity of the microtubule cytoskeleton, is accelerated by the proteasome, and results in release of small assemblies into the media. In the absence of seeding, cells still spontaneously form small aggregates at lower levels. Overall, our work provides a quantitative picture of the early stages of templated seeded tau aggregation in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Dimou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK.
| | - Taxiarchis Katsinelos
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK; MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Georg Meisl
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Benjamin J Tuck
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Sophie Keeling
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Annabel E Smith
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Eric Hidari
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Jeff Y L Lam
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Melanie Burke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Sofia Lövestam
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Rohan T Ranasinghe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - William A McEwan
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - David Klenerman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK.
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19
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Watanabe-Nakayama T, Tsuji M, Umeda K, Oguchi T, Konno H, Noguchi-Shinohara M, Kiuchi Y, Kodera N, Teplow DB, Ono K. Structural Dynamics of Amyloid-β Protofibrils and Actions of Anti-Amyloid-β Antibodies as Observed by High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy. NANO LETTERS 2023. [PMID: 37141711 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation intermediates, including oligomers and protofibrils (PFs), have attracted attention as neurotoxic aggregates in Alzheimer's disease. However, due to the complexity of the aggregation pathway, the structural dynamics of aggregation intermediates and how drugs act on them have not been clarified. Here we used high-speed atomic force microscopy to observe the structural dynamics of Aβ42 PF at the single-molecule level and the effect of lecanemab, an anti-Aβ PF antibody with the positive results from Phase 3 Clarity AD. PF was found to be a curved nodal structure with stable binding angle between individual nodes. PF was also a dynamic structure that associates with other PF molecules and undergoes intramolecular cleavage. Lecanemab remained stable in binding to PFs and to globular oligomers, inhibiting the formation of large aggregates. These results provide direct evidence for a mechanism by which antibody drugs interfere with the Aβ aggregation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Watanabe-Nakayama
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Mayumi Tsuji
- Pharmacological Research Center, Showa University, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
| | - Kenichi Umeda
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Oguchi
- Pharmacological Research Center, Showa University, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
- Department of Pharmacology, Division of Medical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroki Konno
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Moeko Noguchi-Shinohara
- Department of Neurology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1, Takara-machi, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yuji Kiuchi
- Pharmacological Research Center, Showa University, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
- Department of Pharmacology, Division of Medical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Kodera
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - David B Teplow
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, California 90095-7334, United States
| | - Kenjiro Ono
- Department of Neurology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1, Takara-machi, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
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20
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Diagnostic Role of Tau Proteins in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Acta Neurol Scand 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/2791622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Background. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that currently lacks reliable diagnostic biomarkers. The meta-analysis is performed with an aim to evaluate the diagnostic potential of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) total tau (t-tau), phosphorylated-tau (p-tau), and their ratio in ALS patients. Methods. A comprehensive search for literature published between the 1st of January 2000 and the 15th of May 2022 was performed in databases PubMed, medRxiv, and Google Scholar. The retrieved articles were first screened by title and abstract, and later, full-text screening was performed based on the eligibility criteria. Data on p-tau and t-tau levels and p-tau/t-tau ratio in ALS patients and controls were extracted, and a meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models in Review Manager version 5.4. Results. Data were analyzed from seven studies reporting p-tau and t-tau levels and their ratio among ALS patients and controls. The number of total study participants was 1,100. In ALS patients, the levels of p-tau didn’t differ significantly with controls (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.14 (95% CI: -0.41 to 0.70);
). In contrast, there were significantly elevated levels of t-tau and significantly lowered p-tau/t-tau ratio in ALS (SMD: 1.76 (95% CI: 0.53 to 2.98);
and SMD: -3.09 (95% CI: -5.33 to -0.86);
, respectively). Conclusion. Our meta-analysis study supports the role of core CSF biomarkers of neurodegeneration: t-tau and p-tau/t-tau ratio as a diagnostic biomarker of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This study found that t-tau is elevated while p-tau/t-tau ratio is lowered in ALS.
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21
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Diez L, Kapinos LE, Lim RYH, Wegmann S. Analysis of Tau/Nucleoporin Interactions by Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2551:95-109. [PMID: 36310199 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2597-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Tau, a soluble and predominantly neuronal protein, is best known for its microtubule (MT)-binding function in the cytosol, where it decisively contributes to stability as well as modulation of MT dynamics. In Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies, Tau is altered into forming intracellular neurofibrillary tangles; additionally, also a mislocalization from the cytosol to the nucleus has been observed where interactions of Tau with the nucleus become possible. Using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), it was recently shown that Tau can directly interact with certain nucleoporins (e.g., Nup98), components of the nuclear pore complex (NPC). The NPC constitutes large regulated pores in the nuclear envelope that facilitate the bidirectional exchange of proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules between the inner section of the nucleus and the cytosol, the nucleocytoplasmic transport. The mechanism of Tau/Nup interactions is as yet unknown, and a systematic interaction analysis of Tau with different Nups can be of high value to decipher the molecular binding mechanism of Tau to Nups. SPR is a useful tool to analyze binding affinities and kinetic parameters in a label-free environment. While one interaction partner is immobilized on a sensor chip, the second is supplied within a constant flow of buffer. Binding of mobile molecules to immobilized ones changes the refractive index of the medium close to the sensor surface with the signal being proportional to the bound mass. In this chapter, we describe the application of the SPR technique for the investigation of Tau binding to nucleoporins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Diez
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Susanne Wegmann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany.
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22
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Synergistic interaction of high blood pressure and cerebral beta-amyloid on tau pathology. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:193. [PMID: 36566225 PMCID: PMC9789538 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01149-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension has been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia as well as vascular dementia. However, the underlying neuropathological changes that link hypertension to AD remain poorly understood. In our study, we examined the relationships of a history of hypertension and high current blood pressure (BP) with in vivo AD pathologies including β-amyloid (Aβ) and tau and also investigated whether a history of hypertension and current BP respectively affect the association between Aβ and tau deposition. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted as part of the Korean Brain Aging Study for Early Diagnosis and Prediction of Alzheimer's Disease, a prospective cohort study. Cognitively normal older adults who underwent both Aβ and tau positron emission tomography (PET) (i.e., [11C]-Pittsburgh compound B and [18F] AV-1451 PET) were selected. History of hypertension and current BP were evaluated and cerebral Aβ and tau deposition measured by PET were used as main outcomes. Generalized linear regression models were used to estimate associations. RESULTS A total of 68 cognitively normal older adults (mean [SD] age, 71.5 [7.4] years; 40 women [59%]) were included in the study. Neither a history of hypertension nor the current BP exhibited a direct association with Aβ or tau deposition. However, the synergistic interaction effects of high current systolic (β, 0.359; SE, 0.141; p = 0.014) and diastolic (β, 0.696; SE, 0.158; p < 0.001) BP state with Aβ deposition on tau deposition were significant, whereas there was no such effect for a history of hypertension (β, 0.186; SE, 0.152; p = 0.224). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that high current BP, but not a history of hypertension, synergistically modulate the relationship between cerebral Aβ and tau deposition in late-life. In terms of AD prevention, the results support the importance of strict BP control in cognitively normal older adults with hypertension.
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23
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Bakrim S, Aboulaghras S, El Menyiy N, El Omari N, Assaggaf H, Lee LH, Montesano D, Gallo M, Zengin G, AlDhaheri Y, Bouyahya A. Phytochemical Compounds and Nanoparticles as Phytochemical Delivery Systems for Alzheimer's Disease Management. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27249043. [PMID: 36558176 PMCID: PMC9781052 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27249043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease remains one of the most widespread neurodegenerative reasons for dementia worldwide and is associated with considerable mortality and morbidity. Therefore, it has been considered a priority for research. Indeed, several risk factors are involved in the complexity of the therapeutic ways of this pathology, including age, traumatic brain injury, genetics, exposure to aluminum, infections, diabetes, vascular diseases, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. The pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease is mostly associated with hyperphosphorylated protein in the neuronal cytoplasm and extracellular plaques of the insoluble β-amyloid peptide. Therefore, the management of this pathology needs the screening of drugs targeting different pathological levels, such as acetylcholinesterase (AchE), amyloid β formation, and lipoxygenase inhibitors. Among the pharmacological strategies used for the management of Alzheimer's disease, natural drugs are considered a promising therapeutic strategy. Indeed, bioactive compounds isolated from different natural sources exhibit important anti-Alzheimer effects by their effectiveness in promoting neuroplasticity and protecting against neurodegeneration as well as neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. These effects involve different sub-cellular, cellular, and/or molecular mechanisms, such as the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AchE), the modulation of signaling pathways, and the inhibition of oxidative stress. Moreover, some nanoparticles were recently used as phytochemical delivery systems to improve the effects of phytochemical compounds against Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, the present work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key advances concerning nano-drug delivery applications of phytochemicals for Alzheimer's disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Bakrim
- Geo-Bio-Environment Engineering and Innovation Laboratory, Molecular Engineering, Biotechnology and Innovation Team, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco
| | - Sara Aboulaghras
- Physiology and Physiopathology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Genomic of Human Pathologies Research, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco
| | - Naoual El Menyiy
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, National Agency of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Taounate 34025, Morocco
| | - Nasreddine El Omari
- Laboratory of Histology, Embryology and Cytogenetic, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco
| | - Hamza Assaggaf
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Learn-Han Lee
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Domenico Montesano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Gallo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, 42130 Konya, Turkey
- Correspondence: (G.Z.); (Y.A.); (A.B.)
| | - Yusra AlDhaheri
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: (G.Z.); (Y.A.); (A.B.)
| | - Abdelhakim Bouyahya
- Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10106, Morocco
- Correspondence: (G.Z.); (Y.A.); (A.B.)
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24
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Tau isoform-specific enhancement of L-type calcium current and augmentation of afterhyperpolarization in rat hippocampal neurons. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15231. [PMID: 36075936 PMCID: PMC9458744 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18648-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of tau is observed in dementia, with human tau displaying 6 isoforms grouped by whether they display either 3 or 4 C-terminal repeat domains (3R or 4R) and exhibit no (0N), one (1N) or two (2N) N terminal repeats. Overexpression of 4R0N-tau in rat hippocampal slices enhanced the L-type calcium (Ca2+) current-dependent components of the medium and slow afterhyperpolarizations (AHPs). Overexpression of both 4R0N-tau and 4R2N-tau augmented CaV1.2-mediated L-type currents when expressed in tsA-201 cells, an effect not observed with the third 4R isoform, 4R1N-tau. Current enhancement was only observed when the pore-forming subunit was co-expressed with CaVβ3 and not CaVβ2a subunits. Non-stationary noise analysis indicated that enhanced Ca2+ channel current arose from a larger number of functional channels. 4R0N-tau and CaVβ3 were found to be physically associated by co-immunoprecipitation. In contrast, the 4R1N-tau isoform that did not augment expressed macroscopic L-type Ca2+ current exhibited greatly reduced binding to CaVβ3. These data suggest that physical association between tau and the CaVβ3 subunit stabilises functional L-type channels in the membrane, increasing channel number and Ca2+ influx. Enhancing the Ca2+-dependent component of AHPs would produce cognitive impairment that underlie those seen in the early phases of tauopathies.
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25
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Reassessment of Neuronal Tau Distribution in Adult Human Brain and Implications for Tau Pathobiology. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:94. [PMID: 35765058 PMCID: PMC9237980 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01394-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau is a predominantly neuronal, soluble and natively unfolded protein that can bind and stabilize microtubules in the central nervous system. Tau has been extensively studied over several decades, especially in the context of neurodegenerative diseases where it can aberrantly aggregate to form a spectrum of pathological inclusions. The presence of tau inclusions in the form of neurofibrillary tangles, neuropil threads and dystrophic neurites within senile plaques are essential and defining features of Alzheimer’s disease. The current dogma favors the notion that tau is predominantly an axonal protein, and that in Alzheimer’s disease there is a redistribution of tau towards the neuronal soma that is associated with the formation of pathological inclusions such as neurofibrillary tangles and neuropil threads. Using novel as well as previously established highly specific tau antibodies, we demonstrate that contrary to this overwhelmingly accepted fact, as asserted in numerous articles and reviews, in adult human brain, tau is more abundant in cortical gray matter that is enriched in neuronal soma and dendrites compared to white matter that is predominantly rich in neuronal axons. Additionally, in Alzheimer’s disease tau pathology is significantly more abundant in the brain cortical gray matter of affected brain regions compared to the adjacent white matter regions. These findings have important implications for the biological function of tau as well as the mechanisms involved in the progressive spread of tau associated with the insidious nature of Alzheimer’s disease.
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26
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Shafiq M, Da Vela S, Amin L, Younas N, Harris DA, Zerr I, Altmeppen HC, Svergun D, Glatzel M. The prion protein and its ligands: Insights into structure-function relationships. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119240. [PMID: 35192891 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The prion protein is a multifunctional protein that exists in at least two different folding states. It is subject to diverse proteolytic processing steps that lead to prion protein fragments some of which are membrane-bound whereas others are soluble. A multitude of ligands bind to the prion protein and besides proteinaceous binding partners, interaction with metal ions and nucleic acids occurs. Although of great importance, information on structural and functional consequences of prion protein binding to its partners is limited. Here, we will reflect on the structure-function relationship of the prion protein and its binding partners considering the different folding states and prion protein fragments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Shafiq
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefano Da Vela
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg c/o German Electron Synchrotron (DESY), Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ladan Amin
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Neelam Younas
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert-Koch-str. 40, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - David A Harris
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Inga Zerr
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Robert-Koch-str. 40, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Hermann C Altmeppen
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dmitri Svergun
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg c/o German Electron Synchrotron (DESY), Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
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27
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Kametani F, Hasegawa M. Structures of tau and α-synuclein filaments from brains of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Neurochem Int 2022; 158:105362. [PMID: 35659527 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular accumulations and aggregates of abnormal protein, consisting of amyloid-like fibrils, are common neuropathological features of many neurodegenerative diseases. The distributions and spreading of these pathological proteins are closely correlated with clinical symptoms and progression. Recent evidence supports the idea that template-mediated amplification of amyloid-like fibrils and intracellular propagation of fibril seeds are the main mechanisms by which pathological features spread along the neural circuits in the brain. Here, we review recent developments in the structural analysis of amyloid-like fibrils from brains of patients with various types of tauopathy and alpha-synucleinopathy, focusing on cryo-electron microscopy and mass analysis, and we discuss their relevance to the mechanisms of template-mediated amplification and intracellular propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyuki Kametani
- Department of Brain and Neurosciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Japan.
| | - Masato Hasegawa
- Department of Brain and Neurosciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Japan
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28
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Phosphorylation but Not Oligomerization Drives the Accumulation of Tau with Nucleoporin Nup98. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073495. [PMID: 35408855 PMCID: PMC8998617 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau is a neuronal protein that stabilizes axonal microtubules (MTs) in the central nervous system. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other tauopathies, phosphorylated Tau accumulates in intracellular aggregates, a pathological hallmark of these diseases. However, the chronological order of pathological changes in Tau prior to its cytosolic aggregation remains unresolved. These include its phosphorylation and detachment from MTs, mislocalization into the somatodendritic compartment, and oligomerization in the cytosol. Recently, we showed that Tau can interact with phenylalanine-glycine (FG)-rich nucleoporins (Nups), including Nup98, that form a diffusion barrier inside nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), leading to defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport. Here, we used surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and bio-layer interferometry (BLI) to investigate the molecular details of Tau:Nup98 interactions and determined how Tau phosphorylation and oligomerization impact the interactions. Importantly, phosphorylation, but not acetylation, strongly facilitates the accumulation of Tau with Nup98. Oligomerization, however, seems to inhibit Tau:Nup98 interactions, suggesting that Tau-FG Nup interactions occur prior to oligomerization. Overall, these results provide fundamental insights into the molecular mechanisms of Tau-FG Nup interactions within NPCs, which might explain how stress-and disease-associated posttranslational modifications (PTMs) may lead to Tau-induced nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) failure. Intervention strategies that could rescue Tau-induced NCT failure in AD and tauopathies will be further discussed.
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29
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Hochmair J, Exner C, Franck M, Dominguez-Baquero A, Diez L, Brognaro H, Kraushar ML, Mielke T, Radbruch H, Kaniyappan S, Falke S, Mandelkow E, Betzel C, Wegmann S. Molecular crowding and RNA synergize to promote phase separation, microtubule interaction, and seeding of Tau condensates. EMBO J 2022; 41:e108882. [PMID: 35298090 PMCID: PMC9156969 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomolecular condensation of the neuronal microtubule‐associated protein Tau (MAPT) can be induced by coacervation with polyanions like RNA, or by molecular crowding. Tau condensates have been linked to both functional microtubule binding and pathological aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases. We find that molecular crowding and coacervation with RNA, two conditions likely coexisting in the cytosol, synergize to enable Tau condensation at physiological buffer conditions and to produce condensates with a strong affinity to charged surfaces. During condensate‐mediated microtubule polymerization, their synergy enhances bundling and spatial arrangement of microtubules. We further show that different Tau condensates efficiently induce pathological Tau aggregates in cells, including accumulations at the nuclear envelope that correlate with nucleocytoplasmic transport deficits. Fluorescent lifetime imaging reveals different molecular packing densities of Tau in cellular accumulations and a condensate‐like density for nuclear‐envelope Tau. These findings suggest that a complex interplay between interaction partners, post‐translational modifications, and molecular crowding regulates the formation and function of Tau condensates. Conditions leading to prolonged existence of Tau condensates may induce the formation of seeding‐competent Tau and lead to distinct cellular Tau accumulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Hochmair
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Exner
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Franck
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Lisa Diez
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Hévila Brognaro
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Thorsten Mielke
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (MOLGEN), Berlin, Germany
| | - Helena Radbruch
- Institute for Neuropathology, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Senthil Kaniyappan
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sven Falke
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eckhard Mandelkow
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Betzel
- Institute for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Wegmann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
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30
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Zeng L, Jiang H, Ashraf GM, Liu J, Wang L, Zhao K, Liu M, Li Z, Liu R. Implications of miR-148a-3p/p35/PTEN signaling in tau hyperphosphorylation and autoregulatory feedforward of Akt/CREB in Alzheimer's disease. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:256-275. [PMID: 35024240 PMCID: PMC8714918 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Existing studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) have a role in cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the function and pathophysiological mechanism of deregulated miRNAs underlying AD pathology remain to be investigated. The present study aimed to clarify the role and mechanism of miR-148a-3p in AD. RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR, and western blot analysis were used to identify the aberrant expression and signaling of miR-148a-3p within cells, mice, and patients with AD. Molecular biology techniques involving luciferase reporter assays, gene overexpression and silencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and adeno-associated virus-based miRNA overexpression were used to explore the biological function and mechanisms of miR-148a-3p. Downregulation of miR-148a-3p was identified in AD. Upregulation of miR-148a-3p was found to protect neuronal cells against Aβ-associated tau hyperphosphorylation by directly targeting p35/CDK5 and PTEN/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. A mutual regulatory link between miR-148a-3p and PTEN using a feedforward arrangement was confirmed via promotion of transcription and expression of miR-148a-3p by way of the PTEN/Akt/CREB pathway. Significantly, in vivo targeting of miR-148a-3p signaling ameliorated cognitive deficits by decreasing p35/PTEN-elicited tau hyperphosphorylation, accompanied by feedforward transduction of the PTEN/Akt/CREB pathway. In conclusion, the present study implicated the miR-148a-3p/p35/PTEN pathway as an essential contributor to tau hyperphosphorylation and feedforward regulation in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zeng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Hailun Jiang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- Pre-Clinical Research Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jianghong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, PR China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Kaiyue Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Mimin Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Zhuorong Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Rui Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China
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31
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Roqanian S, Ahmadian S, Nabavi SM, Pakdaman H, Shafiezadeh M, Goudarzi G, Shahpasand K. Tau nuclear translocation is a leading step in tau pathology process through P53 stabilization and nucleolar dispersion. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1084-1104. [PMID: 35170061 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tau protein abnormalities are associated with various neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). In tau-overexpressing SHSY5Y cells and iPSC-derived neuron models of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), axonal tau translocates into the nuclear compartment, resulting in neuronal dysfunction. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms by which tau translocation results in neurodegeneration remain elusive thus far. We studied the nuclear displacement of different P-tau species [Cis phosphorylated Thr231-tau (cis P-tau), phosphorylated Ser202/Thr205-tau (AT8 P-tau), and phosphorylated Thr212/Ser214-tau (AT100 P-tau)] at various time points using starvation in primary cortical neurons and single severe TBI (ssTBI) in male mouse cerebral cortices as tauopathy models. While all P-tau species translocated into the somatodendritic compartment in response to stress, cis P-tau did so more rapidly than the other species. Notably, nuclear localization of P-tau was associated with p53 apoptotic stabilization and nucleolar stress, both of which resulted in neurodegeneration. In summary, our findings indicate that P-tau nuclear translocation results in p53-dependent apoptosis and nucleolar dispersion, which is consistent with neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaqayeq Roqanian
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Ahmadian
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Masood Nabavi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Pakdaman
- Brain Mapping Research Center, Department of Neurology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Shafiezadeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazaleh Goudarzi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Koorosh Shahpasand
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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32
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Tjiang N, Zempel H. A mitochondria cluster at the proximal axon initial segment controls axodendritic TAU trafficking in rodent primary and human iPSC-derived neurons. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:120. [PMID: 35119496 PMCID: PMC8816743 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04150-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Loss of neuronal polarity and missorting of the axonal microtubule-associated-protein TAU are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Impairment of mitochondrial function is causative for various mitochondriopathies, but the role of mitochondria in tauopathies and in axonal TAU-sorting is unclear. The axon-initial-segment (AIS) is vital for maintaining neuronal polarity, action potential generation, and—here important—TAU-sorting. Here, we investigate the role of mitochondria in the AIS for maintenance of TAU cellular polarity. Using not only global and local mitochondria impairment via inhibitors of the respiratory chain and a locally activatable protonophore/uncoupler, but also live-cell-imaging and photoconversion methods, we specifically tracked and selectively impaired mitochondria in the AIS in primary mouse and human iPSC-derived forebrain/cortical neurons, and assessed somatic presence of TAU. Global application of mitochondrial toxins efficiently induced tauopathy-like TAU-missorting, indicating involvement of mitochondria in TAU-polarity. Mitochondria show a biased distribution within the AIS, with a proximal cluster and relative absence in the central AIS. The mitochondria of this cluster are largely immobile and only sparsely participate in axonal mitochondria-trafficking. Locally constricted impairment of the AIS-mitochondria-cluster leads to detectable increases of somatic TAU, reminiscent of AD-like TAU-missorting. Mechanistically, mitochondrial impairment sufficient to induce TAU-missorting results in decreases of calcium oscillation but increases in baseline calcium, yet chelating intracellular calcium did not prevent mitochondrial impairment-induced TAU-missorting. Stabilizing microtubules via taxol prevented TAU-missorting, hinting towards a role for impaired microtubule dynamics in mitochondrial-dysfunction-induced TAU-missorting. We provide evidence that the mitochondrial distribution within the proximal axon is biased towards the proximal AIS and that proper function of this newly described mitochondrial cluster may be essential for the maintenance of TAU polarity. Mitochondrial impairment may be an upstream event in and therapeutic target for AD/tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Tjiang
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany. .,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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Tau mRNA Metabolism in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Tangle Journey. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020241. [PMID: 35203451 PMCID: PMC8869323 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau proteins are known to be mainly involved in regulation of microtubule dynamics. Besides this function, which is critical for axonal transport and signal transduction, tau proteins also have other roles in neurons. Moreover, tau proteins are turned into aggregates and consequently trigger many neurodegenerative diseases termed tauopathies, of which Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the figurehead. Such pathological aggregation processes are critical for the onset of these diseases. Among the various causes of tau protein pathogenicity, abnormal tau mRNA metabolism, expression and dysregulation of tau post-translational modifications are critical steps. Moreover, the relevance of tau function to general mRNA metabolism has been highlighted recently in tauopathies. In this review, we mainly focus on how mRNA metabolism impacts the onset and development of tauopathies. Thus, we intend to portray how mRNA metabolism of, or mediated by, tau is associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
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Phuna ZX, Madhavan P. A CLOSER LOOK AT THE MYCOBIOME IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: FUNGAL SPECIES, PATHOGENESIS AND TRANSMISSION. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 55:1291-1321. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xin Phuna
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University Malaysia Subang Jaya Selangor
| | - Priya Madhavan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University Malaysia Subang Jaya Selangor
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Kaur Gulati H, Choudhary S, Kumar N, Ahmed A, Bhagat K, Vir Singh J, Singh A, Kumar A, Singh Bedi PM, Singh H, Mukherjee D. Design, Synthesis, biological investigations and molecular interactions of triazole linked tacrine glycoconjugates as Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors with reduced hepatotoxicity. Bioorg Chem 2021; 118:105479. [PMID: 34801945 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Tacrine is a known Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors having hepatotoxicity as main liability associated with it. The present study aims to reduce its hepatotoxicity by synthesizing tacrine linked triazole glycoconjugates via Huisgen's [3 + 2] cycloaddition of anomeric azides and terminal acetylenes derived from tacrine. A series of triazole based glycoconjugates containing both acetylated (A-1 to A-7) and free sugar hydroxyl groups (A-8 to A-14) at the amino position of tacrine were synthesized in good yield taking aid from molecular docking studies and evaluated for their in vitro AChE inhibition activity as well as hepatotoxicity. All the hybrids were found to be non-toxic on HePG2 cell line at 200 μM (100 % cell viability) as compared to tacrine (35 % cell viability) after 24 h of incubation period. Enzyme kinetic studies carried out for one of the potent hybrids in the series A-1 (IC50 0.4 μM) revealed its mixed inhibition approach. Thus, compound A-1 can be used as principle template to further explore the mechanism of action of different targets involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) which stands as an adequate chemical probe to be launched in an AD drug discovery program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harmandeep Kaur Gulati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005, India
| | - Sushil Choudhary
- PK-PD Toxicology Division, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR-IIIM), Jammu 180001, India
| | - Nitish Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005, India; Drug and Pollution Testing Laboratory, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005, India
| | - Ajaz Ahmed
- Natural Product Chemistry Division, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR-IIIM), Jammu 180001, India
| | - Kavita Bhagat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005, India
| | - Jatinder Vir Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005, India
| | - Atamjit Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- PK-PD Toxicology Division, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Preet Mohinder Singh Bedi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005, India; Drug and Pollution Testing Laboratory, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005, India
| | - Harbinder Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 143005, India
| | - Debaraj Mukherjee
- Natural Product Chemistry Division, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu 180001, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR-IIIM), Jammu 180001, India.
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Zimmer-Bensch G, Zempel H. DNA Methylation in Genetic and Sporadic Forms of Neurodegeneration: Lessons from Alzheimer's, Related Tauopathies and Genetic Tauopathies. Cells 2021; 10:3064. [PMID: 34831288 PMCID: PMC8624300 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic and sporadic forms of tauopathies, the most prevalent of which is Alzheimer's Disease, are a scourge of the aging society, and in the case of genetic forms, can also affect children and young adults. All tauopathies share ectopic expression, mislocalization, or aggregation of the microtubule associated protein TAU, encoded by the MAPT gene. As TAU is a neuronal protein widely expressed in the CNS, the overwhelming majority of tauopathies are neurological disorders. They are characterized by cognitive dysfunction often leading to dementia, and are frequently accompanied by movement abnormalities such as parkinsonism. Tauopathies can lead to severe neurological deficits and premature death. For some tauopathies there is a clear genetic cause and/or an epigenetic contribution. However, for several others the disease etiology is unclear, with few tauopathies being environmentally triggered. Here, we review current knowledge of tauopathies listing known genetic and important sporadic forms of these disease. Further, we discuss how DNA methylation as a major epigenetic mechanism emerges to be involved in the disease pathophysiology of Alzheimer's, and related genetic and non-genetic tauopathies. Finally, we debate the application of epigenetic signatures in peripheral blood samples as diagnostic tools and usages of epigenetic therapy strategies for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses-MultiScales, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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Hambali A, Kumar J, Hashim NFM, Maniam S, Mehat MZ, Cheema MS, Mustapha M, Adenan MI, Stanslas J, Hamid HA. Hypoxia-Induced Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease: Potential Neuroprotective Effects of Centella asiatica. Front Physiol 2021; 12:712317. [PMID: 34721056 PMCID: PMC8551388 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.712317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterised by the presence of extracellular beta-amyloid fibrillary plaques and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tau tangles in the brain. Recurring failures of drug candidates targeting these pathways have prompted research in AD multifactorial pathogenesis, including the role of neuroinflammation. Triggered by various factors, such as hypoxia, neuroinflammation is strongly linked to AD susceptibility and/or progression to dementia. Chronic hypoxia induces neuroinflammation by activating microglia, the resident immune cells in the brain, along with an increased in reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines, features that are common to many degenerative central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Hence, interests are emerging on therapeutic agents and plant derivatives for AD that target the hypoxia-neuroinflammation pathway. Centella asiatica is one of the natural products reported to show neuroprotective effects in various models of CNS diseases. Here, we review the complex hypoxia-induced neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of AD and the potential application of Centella asiatica as a therapeutic agent in AD or dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aqilah Hambali
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Jaya Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Malaysia
| | - Nur Fariesha Md Hashim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Sandra Maniam
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Zulfadli Mehat
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Manraj Singh Cheema
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Muzaimi Mustapha
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | | | - Johnson Stanslas
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Hafizah Abdul Hamid
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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Shea TB. Improvement of cognitive performance by a nutraceutical formulation: Underlying mechanisms revealed by laboratory studies. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 174:281-304. [PMID: 34352370 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive decline, decrease in neuronal function and neuronal loss that accompany normal aging and dementia are the result of multiple mechanisms, many of which involve oxidative stress. Herein, we review these various mechanisms and identify pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, including modification of diet, that may reduce the risk and progression of cognitive decline. The optimal degree of neuronal protection is derived by combinations of, rather than individual, compounds. Compounds that provide antioxidant protection are particularly effective at delaying or improving cognitive performance in the early stages of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Laboratory studies confirm alleviation of oxidative damage in brain tissue. Lifestyle modifications show a degree of efficacy and may augment pharmacological approaches. Unfortunately, oxidative damage and resultant accumulation of biomarkers of neuronal damage can precede cognitive decline by years to decades. This underscores the importance of optimization of dietary enrichment, antioxidant supplementation and other lifestyle modifications during aging even for individuals who are cognitively intact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Shea
- Laboratory for Neuroscience, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 01854, USA.
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39
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Epibrassinolide prevents tau hyperphosphorylation via GSK3β inhibition in vitro and improves Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan and motor deficits in combination with roscovitine. Amino Acids 2021; 53:1373-1389. [PMID: 34386848 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-03027-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) is considered an important element of glycogen metabolism; however, it has many other regulatory roles. Changes in the GSK3β signaling mechanism have been associated with various disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), type II diabetes, and cancer. Although the effects of GSK3β inhibitors on reducing the pathological effects of AD have been described, an effective inhibitor has not yet been developed. Epibrassinolide (EBR), a brassinosteroid (BR), is structurally similar to mammalian steroid hormones. Our studies have shown that EBR has an inhibitory effect on GSK3β in different cell lines. Roscovitine (ROSC), a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor, has also been identified as a potential GSK3 inhibitor. Within the scope of this study, we propose that EBR and/or ROSC might have mechanistic action in AD models. To test this hypothesis, we used in vitro models and Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) AD strains. Finally, EBR treatment successfully protected cells from apoptosis and increased the inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3β. In addition, EBR and/or ROSC treatment had a positive effect on the survival rates of C. elegans strains. More interestingly, the paralysis phenotype of the C. elegans AD model due to Aβ42 toxicity was prevented by EBR and/or ROSC. Our findings suggest that EBR and ROSC administration have neuroprotective effects on both in vitro and C. elegans models via inhibitory GSK3β phosphorylation at Ser9.
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Schützmann MP, Hasecke F, Bachmann S, Zielinski M, Hänsch S, Schröder GF, Zempel H, Hoyer W. Endo-lysosomal Aβ concentration and pH trigger formation of Aβ oligomers that potently induce Tau missorting. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4634. [PMID: 34330900 PMCID: PMC8324842 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24900-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) forms metastable oligomers >50 kDa, termed AβOs, that are more effective than Aβ amyloid fibrils at triggering Alzheimer’s disease-related processes such as synaptic dysfunction and Tau pathology, including Tau mislocalization. In neurons, Aβ accumulates in endo-lysosomal vesicles at low pH. Here, we show that the rate of AβO assembly is accelerated 8,000-fold upon pH reduction from extracellular to endo-lysosomal pH, at the expense of amyloid fibril formation. The pH-induced promotion of AβO formation and the high endo-lysosomal Aβ concentration together enable extensive AβO formation of Aβ42 under physiological conditions. Exploiting the enhanced AβO formation of the dimeric Aβ variant dimAβ we furthermore demonstrate targeting of AβOs to dendritic spines, potent induction of Tau missorting, a key factor in tauopathies, and impaired neuronal activity. The results suggest that the endosomal/lysosomal system is a major site for the assembly of pathomechanistically relevant AβOs. Aβ oligomers (AβO) are thought to represent the main toxic species in Alzheimer’s disease but very high Aβ concentrations are required to study them in vitro and it remains unknown what role these off-pathway oligomers play in vivo. Here, the authors use a dimeric variant of Aβ termed dimAβ, where two Aβ40 units are linked, which facilitates to study AβO formation kinetics and they observe that Aβ off-pathway oligomer formation is strongly accelerated at endo-lysosomal pH, while amyloid fibril formation is delayed. Furthermore, the authors demonstrate that dimAβ is a disease-relevant model construct for pathogenic AβO formation by showing that dimAβ AβOs target dendritic spines and induce AD-like somatodendritic Tau missorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie P Schützmann
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Filip Hasecke
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sarah Bachmann
- Institute of Human Genetics and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mara Zielinski
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7) and JuStruct: Jülich Center for Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hänsch
- Department of Biology, Center for Advanced Imaging (CAi), Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gunnar F Schröder
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7) and JuStruct: Jülich Center for Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.,Physics Department, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human Genetics and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Hoyer
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany. .,Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7) and JuStruct: Jülich Center for Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
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Ghosh A, Singh S. Regulation Of Microtubule: Current Concepts And Relevance To Neurodegenerative Diseases. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 21:656-679. [PMID: 34323203 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210728144043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are abnormalities linked to neuronal structure and irregularities associated with the proliferation of cells, transportation, and differentiation. NDD also involves synaptic circuitry and neural network alterations known as synaptopathies. Microtubules (MTs) and MTs-associated proteins help to maintain neuronal health as well as their development. The microtubular dynamic structure plays a crucial role in the division of cells and forms mitotic spindles, thus take part in initiating stages of differentiation and polarization for various types of cells. The MTs also take part in the cellular death but MT-based cellular degenerations are not yet well excavated. In the last few years, studies have provided the protagonist activity of MTs in neuronal degeneration. In this review, we largely engrossed our discussion on the change of MT cytoskeleton structure, describing their organization, dynamics, transportation, and their failure causing NDDs. At end of this review, we are targeting the therapeutic neuroprotective strategies on clinical priority and also try to discuss the clues for the development of new MT-based therapy as a new pharmacological intervention. This will be a new potential site to block not only neurodegeneration but also promotes the regeneration of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Ghosh
- Neuroscience Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga-142001 Punjab, India
| | - Shamsher Singh
- Neuroscience Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga-142001 Punjab, India
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42
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Peng Y, Tao H, Wang S, Xiao J, Wang Y, Su H. Dietary intervention with edible medicinal plants and derived products for prevention of Alzheimer's disease: A compendium of time-tested strategy. J Funct Foods 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2021.104463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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Kanaan NM, Grabinski T. Neuronal and Glial Distribution of Tau Protein in the Adult Rat and Monkey. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:607303. [PMID: 33986642 PMCID: PMC8112591 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.607303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein for which the physiological functions remain a topic of vigorous investigation. Additionally, tau is a central player in the pathogenesis of several diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and several frontotemporal dementias. A critical variable to understanding tau in physiological and disease contexts is its normal localization within cells of the adult CNS. Tau is often described as an axon-specific (or enriched) and neuron-specific protein with little to no expression in glial cells, all of which are untrue. Understanding normal tau distribution also impacts interpretation of experimental results and hypotheses regarding its role in disease. Thus, we set out to help clarify the normal localization of tau in the adult CNS of middle-aged rats and rhesus macaque using the hippocampus as a representative brain structure. The physiological concentration of tau in the rat hippocampus was 6.6 μM and in white matter was 3.6 μM as determined by quantitative sandwich ELISAs. We evaluated the cellular localization of tau using multiple tau-specific antibodies with epitopes to different regions, including Tau1, Tau5, Tau7, R1, and two novel primate-specific antibodies NT9 and NT15. In the rat and monkey, tau was localized within the somatodendritic and axonal compartments, as well as a subset of neuronal nuclei. Semi-quantitative fluorescence intensity measurements revealed that depending on the specific reagent used the somatodendritic tau is relatively equal to, higher than, or lower than axonal tau, highlighting differential labeling of tau with various antibodies despite its distribution throughout the neuron. Tau was strongly expressed in mature oligodendrocytes and displayed little to no expression in oligodendrocyte precursor cells, astrocytes or microglia. Collectively, the data indicate tau is ∼3 - 7 μM under physiological conditions, is not specifically enriched in axons, and is normally found in both neurons and mature oligodendrocytes in the adult CNS. The full landscape of tau distribution is not revealed by all antibodies suggesting availability of the epitopes is different within specific neuronal compartments. These findings set the stage for better understanding normal tau distributions and interpreting data regarding the presence of tau in different compartments or cell types within disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M. Kanaan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Mercy Health Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Tessa Grabinski
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
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Alternative Targets to Fight Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on Astrocytes. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040600. [PMID: 33921556 PMCID: PMC8073475 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The available treatments for patients affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are not curative. Numerous clinical trials have failed during the past decades. Therefore, scientists need to explore new avenues to tackle this disease. In the present review, we briefly summarize the pathological mechanisms of AD known so far, based on which different therapeutic tools have been designed. Then, we focus on a specific approach that is targeting astrocytes. Indeed, these non-neuronal brain cells respond to any insult, injury, or disease of the brain, including AD. The study of astrocytes is complicated by the fact that they exert a plethora of homeostatic functions, and their disease-induced changes could be context-, time-, and disease specific. However, this complex but fervent area of research has produced a large amount of data targeting different astrocytic functions using pharmacological approaches. Here, we review the most recent literature findings that have been published in the last five years to stimulate new hypotheses and ideas to work on, highlighting the peculiar ability of palmitoylethanolamide to modulate astrocytes according to their morpho-functional state, which ultimately suggests a possible potential disease-modifying therapeutic approach for AD.
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Bell M, Zempel H. SH-SY5Y-derived neurons: a human neuronal model system for investigating TAU sorting and neuronal subtype-specific TAU vulnerability. Rev Neurosci 2021; 33:1-15. [PMID: 33866701 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein (MAP) TAU is mainly sorted into the axon of healthy brain neurons. Somatodendritic missorting of TAU is a pathological hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cause, consequence and (patho)physiological mechanisms of TAU sorting and missorting are understudied, in part also because of the lack of readily available human neuronal model systems. The human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y is widely used for studying TAU physiology and TAU-related pathology in AD and related tauopathies. SH-SY5Y cells can be differentiated into neuron-like cells (SH-SY5Y-derived neurons) using various substances. This review evaluates whether SH-SY5Y-derived neurons are a suitable model for (i) investigating intracellular TAU sorting in general, and (ii) with respect to neuron subtype-specific TAU vulnerability. (I) SH-SY5Y-derived neurons show pronounced axodendritic polarity, high levels of axonally localized TAU protein, expression of all six human brain isoforms and TAU phosphorylation similar to the human brain. As SH-SY5Y cells are highly proliferative and readily accessible for genetic engineering, stable transgene integration and leading-edge genome editing are feasible. (II) SH-SY5Y-derived neurons display features of subcortical neurons early affected in many tauopathies. This allows analyzing brain region-specific differences in TAU physiology, also in the context of differential vulnerability to TAU pathology. However, several limitations should be considered when using SH-SY5Y-derived neurons, e.g., the lack of clearly defined neuronal subtypes, or the difficulty of mimicking age-related tauopathy risk factors in vitro. In brief, this review discusses the suitability of SH-SY5Y-derived neurons for investigating TAU (mis)sorting mechanisms and neuron-specific TAU vulnerability in disease paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bell
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931Cologne, Germany
| | - Hans Zempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 34, 50931Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931Cologne, Germany
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Sayas CL, Ávila J. GSK-3 and Tau: A Key Duet in Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2021; 10:721. [PMID: 33804962 PMCID: PMC8063930 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine kinase with a plethora of substrates. As a modulator of several cellular processes, GSK-3 has a central position in cell metabolism and signaling, with important roles both in physiological and pathological conditions. GSK-3 has been associated with a number of human disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). GSK-3 contributes to the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, the main component of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), one of the hallmarks of AD. GSK-3 is further involved in the regulation of different neuronal processes that are dysregulated during AD pathogenesis, such as the generation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide or Aβ-induced cell death, axonal transport, cholinergic function, and adult neurogenesis or synaptic function. In this review, we will summarize recent data about GSK-3 involvement in these processes contributing to AD pathology, mostly focusing on the crucial interplay between GSK-3 and tau protein. We further discuss the current development of potential AD therapies targeting GSK-3 or GSK-3-phosphorylated tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Laura Sayas
- Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas (ITB), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38200 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Jesús Ávila
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) y la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valderrebollo 5, 28031 Madrid, Spain
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Contrast enhanced X-ray computed tomography imaging of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer disease rat model on lab based micro CT system. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5999. [PMID: 33727592 PMCID: PMC7966753 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84579-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid plaques are small (~ 50 μm), highly-dense aggregates of amyloid beta (Aβ) protein in brain tissue, supposed to play a key role in pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Plaques´ in vivo detection, spatial distribution and quantitative characterization could be an essential marker in diagnostics and evaluation of AD progress. However, current imaging methods in clinics possess substantial limits in sensitivity towards Aβ plaques to play a considerable role in AD screening. Contrast enhanced X-ray micro computed tomography (micro CT) is an emerging highly sensitive imaging technique capable of high resolution visualization of rodent brain. In this study we show the absorption based contrast enhanced X-ray micro CT imaging is viable method for detection and 3D analysis of Aβ plaques in transgenic rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease. Using iodine contrasted brain tissue isolated from the Tg-F344-AD rat model we show the micro CT imaging is capable of precise imaging of Aβ plaques, making possible to further analyze various aspects of their 3D spatial distribution and other properties.
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Moelgg K, Jummun F, Humpel C. Spreading of Beta-Amyloid in Organotypic Mouse Brain Slices and Microglial Elimination and Effects on Cholinergic Neurons. Biomolecules 2021; 11:434. [PMID: 33804246 PMCID: PMC7999593 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) is one of the major characteristics in Alzheimer´s disease (AD). The "spreading hypothesis" suggests that a pathological protein (similar to prions) spreads over the entire brain. The aim of the present study was to use organotypic brain slices of postnatal day 8-10 mice. Using collagen hydrogels, we applied different Aβ peptides onto brain slices and analyzed spreading as well as glial reactions after eight weeks of incubation. Our data showed that from all tested Aβ peptides, human Aβ42 had the most potent activity to spread over into adjacent "target" areas. This effect was potentiated when brain slices from transgenic AD mice (APP_SweDI) were cultured. When different brain areas were connected to the "target slice" the spreading activity was more intense, originating from ventral striatum and brain stem. Reactive glial-fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrogliosis increased over time, but Aβ depositions co-localized only with Iba1+ microglia but not with astrocytes. Application of human Aβ42 did not cause a degeneration of cholinergic neurons. We concluded that human Aβ42 spreads over into other "target areas", causing activation of glial cells. Most of the spread Aβ42 was taken up by microglia, and thus toxic free Aβ could not damage cholinergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christian Humpel
- Laboratory of Psychiatry and Experimental Alzheimer’s Research, Department Psychiatry I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstr 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.M.); (F.J.)
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Liu Y, Song JH, Xu W, Hou XH, Li JQ, Yu JT, Tan L, Chi S. The Associations of Cerebrospinal Fluid ApoE and Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease: Exploring Interactions With Sex. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:633576. [PMID: 33746700 PMCID: PMC7968417 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.633576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex-related difference in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been proposed, and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) isoforms have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of AD. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ApoE is associated with AD biomarkers and whether the associations are different (between sexes). METHODS Data of 309 participants [92 with normal cognition, 148 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 69 with AD dementia] from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) were cross-sectionally evaluated with the multiple linear regression model and longitudinally with the multivariate linear mixed-effects model for the associations of CSF ApoE with AD biomarkers. Sex-ApoE interaction was used to estimate whether sex moderates the associations of CSF ApoE and AD biomarkers. RESULTS Significant interactions between CSF ApoE and sex on AD biomarkers were observed [amyloid-β (Aβ): p = 0.0169 and phosphorylated-tau (p-tau): p = 0.0453]. In women, baseline CSF ApoE levels were significantly associated with baseline Aβ (p = 0.0135) and total-tau (t-tau) (p < 0.0001) as well as longitudinal changes of the biomarkers (Aβ: p = 0.0104; t-tau: p = 0.0110). In men, baseline CSF ApoE levels were only correlated with baseline p-tau (p < 0.0001) and t-tau (p < 0.0001) and did not aggravate AD biomarkers longitudinally. CONCLUSION The associations between CSF ApoE and AD biomarkers were sex-specific. Elevated CSF ApoE was associated with longitudinal changes of AD biomarkers in women, which indicates that CSF ApoE might be involved in the pathogenesis of AD pathology in a sex-specific way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing-Hui Song
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiao-He Hou
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jie-Qiong Li
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jin-Tai Yu
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Tan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Song Chi
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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D'Mello SR. MECP2 and the Biology of MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. J Neurochem 2021; 159:29-60. [PMID: 33638179 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), a rare X-linked genomic disorder affecting predominantly males, is caused by duplication of the chromosomal region containing the methyl CpG binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene, which encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), a multi-functional protein required for proper brain development and maintenance of brain function during adulthood. Disease symptoms include severe motor and cognitive impairment, delayed or absent speech development, autistic features, seizures, ataxia, recurrent respiratory infections and shortened lifespan. The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which a relatively modest increase in MECP2 protein causes such severe disease symptoms are poorly understood and consequently there are no treatments available for this fatal disorder. This review summarizes what is known to date about the structure and complex regulation of MECP2 and its many functions in the developing and adult brain. Additionally, recent experimental findings on the cellular and molecular underpinnings of MDS based on cell culture and mouse models of the disorder are reviewed. The emerging picture from these studies is that MDS is a neurodegenerative disorder in which neurons die in specific parts of the central nervous system, including the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and spinal cord. Neuronal death likely results from astrocytic dysfunction, including a breakdown of glutamate homeostatic mechanisms. The role of elevations in the expression of glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP) in astrocytes and the microtubule-associated protein, Tau, in neurons to the pathogenesis of MDS is discussed. Lastly, potential therapeutic strategies to potentially treat MDS are discussed.
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