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Naskar R, Ghosh A, Bhattacharya R, Chakraborty S. A critical appraisal of geroprotective activities of flavonoids in terms of their bio-accessibility and polypharmacology. Neurochem Int 2024; 180:105859. [PMID: 39265701 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105859] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Flavonoids, a commonly consumed natural product, elicit health-benefits such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-allergic, hepatoprotective, anti-carcinogenic and neuroprotective activities. Several studies have reported the beneficial role of flavonoids in improving memory, learning, and cognition in clinical settings. Their mechanism of action is mediated through the modulation of multiple signalling cascades. This polypharmacology makes them an attractive natural scaffold for designing and developing new effective therapeutics for complex neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Flavonoids are shown to inhibit crucial targets related to neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs), including acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, β-secretase, γ-secretase, α-synuclein, Aβ protein aggregation and neurofibrillary tangles formation. Conserved neuro-signalling pathways related to neurotransmitter biogenesis and inactivation, ease of genetic manipulation and tractability, cost-effectiveness, and their short lifespan make Caenorhabditis elegans one of the most frequently used models in neuroscience research and high-throughput drug screening for neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we critically appraise the neuroprotective activities of different flavonoids based on clinical trials and epidemiological data. This review provides critical insights into the absorption, metabolism, and tissue distribution of various classes of flavonoids, as well as detailed mechanisms of the observed neuroprotective activities at the molecular level, to rationalize the clinical data. We further extend the review to critically evaluate the scope of flavonoids in the disease management of neurodegenerative disorders and review the suitability of C. elegans as a model organism to study the neuroprotective efficacy of flavonoids and natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roumi Naskar
- Center for Innovation in Molecular and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CIMPS), Dr. Reddy's Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad Campus, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Anirrban Ghosh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Kolkata, 700135, India
| | - Raja Bhattacharya
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Kolkata, 700135, India.
| | - Sandipan Chakraborty
- Center for Innovation in Molecular and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CIMPS), Dr. Reddy's Institute of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad Campus, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500046, India.
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2
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Zhang R, Huang X, Zhou C, Zhang Q, Jia D, Xie X, Zhang J. Network pharmacology-based mechanism analysis of dauricine on the alleviating Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:321. [PMID: 39215261 PMCID: PMC11363685 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04589-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dauricine (DAU), a benzyl tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the root of Menispermum dauricum DC, exhibits promising anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) effects, but its underlying mechanisms remain inadequately investigated. This paper aims to identify potential targets and molecular mechanisms of DAU in AD treatment. METHODS Network pharmacology and molecular docking simulation method were used to screen and focus core targets. Various transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans models were chosen to validate the anti-AD efficacy and mechanism of DAU. RESULTS There are 66 potential DAU-AD target intersections identified from 100 DAU and 3036 AD-related targets. Subsequent protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis identified 16 core targets of DAU for anti-AD. PIK3CA, AKT1 and mTOR were predicted to be the central targets with the best connectivity through the analysis of "compound-target-biological process-pathway network". Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities between DAU and PIK3CA, AKT1, and mTOR. In vivo experiments demonstrated that DAU effectively reduced paralysis in AD nematodes caused by Aβ aggregation toxicity, downregulated expression of PIK3CA, AKT1, and mTOR homologues (age-1, akt-1, let-363), and upregulated expression of autophagy genes and the marker protein LGG-1. Simultaneously, DAU increased lysosomal content and enhanced degradation of the autophagy-related substrate protein P62. Thioflavin T(Th-T)staining experiment revealed that DAU decreased Aβ accumulation in AD nematodes. Further experiments also confirmed DAU's protein scavenging activity in polyglutamine (polyQ) aggregation nematodes. CONCLUSION Collectively, the mechanism of DAU against AD may be related to the activation of the autophagy-lysosomal protein clearance pathway, which contributes to the decrease of Aβ aggregation and the restoration of protein homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranran Zhang
- Institute of Cash Crops, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
- College of Bioscience and Engineering, Hebei University of Economics and Business, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- College of Bioscience and Engineering, Hebei University of Economics and Business, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chunling Zhou
- College of Bioscience and Engineering, Hebei University of Economics and Business, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- College of Bioscience and Engineering, Hebei University of Economics and Business, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dongsheng Jia
- Institute of Cash Crops, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoliang Xie
- Institute of Cash Crops, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ju Zhang
- Institute of Cash Crops, Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China.
- College of Bioscience and Engineering, Hebei University of Economics and Business, Shijiazhuang, China.
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Wen YP, Fu HJ, Chen Q, Lan C, Qin DL, Wu JM, Wu AG, Zhou XG. Exploring the therapeutic potential of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract against amyloid-beta-induced toxicity in the Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1408031. [PMID: 38983916 PMCID: PMC11232431 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1408031] [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: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a critical global health challenge with limited therapeutic options, prompting the exploration of alternative strategies. A key pathology in AD involves amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation, and targeting both Aβ aggregation and oxidative stress is crucial for effective intervention. Natural compounds from medicinal and food sources have emerged as potential preventive and therapeutic agents, with Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (NLE) showing promising properties. Methods: In this study, we utilized transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) models to investigate the potential of NLE in countering AD and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Various assays were employed to assess paralysis rates, food-searching capabilities, Aβ aggregate accumulation, oxidative stress, lifespan under stress conditions, and the expression of stress-resistance-related proteins. Additionally, autophagy induction was evaluated by measuring P62 levels and the formation of LGG-1+ structures, with RNAi-mediated inhibition of autophagy-related genes to confirm the mechanisms involved. Results: The results demonstrated that NLE significantly reduced paralysis rates in CL4176 and CL2006 worms while enhancing food-searching capabilities in CL2355 worms. NLE also attenuated Aβ aggregate accumulation and mitigated Aβ-induced oxidative stress in C. elegans. Furthermore, NLE extended the lifespan of worms under oxidative and thermal stress conditions, while concurrently increasing the expression of stress-resistance-related proteins, including SOD-3, GST-4, HSP-4, and HSP-6. Moreover, NLE induced autophagy in C. elegans, as evidenced by reduced P62 levels in BC12921 worms and the formation of LGG-1+ structures in DA2123 worms. The RNAi-mediated inhibition of autophagy-related genes, such as bec-1 and vps-34, negated the protective effects of NLE against Aβ-induced paralysis and aggregate accumulation. Discussion: These findings suggest that NLE ameliorates Aβ-induced toxicity by activating autophagy in C. elegans. The study underscores the potential of NLE as a promising candidate for further investigation in AD management, offering multifaceted approaches to mitigate AD-related pathology and stress-related challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Ping Wen
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hai-Jun Fu
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qin Chen
- Nanchong Food and Drug Inspection Institute, Nanchong, China
| | - Cai Lan
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Da-Lian Qin
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jian-Ming Wu
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - An-Guo Wu
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Gang Zhou
- Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
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Chen Y, Xu R, Liu Q, Zeng Y, Chen W, Liu Y, Cao Y, Liu G, Chen Y. Rosmarinic acid ameliorated oxidative stress, neuronal injuries, and mitochondrial dysfunctions mediated by polyglutamine and ɑ-synuclein in Caenorhabditis elegans models. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04206-4. [PMID: 38703342 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04206-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Numerous natural antioxidants have been developed into agents for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) treatment. Rosmarinic acid (RA), an excellent antioxidant, exhibits neuroprotective activity, but its anti-NDs efficacy remains puzzling. Here, Caenorhabditis elegans models were employed to systematically reveal RA-mediated mechanisms in delaying NDs from diverse facets, including oxidative stress, the homeostasis of neural and protein, and mitochondrial disorders. Firstly, RA significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species accumulation, reduced peroxide malonaldehyde production, and strengthened the antioxidant defense system via increasing superoxide dismutase activity. Besides, RA reduced neuronal loss and ameliorated polyglutamine and ɑ-synuclein-mediated dyskinesia in NDs models. Further, in combination with the data and molecular docking results, RA may bind specifically to Huntington protein and ɑ-synuclein to prevent toxic protein aggregation and thus enhance proteostasis. Finally, RA ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction including increasing adenosine triphosphate and mitochondrial membrane potential levels and rescuing mitochondrial membrane proteins' expressions and mitochondrial structural abnormalities via regulating mitochondrial dynamics genes and improving the mitochondrial kinetic homeostasis. Thus, this study systematically revealed the RA-mediated neuroprotective mechanism and promoted RA as a promising nutritional intervention strategy to prevent NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruina Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiaoxing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanting Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
| | - Weitian Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongfa Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China
| | - Guo Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China.
- College of Light Industry and Food, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, 510225, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yunjiao Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China.
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, 510640, Guangdong, China.
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Duangjan C, Chang X, Seidler PM, Curran SP. Oolonghomobisflavans from Camellia sinensis disaggregate tau fibrils across Alzheimer's disease models. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.26.582120. [PMID: 38464186 PMCID: PMC10925199 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.26.582120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common debilitating neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options. Amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau fibrils are well-established hallmarks of AD, which can induce oxidative stress, neuronal cell death, and are linked to disease pathology. Here, we describe the effects of Oolonghomobisflavan A (OFA) and Oolonghomobisflavan B (OFB) on tau fibril disaggregation and prionogenic seeding. Transcriptomic analysis of OF-treated animals reveals the induction of a proteostasis-enhancing and health-promoting signature. OFA treatment reduced the burden of Tau protein aggregation in a C. elegans model expressing pathogenic human tau ("hTau-expressing") and promoted Tau disaggregation and inhibited seeding in assays using ex vivo brain-derived paired helical filament tau protein fibrils from Alzheimer's disease brain donors. Correspondingly, treatment with OF improved multiple fitness and aging-related health parameters in the hTau-expressing C. elegans model, including reproductive output, muscle function, and importantly, reversed the shortened lifespan stemming from pathogenic Tau expression. Collectively, this study provides new evidence supporting the neuroprotective effects of OFs and reveal a new therapeutic strategy for targeting AD and other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by tauopathy.
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da Silva LPD, da Cruz Guedes E, Fernandes ICO, Pedroza LAL, da Silva Pereira GJ, Gubert P. Exploring Caenorhabditis elegans as Parkinson's Disease Model: Neurotoxins and Genetic Implications. Neurotox Res 2024; 42:11. [PMID: 38319410 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-024-00686-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world, the first being Alzheimer's disease. Patients with PD have a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia, which controls voluntary movements, causing a motor impairment as a result of dopaminergic signaling impairment. Studies have shown that mutations in several genes, such as SNCA, PARK2, PINK1, DJ-1, ATP13A2, and LRRK2, and the exposure to neurotoxic agents can potentially increase the chances of PD development. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) plays an important role in studying the risk factors, such as genetic factors, aging, exposure to chemicals, disease progression, and drug treatments for PD. C. elegans has a conserved neurotransmission system during evolution; it produces dopamine, through the eight dopaminergic neurons; it can be used to study the effect of neurotoxins and also has strains that express human α-synuclein. Furthermore, the human PD-related genes, LRK-1, PINK-1, PDR-1, DJR-1.1, and CATP-6, are present and functional in this model. Therefore, this review focuses on highlighting and discussing the use of C. elegans an in vivo model in PD-related studies. Here, we identified that nematodes exposed to the neurotoxins, such as 6-OHDA, MPTP, paraquat, and rotenone, had a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, dopamine deficits, and decreased survival rate. Several studies have reported that expression of human LRRK2 (G2019S) caused neurodegeneration and pink-1, pdr-1, and djr-1.1 deletion caused several effects PD-related in C. elegans, including mitochondrial dysfunctions. Of note, the deletion of catp-6 in nematodes caused behavioral dysfunction, mitochondrial damage, and reduced survival. In addition, nematodes expressing α-synuclein had neurodegeneration and dopamine-dependent deficits. Therefore, C. elegans can be considered an accurate animal model of PD that can be used to elucidate to assess the underlying mechanisms implicated in PD to find novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Pereira Dantas da Silva
- Keizo Asami Institute, iLIKA, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Moraes Rego Avenue, 1235, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Erika da Cruz Guedes
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabel Cristina Oliveira Fernandes
- Keizo Asami Institute, iLIKA, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Moraes Rego Avenue, 1235, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Science, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Lucas Aleixo Leal Pedroza
- Keizo Asami Institute, iLIKA, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Moraes Rego Avenue, 1235, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil
| | | | - Priscila Gubert
- Keizo Asami Institute, iLIKA, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Moraes Rego Avenue, 1235, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-901, Brazil.
- Postgraduate Program in Biological Science, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.
- Postgraduate Program in Pure and Applied Chemistry, Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia, Bahia, Brazil.
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Ceyhan B, Nategh P, Neghabi M, LaMar JA, Konjalwar S, Rodriguez P, Hahn MK, Gross M, Grumbar G, Salleng KJ, Blakely RD, Ranji M. Optical Imaging Demonstrates Tissue-Specific Metabolic Perturbations in Mblac1 Knockout Mice. IEEE JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL ENGINEERING IN HEALTH AND MEDICINE 2024; 12:298-305. [PMID: 38410184 PMCID: PMC10896421 DOI: 10.1109/jtehm.2024.3355962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Metabolic changes have been extensively documented in neurodegenerative brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mutations in the C. elegans swip-10 gene result in dopamine (DA) dependent motor dysfunction accompanied by DA neuron degeneration. Recently, the putative human ortholog of swip-10 (MBLAC1) was implicated as a risk factor in AD, a disorder that, like PD, has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Interestingly, the AD risk associated with MBLAC1 arises in subjects with cardiovascular morbidity, suggesting a broader functional insult arising from reduced MBLAC1 protein expression and one possibly linked to metabolic alterations. METHODS Our current studies, utilizing Mblac1 knockout (KO) mice, seek to determine whether mitochondrial respiration is affected in the peripheral tissues of these mice. We quantified the levels of mitochondrial coenzymes, NADH, FAD, and their redox ratio (NADH/FAD, RR) in livers and kidneys of wild-type (WT) mice and their homozygous KO littermates of males and females, using 3D optical cryo-imaging. RESULTS Compared to WT, the RR of livers from KO mice was significantly reduced, without an apparent sex effect, driven predominantly by significantly lower NADH levels. In contrast, no genotype and sex differences were observed in kidney samples. Serum analyses of WT and KO mice revealed significantly elevated glucose levels in young and aged KO adults and diminished cholesterol levels in the aged KOs, consistent with liver dysfunction. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION As seen with C. elegans swip-10 mutants, loss of MBLAC1 protein results in metabolic changes that are not restricted to neural cells and are consistent with the presence of peripheral comorbidities accompanying neurodegenerative disease in cases where MBLAC1 expression changes impact risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busenur Ceyhan
- Biophotonics LaboratoryDepartment of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer ScienceFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Parisa Nategh
- Biophotonics LaboratoryDepartment of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer ScienceFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Mehrnoosh Neghabi
- Biophotonics LaboratoryDepartment of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer ScienceFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Jacob A LaMar
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCharles E. Schmidt College of MedicineFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Shalaka Konjalwar
- Biophotonics LaboratoryDepartment of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer ScienceFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Peter Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCharles E. Schmidt College of MedicineFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Maureen K Hahn
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCharles E. Schmidt College of MedicineFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University Jupiter FL 33458 USA
| | - Matthew Gross
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCharles E. Schmidt College of MedicineFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Gregory Grumbar
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCharles E. Schmidt College of MedicineFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Kenneth J Salleng
- Division of Research, Comparative MedicineFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
| | - Randy D Blakely
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCharles E. Schmidt College of MedicineFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University Jupiter FL 33458 USA
| | - Mahsa Ranji
- Biophotonics LaboratoryDepartment of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer ScienceFlorida Atlantic University Boca Raton FL 33431 USA
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University Jupiter FL 33458 USA
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Chen L, Zhang S, Liu S, Gao S. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mechanism: Insights from the Caenorhabditis elegans Models. Cells 2024; 13:99. [PMID: 38201303 PMCID: PMC10778397 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010099] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons. Despite extensive research in various model animals, the cellular signal mechanisms of ALS remain elusive, impeding the development of efficacious treatments. Among these models, a well-characterized and diminutive organism, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), has emerged as a potent tool for investigating the molecular and cellular dimensions of ALS pathogenesis. This review summarizes the contributions of C. elegans models to our comprehension of ALS, emphasizing pivotal findings pertaining to genetics, protein aggregation, cellular pathways, and potential therapeutic strategies. We analyze both the merits and constraints of the C. elegans system in the realm of ALS research and point towards future investigations that could bridge the chasm between C. elegans foundational discoveries and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shangbang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (L.C.); (S.Z.); (S.L.)
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Wu Y, Chen Y, Yu X, Zhang M, Li Z. Towards Understanding Neurodegenerative Diseases: Insights from Caenorhabditis elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:443. [PMID: 38203614 PMCID: PMC10778690 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The elevated occurrence of debilitating neurodegenerative disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), demands urgent disease-modifying therapeutics. Owing to the evolutionarily conserved molecular signalling pathways with mammalian species and facile genetic manipulation, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) emerges as a powerful and manipulative model system for mechanistic insights into neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we review several representative C. elegans models established for five common neurodegenerative diseases, which closely simulate disease phenotypes specifically in the gain-of-function aspect. We exemplify applications of high-throughput genetic and drug screenings to illustrate the potential of C. elegans to probe novel therapeutic targets. This review highlights the utility of C. elegans as a comprehensive and versatile platform for the dissection of neurodegenerative diseases at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zhaoyu Li
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (Y.W.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.); (M.Z.)
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10
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Kirchweger B, Zwirchmayr J, Grienke U, Rollinger JM. The role of Caenorhabditis elegans in the discovery of natural products for healthy aging. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:1849-1873. [PMID: 37585263 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00021d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Covering: 2012 to 2023The human population is aging. Thus, the greatest risk factor for numerous diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, is increasing worldwide. Age-related diseases do not typically occur in isolation, but as a result of multi-factorial causes, which in turn require holistic approaches to identify and decipher the mode of action of potential remedies. With the advent of C. elegans as the primary model organism for aging, researchers now have a powerful in vivo tool for identifying and studying agents that effect lifespan and health span. Natural products have been focal research subjects in this respect. This review article covers key developments of the last decade (2012-2023) that have led to the discovery of natural products with healthy aging properties in C. elegans. We (i) discuss the state of knowledge on the effects of natural products on worm aging including methods, assays and involved pathways; (ii) analyze the literature on natural compounds in terms of their molecular properties and the translatability of effects on mammals; (iii) examine the literature on multi-component mixtures with special attention to the studied organisms, extraction methods and efforts regarding the characterization of their chemical composition and their bioactive components. (iv) We further propose to combine small in vivo model organisms such as C. elegans and sophisticated analytical approaches ("wormomics") to guide the way to dissect complex natural products with anti-aging properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Kirchweger
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Julia Zwirchmayr
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Ulrike Grienke
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Judith M Rollinger
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Chen C, Chen J, Lin X, Yang J, Qu H, Li L, Zhang D, Wang W, Chang X, Guo Z, Cai P, Yu G, Shao W, Hu H, Wu S, Li H, Bornhorst J, Aschner M, Zheng F. Evaluation of neurotoxicity and the role of oxidative stress of cobalt nanoparticles, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and multiwall carbon nanotubes in Caenorhabditis elegans. Toxicol Sci 2023; 196:85-98. [PMID: 37584706 PMCID: PMC10614054 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The widespread use of nanomaterials in daily life has led to increased concern about their potential neurotoxicity. Therefore, it is particularly important to establish a simple and reproducible assessment system. Representative nanomaterials, including cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs), titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs), and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), were compared in terms of their neurotoxicity and underlying mechanisms. In 0, 25, 50, and 75 μg/ml of these nanomaterials, the survival, locomotion behaviors, acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, reactive oxygen species production, and glutathione-S transferase 4 (Gst-4) activation in wildtype and transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) were evaluated. All nanomaterials induced an imbalance in oxidative stress, decreased the ratio of survival, impaired locomotion behaviors, as well as reduced the activity of AchE in C. elegans. Interestingly, CoNPs and MWCNTs activated Gst-4, but not TiO2-NPs. The reactive oxygen species scavenger, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, alleviated oxidative stress and Gst-4 upregulation upon exposure to CoNPs and MWCNTs, and rescued the locomotion behaviors. MWCNTs caused the most severe damage, followed by CoNPs and TiO2-NPs. Furthermore, oxidative stress and subsequent activation of Gst-4 were involved in nanomaterials-induced neurotoxicity. Our study provides a comprehensive comparison of the neurotoxicity and mechanisms of typical nanomaterials, which could serve as a model for hazard assessment of environmental pollutants using C. elegans as an experimental model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Chen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Jingrong Chen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Xinpei Lin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Jiafu Yang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Huimin Qu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Lisong Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Duanyan Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Xiangyu Chang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Zhenkun Guo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Ping Cai
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Guangxia Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Wenya Shao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Hong Hu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Siying Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Huangyuan Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
| | - Julia Bornhorst
- Food Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Wuppertal, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
- TraceAge—DFG Research Unit FOR 2558, Berlin-Potsdam, Jena, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
| | - Fuli Zheng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Cancer, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350122, China
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Wahl D, Smith ME, McEntee CM, Cavalier AN, Osburn SC, Burke SD, Grant RA, Nerguizian D, Lark DS, Link CD, LaRocca TJ. The reverse transcriptase inhibitor 3TC protects against age-related cognitive dysfunction. Aging Cell 2023; 22:e13798. [PMID: 36949552 PMCID: PMC10186603 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is the primary risk factor for most neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Major hallmarks of brain aging include neuroinflammation/immune activation and reduced neuronal health/function. These processes contribute to cognitive dysfunction (a key risk factor for Alzheimer's disease), but their upstream causes are incompletely understood. Age-related increases in transposable element (TE) transcripts might contribute to reduced cognitive function with brain aging, as the reverse transcriptase inhibitor 3TC reduces inflammation in peripheral tissues and TE transcripts have been linked with tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease. However, the effects of 3TC on cognitive function with aging have not been investigated. Here, in support of a role for TE transcripts in brain aging/cognitive decline, we show that 3TC: (a) improves cognitive function and reduces neuroinflammation in old wild-type mice; (b) preserves neuronal health with aging in mice and Caenorhabditis elegans; and (c) enhances cognitive function in a mouse model of tauopathy. We also provide insight on potential underlying mechanisms, as well as evidence of translational relevance for these observations by showing that TE transcripts accumulate with brain aging in humans, and that these age-related increases intersect with those observed in Alzheimer's disease. Collectively, our results suggest that TE transcript accumulation during aging may contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration, and that targeting these events with reverse transcriptase inhibitors like 3TC could be a viable therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin Wahl
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Meghan E. Smith
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Cali M. McEntee
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Alyssa N. Cavalier
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Shelby C. Osburn
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Samuel D. Burke
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Randy A. Grant
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - David Nerguizian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Daniel S. Lark
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Christopher D. Link
- Department of Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Thomas J. LaRocca
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
- Center for Healthy AgingColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
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13
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Ojha S, Patil N, Jain M, Kole C, Kaushik P. Probiotics for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Systemic Review. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041083. [PMID: 37110506 PMCID: PMC10140855 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (ND) are a group of conditions that affect the neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to their degeneration and eventually causing the loss of function in the affected areas. These disorders can be caused by a range of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. Major pathological signs of these diseases are protein misfolding, proteosomal dysfunction, aggregation, inadequate degradation, oxidative stress, free radical formation, mitochondrial dysfunctions, impaired bioenergetics, DNA damage, fragmentation of Golgi apparatus neurons, disruption of axonal transport, dysfunction of neurotrophins (NTFs), neuroinflammatory or neuroimmune processes, and neurohumoral symptoms. According to recent studies, defects or imbalances in gut microbiota can directly lead to neurological disorders through the gut-brain axis. Probiotics in ND are recommended to prevent cognitive dysfunction, which is a major symptom of these diseases. Many in vivo and clinical trials have revealed that probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus casei, etc.) are effective candidates against the progression of ND. It has been proven that the inflammatory process and oxidative stress can be modulated by modifying the gut microbiota with the help of probiotics. As a result, this study provides an overview of the available data, bacterial variety, gut-brain axis defects, and probiotics' mode of action in averting ND. A literature search on particular sites, including PubMed, Nature, and Springer Link, has identified articles that might be pertinent to this subject. The search contains the following few groups of terms: (1) Neurodegenerative disorders and Probiotics OR (2) Probiotics and Neurodegenerative disorders. The outcomes of this study aid in elucidating the relationship between the effects of probiotics on different neurodegenerative disorders. This systematic review will assist in discovering new treatments in the future, as probiotics are generally safe and cause mild side effects in some cases in the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Ojha
- Cell & Developmental Biology Laboratory, Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
- Department of Life Sciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
| | - Nil Patil
- Cell & Developmental Biology Laboratory, Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
- Department of Life Sciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
| | - Mukul Jain
- Cell & Developmental Biology Laboratory, Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
- Department of Life Sciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, India
| | | | - Prashant Kaushik
- Instituto de Conservacióny Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
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14
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Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model System to Study Human Neurodegenerative Disorders. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030478. [PMID: 36979413 PMCID: PMC10046667 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, advances in science and technology have improved our quality of life, enabling us to tackle diseases and increase human life expectancy. However, longevity is accompanied by an accretion in the frequency of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, creating a growing burden, with pervasive social impact for human societies. The cost of managing such chronic disorders and the lack of effective treatments highlight the need to decipher their molecular and genetic underpinnings, in order to discover new therapeutic targets. In this effort, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans serves as a powerful tool to recapitulate several disease-related phenotypes and provides a highly malleable genetic model that allows the implementation of multidisciplinary approaches, in addition to large-scale genetic and pharmacological screens. Its anatomical transparency allows the use of co-expressed fluorescent proteins to track the progress of neurodegeneration. Moreover, the functional conservation of neuronal processes, along with the high homology between nematode and human genomes, render C. elegans extremely suitable for the study of human neurodegenerative disorders. This review describes nematode models used to study neurodegeneration and underscores their contribution in the effort to dissect the molecular basis of human diseases and identify novel gene targets with therapeutic potential.
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Park Y, Gaddy M, Hyun M, Jones ME, Aslam HM, Lee MH. Genetic and Chemical Controls of Sperm Fate and Spermatocyte Dedifferentiation via PUF-8 and MPK-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030434. [PMID: 36766775 PMCID: PMC9913519 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Using the nematode C. elegans germline as a model system, we previously reported that PUF-8 (a PUF RNA-binding protein) and LIP-1 (a dual-specificity phosphatase) repress sperm fate at 20 °C and the dedifferentiation of spermatocytes into mitotic cells (termed "spermatocyte dedifferentiation") at 25 °C. Thus, double mutants lacking both PUF-8 and LIP-1 produce excess sperm at 20 °C, and their spermatocytes return to mitotically dividing cells via dedifferentiation at 25 °C, resulting in germline tumors. To gain insight into the molecular competence for spermatocyte dedifferentiation, we compared the germline phenotypes of three mutant strains that produce excess sperm-fem-3(q20gf), puf-8(q725); fem-3(q20gf), and puf-8(q725); lip-1(zh15). Spermatocyte dedifferentiation was not observed in fem-3(q20gf) mutants, but it was more severe in puf-8(q725); lip-1(zh15) than in puf-8(q725); fem-3(q20gf) mutants. These results suggest that MPK-1 (the C. elegans ERK1/2 MAPK ortholog) activation in the absence of PUF-8 is required to promote spermatocyte dedifferentiation. This idea was confirmed using Resveratrol (RSV), a potential activator of MPK-1 and ERK1/2 in C. elegans and human cells, respectively. Notably, spermatocyte dedifferentiation was significantly enhanced by RSV treatment in the absence of PUF-8, and its effect was blocked by mpk-1 RNAi. We, therefore, conclude that PUF-8 and MPK-1 are essential regulators for spermatocyte dedifferentiation and tumorigenesis. Since these regulators are broadly conserved, we suggest that similar regulatory circuitry may control cellular dedifferentiation and tumorigenesis in other organisms, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngyong Park
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Matthew Gaddy
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Moonjung Hyun
- Biological Resources Research Group, Bioenvironmental Science & Toxicology Division, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Jinju 52834, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Mariah E. Jones
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Hafiz M. Aslam
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Myon Hee Lee
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
- Correspondence:
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Ortiz-Rodríguez MA, Martínez-Salazar MF, Antunez-Bautista PK, Jiménez-Osorio AS. Strategies for the study of neuroepigenetics and aging with a translational approach. AGING AND HEALTH RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ahr.2023.100122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
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17
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Kang AN, Mun D, Ryu S, Jae Lee J, Oh S, Kyu Kim M, Song M, Oh S, Kim Y. Culturomic-, metagenomic-, and transcriptomic-based characterization of commensal lactic acid bacteria isolated from domestic dogs using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for aging. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:skac323. [PMID: 36194530 PMCID: PMC9733531 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In tandem with the fast expansion of the pet-economy industry, the present aging research has been noticing the function of probiotics in extending the healthy lifetime of domestic animals. In this study, we aimed to understand the bacterial compositions of canine feces and isolating lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as commensal LAB as novel potential probiotics for the use of antiaging using Caenorhabditis elegans surrogate animal model. Under an anaerobic, culturomic, and metagenomic analysis, a total of 305 commensal LAB were isolated from diverse domestic dogs, and four strains, Lactobacillus amylolyticus, L. salivarius, Enterococcus hirae, and E. faecium, made prominence as commensal LAB by enhancing C. elegans life span and restored neuronal degeneration induced by aging by upregulating skn-1, ser-7, and odr-3, 7, 10. Importantly, whole transcriptome results and integrative network analysis revealed extensive mRNA encoding protein domains and functional pathways of naturally aging C. elegans were examined and we built the gene informatics basis. Taken together, our findings proposed that a specific gene network corresponding to the pathways differentially expressed during the aging and selected commensal LAB as potential probiotic strains could be provided beneficial effects in the aging of domestic animals by modulating the dynamics of gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Na Kang
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Daye Mun
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sangdon Ryu
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jeong Jae Lee
- Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Sejong Oh
- Division of Animal Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Min Kyu Kim
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Minho Song
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Sangnam Oh
- Department of Functional Food and Biotechnology, Jeonju University, Jeonju 55069, Korea
| | - Younghoon Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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Faskhutdinova E, Sukhikh A, Le V, Minina V, Khelef MEA, Loseva A. Effects of bioactive substances isolated from Siberian medicinal plants on the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans. FOODS AND RAW MATERIALS 2022. [DOI: 10.21603/2308-4057-2022-2-544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants are sources of natural antioxidants. Acting as reducing agents, these substances protect the human body against oxidative stress and slow down the aging process. We aimed to study the effects of bioactive substances isolated from medicinal plants on the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans L. used as a model organism.
High-performance liquid chromatography was applied to isolate bioactive substances from the extracts of callus, suspension, and root cultures of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria L.), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.), Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis L.), red clover (Trifolium pretense L.), alfalfa (Medicágo sativa L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). Their effect on the lifespan of C. elegans nematodes was determined by counting live nematodes treated with their concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 200 µmol/L after 61 days of the experiment. The results were recorded using IR spectrometry.
The isolated bioactive substances were at least 95% pure. We found that the studied concentrations of trans-cinnamic acid, baicalin, rutin, ursolic acid, and magniferin did not significantly increase the lifespan of the nematodes. Naringenin increased their lifespan by an average of 27.3% during days 8–26. Chlorogenic acid at a concentration of 100 µmol/L increased the lifespan of C. elegans by 27.7%. Ginkgo-based kaempferol and quercetin, as well as red clover-based biochanin A at the concentrations of 200, 10, and 100 µmol/L, respectively, increased the lifespan of the nematodes by 30.6, 41.9, and 45.2%, respectively.
The bioactive substances produced from callus, root, and suspension cultures of the above medicinal plants had a positive effect on the lifespan of C. elegans nematodes. This confirms their geroprotective properties and allows them to be used as anti-aging agents.
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Multi-Target Effects of ß-Caryophyllene and Carnosic Acid at the Crossroads of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Neurodegeneration: From Oxidative Stress to Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061199. [PMID: 35740096 PMCID: PMC9220155 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and oxidative stress are interlinked and interdependent processes involved in many chronic diseases, including neurodegeneration, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Therefore, targeting inflammatory pathways may represent a potential therapeutic strategy. Emerging evidence indicates that many phytochemicals extracted from edible plants have the potential to ameliorate the disease phenotypes. In this scenario, ß-caryophyllene (BCP), a bicyclic sesquiterpene, and carnosic acid (CA), an ortho-diphenolic diterpene, were demonstrated to exhibit anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, as well as neuroprotective and mitoprotective effects in different in vitro and in vivo models. BCP essentially promotes its effects by acting as a selective agonist and allosteric modulator of cannabinoid type-2 receptor (CB2R). CA is a pro-electrophilic compound that, in response to oxidation, is converted to its electrophilic form. This can interact and activate the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE transcription pathway, triggering the synthesis of endogenous antioxidant “phase 2” enzymes. However, given the nature of its chemical structure, CA also exhibits direct antioxidant effects. BCP and CA can readily cross the BBB and accumulate in brain regions, giving rise to neuroprotective effects by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting activated microglia, substantially through the activation of pro-survival signalling pathways, including regulation of apoptosis and autophagy, and molecular mechanisms related to mitochondrial quality control. Findings from different in vitro/in vivo experimental models of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease reported the beneficial effects of both compounds, suggesting that their use in treatments may be a promising strategy in the management of neurodegenerative diseases aimed at maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and ameliorating glia-mediated neuroinflammation.
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Wang C, Zheng C. Using Caenorhabditis elegans to Model Therapeutic Interventions of Neurodegenerative Diseases Targeting Microbe-Host Interactions. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:875349. [PMID: 35571084 PMCID: PMC9096141 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.875349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence from both clinical studies and animal models indicates the importance of the interaction between the gut microbiome and the brain in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Although how microbes modulate neurodegeneration is still mostly unclear, recent studies have started to probe into the mechanisms for the communication between microbes and hosts in NDs. In this review, we highlight the advantages of using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) to disentangle the microbe-host interaction that regulates neurodegeneration. We summarize the microbial pro- and anti-neurodegenerative factors identified using the C. elegans ND models and the effects of many are confirmed in mouse models. Specifically, we focused on the role of bacterial amyloid proteins, such as curli, in promoting proteotoxicity and neurodegeneration by cross-seeding the aggregation of endogenous ND-related proteins, such as α-synuclein. Targeting bacterial amyloid production may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating NDs, and several compounds, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), were shown to suppress neurodegeneration at least partly by inhibiting curli production. Because bacterial amyloid fibrils contribute to biofilm formation, inhibition of amyloid production often leads to the disruption of biofilms. Interestingly, from a list of 59 compounds that showed neuroprotective effects in C. elegans and mouse ND models, we found that about half of them are known to inhibit bacterial growth or biofilm formation, suggesting a strong correlation between the neuroprotective and antibiofilm activities. Whether these potential therapeutics indeed protect neurons from proteotoxicity by inhibiting the cross-seeding between bacterial and human amyloid proteins awaits further investigations. Finally, we propose to screen the long list of antibiofilm agents, both FDA-approved drugs and novel compounds, for their neuroprotective effects and develop new pharmaceuticals that target the gut microbiome for the treatment of NDs. To this end, the C. elegans ND models can serve as a platform for fast, high-throughput, and low-cost drug screens that target the microbe-host interaction in NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chaogu Zheng
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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21
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Tello JA, Williams HE, Eppler RM, Steinhilb ML, Khanna M. Animal Models of Neurodegenerative Disease: Recent Advances in Fly Highlight Innovative Approaches to Drug Discovery. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:883358. [PMID: 35514431 PMCID: PMC9063566 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.883358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases represent a formidable challenge to global health. As advances in other areas of medicine grant healthy living into later decades of life, aging diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative disorders can diminish the quality of these additional years, owed largely to the lack of efficacious treatments and the absence of durable cures. Alzheimer's disease prevalence is predicted to more than double in the next 30 years, affecting nearly 15 million Americans, with AD-associated costs exceeding $1 billion by 2050. Delaying onset of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases is critical to improving the quality of life for patients and reducing the burden of disease on caregivers and healthcare systems. Significant progress has been made to model disease pathogenesis and identify points of therapeutic intervention. While some researchers have contributed to our understanding of the proteins and pathways that drive biological dysfunction in disease using in vitro and in vivo models, others have provided mathematical, biophysical, and computational technologies to identify potential therapeutic compounds using in silico modeling. The most exciting phase of the drug discovery process is now: by applying a target-directed approach that leverages the strengths of multiple techniques and validates lead hits using Drosophila as an animal model of disease, we are on the fast-track to identifying novel therapeutics to restore health to those impacted by neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A. Tello
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Haley E. Williams
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Robert M. Eppler
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - Michelle L. Steinhilb
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - May Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Center of Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University, New York, NY, United States
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22
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Del Giudice L, Alifano P, Calcagnile M, Di Schiavi E, Bertapelle C, Aletta M, Pontieri P. Mitochondrial ribosomal protein genes connected with Alzheimer's and tellurite toxicity. Mitochondrion 2022; 64:45-58. [PMID: 35218961 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial diseases are a group of genetic disorders characterized by dysfunctional mitochondria. Within eukaryotic cells, mitochondria contain their own ribosomes, which synthesize small amounts of proteins, all of which are essential for the biogenesis of the oxidative phosphorylation system. The ribosome is an evolutionarily conserved macromolecular machine in nature both from a structural and functional point of view, universally responsible for the synthesis of proteins. Among the diseases afflicting humans, those of ribosomal origin - either cytoplasmic ribosomes (80S) or mitochondrial ribosomes (70S) - are relevant. These are inherited or acquired diseases most commonly caused by either ribosomal protein haploinsufficiency or defects in ribosome biogenesis. Here we review the scientific literature about the recent advances on changes in mitochondrial ribosomal structural and assembly proteins that are implicated in primary mitochondrial diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, and their possible connection with metalloid pollution and toxicity, with a focus on MRPL44, NAM9 (MNA6) and GEP3 (MTG3), whose lack or defect was associated with resistance to tellurite. Finally, we illustrate the suitability of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S.cerevisiae) and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C.elegans) as model organisms for studying mitochondrial ribosome dysfunctions including those involved in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Del Giudice
- Istituto di Bioscienze e BioRisorse-UOS Napoli-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Biologia, Sezione di Igiene, Napoli 80134, Italy.
| | - Pietro Alifano
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali, Università del Salento, Lecce 73100, Italy
| | - Matteo Calcagnile
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche e Ambientali, Università del Salento, Lecce 73100, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Paola Pontieri
- Istituto di Bioscienze e BioRisorse-UOS Napoli-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Biologia, Sezione di Igiene, Napoli 80134, Italy
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23
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Hatstat AK, Pupi MD, Reinhart MC, McCafferty DG. Small Molecule Improvement of Trafficking Defects in Models of Neurodegeneration. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:3972-3984. [PMID: 34652126 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00524] [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: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Disrupted cellular trafficking and transport processes are hallmarks of many neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). Recently, efforts have been made toward developing and implementing experimental platforms to identify small molecules that may help restore normative trafficking functions. There have been a number of successes in targeting endomembrane trafficking with the identification of compounds that restore cell viability through rescue of protein transport and trafficking. Here, we describe some of the experimental platforms implemented for small molecule screening efforts for rescue of trafficking defects in neurodegeneration. A survey of phenotypically active small molecules identified to date is provided, including a summary of medicinal chemistry efforts and insights into putative targets and mechanisms of action. In particular, emphasis is put on ligands that demonstrate activity in more than one model of neurodegeneration as retention of phenotypic activity across ND models suggests conservation of biological targets across NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Katherine Hatstat
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Michael D. Pupi
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Michaela C. Reinhart
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Dewey G. McCafferty
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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24
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p21-Activated kinase 1 (PAK1) in aging and longevity: An overview. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 71:101443. [PMID: 34390849 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The p21-activated kinases (PAKs) belong to serine/threonine kinases family, regulated by ∼21 kDa small signaling G proteins RAC1 and CDC42. The mammalian PAK family comprises six members (PAK1-6) that are classified into two groups (I and II) based on their domain architecture and regulatory mechanisms. PAKs are implicated in a wide range of cellular functions. PAK1 has recently attracted increasing attention owing to its involvement in oncogenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis as well as several life-limiting diseases and pathological conditions. In Caenorhabditis elegans, PAK1 functions limit the lifespan under basal conditions by inhibiting forkhead transcription factor DAF-16. Interestingly, PAK depletion extended longevity and attenuated the onset of age-related phenotypes in a premature-aging mouse model and delayed senescence in mammalian fibroblasts. These observations implicate PAKs as not only oncogenic but also aging kinases. Therefore, PAK-targeting genetic and/or pharmacological interventions, particularly PAK1-targeting, could be a viable strategy for developing cancer therapies with relatively no side effects and promoting healthy longevity. This review describes PAK family proteins, their biological functions, and their role in regulating aging and longevity using C. elegans. Moreover, we discuss the effect of small-molecule PAK1 inhibitors on the lifespan and healthspan of C. elegans.
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25
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Aldewachi H, Al-Zidan RN, Conner MT, Salman MM. High-Throughput Screening Platforms in the Discovery of Novel Drugs for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:30. [PMID: 33672148 PMCID: PMC7926814 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8020030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are incurable and debilitating conditions that result in progressive degeneration and/or death of nerve cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Identification of viable therapeutic targets and new treatments for CNS disorders and in particular, for NDDs is a major challenge in the field of drug discovery. These difficulties can be attributed to the diversity of cells involved, extreme complexity of the neural circuits, the limited capacity for tissue regeneration, and our incomplete understanding of the underlying pathological processes. Drug discovery is a complex and multidisciplinary process. The screening attrition rate in current drug discovery protocols mean that only one viable drug may arise from millions of screened compounds resulting in the need to improve discovery technologies and protocols to address the multiple causes of attrition. This has identified the need to screen larger libraries where the use of efficient high-throughput screening (HTS) becomes key in the discovery process. HTS can investigate hundreds of thousands of compounds per day. However, if fewer compounds could be screened without compromising the probability of success, the cost and time would be largely reduced. To that end, recent advances in computer-aided design, in silico libraries, and molecular docking software combined with the upscaling of cell-based platforms have evolved to improve screening efficiency with higher predictability and clinical applicability. We review, here, the increasing role of HTS in contemporary drug discovery processes, in particular for NDDs, and evaluate the criteria underlying its successful application. We also discuss the requirement of HTS for novel NDD therapies and examine the major current challenges in validating new drug targets and developing new treatments for NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Aldewachi
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK;
- College of Pharmacy, Nineveh University, Mosul 41002, Iraq
| | - Radhwan N. Al-Zidan
- College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul 41002, Iraq;
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK
| | - Matthew T. Conner
- School of Sciences, Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK;
| | - Mootaz M. Salman
- College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul 41002, Iraq;
- Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
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26
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Nkambeu B, Ben Salem J, Beaudry F. Eugenol and Other Vanilloids Hamper Caenorhabditis elegans Response to Noxious Heat. Neurochem Res 2020; 46:252-264. [PMID: 33123873 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03159-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Eugenol, a known vanilloid, was frequently used in dentistry as a local analgesic in addition, antibacterial and neuroprotective effects were also reported. Eugenol, capsaicin and many vanilloids are interacting with the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in mammals and the TRPV1 is activated by noxious heat. The pharmacological manipulation of the TRPV1 has been shown to have therapeutic value. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) express TRPV orthologs (e.g. OCR-2, OSM-9) and it is a commonly used animal model system to study nociception as it displays a well-defined and reproducible nocifensive behavior. After exposure to vanilloid solutions, C. elegans wild type (N2) and mutants were placed on petri dishes divided in quadrants for heat stimulation. Thermal avoidance index was used to phenotype each tested C. elegans experimental groups. The results showed that eugenol, vanillin and zingerone can hamper nocifensive response of C. elegans to noxious heat (32-35 °C) following a sustained exposition. Also, the effect was reversed 6 h post exposition. Furthermore, eugenol and vanillin did not target specifically the OCR-2 or OSM-9 but zingerone did specifically target the OCR-2 similarly to capsaicin. Further structural and physicochemical analyses were performed. Key parameters for quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPR), quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) and frontier orbital analyses suggest similarities and dissimilarities amongst the tested vanilloids and capsaicin in accordance with the relative anti-nociceptive effects observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Nkambeu
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animal du Québec (GREPAQ), Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada.,Centre de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jennifer Ben Salem
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animal du Québec (GREPAQ), Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada.,Centre de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, INSERM UMR1048, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Francis Beaudry
- Groupe de Recherche en Pharmacologie Animal du Québec (GREPAQ), Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada. .,Centre de recherche sur le cerveau et l'apprentissage (CIRCA), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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