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Liu Y, Xia X, Zheng M, Shi B. Bio-Nano Toolbox for Precision Alzheimer's Disease Gene Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2314354. [PMID: 38778446 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most burdensome aging-associated neurodegenerative disorder, and its treatment encounters numerous failures during drug development. Although there are newly approved in-market β-amyloid targeting antibody solutions, pathological heterogeneity among patient populations still challenges the treatment outcome. Emerging advances in gene therapies offer opportunities for more precise personalized medicine; while, major obstacles including the pathological heterogeneity among patient populations, the puzzled mechanism for druggable target development, and the precision delivery of functional therapeutic elements across the blood-brain barrier remain and limit the use of gene therapy for central neuronal diseases. Aiming for "precision delivery" challenges, nanomedicine provides versatile platforms that may overcome the targeted delivery challenges for AD gene therapy. In this perspective, to picture a toolbox for AD gene therapy strategy development, the most recent advances from benchtop to clinics are highlighted, possibly available gene therapy targets, tools, and delivery platforms are outlined, their challenges as well as rational design elements are addressed, and perspectives in this promising research field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy and Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475000, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Xue Xia
- Department of Radiotherapy and Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475000, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Meng Zheng
- Department of Radiotherapy and Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475000, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Bingyang Shi
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
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Coimbra JRM, Resende R, Custódio JBA, Salvador JAR, Santos AE. BACE1 Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Disease: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives. J Alzheimers Dis 2024:JAD240146. [PMID: 38943390 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Disease-modifying therapies (DMT) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are highly longed-for. In this quest, anti-amyloid therapies take center stage supported by genetic facts that highlight an imbalance between production and clearance of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) in AD patients. Indeed, evidence from basic research, human genetic and biomarker studies, suggests the accumulation of Aβ as a driver of AD pathogenesis and progression. The aspartic protease β-site AβPP cleaving enzyme (BACE1) is the initiator for Aβ production. Underpinning a critical role for BACE1 in AD pathophysiology are the elevated BACE1 concentration and activity observed in the brain and body fluids of AD patients. Therefore, BACE1 is a prime drug target for reducing Aβ levels in early AD. Small-molecule BACE1 inhibitors have been extensively developed for the last 20 years. However, clinical trials with these molecules have been discontinued for futility or safety reasons. Most of the observed adverse side effects were due to other aspartic proteases cross-inhibition, including the homologue BACE2, and to mechanism-based toxicity since BACE1 has substrates with important roles for synaptic plasticity and synaptic homeostasis besides amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP). Despite these setbacks, BACE1 persists as a well-validated therapeutic target for which a specific inhibitor with high substrate selectivity may yet to be found. In this review we provide an overview of the evolution in BACE1 inhibitors design pinpointing the molecules that reached advanced phases of clinical trials and the liabilities that precluded adequate trial effects. Finally, we ponder on the challenges that anti-amyloid therapies must overcome to achieve clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judite R M Coimbra
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosa Resende
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José B A Custódio
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge A R Salvador
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Armanda E Santos
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Santillán-Morales V, Rodriguez-Espinosa N, Muñoz-Estrada J, Alarcón-Elizalde S, Acebes Á, Benítez-King G. Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease: Are Olfactory Neuronal Precursors Useful for Antemortem Biomarker Research? Brain Sci 2024; 14:46. [PMID: 38248261 PMCID: PMC10813897 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), as the main cause of dementia, affects millions of people around the world, whose diagnosis is based mainly on clinical criteria. Unfortunately, the diagnosis is obtained very late, when the neurodegenerative damage is significant for most patients. Therefore, the exhaustive study of biomarkers is indispensable for diagnostic, prognostic, and even follow-up support. AD is a multifactorial disease, and knowing its underlying pathological mechanisms is crucial to propose new and valuable biomarkers. In this review, we summarize some of the main biomarkers described in AD, which have been evaluated mainly by imaging studies in cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples. Furthermore, we describe and propose neuronal precursors derived from the olfactory neuroepithelium as a potential resource to evaluate some of the widely known biomarkers of AD and to gear toward searching for new biomarkers. These neuronal lineage cells, which can be obtained directly from patients through a non-invasive and outpatient procedure, display several characteristics that validate them as a surrogate model to study the central nervous system, allowing the analysis of AD pathophysiological processes. Moreover, the ease of obtaining and harvesting endows them as an accessible and powerful resource to evaluate biomarkers in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Santillán-Morales
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Clinical Research, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City 14370, Mexico; (V.S.-M.); (S.A.-E.)
| | - Norberto Rodriguez-Espinosa
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, 38010 Tenerife, Spain;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology and Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of La Laguna (ULL), 38200 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Jesús Muñoz-Estrada
- Department of Computational Biomedicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90069, USA;
| | - Salvador Alarcón-Elizalde
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Clinical Research, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City 14370, Mexico; (V.S.-M.); (S.A.-E.)
| | - Ángel Acebes
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Technologies (ITB), University of La Laguna (ULL), 38200 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Gloria Benítez-King
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Clinical Research, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City 14370, Mexico; (V.S.-M.); (S.A.-E.)
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Wang X, Song Y, Cong P, Wang Z, Liu Y, Xu J, Xue C. Docosahexaenoic Acid-Acylated Astaxanthin Monoester Ameliorates Amyloid-β Pathology and Neuronal Damage by Restoring Autophagy in Alzheimer's Disease Models. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300414. [PMID: 37991232 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300414] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE Astaxanthin (AST) is ubiquitous in aquatic foods and microorganisms. The study previously finds that docosahexaenoic acid-acylated AST monoester (AST-DHA) improves cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD), although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Moreover, autophagy is reportedly involved in amyloid-β (Aβ) clearance and AD pathogenesis. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the preventive effect of AST-DHA and elucidates the mechanism of autophagy modulation in Aβ pathology. METHODS AND RESULTS In the cellular AD model, AST-DHA significantly reduces toxic Aβ1-42 levels and alleviated the accumulation of autophagic markers (LC3II/I and p62) in Aβ25-35 -induced SH-SY5Y cells. Notably, AST-DHA restores the autophagic flux in SH-SY5YmRFP-GFP-LC3 cells. In APP/PS1 mice, a 3-month dietary supplementation of AST-DHA exceeded free-astaxanthin (F-AST) capacity to increase hippocampal and cortical autophagy. Mechanistically, AST-DHA restores autophagy by activating the ULK1 signaling pathway and restoring autophagy-lysosome fusion. Moreover, AST-DHA relieves ROS production and mitochondrial stress affecting autophagy in AD. As a favorable outcome of restored autophagy, AST-DHA mitigates cerebral Aβ and p-Tau deposition, ultimately improving neuronal function. CONCLUSION The findings demonstrate that AST-DHA can rectify autophagic impairment in AD, and confer neuroprotection in Aβ-related pathology, which supports the future application of AST as an autophagic inducer for maintaining brain health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Wang
- A State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No. 1299, Sansha Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266235, China
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Yu Song
- A State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No. 1299, Sansha Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266235, China
| | - Peixu Cong
- A State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No. 1299, Sansha Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266235, China
| | - Zhigao Wang
- A State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No. 1299, Sansha Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266235, China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- A State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No. 1299, Sansha Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266235, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, China
| | - Jie Xu
- A State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No. 1299, Sansha Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266235, China
| | - Changhu Xue
- A State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, No. 1299, Sansha Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266235, China
- Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266235, China
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Fronza MG, Alves D, Praticò D, Savegnago L. The neurobiology and therapeutic potential of multi-targeting β-secretase, glycogen synthase kinase 3β and acetylcholinesterase in Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102033. [PMID: 37595640 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102033] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting almost 50 million of people around the world, characterized by a complex and age-related progressive pathology with projections to duplicate its incidence by the end of 2050. AD pathology has two major hallmarks, the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides accumulation and tau hyperphosphorylation, alongside with several sub pathologies including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, loss of neurogenesis and synaptic dysfunction. In recent years, extensive research pointed out several therapeutic targets which have shown promising effects on modifying the course of the disease in preclinical models of AD but with substantial failure when transposed to clinic trials, suggesting that modulating just an isolated feature of the pathology might not be sufficient to improve brain function and enhance cognition. In line with this, there is a growing consensus that an ideal disease modifying drug should address more than one feature of the pathology. Considering these evidence, β-secretase (BACE1), Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has emerged as interesting therapeutic targets. BACE1 is the rate-limiting step in the Aβ production, GSK-3β is considered the main kinase responsible for Tau hyperphosphorylation, and AChE play an important role in modulating memory formation and learning. However, the effects underlying the modulation of these enzymes are not limited by its primarily functions, showing interesting effects in a wide range of impaired events secondary to AD pathology. In this sense, this review will summarize the involvement of BACE1, GSK-3β and AChE on synaptic function, neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, we will present and discuss new perspectives on the modulation of these pathways on AD pathology and future directions on the development of drugs that concomitantly target these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana G Fronza
- Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN) - Centre for Technology Development CDTec, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Diego Alves
- Laboratory of Clean Organic Synthesis (LASOL), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences (CCQFA), UFPel, RS, Brazil
| | - Domenico Praticò
- Alzheimer's Center at Temple - ACT, Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lucielli Savegnago
- Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN) - Centre for Technology Development CDTec, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
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Vincent B, Maitra S. BACE1-dependent metabolism of neuregulin 1: Bridging the gap in explaining the occurrence of schizophrenia-like symptoms in Alzheimer's disease with psychosis? Ageing Res Rev 2023; 89:101988. [PMID: 37331479 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101988] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease mainly characterized by cortico-neuronal atrophy, impaired memory and other cognitive declines. On the other hand, schizophrenia is a neuro-developmental disorder with an overtly active central nervous system pruning system resulting into abrupt connections with common symptoms including disorganised thoughts, hallucination and delusion. Nevertheless, the fronto-temporal anomaly presents itself as a common denominator for the two pathologies. There is even a strong presumption of increased risk of developing co-morbid dementia for schizophrenic individuals and psychosis for Alzheimer's disease patients, overall leading to a further deteriorated quality of life. However, convincing proofs of how these two disorders, although very distant from each other when considering their aetiology, develop coexisting symptoms is yet to be resolved. At the molecular level, the two primarily neuronal proteins β-amyloid precursor protein and neuregulin 1 have been considered in this relevant context, although the conclusions are for the moment only hypotheses. In order to propose a model for explaining the psychotic schizophrenia-like symptoms that sometimes accompany AD-associated dementia, this review projects out on the similar sensitivity shared by these two proteins regarding their metabolism by the β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Vincent
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Laboratory of Excellence DistALZ, Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Sophia-Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France.
| | - Subhamita Maitra
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå 90736, Sweden
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7
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Imran Sajid M, Sultan Sheikh F, Anis F, Nasim N, Sumbria RK, Nauli SM, Kumar Tiwari R. siRNA drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer's disease. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114968. [PMID: 37353152 PMCID: PMC10528676 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with a few FDA-approved drugs that provide modest symptomatic benefits and only two FDA-approved disease-modifying treatments for AD. The advancements in understanding the causative genes and non-coding sequences at the molecular level of the pathophysiology of AD have resulted in several exciting research papers that employed small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapy. Although siRNA is being sought by academia and biopharma industries, several challenges still need to be addressed. We comprehensively report the latest advances in AD pathophysiology, druggable targets, ongoing clinical trials, and the siRNA-based approaches across the blood-brain barrier for addressing AD. This review describes the latest delivery systems employed to address this barrier. Critical insights and future perspectives on siRNA therapy for AD are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Imran Sajid
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Central Punjab, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Fahad Sultan Sheikh
- Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Faiza Anis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Nourina Nasim
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Syed Baber Ali School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, 54792 Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rachita K Sumbria
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Surya M Nauli
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Rakesh Kumar Tiwari
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Irvine, CA 92618, USA.
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Ohno M. Accelerated long-term forgetting: A sensitive paradigm for detecting subtle cognitive impairment and evaluating BACE1 inhibitor efficacy in preclinical Alzheimer's disease. FRONTIERS IN DEMENTIA 2023; 2:1161875. [PMID: 39081986 PMCID: PMC11285641 DOI: 10.3389/frdem.2023.1161875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Given a long preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum before the onset of dementia, there is a growing demand for tools capable of detecting the earliest feature of subtle cognitive impairment and optimizing recruitment to clinical trials for potentially disease-modifying therapeutic interventions such as BACE1 inhibitors. Now that all BACE1 inhibitor programs in symptomatic and prodromal AD populations have ended in failure, trials need to shift to target the earlier preclinical stage. However, evaluating cognitive efficacy (if any) in asymptomatic AD individuals is a great challenge. In this context, accelerated long-term forgetting (ALF) is emerging as a sensitive cognitive measure that can discriminate between presymptomatic individuals with high risks for developing AD and healthy controls. ALF is characterized by increased forgetting rates over extended delays (e.g., days, weeks, months) despite normal learning and short-term retention on standard memory assessments that typically use around 30-min delays. This review provides an overview of recent progress in animal model and clinical studies on this topic, focusing on the utility and underlying mechanism of ALF that may be applicable to earlier diagnosis and BACE1 inhibitor efficacy evaluation at a preclinical stage of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masuo Ohno
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, United States
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O'Day DH. Phytochemical Interactions with Calmodulin and Critical Calmodulin Binding Proteins Involved in Amyloidogenesis in Alzheimer's Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040678. [PMID: 37189425 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of plant-based herbal treatments, dietary supplements, medical foods and nutraceuticals and their component phytochemicals are used as alternative treatments to prevent or slow the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Their appeal stems from the fact that no current pharmaceutical or medical treatment can accomplish this. While a handful of pharmaceuticals are approved to treat Alzheimer's, none has been shown to prevent, significantly slow or stop the disease. As a result, many see the appeal of alternative plant-based treatments as an option. Here, we show that many phytochemicals proposed or used as Alzheimer's treatments share a common theme: they work via a calmodulin-mediated mode of action. Some phytochemicals bind to and inhibit calmodulin directly while others bind to and regulate calmodulin-binding proteins, including Aβ monomers and BACE1. Phytochemical binding to Aβ monomers can prevent the formation of Aβ oligomers. A limited number of phytochemicals are also known to stimulate calmodulin gene expression. The significance of these interactions to amyloidogenesis in Alzheimer's disease is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danton H O'Day
- Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
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Müller SA, Shmueli MD, Feng X, Tüshaus J, Schumacher N, Clark R, Smith BE, Chi A, Rose-John S, Kennedy ME, Lichtenthaler SF. The Alzheimer's disease-linked protease BACE1 modulates neuronal IL-6 signaling through shedding of the receptor gp130. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:13. [PMID: 36810097 PMCID: PMC9942414 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00596-6] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protease BACE1 is a major drug target for Alzheimer's disease, but chronic BACE1 inhibition is associated with non-progressive cognitive worsening that may be caused by modulation of unknown physiological BACE1 substrates. METHODS To identify in vivo-relevant BACE1 substrates, we applied pharmacoproteomics to non-human-primate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) after acute treatment with BACE inhibitors. RESULTS Besides SEZ6, the strongest, dose-dependent reduction was observed for the pro-inflammatory cytokine receptor gp130/IL6ST, which we establish as an in vivo BACE1 substrate. Gp130 was also reduced in human CSF from a clinical trial with a BACE inhibitor and in plasma of BACE1-deficient mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that BACE1 directly cleaves gp130, thereby attenuating membrane-bound gp130 and increasing soluble gp130 abundance and controlling gp130 function in neuronal IL-6 signaling and neuronal survival upon growth-factor withdrawal. CONCLUSION BACE1 is a new modulator of gp130 function. The BACE1-cleaved, soluble gp130 may serve as a pharmacodynamic BACE1 activity marker to reduce the occurrence of side effects of chronic BACE1 inhibition in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan A Müller
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Merav D Shmueli
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Xiao Feng
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johanna Tüshaus
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Ryan Clark
- Neuroscience, Merck & Co. Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brad E Smith
- Laboratory Animal Resources, Merck & Co. Inc., West Point, PA, USA
| | - An Chi
- Chemical Biology, Merck & Co. Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany. .,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. .,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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11
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Liu Y, Shen Y. Applications of Nanoparticles in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:459-471. [PMID: 37807779 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230098] [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: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid aging of the global population, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases has become a significant concern, with Alzheimer's disease (AD) being the most common. However, the clinical trials of many drugs targeting AD have failed due to the challenges posed by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which makes intracerebral administration of drugs difficult. However, nanoparticles (NPs) may aid in the delivery of such drugs. NPs are materials with sizes between 1-100 nm that offer several advantages, such as improving biocompatibility, prolonging half-life, transporting large molecules, crossing the BBB to deliver to the central nervous system, and exhibiting good targeting ability. In addition to drug delivery, NPs also have excellent diagnostic potential, and multifunctional NPs can integrate the advantages of diagnosis, targeting, and treatment. This mini-review article provides an overview of NPs, including the composition of the carrier, strategies for crossing the BBB, and different targets of AD pathology, with the aim of providing guidance for the development prospects of NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Liu
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yong Shen
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Yin W, Wan K, Zhu W, Zhou X, Tang Y, Zheng W, Cao J, Song Y, Zhao H, Zhu X, Sun Z. Bilateral Hippocampal Volume Mediated the Relationship Between Plasma BACE1 Concentration and Memory Function in the Early Stage of Alzheimer's Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 92:1001-1013. [PMID: 36847009 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221174] [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: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a key enzyme in the formation of amyloid-β (Aβ) protein. Increasing evidence suggests that BACE1 concentration is a potential biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the correlations between plasma BACE1 concentration, cognition, and hippocampal volume at different stages of the AD continuum. METHODS Plasma BACE1 concentrations were measured in 32 patients with probable dementia due to AD (ADD), 48 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD, and 40 cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals. Memory function was evaluated using the auditory verbal learning test (AVLT), and voxel-based morphometry was used to analyze bilateral hippocampal volumes. Correlation and mediation analyses were performed to investigate the associations between plasma BACE1 concentration, cognition, and hippocampal atrophy. RESULTS The MCI and ADD groups exhibited elevated BACE1 concentrations compared with the CU group after adjusting for age, sex, and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Increased BACE1 concentration was found in AD continuum patients who were APOE ɛ4 carriers (p < 0.05). BACE1 concentration was negatively associated with the scores of the subitems of the AVLT and hippocampal volume (p < 0.05, false discovery rate correction) in the MCI group. Moreover, bilateral hippocampal volume mediated the relationship between BACE1 concentration and recognition in the MCI group. CONCLUSION BACE1 expression increased in the AD continuum, and bilateral hippocampal volume mediated the effect of BACE1 concentration on memory function in patients with MCI. Research has indicated that the plasma BACE1 concentration might be a biomarker at the early stage of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Yin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ke Wan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wenhao Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xia Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yating Tang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wenhui Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yu Song
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiaoqun Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhongwu Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
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13
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Guanidine-based β amyloid precursor protein cleavage enzyme 1 (BACE-1) inhibitors for the Alzheimer's disease (AD): A review. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 74:117047. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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14
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Diaz A, Martin-Jimenez C, Woo Y, Merino P, Torre E, Yepes M. Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Triggers Wingless/Int1-Independent Phosphorylation of the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-6 in Cerebral Cortical Neurons. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 89:877-891. [PMID: 35964187 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is a serine proteinase found in excitatory synapses located in the II/III and V cortical layers. The synaptic release of uPA promotes the formation of synaptic contacts and the repair of synapses damaged by various forms of injury, and its abundance is decreased in the synapse of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Inactivation of the Wingless/Int1 (Wnt)-β-catenin pathway plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD. Soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) prevents the phosphorylation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-6 (LRP6), and the resultant inactivation of the Wnt-β-catenin pathway prompts the amyloidogenic processing of the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) and causes synaptic loss. OBJECTIVE To study the role of neuronal uPA in the pathogenesis of AD. METHODS We used in vitro cultures of murine cerebral cortical neurons, a murine neuroblastoma cell line transfected with the APP-695 Swedish mutation (N2asw), and mice deficient on either plasminogen, or uPA, or its receptor (uPAR). RESULTS We show that uPA activates the Wnt-β-catenin pathway in cerebral cortical neurons by triggering the phosphorylation of LRP6 via a plasmin-independent mechanism that does not require binding of Wnt ligands (Wnts). Our data indicate that uPA-induced activation of the Wnt-β-catenin pathway protects the synapse from the harmful effects of soluble Aβ and prevents the amyloidogenic processing of AβPP by inhibiting the expression of β-secretase 1 (BACE1) and the ensuing generation of Aβ 40 and Aβ 42 peptides. CONCLUSION uPA protects the synapse and antagonizes the inhibitory effect of soluble Aβ on the Wnt-β-catenin pathway by providing an alternative pathway for LRP6 phosphorylation and β-catenin stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Diaz
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cynthia Martin-Jimenez
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yena Woo
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Paola Merino
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Enrique Torre
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Manuel Yepes
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
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15
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Resveratrol and neuroprotection: an insight into prospective therapeutic approaches against Alzheimer's disease from bench to bedside. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:4384-4404. [PMID: 35545730 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02859-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and cognitive impairment; yet, there is currently no treatment. A buildup of Aβ, tau protein phosphorylation, oxidative stress, and inflammation in AD is pathogenic. The accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides in these neurocognitive areas is a significant characteristic of the disease. Therefore, inhibiting Aβ peptide aggregation has been proposed as the critical therapeutic approach for AD treatment. Resveratrol has been demonstrated in multiple studies to have a neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant characteristic and the ability to minimize Aβ peptides aggregation and toxicity in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's patients, stimulating neurogenesis and inhibiting hippocampal degeneration. Furthermore, resveratrol's antioxidant effect promotes neuronal development by activating the silent information regulator-1 (SIRT1), which can protect against the detrimental effects of oxidative stress. Resveratrol-induced SIRT1 activation is becoming more crucial in developing novel therapeutic options for AD and other diseases that have neurodegenerative characteristics. This review highlighted a better knowledge of resveratrol's mechanism of action and its promising therapeutic efficacy in treating AD. We also highlighted the therapeutic potential of resveratrol as an AD therapeutic agent, which is effective against neurodegenerative disorders.
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16
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Zhou H, Gao F, Yang X, Lin T, Li Z, Wang Q, Yao Y, Li L, Ding X, Shi K, Liu Q, Bao H, Long Z, Wu Z, Vassar R, Cheng X, Li R, Shen Y. Endothelial BACE1 Impairs Cerebral Small Vessels via Tight Junctions and eNOS. Circ Res 2022; 130:1321-1341. [PMID: 35382554 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.320183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral small vessel injury, including loss of endothelial tight junctions, endothelial dysfunction, and blood-brain barrier breakdown, is an early and typical pathology for Alzheimer disease, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and hypertension-related cerebral small vessel disease. Whether there is a common mechanism contributing to these cerebrovascular alterations remains unclear. Studies have shown an elevation of BACE1 (β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1) in cerebral vessels from cerebral amyloid angiopathy or Alzheimer disease patients, suggesting that vascular BACE1 may involve in cerebral small vessel injury. METHODS To understand the contribution of vascular BACE1 to cerebrovascular impairments, we combined cellular and molecular techniques, mass spectrometry, immunostaining approaches, and functional testing to elucidate the potential pathological mechanisms. RESULTS We observe a 3.71-fold increase in BACE1 expression in the cerebral microvessels from patients with hypertension. Importantly, we discover that an endothelial tight junction protein, occludin, is a completely new substrate for endothelial BACE1. BACE1 cleaves occludin with full-length occludin reductions and occludin fragment productions. An excessive cleavage by elevated BACE1 induces membranal accumulation of caveolin-1 and subsequent caveolin-1-mediated endocytosis, resulting in lysosomal degradation of other tight junction proteins. Meanwhile, membranal caveolin-1 increases the binding to eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), together with raised circulating Aβ (β-amyloid peptides) produced by elevated BACE1, leading to an attenuation of eNOS activity and resultant endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, the initial endothelial damage provokes chronic reduction of cerebral blood flow, blood-brain barrier leakage, microbleeds, tau hyperphosphorylation, synaptic loss, and cognitive impairment in endothelial-specific BACE1 transgenic mice. Conversely, inhibition of aberrant BACE1 activity ameliorates tight junction loss, endothelial dysfunction, and memory deficits. CONCLUSIONS Our findings establish a novel and direct relationship between endothelial BACE1 and cerebral small vessel damage, indicating that abnormal elevation of endothelial BACE1 is a new mechanism for cerebral small vessel disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyue Zhou
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC and Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei. (H.Z., F.G., X.Y., T.L., Z. Li, Q.W., H.B., Z. Long, Z.W., Y.S.)
| | - Feng Gao
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC and Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei. (H.Z., F.G., X.Y., T.L., Z. Li, Q.W., H.B., Z. Long, Z.W., Y.S.)
| | - Xiaoli Yang
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC and Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei. (H.Z., F.G., X.Y., T.L., Z. Li, Q.W., H.B., Z. Long, Z.W., Y.S.)
| | - Tingting Lin
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC and Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei. (H.Z., F.G., X.Y., T.L., Z. Li, Q.W., H.B., Z. Long, Z.W., Y.S.)
| | - Zhenxing Li
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC and Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei. (H.Z., F.G., X.Y., T.L., Z. Li, Q.W., H.B., Z. Long, Z.W., Y.S.)
| | - Qiong Wang
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC and Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei. (H.Z., F.G., X.Y., T.L., Z. Li, Q.W., H.B., Z. Long, Z.W., Y.S.)
| | - Yang Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei. (Y.Y.)
| | - Lei Li
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany (L.L., X.D.)
| | - Xinxin Ding
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany (L.L., X.D.).,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (X.D.)
| | - Kaibin Shi
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, China (K.S., Q.L.)
| | - Qiang Liu
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, China (K.S., Q.L.)
| | - Hong Bao
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC and Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei. (H.Z., F.G., X.Y., T.L., Z. Li, Q.W., H.B., Z. Long, Z.W., Y.S.)
| | - Zhenyu Long
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC and Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei. (H.Z., F.G., X.Y., T.L., Z. Li, Q.W., H.B., Z. Long, Z.W., Y.S.)
| | - Zujun Wu
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC and Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei. (H.Z., F.G., X.Y., T.L., Z. Li, Q.W., H.B., Z. Long, Z.W., Y.S.)
| | - Robert Vassar
- Department of Cell Biology, Medical School, Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL (R.V.)
| | - Xin Cheng
- Department of Neurology, National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (X.C.)
| | - Rena Li
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, China. (R.L.).,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, China. (R.L.).,Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, China. (R.L.)
| | - Yong Shen
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC and Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei. (H.Z., F.G., X.Y., T.L., Z. Li, Q.W., H.B., Z. Long, Z.W., Y.S.).,Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China (Y.S.)
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17
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Marino M, Zhou L, Rincon MY, Callaerts-Vegh Z, Verhaert J, Wahis J, Creemers E, Yshii L, Wierda K, Saito T, Marneffe C, Voytyuk I, Wouters Y, Dewilde M, Duqué SI, Vincke C, Levites Y, Golde TE, Saido TC, Muyldermans S, Liston A, De Strooper B, Holt MG. AAV-mediated delivery of an anti-BACE1 VHH alleviates pathology in an Alzheimer's disease model. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e09824. [PMID: 35352880 PMCID: PMC8988209 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201809824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Single domain antibodies (VHHs) are potentially disruptive therapeutics, with important biological value for treatment of several diseases, including neurological disorders. However, VHHs have not been widely used in the central nervous system (CNS), largely because of their restricted blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. Here, we propose a gene transfer strategy based on BBB-crossing Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors to deliver VHH directly into the CNS. As a proof-of-concept, we explored the potential of AAV-delivered VHH to inhibit BACE1, a well-characterized target in Alzheimer's disease. First, we generated a panel of VHHs targeting BACE1, one of which, VHH-B9, shows high selectivity for BACE1 and efficacy in lowering BACE1 activity in vitro. We further demonstrate that a single systemic dose of AAV-VHH-B9 produces positive long-term (12 months plus) effects on amyloid load, neuroinflammation, synaptic function, and cognitive performance, in the AppNL-G-F Alzheimer's disease mouse model. These results constitute a novel therapeutic approach forneurodegenerative diseases, which is applicable to a range of CNS disease targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Marino
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lujia Zhou
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Melvin Y Rincon
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jens Verhaert
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Wahis
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eline Creemers
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Electrophysiology Expertise Unit, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lidia Yshii
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Keimpe Wierda
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Electrophysiology Expertise Unit, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Takashi Saito
- Department of Neurocognitive Science, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Catherine Marneffe
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Iryna Voytyuk
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yessica Wouters
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten Dewilde
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sandra I Duqué
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cécile Vincke
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yona Levites
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Todd E Golde
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Takaomi C Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako-shi, Japan
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Adrian Liston
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Immunology Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,UK Dementia Research institute at UCL, London, UK.,Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthew G Holt
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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18
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Marengo L, Armbrust F, Schoenherr C, Storck SE, Schmitt U, Zampar S, Wirths O, Altmeppen H, Glatzel M, Kaether C, Weggen S, Becker-Pauly C, Pietrzik CU. Meprin β knockout reduces brain Aβ levels and rescues learning and memory impairments in the APP/lon mouse model for Alzheimer's disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:168. [PMID: 35235058 PMCID: PMC8891209 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04205-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
β-Site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE1) is the major described β-secretase to generate Aβ peptides in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, all therapeutic attempts to block BACE1 activity and to improve AD symptoms have so far failed. A potential candidate for alternative Aβ peptides generation is the metalloproteinase meprin β, which cleaves APP predominantly at alanine in p2 and in this study we can detect an increased meprin β expression in AD brain. Here, we report the generation of the transgenic APP/lon mouse model of AD lacking the functional Mep1b gene (APP/lon × Mep1b-/-). We examined levels of canonical and truncated Aβ species using urea-SDS-PAGE, ELISA and immunohistochemistry in brains of APP/lon mouse × Mep1b-/-. Additionally, we investigated the cognitive abilities of these mice during the Morris water maze task. Aβ1-40 and 1-42 levels are reduced in APP/lon mice when meprin β is absent. Immunohistochemical staining of mouse brain sections revealed that N-terminally truncated Aβ2-x peptide deposition is decreased in APP/lon × Mep1b-/- mice. Importantly, loss of meprin β improved cognitive abilities and rescued learning behavior impairments in APP/lon mice. These observations indicate an important role of meprin β within the amyloidogenic pathway and Aβ production in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Marengo
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Fred Armbrust
- Institute of Biochemistry, Unit for Degradomics of the Protease Web, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Caroline Schoenherr
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Steffen E. Storck
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schmitt
- Leibniz-Institute for Resilience Research, Mainz, Germany
| | - Silvia Zampar
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Wirths
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hermann Altmeppen
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center HH-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Glatzel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center HH-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Sascha Weggen
- Department of Neuropathology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph Becker-Pauly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Unit for Degradomics of the Protease Web, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Claus U. Pietrzik
- Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Molecular Neurodegeneration, Institute for Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55099 Mainz, Germany
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19
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Vitória JJM, Trigo D, da Cruz E Silva OAB. Revisiting APP secretases: an overview on the holistic effects of retinoic acid receptor stimulation in APP processing. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:101. [PMID: 35089425 PMCID: PMC11073327 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04090-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide and is characterized by the accumulation of the β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) in the brain, along with profound alterations in phosphorylation-related events and regulatory pathways. The production of the neurotoxic Aβ peptide via amyloid precursor protein (APP) proteolysis is a crucial step in AD development. APP is highly expressed in the brain and is complexly metabolized by a series of sequential secretases, commonly denoted the α-, β-, and γ-cleavages. The toxicity of resulting fragments is a direct consequence of the first cleaving event. β-secretase (BACE1) induces amyloidogenic cleavages, while α-secretases (ADAM10 and ADAM17) result in less pathological peptides. Hence this first cleavage event is a prime therapeutic target for preventing or reverting initial biochemical events involved in AD. The subsequent cleavage by γ-secretase has a reduced impact on Aβ formation but affects the peptides' aggregating capacity. An array of therapeutic strategies are being explored, among them targeting Retinoic Acid (RA) signalling, which has long been associated with neuronal health. Additionally, several studies have described altered RA levels in AD patients, reinforcing RA Receptor (RAR) signalling as a promising therapeutic strategy. In this review we provide a holistic approach focussing on the effects of isoform-specific RAR modulation with respect to APP secretases and discuss its advantages and drawbacks in subcellular AD related events.
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Affiliation(s)
- José J M Vitória
- Department of Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Signalling Group, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Diogo Trigo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Signalling Group, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Odete A B da Cruz E Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Signalling Group, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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20
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Willis BA, Lowe SL, Monk SA, Cocke PJ, Aluise CD, Boggs LN, Borders AR, Brier RA, Dean RA, Green SJ, James DE, Jhee SS, Lin Q, Lo AC, May PC, Watson BM, Winneroski LL, Yang Z, Zimmer JA, McKinzie DL, Mergott DJ. Robust Pharmacodynamic Effect of LY3202626, a Central Nervous System Penetrant, Low Dose BACE1 Inhibitor, in Humans and Nonclinical Species. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2022; 6:1-15. [PMID: 35243208 PMCID: PMC8842743 DOI: 10.3233/adr-210037] [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: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The development of beta-site amyloid-beta precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE) 1 inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease requires optimization of inhibitor potency, selectivity, and brain penetration. Moreover, there is a need for low-dose compounds since liver toxicity was found with some BACE inhibitors. Objective: To determine whether the high in vitro potency and robust pharmacodynamic effect of the BACE inhibitor LY3202626 observed in nonclinical species translated to humans. Methods: The effect of LY3202626 versus vehicle on amyloid-β (Aβ) levels was evaluated in a series of in vitro assays, as well as in in vivo and multi-part clinical pharmacology studies. Aβ levels were measured using analytical biochemistry assays in brain, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of mice, dogs and humans. Nonclinical data were analyzed using an ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test and clinical data used summary statistics. Results: LY3202626 exhibited significant human BACE1 inhibition, with an IC50 of 0.615±0.101 nM in a fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay and an EC50 of 0.275±0.176 nM for lowering Aβ1–40 and 0.228±0.244 nM for Aβ1–42 in PDAPP neuronal cultures. In dogs, CSF Aβ1hboxx concentrations were significantly reduced by ∼80% at 9 hours following a 1.5 mg/kg dose. In humans, CSF Aβ1–42 was reduced by 73.1±7.96 % following administration of 6 mg QD. LY3202626 was found to freely cross the blood-brain barrier in dogs and humans. Conclusion: LY3202626 is a potent BACE1 inhibitor with high blood-brain barrier permeability. The favorable safety and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile of LY3202626 supports further clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A. Willis
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Stephen L. Lowe
- Lilly Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Scott A. Monk
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Patrick J. Cocke
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Leonard N. Boggs
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Anthony R. Borders
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Richard A. Brier
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Robert A. Dean
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Steven J. Green
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Douglas E. James
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Qun Lin
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Albert C. Lo
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Patrick C. May
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Brian M. Watson
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Zhixiang Yang
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Zimmer
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - David L. McKinzie
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Dustin J. Mergott
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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21
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Ong-Pålsson E, Njavro JR, Wilson Y, Pigoni M, Schmidt A, Müller SA, Meyer M, Hartmann J, Busche MA, Gunnersen JM, Munro KM, Lichtenthaler SF. The β-Secretase Substrate Seizure 6-Like Protein (SEZ6L) Controls Motor Functions in Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 59:1183-1198. [PMID: 34958451 PMCID: PMC8857007 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02660-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The membrane protein seizure 6-like (SEZ6L) is a neuronal substrate of the Alzheimer's disease protease BACE1, and little is known about its physiological function in the nervous system. Here, we show that SEZ6L constitutive knockout mice display motor phenotypes in adulthood, including changes in gait and decreased motor coordination. Additionally, SEZ6L knockout mice displayed increased anxiety-like behaviour, although spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze were normal. Analysis of the gross anatomy and proteome of the adult SEZ6L knockout cerebellum did not reveal any major differences compared to wild type, indicating that lack of SEZ6L in other regions of the nervous system may contribute to the phenotypes observed. In summary, our study establishes physiological functions for SEZ6L in regulating motor coordination and curbing anxiety-related behaviour, indicating that aberrant SEZ6L function in the human nervous system may contribute to movement disorders and neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Ong-Pålsson
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Jasenka Rudan Njavro
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Yvette Wilson
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Martina Pigoni
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Andree Schmidt
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan A Müller
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany.,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Meyer
- Biomedical Center, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, 82152, Planegg/Munich, Germany
| | - Jana Hartmann
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, Great Britain, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.,Institute of Neuroscience, Technical University of Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Aurel Busche
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, University College London, Great Britain, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Jenny M Gunnersen
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Kathryn M Munro
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Stefan F Lichtenthaler
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany. .,Neuroproteomics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany. .,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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22
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Dey A, Chen R, Li F, Maitra S, Hernandez JF, Zhou GC, Vincent B. Synthesis and Characterization of Andrographolide Derivatives as Regulators of βAPP Processing in Human Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:7660. [PMID: 34946739 PMCID: PMC8707718 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder, one of the main characteristics of which is the abnormal accumulation of amyloid peptide (Aβ) in the brain. Whereas β-secretase supports Aβ formation along the amyloidogenic processing of the β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP), α-secretase counterbalances this pathway by both preventing Aβ production and triggering the release of the neuroprotective sAPPα metabolite. Therefore, stimulating α-secretase and/or inhibiting β-secretase can be considered a promising anti-AD therapeutic track. In this context, we tested andrographolide, a labdane diterpene derived from the plant Andrographis paniculata, as well as 24 synthesized derivatives, for their ability to induce sAPPα production in cultured SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Following several rounds of screening, we identified three hits that were subjected to full characterization. Interestingly, andrographolide (8,17-olefinic) and its close derivative 14α-(5',7'-dichloro-8'-quinolyloxy)-3,19-acetonylidene (compound 9) behave as moderate α-secretase activators, while 14α-(2'-methyl-5',7'-dichloro-8'-quinolyloxy)-8,9-olefinic compounds 31 (3,19-acetonylidene) and 37 (3,19-diol), whose two structures are quite similar although distant from that of andrographolide and 9, stand as β-secretase inhibitors. Importantly, these results were confirmed in human HEK293 cells and these compounds do not trigger toxicity in either cell line. Altogether, these findings may represent an encouraging starting point for the future development of andrographolide-based compounds aimed at both activating α-secretase and inhibiting β-secretase that could prove useful in our quest for the therapeutic treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Dey
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; (A.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Ran Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China; (R.C.); (F.L.)
| | - Feng Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China; (R.C.); (F.L.)
| | - Subhamita Maitra
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; (A.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Jean-Francois Hernandez
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR5247 CNRS/Université de Montpellier/ENSCM, Faculté de Pharmacie, CEDEX 5, 34093 Montpellier, France;
| | - Guo-Chun Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China; (R.C.); (F.L.)
| | - Bruno Vincent
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; (A.D.); (S.M.)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 2 rue Michel Ange, 75016 Paris, France
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23
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Supermeres are functional extracellular nanoparticles replete with disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Nat Cell Biol 2021; 23:1240-1254. [PMID: 34887515 PMCID: PMC8656144 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-021-00805-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles and exomere nanoparticles are under intense investigation as sources of clinically relevant cargo. Here we report the discovery of a distinct extracellular nanoparticle, termed supermere. Supermeres are morphologically distinct from exomeres and display a markedly greater uptake in vivo compared with small extracellular vesicles and exomeres. The protein and RNA composition of supermeres differs from small extracellular vesicles and exomeres. Supermeres are highly enriched with cargo involved in multiple cancers (glycolytic enzymes, TGFBI, miR-1246, MET, GPC1 and AGO2), Alzheimer’s disease (APP) and cardiovascular disease (ACE2, ACE and PCSK9). The majority of extracellular RNA is associated with supermeres rather than small extracellular vesicles and exomeres. Cancer-derived supermeres increase lactate secretion, transfer cetuximab resistance and decrease hepatic lipids and glycogen in vivo. This study identifies a distinct functional nanoparticle replete with potential circulating biomarkers and therapeutic targets for a host of human diseases. Zhang et al. identify and characterize supermeres as extracellular nanoparticles that exhibit unique biological and functional properties with potential prognostic and therapeutic value across distinct diseases.
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24
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Machauer R, Lueoend R, Hurth K, Veenstra SJ, Rueeger H, Voegtle M, Tintelnot-Blomley M, Rondeau JM, Jacobson LH, Laue G, Beltz K, Neumann U. Discovery of Umibecestat (CNP520): A Potent, Selective, and Efficacious β-Secretase (BACE1) Inhibitor for the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15262-15279. [PMID: 34648711 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
After identification of lead compound 6, 5-amino-1,4-oxazine BACE1 inhibitors were optimized in order to improve potency, brain penetration, and metabolic stability. Insertion of a methyl and a trifluoromethyl group at the 6-position of the 5-amino-1,4-oxazine led to 8 (NB-360), an inhibitor with a pKa of 7.1, a very low P-glycoprotein efflux ratio, and excellent pharmacological profile, enabling high central nervous system penetration and exposure. Fur color changes observed with NB-360 in efficacy studies in preclinical animal models triggered further optimization of the series. Herein, we describe the steps leading to the discovery of 3-chloro-5-trifluoromethyl-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid [6-((3R,6R)-5-amino-3,6-dimethyl-6-trifluoromethyl-3,6-dihydro-2H-[1,4]oxazin-3-yl)-5-fluoro-pyridin-2-yl]amide 15 (CNP520, umibecestat), an inhibitor with superior BACE1/BACE2 selectivity and pharmacokinetics. CNP520 reduced significantly Aβ levels in mice and rats in acute and chronic treatment regimens without any side effects and thus qualified for Alzheimer's disease prevention studies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Machauer
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Pharma AG, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Lueoend
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Pharma AG, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Konstanze Hurth
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Pharma AG, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Siem J Veenstra
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Pharma AG, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Heinrich Rueeger
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Pharma AG, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Voegtle
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Pharma AG, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Jean-Michel Rondeau
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Structural Biology Platform, Novartis Pharma AG, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laura H Jacobson
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Pharma AG, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Grit Laue
- Pharmacokinetic-Sciences, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karen Beltz
- Pharmacokinetic-Sciences, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ulf Neumann
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Pharma AG, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
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25
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Bettegazzi B, Sebastian Monasor L, Bellani S, Codazzi F, Restelli LM, Colombo AV, Deigendesch N, Frank S, Saito T, Saido TC, Lammich S, Tahirovic S, Grohovaz F, Zacchetti D. Casein Kinase 2 dependent phosphorylation of eIF4B regulates BACE1 expression in Alzheimer's disease. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:769. [PMID: 34349120 PMCID: PMC8339060 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04062-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder. Increased Aβ production plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of the disease and BACE1, the protease that triggers the amyloidogenic processing of APP, is a key protein and a pharmacological target in AD. Changes in neuronal activity have been linked to BACE1 expression and Aβ generation, but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. We provide clear evidence for the role of Casein Kinase 2 in the control of activity-driven BACE1 expression in cultured primary neurons, organotypic brain slices, and murine AD models. More specifically, we demonstrate that neuronal activity promotes Casein Kinase 2 dependent phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF4B and this, in turn, controls BACE1 expression and APP processing. Finally, we show that eIF4B expression and phosphorylation are increased in the brain of APPPS1 and APP-KI mice, as well as in AD patients. Overall, we provide a definition of a mechanism linking brain activity with amyloid production and deposition, opening new perspectives from the therapeutic standpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bettegazzi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Serena Bellani
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Franca Codazzi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Lisa Michelle Restelli
- Basel University Hospital, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, Schoenbeinstrasse 40, 4031, Basel (CH), Switzerland
| | | | - Nikolaus Deigendesch
- Basel University Hospital, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, Schoenbeinstrasse 40, 4031, Basel (CH), Switzerland
| | - Stephan Frank
- Basel University Hospital, Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, Schoenbeinstrasse 40, 4031, Basel (CH), Switzerland
| | - Takashi Saito
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
- Department of Neurocognitive Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Nagoya, Aichi, 467-8601, Japan
| | - Takaomi C Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Sven Lammich
- BMC - Biochemistry, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabina Tahirovic
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Fabio Grohovaz
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Zacchetti
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
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26
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BACE inhibitor treatment of mice induces hyperactivity in a Seizure-related gene 6 family dependent manner without altering learning and memory. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15084. [PMID: 34302009 PMCID: PMC8302682 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94369-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACE inhibitors, which decrease BACE1 (β-secretase 1) cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein, are a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical trials using BACE inhibitors have reported a lack of positive effect on patient symptoms and, in some cases, have led to increased adverse events, cognitive worsening and hippocampal atrophy. A potential drawback of this strategy is the effect of BACE inhibition on other BACE1 substrates such as Seizure-related gene 6 (Sez6) family proteins which are known to have a role in neuronal function. Mice were treated with an in-diet BACE inhibitor for 4–8 weeks to achieve a clinically-relevant level of amyloid-β40 reduction in the brain. Mice underwent behavioural testing and postmortem analysis of dendritic spine number and morphology with Golgi-Cox staining. Sez6 family triple knockout mice were tested alongside wild-type mice to identify whether any effects of the treatment were due to altered cleavage of Sez6 family proteins. Wild-type mice treated with BACE inhibitor displayed hyperactivity on the elevated open field, as indicated by greater distance travelled, but this effect was not observed in treated Sez6 triple knockout mice. BACE inhibitor treatment did not lead to significant changes in spatial or fear learning, reference memory, cognitive flexibility or anxiety in mice as assessed by the Morris water maze, context fear conditioning, or light–dark box tests. Chronic BACE inhibitor treatment reduced the density of mushroom-type spines in the somatosensory cortex, regardless of genotype, but did not affect steady-state dendritic spine density or morphology in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Chronic BACE inhibition for 1–2 months in mice led to increased locomotor output but did not alter memory or cognitive flexibility. While the mechanism underlying the treatment-induced hyperactivity is unknown, the absence of this response in Sez6 triple knockout mice indicates that blocking ectodomain shedding of Sez6 family proteins is a contributing factor. In contrast, the decrease in mature spine density in cortical neurons was not attributable to lack of shed Sez6 family protein ectodomains. Therefore, other BACE1 substrates are implicated in this effect and, potentially, in the cognitive decline in longer-term chronically treated patients.
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27
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McDade E, Llibre-Guerra JJ, Holtzman DM, Morris JC, Bateman RJ. The informed road map to prevention of Alzheimer Disease: A call to arms. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:49. [PMID: 34289882 PMCID: PMC8293489 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00467-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) prevention trials hold the promise to delay or prevent cognitive decline and dementia onset by intervening before significant neuronal damage occurs. In recent years, the first AD prevention trials have launched and are yielding important findings on the biology of targeting asymptomatic AD pathology. However, there are limitations that impact the design of these prevention trials, including the translation of animal models that recapitulate key stages and multiple pathological aspects of the human disease, missing target validation in asymptomatic disease, uncertain causality of the association of pathophysiologic changes with cognitive and clinical symptoms, and limited biomarker validation for novel targets. The field is accelerating advancements in key areas including the development of highly specific and quantitative biomarker measures for AD pathology, increasing our understanding of the course and relationship of amyloid and tau pathology in asymptomatic through symptomatic stages, and the development of powerful interventions that can slow or reverse AD amyloid pathology. We review the current status of prevention trials and propose key areas of needed research as a call to basic and translational scientists to accelerate AD prevention. Specifically, we review (1) sporadic and dominantly inherited primary and secondary AD prevention trials, (2) proposed targets, mechanisms, and drugs including the amyloid, tau, and inflammatory pathways and combination treatments, (3) the need for more appropriate prevention animal models and experiments, and (4) biomarkers and outcome measures needed to design human asymptomatic prevention trials. We conclude with actions needed to effectively move prevention targets and trials forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric McDade
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box, St Louis, MO 8111 USA
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
- Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network Trials Unit, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Jorge J. Llibre-Guerra
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box, St Louis, MO 8111 USA
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
- Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network Trials Unit, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - David M. Holtzman
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box, St Louis, MO 8111 USA
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
- Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network Trials Unit, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - John C. Morris
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box, St Louis, MO 8111 USA
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
- Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network Trials Unit, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Randall J. Bateman
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St Louis, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box, St Louis, MO 8111 USA
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
- Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network Trials Unit, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
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28
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Stoiljkovic M, Horvath TL, Hajós M. Therapy for Alzheimer's disease: Missing targets and functional markers? Ageing Res Rev 2021; 68:101318. [PMID: 33711510 PMCID: PMC8131215 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The development of the next generation therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) presents a huge challenge given the number of promising treatment candidates that failed in trials, despite recent advancements in understanding of genetic, pathophysiologic and clinical characteristics of the disease. This review reflects some of the most current concepts and controversies in developing disease-modifying and new symptomatic treatments. It elaborates on recent changes in the AD research strategy for broadening drug targets, and potentials of emerging non-pharmacological treatment interventions. Established and novel biomarkers are discussed, including emerging cerebrospinal fluid and plasma biomarkers reflecting tau pathology, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. These fluid biomarkers together with neuroimaging findings can provide innovative objective assessments of subtle changes in brain reflecting disease progression. A particular emphasis is given to neurophysiological biomarkers which are well-suited for evaluating the brain overall neural network integrity and function. Combination of multiple biomarkers, including target engagement and outcome biomarkers will empower translational studies and facilitate successful development of effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Stoiljkovic
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Nis School of Medicine, Nis, Serbia.
| | - Tamas L Horvath
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Mihály Hajós
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA; Cognito Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
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29
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Resende R, Ferreira-Marques M, Moreira P, Coimbra JRM, Baptista SJ, Isidoro C, Salvador JAR, Dinis TCP, Pereira CF, Santos AE. New BACE1 Chimeric Peptide Inhibitors Selectively Prevent AβPP-β Cleavage Decreasing Amyloid-β Production and Accumulation in Alzheimer's Disease Models. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 76:1317-1337. [PMID: 32597812 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still an unmet clinical need. The formation of amyloid-β (Aβ) requires the initial cleavage of the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) by BACE1 (beta-site AβPP cleaving enzyme 1), which is a prime therapeutic target for AD. OBJECTIVE We aimed to design and develop a selective BACE1 inhibitor suitable to AD treatment. METHODS The new BACE1 inhibitors consist on a chimeric peptide including a sequence related to the human Swedish mutant form of AβPP (AβPPswe) conjugated with the TAT carrier that facilitates cell membrane permeation and the crossing of the blood-brain barrier. Additionally to the chimeric peptide in the L-form, we developed a D-retroinverso chimeric peptide. The latter strategy, never used with BACE1 inhibitors, is considered to favor a significantly higher half-life and lower immunogenicity. RESULTS We found that both chimeric peptides inhibit recombinant BACE1 activity and decrease Aβ40/42 production in Neuro-2a (N2A) cells expressing AβPPswe without inducing cytotoxicity. The intraperitoneal administration of these peptides to 3xTg-AD mice decreased plasma and brain Aβ40/42 levels, as well as brain soluble AβPPβ production. Also, a reduction of insoluble Aβ was observed in the brain after chronic treatment. Noteworthy, the chimeric peptides selectively inhibited the AβPP-β cleavage relatively to the proteolysis of other BACE1 substrates such as close homologue of L1 (CHL1) and seizure-related gene 6 (SEZ6). CONCLUSIONS Overall these new BACE1 chimeric peptideshold promising potential as a selective disease-modifying therapy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Resende
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marisa Ferreira-Marques
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Moreira
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Judite R M Coimbra
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Salete J Baptista
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,Chem4Pharma, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Jorge A R Salvador
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa C P Dinis
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cláudia F Pereira
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Armanda E Santos
- University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal.,University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
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30
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McKinzie DL, Winneroski LL, Green SJ, Hembre EJ, Erickson JA, Willis BA, Monk SA, Aluise CD, Baker TK, Lopez JE, Hendle J, Beck JP, Brier RA, Boggs LN, Borders AR, Cocke PJ, Garcia-Losada P, Lowe SL, Mathes BM, May PC, Porter WJ, Stout SL, Timm DE, Watson BM, Yang Z, Mergott DJ. Discovery and Early Clinical Development of LY3202626, a Low-Dose, CNS-Penetrant BACE Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2021; 64:8076-8100. [PMID: 34081466 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1, known as BACE1, has been a widely pursued Alzheimer's disease drug target owing to its critical role in the production of amyloid-beta. We have previously reported the clinical development of LY2811376 and LY2886721. LY2811376 advanced to Phase I before development was terminated due to nonclinical retinal toxicity. LY2886721 advanced to Phase II, but development was halted due to abnormally elevated liver enzymes. Herein, we report the discovery and clinical development of LY3202626, a highly potent, CNS-penetrant, and low-dose BACE inhibitor, which successfully addressed these key development challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L McKinzie
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Leonard L Winneroski
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Steven J Green
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Erik J Hembre
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Jon A Erickson
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Brian A Willis
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Scott A Monk
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Christopher D Aluise
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Thomas K Baker
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Jose E Lopez
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Jörg Hendle
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - James P Beck
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Biotechnology Center, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Richard A Brier
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | | | - Anthony R Borders
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | | | - Pablo Garcia-Losada
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Stephen L Lowe
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Brian M Mathes
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | | | | | - Stephanie L Stout
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - David E Timm
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Brian M Watson
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Zhixiang Yang
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Dustin J Mergott
- Lilly Research Laboratories, A Division of Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
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31
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Ohno M. Accelerated long-term forgetting is a BACE1 inhibitor-reversible incipient cognitive phenotype in Alzheimer's disease model mice. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2021; 41:255-259. [PMID: 33749160 PMCID: PMC8340838 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM After the continued failure of β-secretase (BACE1) inhibitor clinical trials in prodromal as well as mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD), they are shifting to further earlier or asymptomatic stages. The aim of this study is to explore a cognitive paradigm that allows us to more sensitively detect beneficial effects of BACE1 inhibitors in presymptomatic AD. METHODS GRL-8234 (33.4 mg/kg, ip), a small-molecule BACE1 inhibitor, was administered once daily for 28 days to the 5XAFD transgenic mouse model of AD. The contextual fear conditioning was used to evaluate the effects of GRL-8234 on memory deficits in 5XFAD mice at different ages. RESULTS Chronic administration of GRL-8234 to 5XFAD mice rescued their contextual memory deficits, when tested 1 day after training at 6-8 months but not at 12 months of age. Importantly, 4-month-old 5XFAD mice retain the ability to form contextual memory equivalent to wild-type controls, demonstrating that the standard method of 1-day memory assessment is not suitable for evaluating BACE1 inhibitor efficacy in ameliorating cognitive declines during earlier disease stages. Despite normal contextual memory formation, young 5XFAD mice showed faster forgetting when a longer delay (28 days) intervened between training and memory testing. Notably, GRL-8234 administered to 4-month-old 5XFAD mice during the 28-day delay reversed accelerated long-term forgetting almost completely back to wild-type control levels. CONCLUSION The results provide experimental evidence that accelerated long-term forgetting represents more sensitive memory testing that can help evaluate BACE1 inhibitor therapy in presymptomatic AD populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masuo Ohno
- Center for Dementia ResearchNathan Kline InstituteOrangeburgNYUSA
- Department of PsychiatryNew York University School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
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32
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Amyloid-Beta Mediates Homeostatic Synaptic Plasticity. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5157-5172. [PMID: 33926999 PMCID: PMC8211553 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1820-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological role of the amyloid-precursor protein (APP) is insufficiently understood. Recent work has implicated APP in the regulation of synaptic plasticity. Substantial evidence exists for a role of APP and its secreted ectodomain APPsα in Hebbian plasticity. Here, we addressed the relevance of APP in homeostatic synaptic plasticity using organotypic tissue cultures prepared from APP -/- mice of both sexes. In the absence of APP, dentate granule cells failed to strengthen their excitatory synapses homeostatically. Homeostatic plasticity is rescued by amyloid-β and not by APPsα, and it is neither observed in APP+/+ tissue treated with β- or γ-secretase inhibitors nor in synaptopodin-deficient cultures lacking the Ca2+-dependent molecular machinery of the spine apparatus. Together, these results suggest a role of APP processing via the amyloidogenic pathway in homeostatic synaptic plasticity, representing a function of relevance for brain physiology as well as for brain states associated with increased amyloid-β levels.
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Hampel H, Vassar R, De Strooper B, Hardy J, Willem M, Singh N, Zhou J, Yan R, Vanmechelen E, De Vos A, Nisticò R, Corbo M, Imbimbo BP, Streffer J, Voytyuk I, Timmers M, Tahami Monfared AA, Irizarry M, Albala B, Koyama A, Watanabe N, Kimura T, Yarenis L, Lista S, Kramer L, Vergallo A. The β-Secretase BACE1 in Alzheimer's Disease. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 89:745-756. [PMID: 32223911 PMCID: PMC7533042 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 324] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACE1 (beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1) was initially cloned and characterized in 1999. It is required for the generation of all monomeric forms of amyloid-β (Aβ), including Aβ42, which aggregates into bioactive conformational species and likely initiates toxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD). BACE1 concentrations and rates of activity are increased in AD brains and body fluids, thereby supporting the hypothesis that BACE1 plays a critical role in AD pathophysiology. Therefore, BACE1 is a prime drug target for slowing down Aβ production in early AD. Besides the amyloidogenic pathway, BACE1 has other substrates that may be important for synaptic plasticity and synaptic homeostasis. Indeed, germline and adult conditional BACE1 knockout mice display complex neurological phenotypes. Despite BACE1 inhibitor clinical trials conducted so far being discontinued for futility or safety reasons, BACE1 remains a well-validated therapeutic target for AD. A safe and efficacious compound with high substrate selectivity as well as a more accurate dose regimen, patient population, and disease stage may yet be found. Further research should focus on the role of Aβ and BACE1 in physiological processes and key pathophysiological mechanisms of AD. The functions of BACE1 and the homologue BACE2, as well as the biology of Aβ in neurons and glia, deserve further investigation. Cellular and molecular studies of BACE1 and BACE2 knockout mice coupled with biomarker-based human research will help elucidate the biological functions of these important enzymes and identify their substrates and downstream effects. Such studies will have critical implications for BACE1 inhibition as a therapeutic approach for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Hampel
- Neurology Business Group, Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey; Sorbonne University, GRC No. 21, Alzheimer Precision Medicine, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.
| | - Robert Vassar
- Department of Neurology, Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Bart De Strooper
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Brain and Disease Research, VIB (Flanders Institute for Biotechnology), Leuven, Belgium; Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Hardy
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience and Reta Lilla Weston Laboratories, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Willem
- Chair of Metabolic Biochemistry, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Neeraj Singh
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - John Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Riqiang Yan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| | | | | | - Robert Nisticò
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, Rome, Italy; School of Pharmacy, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Corbo
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa Cura Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Johannes Streffer
- Reference Center for Biological Markers of Dementia, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; UCB Biopharma SPRL, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Iryna Voytyuk
- Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Brain and Disease Research, VIB (Flanders Institute for Biotechnology), Leuven, Belgium; ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Maarten Timmers
- Reference Center for Biological Markers of Dementia, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Janssen Research and Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Amir Abbas Tahami Monfared
- Neurology Business Group, Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael Irizarry
- Neurology Business Group, Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey
| | - Bruce Albala
- Neurology Business Group, Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey
| | - Akihiko Koyama
- Neurology Business Group, Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey
| | | | | | - Lisa Yarenis
- Neurology Business Group, Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey
| | - Simone Lista
- Sorbonne University, GRC No. 21, Alzheimer Precision Medicine, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Institute of Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Neurology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Brain & Spine Institute, INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris, France
| | - Lynn Kramer
- Neurology Business Group, Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey
| | - Andrea Vergallo
- Neurology Business Group, Eisai Inc., Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey; Sorbonne University, GRC No. 21, Alzheimer Precision Medicine, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Institute of Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Neurology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Brain & Spine Institute, INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Paris, France.
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34
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Janssens J, Hermans B, Vandermeeren M, Barale-Thomas E, Borgers M, Willems R, Meulders G, Wintmolders C, Van den Bulck D, Bottelbergs A, Ver Donck L, Larsen P, Moechars D, Edwards W, Mercken M, Van Broeck B. Passive immunotherapy with a novel antibody against 3pE-modified Aβ demonstrates potential for enhanced efficacy and favorable safety in combination with BACE inhibitor treatment in plaque-depositing mice. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 154:105365. [PMID: 33848635 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The imbalance between production and clearance of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides and their resulting accumulation in the brain is an early and crucial step in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, Aβ is strongly positioned as a promising and extensively validated therapeutic target for AD. Investigational disease-modifying approaches aiming at reducing cerebral Aβ concentrations include prevention of de novo production of Aβ through inhibition of β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), and clearance of Aβ deposits via passive Aβ immunotherapy. We have developed a novel, high affinity antibody against Aβ peptides bearing a pyroglutamate residue at amino acid position 3 (3pE), an Aβ species abundantly present in plaque deposits in AD brains. Here, we describe the preclinical characterization of this antibody, and demonstrate a significant reduction in amyloid burden in the absence of microhemorrhages in different mouse models with established plaque deposition. Moreover, we combined antibody treatment with chronic BACE1 inhibitor treatment and demonstrate significant clearance of pre-existing amyloid deposits in transgenic mouse brain, without induction of microhemorrhages and other histopathological findings. Together, these data confirm significant potential for the 3pE-specific antibody to be developed as a passive immunotherapy approach that balances efficacy and safety. Moreover, our studies suggest further enhanced treatment efficacy and favorable safety after combination of the 3pE-specific antibody with BACE1 inhibitor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Janssens
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Bart Hermans
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Marc Vandermeeren
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Erio Barale-Thomas
- Non-Clinical Science, Janssen Research & Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Marianne Borgers
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Roland Willems
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Greet Meulders
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Cindy Wintmolders
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Dries Van den Bulck
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Astrid Bottelbergs
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Luc Ver Donck
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Peter Larsen
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Dieder Moechars
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | - Marc Mercken
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Bianca Van Broeck
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research & Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium.
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Live-cell monitoring of protein localization to membrane rafts using protein-fragment complementation. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:221616. [PMID: 31850494 PMCID: PMC6944658 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20191290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The plasma membrane consists of a variety of discrete domains differing from the surrounding membrane in composition and properties. Selective partitioning of protein to these microdomains is essential for membrane functioning and integrity. Studying the nanoscale size and dynamic nature of the membrane microdomains requires advanced imaging approaches with a high spatiotemporal resolution and, consequently, expensive and specialized equipment, unavailable for most researchers and unsuited for large-scale studies. Thus, understanding of protein partitioning to the membrane microdomains in health and disease is still hampered by the lack of inexpensive live-cell approaches with an appropriate spatial resolution. Here, we have developed a novel approach based on Gaussia princeps luciferase protein-fragment complementation assay to quantitively investigate protein partitioning to cholesterol and sphingomyelin-rich domains, sometimes called ‘lipid rafts’, in intact living cells with a high-spatial resolution. In the assay, the reporter construct, carrying one half of the luciferase protein, is targeted to lipid microdomains through the fused acetylation motif from Src-family kinase Fyn. A protein of interest carries the second half of the luciferase protein. Together, this serves as a reversible real-time sensor of raft recruitment for the studied protein. We demonstrated that the assay can efficiently detect the dynamic alterations in raft localization of two disease-associated proteins: Akt and APP. Importantly, this method can be used in high-throughput screenings and other large-scale studies in living cells. This inexpensive, and easy to implement raft localization assay will benefit all researchers interested in protein partitioning in rafts.
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36
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Fissel JA, Farah MH. The influence of BACE1 on macrophage recruitment and activity in the injured peripheral nerve. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:71. [PMID: 33722254 PMCID: PMC7962400 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02121-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Following peripheral nerve injury, multiple cell types, including axons, Schwann cells, and macrophages, coordinate to promote nerve regeneration. However, this capacity for repair is limited, particularly in older populations, and current treatments are insufficient. A critical component of the regeneration response is the network of cell-to-cell signaling in the injured nerve microenvironment. Sheddases are expressed in the peripheral nerve and play a role in the regulation if this cell-to-cell signaling through cleavage of transmembrane proteins, enabling the regulation of multiple pathways through cis- and trans-cellular regulatory mechanisms. Enhanced axonal regeneration has been observed in mice with deletion of the sheddase beta-secretase (BACE1), a transmembrane aspartyl protease that has been studied in the context of Alzheimer’s disease. BACE1 knockout (KO) mice display enhanced macrophage recruitment and activity following nerve injury, although it is unclear whether this plays a role in driving the enhanced axonal regeneration. Further, it is unknown by what mechanism(s) BACE1 increases macrophage recruitment and activity. BACE1 has many substrates, several of which are known to have immunomodulatory activity. This review will discuss current knowledge of the role of BACE1 and other sheddases in peripheral nerve regeneration and outline known immunomodulatory BACE1 substrates and what potential roles they could play in peripheral nerve regeneration. Currently, the literature suggests that BACE1 and substrates that are expressed by neurons and Schwann cells are likely to be more important for this process than those expressed by macrophages. More broadly, BACE1 may play a role as an effector of immunomodulation beyond the peripheral nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Fissel
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, The John G. Rangos Sr. Building, Room 239, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Mohamed H Farah
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, The John G. Rangos Sr. Building, Room 239, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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37
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Li M, Li R, Lyu JH, Chen JH, Wang W, Gao ML, Li WJ, De J, Mu HY, Pan WG, Mao PX, Ma X. Relationship Between Alzheimer's Disease and Retinal Choroidal Thickness: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 80:407-419. [PMID: 33554907 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The choroid is involved directly or indirectly in many pathological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the association between retinal choroidal properties and the pathology of AD by determining choroidal thickness, hippocampus volume, cognitive functions, and plasma BACE1 activity. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 37 patients with AD and 34 age-matched controls were included. Retinal choroidal thickness was measured via enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. Hippocampal volume was measured via 3.0T MRI. Cognitive functions were evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog). Plasma BACE1 activity was analyzed using a fluorescence substrate-based plasma assay, and regression model were to analyze the data. RESULTS Retinal choroidal thickness was significantly thinner in the AD group than in the control group [(114.81±81.30) μm versus (233.79±38.29) μm, p < 0.05]. Multivariable regression analysis indicated that the ADAS-cog scores (β=-0.772, p = 0.000) and age (β=-0.176, p = 0.015) were independently associated with choroidal thickness. The logistic regression model revealed that the subfoveal choroidal thickness was a significant predictor for AD (OR = 0.984, 95% CI: 0.972-0.997). CONCLUSION There was a general tendency of choroid thinning as the cognitive function declined. Although choroidal thickness was not a potential indicator for early stage AD, it was valuable in monitoring AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Li
- Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Center for Cognitive Disorders, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rena Li
- Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Hui Lyu
- Center for Cognitive Disorders, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Hua Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mao-Long Gao
- The Geriatric Institute for Clinic and Rehabilitation, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Jie Li
- Center for Cognitive Disorders, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie De
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Han-Yan Mu
- Center for Cognitive Disorders, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Gang Pan
- Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Pei-Xian Mao
- Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Ma
- Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Reiss AB, Montufar N, DeLeon J, Pinkhasov A, Gomolin IH, Glass AD, Arain HA, Stecker MM. Alzheimer Disease Clinical Trials Targeting Amyloid: Lessons Learned From Success in Mice and Failure in Humans. Neurologist 2021; 26:52-61. [PMID: 33646990 DOI: 10.1097/nrl.0000000000000320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of slowing or halting the development of Alzheimer disease (AD) has resulted in the huge allocation of resources by academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies to the development of new treatments. The etiology of AD is elusive, but the aggregation of amyloid-β and tau peptide and oxidative processes are considered critical pathologic mechanisms. The failure of drugs with multiple mechanisms to meet efficacy outcomes has caused several companies to decide not to pursue further AD studies and has left the field essentially where it has been for the past 15 years. Efforts are underway to develop biomarkers for detection and monitoring of AD using genetic, imaging, and biochemical technology, but this is of minimal use if no intervention can be offered. REVIEW SUMMARY In this review, we consider the natural progression of AD and how it continues despite present attempts to modify the amyloid-related machinery to alter the disease trajectory. We describe the mechanisms and approaches to AD treatment targeting amyloid, including both passive and active immunotherapy as well as inhibitors of enzymes in the amyloidogenic pathway. CONCLUSION Lessons learned from clinical trials of amyloid reduction strategies may prove crucial for the leap forward toward novel therapeutic targets to treat AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison B Reiss
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY
| | - Natalie Montufar
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY
| | - Joshua DeLeon
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY
| | - Aaron Pinkhasov
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY
| | - Irving H Gomolin
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY
| | - Amy D Glass
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY
| | - Hirra A Arain
- Department of Medicine, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY
| | - Mark M Stecker
- Fresno Center for Medical Education and Research, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, Fresno, CA
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Sperling R, Henley D, Aisen PS, Raman R, Donohue MC, Ernstrom K, Rafii MS, Streffer J, Shi Y, Karcher K, Raghavan N, Tymofyeyev Y, Bogert J, Brashear HR, Novak G, Thipphawong J, Saad ZS, Kolb H, Rofael H, Sanga P, Romano G. Findings of Efficacy, Safety, and Biomarker Outcomes of Atabecestat in Preclinical Alzheimer Disease: A Truncated Randomized Phase 2b/3 Clinical Trial. JAMA Neurol 2021; 78:293-301. [PMID: 33464300 PMCID: PMC7816119 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.4857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Importance Atabecestat, a nonselective oral β-secretase inhibitor, was evaluated in the EARLY trial for slowing cognitive decline in participants with preclinical Alzheimer disease. Preliminary analyses suggested dose-related cognitive worsening and neuropsychiatric adverse events (AEs). Objective To report efficacy, safety, and biomarker findings in the EARLY trial, both on and off atabecestat treatment, with focus on potential recovery of effects on cognition and behavior. Design, Setting, and Participants Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b/3 study conducted from November 2015 to December 2018 after being stopped prematurely. The study was conducted at 143 centers across 14 countries. Participants were permitted to be followed off-treatment by the original protocol, collecting safety and efficacy data. From 4464 screened participants, 557 amyloid-positive, cognitively normal (Clinical Dementia Rating of 0; aged 60-85 years) participants (approximately 34% of originally planned 1650) were randomized before the trial sponsor stopped enrollment. Interventions Participants were randomized (1:1:1) to atabecestat, 5 mg (n = 189), 25 mg (n = 183), or placebo (n = 185). Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcome: change from baseline in Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite score. Secondary outcomes: change from baseline in the Cognitive Function Index and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status total scale score. Safety was monitored throughout the study. Results Of 557 participants, 341 were women (61.2%); mean (SD) age was 70.4 (5.56) years. In May 2018, study medication was stopped early owing to hepatic-related AEs; participants were followed up off-treatment for 6 months. Atabecestat, 25 mg, showed significant cognitive worsening vs placebo for Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite at month 6 (least-square mean difference, -1.09; 95% CI, -1.66 to -0.53; P < .001) and month 12 (least-square mean, -1.62; 95% CI, -2.49 to -0.76; P < .001), and at month 3 for Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (least-square mean, -3.70; 95% CI, -5.76 to -1.63; P < .001). Cognitive Function Index participant report showed nonsignificant worsening at month 12. Systemic and neuropsychiatric-related treatment-emergent AEs were greater in atabecestat groups vs placebo. After stopping treatment, follow-up cognitive testing and AE assessment provided evidence of reversibility of drug-induced cognitive worsening and AEs in atabecestat groups. Conclusions and Relevance Atabecestat treatment was associated with dose-related cognitive worsening as early as 3 months and presence of neuropsychiatric treatment-emergent AEs, with evidence of reversibility after 6 months off treatment. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02569398.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Henley
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Paul S. Aisen
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Rema Raman
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Michael C. Donohue
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Karin Ernstrom
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Michael S. Rafii
- Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Johannes Streffer
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
- Translational Medicine Neuroscience, UCB Biopharma SRL, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
- Reference Center for Biological Markers of Dementia (BIODEM), Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yingqi Shi
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
| | - Keith Karcher
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
| | | | | | | | - H. Robert Brashear
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Gerald Novak
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
| | | | - Ziad S. Saad
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
| | - Hartmuth Kolb
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
| | - Hany Rofael
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
| | - Panna Sanga
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
| | - Gary Romano
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, New Jersey
- Passage Bio, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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40
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Koriyama Y, Hori A, Ito H, Yonezawa S, Baba Y, Tanimoto N, Ueno T, Yamamoto S, Yamamoto T, Asada N, Morimoto K, Einaru S, Sakai K, Kanazu T, Matsuda A, Yamaguchi Y, Oguma T, Timmers M, Tritsmans L, Kusakabe KI, Kato A, Sakaguchi G. Discovery of Atabecestat (JNJ-54861911): A Thiazine-Based β-Amyloid Precursor Protein Cleaving Enzyme 1 Inhibitor Advanced to the Phase 2b/3 EARLY Clinical Trial. J Med Chem 2021; 64:1873-1888. [PMID: 33588527 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of amyloid β peptides (Aβ) is thought to be one of the causal factors of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aspartyl protease β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is the rate-limiting protease for Aβ production, and therefore, BACE1 inhibition is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of AD. Starting with a dihydro-1,3-thiazine-based lead, Compound J, we discovered atabecestat 1 (JNJ-54861911) as a centrally efficacious BACE1 inhibitor that was advanced into the EARLY Phase 2b/3 clinical trial for the treatment of preclinical AD patients. Compound 1 demonstrated robust and dose-dependent Aβ reduction and showed sufficient safety margins in preclinical models. The potential of reactive metabolite formation was evaluated in a covalent binding study to assess its irreversible binding to human hepatocytes. Unfortunately, the EARLY trial was discontinued due to significant elevation of liver enzymes, and subsequent analysis of the clinical outcomes showed dose-related cognitive worsening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maarten Timmers
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Luc Tritsmans
- Janssen Research & Development, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium
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41
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Bao H, Liu Y, Zhang M, Chen Z, Zhang W, Ge Y, Kang D, Gao F, Shen Y. Increased β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1-mediated insulin receptor cleavage in type 2 diabetes mellitus with cognitive impairment. Alzheimers Dement 2021; 17:1097-1108. [PMID: 33410588 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at a high risk of cognitive impairment, with insulin resistance playing a pivotal role. β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is considered a predictor of Alzheimer's disease. However, the potential roles of BACE1 in insulin resistance and the risk of cognitive impairment in T2DM remain unclear. METHODS We measured plasma BACE1 levels, BACE1 cleavage activities for Swedish mutant amyloid precursor protein (APPsw) and insulin receptor β subunit (INSR-β), and soluble INSR (sINSR) levels in a clinical cohort study. RESULTS T2DM patients with or without cognitive impairment exhibited elevated plasma BACE1 levels and BACE1 enzymatic activities for APPsw and INSR-β, and sINSR levels. Moreover, the glycemic status correlated with elevated BACE1 levels and BACE1-mediated INSR cleavage, which was associated with insulin resistance. DISCUSSION The elevated BACE1 levels in T2DM may contribute to increasing the cognitive impairment risk through both amyloidogenesis and insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Bao
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yiming Liu
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Mengguo Zhang
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zuolong Chen
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuhao Ge
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dongmei Kang
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yong Shen
- Neurodegenerative Disorder Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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42
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Hrabinova M, Pejchal J, Kucera T, Jun D, Schmidt M, Soukup O. Is It the Twilight of BACE1 Inhibitors? Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:61-77. [PMID: 32359337 PMCID: PMC7903497 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200503023323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
β-secretase (BACE1) has been regarded as a prime target for the development of amyloid beta (Aβ) lowering drugs in the therapy of Alzheimer´s disease (AD). Although the enzyme was discovered in 1991 and helped to formulate the Aβ hypothesis as one of the very important features of AD etiopathogenesis, progress in AD treatment utilizing BACE1 inhibitors has remained limited. Moreover, in the last years, major pharmaceutical companies have discontinued clinical trials of five BACE1 inhibitors that had been strongly perceived as prospective. In our review, the Aβ hypothesis, the enzyme, its functions, and selected substrates are described. BACE1 inhibitors are classified into four generations. Those that underwent clinical trials displayed adverse effects, including weight loss, skin rashes, worsening of neuropsychiatric symptoms, etc. Some inhibitors could not establish a statistically significant risk-benefit ratio, or even scored worse than placebo. We still believe that drugs targeting BACE1 may still hide some potential, but a different approach to BACE1 inhibition or a shift of focus to modulation of its trafficking and/or post-translational modification should now be followed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaroslav Pejchal
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence in Brno, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic;E-mail:
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43
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Sun BL, Chen Y, Fan DY, Zhu C, Zeng F, Wang YJ. Critical thinking on amyloid-beta-targeted therapy: challenges and perspectives. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2020; 64:926-937. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1810-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Hampel H, Lista S, Vanmechelen E, Zetterberg H, Giorgi FS, Galgani A, Blennow K, Caraci F, Das B, Yan R, Vergallo A. β-Secretase1 biological markers for Alzheimer's disease: state-of-art of validation and qualification. Alzheimers Res Ther 2020; 12:130. [PMID: 33066807 PMCID: PMC7566058 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-020-00686-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
β-Secretase1 (BACE1) protein concentrations and rates of enzyme activity, analyzed in human bodily fluids, are promising candidate biological markers for guidance in clinical trials investigating BACE1 inhibitors to halt or delay the dysregulation of the amyloid-β pathway in Alzheimer's disease (AD). A robust body of evidence demonstrates an association between cerebrospinal fluid/blood BACE1 biomarkers and core pathophysiological mechanisms of AD, such as brain protein misfolding and aggregration, neurodegeneration, and synaptic dysfunction.In pharmacological trials, BACE1 candidate biomarkers may be applied to a wide set of contexts of use (CoU), including proof of mechanism, dose-finding, response and toxicity dose estimation. For clinical CoU, BACE1 biomarkers show good performance for prognosis and disease prediction.The roadmap toward validation and qualification of BACE1 biomarkers requires standardized pre-analytical and analytical protocols to reduce inter-site variance that may have contributed to inconsistent results.BACE1 biomarker-drug co-development programs, including biomarker-guided outcomes and endpoints, may support the identification of sub-populations with a higher probability to benefit from BACE1 inhibitors with a reduced risk of adverse effects, in line with the evolving precision medicine paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Hampel
- Sorbonne University, GRC no 21, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Simone Lista
- Sorbonne University, GRC no 21, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
- Brain & Spine Institute (ICM), INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Boulevard de l'hôpital, F-75013, Paris, France
- Institute of Memory and Alzheimer's Disease (IM2A), Department of Neurology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Boulevard de l'hôpital, F-75013, Paris, France
| | | | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | - Filippo Sean Giorgi
- Human Anatomy, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Galgani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Brati Das
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Riqiang Yan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Andrea Vergallo
- Sorbonne University, GRC no 21, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.
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45
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Cognitive outcomes in trials of two BACE inhibitors in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2020; 16:1483-1492. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.12164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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46
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Pinheiro L, Faustino C. Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Amyloid-β in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2020; 16:418-452. [PMID: 30907320 DOI: 10.2174/1567205016666190321163438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder linked to protein misfolding and aggregation. AD is pathologically characterized by senile plaques formed by extracellular Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide and Intracellular Neurofibrillary Tangles (NFT) formed by hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Extensive synaptic loss and neuronal degeneration are responsible for memory impairment, cognitive decline and behavioral dysfunctions typical of AD. Amyloidosis has been implicated in the depression of acetylcholine synthesis and release, overactivation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and increased intracellular calcium levels that result in excitotoxic neuronal degeneration. Current drugs used in AD treatment are either cholinesterase inhibitors or NMDA receptor antagonists; however, they provide only symptomatic relief and do not alter the progression of the disease. Aβ is the product of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) processing after successive cleavage by β- and γ-secretases while APP proteolysis by α-secretase results in non-amyloidogenic products. According to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, Aβ dyshomeostasis results in the accumulation and aggregation of Aβ into soluble oligomers and insoluble fibrils. The former are synaptotoxic and can induce tau hyperphosphorylation while the latter deposit in senile plaques and elicit proinflammatory responses, contributing to oxidative stress, neuronal degeneration and neuroinflammation. Aβ-protein-targeted therapeutic strategies are thus a promising disease-modifying approach for the treatment and prevention of AD. This review summarizes recent findings on Aβ-protein targeted AD drugs, including β-secretase inhibitors, γ-secretase inhibitors and modulators, α-secretase activators, direct inhibitors of Aβ aggregation and immunotherapy targeting Aβ, focusing mainly on those currently under clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Pinheiro
- iMed.ULisboa - Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Célia Faustino
- iMed.ULisboa - Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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Bond S, Lopez-Lloreda C, Gannon PJ, Akay-Espinoza C, Jordan-Sciutto KL. The Integrated Stress Response and Phosphorylated Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2α in Neurodegeneration. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2020; 79:123-143. [PMID: 31913484 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlz129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The proposed molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative pathogenesis are varied, precluding the development of effective therapies for these increasingly prevalent disorders. One of the most consistent observations across neurodegenerative diseases is the phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α). eIF2α is a translation initiation factor, involved in cap-dependent protein translation, which when phosphorylated causes global translation attenuation. eIF2α phosphorylation is mediated by 4 kinases, which, together with their downstream signaling cascades, constitute the integrated stress response (ISR). While the ISR is activated by stresses commonly observed in neurodegeneration, such as oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inflammation, it is a canonically adaptive signaling cascade. However, chronic activation of the ISR can contribute to neurodegenerative phenotypes such as neuronal death, memory impairments, and protein aggregation via apoptotic induction and other maladaptive outcomes downstream of phospho-eIF2α-mediated translation inhibition, including neuroinflammation and altered amyloidogenic processing, plausibly in a feed-forward manner. This review examines evidence that dysregulated eIF2a phosphorylation acts as a driver of neurodegeneration, including a survey of observations of ISR signaling in human disease, inspection of the overlap between ISR signaling and neurodegenerative phenomenon, and assessment of recent encouraging findings ameliorating neurodegeneration using developing pharmacological agents which target the ISR. In doing so, gaps in the field, including crosstalk of the ISR kinases and consideration of ISR signaling in nonneuronal central nervous system cell types, are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bond
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (SB); Department of Neuroscience (CL-L); Department of Pharmacology (PG), Perelman School of Medicine; Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (CA-E); and Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (KLJ-S), School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Claudia Lopez-Lloreda
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (SB); Department of Neuroscience (CL-L); Department of Pharmacology (PG), Perelman School of Medicine; Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (CA-E); and Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (KLJ-S), School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Patrick J Gannon
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (SB); Department of Neuroscience (CL-L); Department of Pharmacology (PG), Perelman School of Medicine; Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (CA-E); and Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (KLJ-S), School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Cagla Akay-Espinoza
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (SB); Department of Neuroscience (CL-L); Department of Pharmacology (PG), Perelman School of Medicine; Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (CA-E); and Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (KLJ-S), School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kelly L Jordan-Sciutto
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (SB); Department of Neuroscience (CL-L); Department of Pharmacology (PG), Perelman School of Medicine; Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (CA-E); and Department of Basic and Translational Sciences (KLJ-S), School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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48
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Ovsepian SV, Horacek J, O'Leary VB, Hoschl C. The Ups and Downs of BACE1: Walking a Fine Line between Neurocognitive and Other Psychiatric Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. Neuroscientist 2020; 27:222-234. [PMID: 32713260 DOI: 10.1177/1073858420940943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although neurocognitive deficit is the best-recognized indicator of Alzheimer's disease (AD), psychotic and other noncognitive symptoms are the prime cause of institutionalization. BACE1 is the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of Aβ of AD, and one of the promising therapeutic targets in countering cognitive decline and amyloid pathology. Changes in BACE1 activity have also emerged to cause significant noncognitive neuropsychiatric symptoms and impairments of circadian rhythms, as evident from clinical trials and reports in transgenic models. In this study, we consider key characteristics of BACE1 with its contribution to neurocognitive deficit and other psychiatric symptoms of AD. We argue that a growing list of noncognitive mental impairments related to pharmacological modulation of BACE1 might present a major obstacle in clinical translation of emerging therapeutic leads targeting this protease. The adverse effects of BACE1 inhibition on mental health call for a revision of treatment strategies that assume indiscriminate inhibition of this key protease, and stress the need for further mechanistic and translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jiri Horacek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Cyril Hoschl
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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49
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Fantini J, Chahinian H, Yahi N. Progress toward Alzheimer's disease treatment: Leveraging the Achilles' heel of Aβ oligomers? Protein Sci 2020; 29:1748-1759. [PMID: 32567070 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
After three decades of false hopes and failures, a pipeline of therapeutic drugs that target the actual root cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is now available. Challenging the old paradigm that focused on β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) aggregation in amyloid plaques, these compounds are designed to prevent the neurotoxicity of Aβ oligomers that form Ca2+ permeable pores in the membranes of brain cells. By triggering an intracellular Ca2+ overdose, Aβ oligomers induce a cascade of neurotoxic events including oxidative stress, tau hyperphosphorylation, and neuronal loss. Targeting any post-Ca2+ entry steps (e.g., tau) will not address the root cause of the disease. Thus, preventing Aβ oligomers formation and/or blocking their toxicity is by essence the best approach to stop any progression of AD. Three categories of anti-oligomer compounds are already available: antibodies, synthetic peptides, and small drugs. Independent in silico-based designs of a peptide (AmyP53) and a monoclonal antibody (PMN310) converged to identify a histidine motif (H13/H14) that is critical for oligomer neutralization. This "histidine trick" can be viewed as the Achilles' heel of Aβ in the fight against AD. Moreover, lipid rafts and especially gangliosides play a critical role in the formation and toxicity of Aβ oligomers. Recognizing AD as a membrane disorder and gangliosides as the key anti-oligomer targets will provide innovative opportunities to find an efficient cure. A "full efficient" solution would also need to be affordable to anyone, as the number of patients has been following an exponential increase, affecting every part of the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Fantini
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Henri Chahinian
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Nouara Yahi
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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Sosibo S, Amoako DG, Somboro AM, Sun DD, Ngila JC, Kumalo H. Understanding the Binding Mechanism of Antagonist (AZD3293) Against BACE-1: Molecular Insights into Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery. LETT DRUG DES DISCOV 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1570180816666191029142640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE 1) is the ratelimiting
enzyme in the formation of neurotoxic β-amyloid (Aβ) residues (Aβ1-40 or Aβ1-42)
considered as key players in the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Consequently, BACE 1 is one
of the principal targets of anti-AD therapy with many small molecule BACE 1 inhibitors (BACE
1Is) in clinical trials. AZD3293 (Lanabecestat) is a BACE 1I that concluded in phase 2/3 clinical
trials. Due to the limited knowledge about the interaction of this drug with the BACE 1 enzyme, in
the present study, we performed comprehensive Molecular Dynamics (MD) analysis to understand
the binding mechanism of AZD3293 to BACE 1.
Methods:
A production run of 120 ns is carried out and results are analysed using Root Mean
Square Deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), and radius of gyration (Rg) to
explain the stability of enzyme ligand complex. Further, the distance (d1) between the flap tip
(Thr72) and the hinge residue of the flexible loop (Thr328), in relation to θ1 (Thr72–Asp228-
Thr328), and to the dihedral angle δ (Thr72-Asp35-Asp228-Thr328) were measured.
Results:
The presence of the ligand within the active site restricted conformational changes as
shown by decreased values of RMSF and average RMSD of atomic positions when compared to the
values of the apoenzyme. Further analysis via the flap dynamics approach revealed that the
AZD3293 decreases the flexibility of binding residues and made them rigid by altering the
conformational changes.
Conclusion:
The prospective binding modes of AZD3293 from this study may extend the
knowledge of the BACE 1-drug interaction and pave the way to design analogues with similar
inhibitory properties needed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sphelele Sosibo
- School of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa
| | - Daniel Gyamfi Amoako
- Drug Research and Innovation Research Unit, School of Medical Biochemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Anou Moise Somboro
- Drug Research and Innovation Research Unit, School of Medical Biochemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Darren Delai Sun
- School of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa
| | - Jane Catherine Ngila
- School of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa
| | - Hezekiel Kumalo
- Drug Research and Innovation Research Unit, School of Medical Biochemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban 4001, South Africa
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