1
|
Mardanyan S, Sharoyan S, Antonyan A. Diversity of amyloid beta peptide actions. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:387-398. [PMID: 38281140 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Fibril formation by amyloidogenic proteins and peptides is considered the cause of a number of incurable diseases. One of the most known amyloid diseases is Alzheimer's disease (AD). Traditionally, amyloidogenic beta peptides Aβ40 and Aβ42 (Aβs) are considered as main causes of AD and the foremost targets in AD fight. The main efforts in pharmacology are aimed at reducing Aβs concentration to prevent their accumulation, aggregation, formation of senile plaques, neuronal death, and neurodegeneration. However, a number of publications have demonstrated certain beneficial physiological effects of Aβs. Simultaneously, it is indicated that the effects of Aβs turn into pathological due to the development of certain diseases in the body. The accumulation of C- and N-terminal truncated Aβs under diverse conditions is supposed to play a role in AD development. The significance of transformation of glutamate residue at positions 3 or 11 of Aβs catalyzed by glutaminyl cyclase making them more degradation resistant, hydrophobic, and prone to aggregation, as well as the participation of dipeptidyl peptidase IV in these transformations are discussed. The experimental data presented confirm the maintenance of physiological, nonaggregated state of Aβs by plant preparations. In conclusion, this review suggests that in the fight against AD, instead of removing Aβs, preference should be given to the treatment of common diseases. Glutaminyl cyclase and dipeptidyl peptidase IV can be considered as targets in AD treatment. Flavonoids and plant preparations that possess antiamyloidogenic propensity are proposed as beneficial neuroprotective, anticancer, and antidiabetic food additives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sona Mardanyan
- H. Buniatian Institute of Biochemistry of Armenian National Academy of Sciences, Yerevan 0014, Republic of Armenia
| | - Svetlana Sharoyan
- H. Buniatian Institute of Biochemistry of Armenian National Academy of Sciences, Yerevan 0014, Republic of Armenia
| | - Alvard Antonyan
- H. Buniatian Institute of Biochemistry of Armenian National Academy of Sciences, Yerevan 0014, Republic of Armenia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vijverberg EGB, Axelsen TM, Bihlet AR, Henriksen K, Weber F, Fuchs K, Harrison JE, Kühn-Wache K, Alexandersen P, Prins ND, Scheltens P. Rationale and study design of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 2b trial to evaluate efficacy, safety, and tolerability of an oral glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor varoglutamstat (PQ912) in study participants with MCI and mild AD-VIVIAD. Alzheimers Res Ther 2021; 13:142. [PMID: 34425883 PMCID: PMC8381483 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-021-00882-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varoglutamstat (formerly PQ912) is a small molecule that inhibits the activity of the glutaminyl cyclase to reduce the level of pyroglutamate-A-beta (pGluAB42). Recent studies confirm that pGluAB42 is a particular amyloid form that is highly synaptotoxic and plays a significant role in the development of AD. METHODS This paper describes the design and methodology behind the phase 2b VIVIAD-trial in AD. The aim of this study is to evaluate varoglutamstat in a state-of-the-art designed, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial for safety and tolerability, efficacy on cognition, and effects on brain activity and AD biomarkers. In addition to its main purpose, the trial will explore potential associations between novel and established biomarkers and their individual and composite relation to disease characteristics. RESULTS To be expected early 2023 CONCLUSION: This state of the art phase 2b study will yield important results for the field with respect to trial methodology and for the treatment of AD with a small molecule directed against pyroglutamate-A-beta. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04498650.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. G. B. Vijverberg
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Brain Research Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T. M. Axelsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Sanos Clinic A/S, Vejle, Denmark
| | | | | | - F. Weber
- Vivoryon Therapeutics NV, Halle, Germany
| | - K. Fuchs
- Vivoryon Therapeutics NV, Halle, Germany
| | - J. E. Harrison
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Metis Cognition Ltd, Park House, Kilmington Common, Wiltshire, UK
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - N. D. Prins
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Brain Research Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Scheltens
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Alzheimercentrum Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Locatie VUmc, De Boelelaan 1117/1118, 1091 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Crehan H, Liu B, Kleinschmidt M, Rahfeld JU, Le KX, Caldarone BJ, Frost JL, Hettmann T, Hutter-Paier B, O'Nuallain B, Park MA, DiCarli MF, Lues I, Schilling S, Lemere CA. Effector function of anti-pyroglutamate-3 Aβ antibodies affects cognitive benefit, glial activation and amyloid clearance in Alzheimer's-like mice. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2020; 12:12. [PMID: 31931873 PMCID: PMC6958628 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-019-0579-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pyroglutamate-3 Aβ (pGlu-3 Aβ) is an N-terminally truncated and post-translationally modified Aβ species found in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. Its increased peptide aggregation propensity and toxicity make it an attractive emerging treatment strategy for AD. We address the question of how the effector function of an anti-pGlu-3 Aβ antibody influences the efficacy of immunotherapy in mouse models with AD-like pathology. METHODS We compared two different immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes of the same murine anti-pGlu-3 Aβ mAb (07/1 IgG1 and 07/2a IgG2a) and a general N-terminal Aβ mAb (3A1 IgG1) for their ability to clear Aβ and protect cognition in a therapeutic passive immunotherapy study in aged, plaque-rich APPSWE/PS1ΔE9 transgenic (Tg) mice. We also compared the ability of these antibodies and a CDC-mutant form of 07/2a (07/2a-k), engineered to avoid complement activation, to clear Aβ in an ex vivo phagocytosis assay and following treatment in APPSLxhQC double Tg mice, and to activate microglia using longitudinal microPET imaging with TSPO-specific 18F-GE180 tracer following a single bolus antibody injection in young and old Tg mice. RESULTS We demonstrated significant cognitive improvement, better plaque clearance, and more plaque-associated microglia in the absence of microhemorrhage in aged APPSWE/PS1ΔE9 Tg mice treated with 07/2a, but not 07/1 or 3A1, compared to PBS in our first in vivo study. All mAbs cleared plaques in an ex vivo assay, although 07/2a promoted the highest phagocytic activity. Compared with 07/2a, 07/2a-k showed slightly reduced affinity to Fcγ receptors CD32 and CD64, although the two antibodies had similar binding affinities to pGlu-3 Aβ. Treatment of APPSLxhQC mice with 07/2a and 07/2a-k mAbs in our second in vivo study showed significant plaque-lowering with both mAbs. Longitudinal 18F-GE180 microPET imaging revealed different temporal patterns of microglial activation for 3A1, 07/1, and 07/2a mAbs and no difference between 07/2a-k and PBS-treated Tg mice. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that attenuation of behavioral deficits and clearance of amyloid is associated with strong effector function of the anti-pGlu-3 Aβ mAb in a therapeutic treatment paradigm. We present evidence that antibody engineering to reduce CDC-mediated complement binding facilitates phagocytosis of plaques without inducing neuroinflammation in vivo. Hence, the results provide implications for tailoring effector function of humanized antibodies for clinical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Crehan
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Hale BTM 9002S, 60 Fenwood Rd, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bin Liu
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Hale BTM 9002S, 60 Fenwood Rd, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin Kleinschmidt
- Vivoryon Therapeutics AG, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Department Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jens-Ulrich Rahfeld
- Vivoryon Therapeutics AG, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Department Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kevin X Le
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Hale BTM 9002S, 60 Fenwood Rd, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Barbara J Caldarone
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Mouse Behavior Core, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Frost
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Hale BTM 9002S, 60 Fenwood Rd, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | | | | | - Brian O'Nuallain
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Hale BTM 9002S, 60 Fenwood Rd, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mi-Ae Park
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Radiology, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marcelo F DiCarli
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Radiology, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Inge Lues
- Vivoryon Therapeutics AG, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stephan Schilling
- Vivoryon Therapeutics AG, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Department Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Cynthia A Lemere
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Hale BTM 9002S, 60 Fenwood Rd, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Baronio CM, Baldassarre M, Barth A. Insight into the internal structure of amyloid-β oligomers by isotope-edited Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2019; 21:8587-8597. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cp00717b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Isotope-edited infrared spectroscopy reveals the structural unit of amyloid-β oligomers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andreas Barth
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
- Stockholm University
- Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Scheltens P, Hallikainen M, Grimmer T, Duning T, Gouw AA, Teunissen CE, Wink AM, Maruff P, Harrison J, van Baal CM, Bruins S, Lues I, Prins ND. Safety, tolerability and efficacy of the glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor PQ912 in Alzheimer's disease: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2a study. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2018; 10:107. [PMID: 30309389 PMCID: PMC6182869 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-018-0431-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background PQ912 is an inhibitor of the glutaminyl cyclase enzyme that plays a central role in the formation of synaptotoxic pyroglutamate-A-beta oligomers. We report on the first clinical study with PQ912 in subjects with biomarker-proven Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim was to determine the maximal tolerated dose, target occupancy and treatment-related pharmacodynamic effects. The exploratory efficacy readouts selected were tailored to the patient population with early AD. The therapeutic approach focuses on synaptic dysfunction as captured by various measures such as electroencephalography (EEG), synaptic biomarkers and sensitive cognitive tests. Methods This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the safety, tolerability and efficacy of PQ912 800 mg twice daily (bid) for 12 weeks in subjects with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to AD. The 120 enrolled subjects were treatment-naïve at the start of the study, had confirmed AD biomarkers in their cerebrospinal fluid at screening and had a Mini Mental State Examination score between 21 and 30. After 1 week of treatment with 400 mg bid, patients were up-titrated to 800 mg bid for 11 weeks. Patients were randomized 1:1 to either PQ912 or placebo. The primary composite endpoints were to assess safety and tolerability based on the number of patients who discontinued due to (serious) adverse events (safety), and based on dose adjustment during the treatment period and/or nonadherence to randomized treatment (tolerability). All randomized subjects who took at least one dose of the study treatment or placebo were used for safety analyses. Results There was no significant difference between treatments in the number of subjects with (serious) adverse events, although there were slightly more patients with a serious adverse event in the PQ912 group compared to placebo. More subjects treated with PQ912 discontinued treatment due to adverse events, mostly related to gastrointestinal and skin/subcutaneous tissue disorders. PQ912 treatment resulted in a significant reduction in glutaminyl cyclase activity, which resulted in an average target occupancy of > 90%. A significant reduction of theta power in the EEG frequency analysis and a significant improvement in the One Back test of our Neuropsychological Test Battery was observed. The exploratory biomarker readouts, neurogranin for synaptic toxicity and YKL-40 as a marker of inflammation, appear to be sensitive enough to serve as efficacy markers in the next phase 2b study. Conclusions The maximal tolerated dose of PQ912 has been identified and the results support future studies at still lower doses reaching > 50% target occupancy, a longer up-titration phase to potentially induce adaptation and longer treatment periods to confirm the early signals of efficacy as seen in this study. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT 02389413. Registered on 17 March 2015. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13195-018-0431-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Scheltens
- Alzheimer Center and Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Merja Hallikainen
- University of Eastern Finland, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timo Grimmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Duning
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alida A Gouw
- Alzheimer Center and Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Neurophysiology and MEG Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte E Teunissen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Neurochemistry Laboratory and Biobank, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alle Meije Wink
- Department of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - John Harrison
- Alzheimer Center and Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline M van Baal
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Niels D Prins
- Alzheimer Center and Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Brain Research Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ahn S, Lee KY, Parker KK, Shin K. Formation of Multi-Component Extracellular Matrix Protein Fibers. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1913. [PMID: 29382927 PMCID: PMC5790006 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20371-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of polymerized protein monomers that form a unique fibrous network providing stability and structural support to surrounding cells. We harnessed the fibrillogenesis mechanisms of naturally occurring ECM proteins to produce artificial fibers with a heterogeneous protein makeup. Using ECM proteins as fibril building blocks, we created uniquely structured multi-component ECM fibers. Sequential incubation of fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LAM) resulted in self-assembly into locally stacked fibers. In contrast, simultaneous incubation of FN with LAM or collagen (COL) produced molecularly stacked multi-component fibers because both proteins share a similar assembly mechanism or possess binding domains specific to each other. Sequential incubation of COL on FN fibers resulted in fibers with sandwiched layers because COL molecules bind to the external surface of FN fibers. By choosing proteins for incubation according to the interplay of their fibrillogenesis mechanisms and their binding domains (exposed when they unfold), we were able to create ECM protein fibers that have never before been observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seungkuk Ahn
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biological Interfaces, Sogang University, Seoul, 121-742, Republic of Korea
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 29 Oxford St., Pierce Hall 321, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Keel Yong Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biological Interfaces, Sogang University, Seoul, 121-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Kevin Kit Parker
- Disease Biophysics Group, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, 29 Oxford St., Pierce Hall 321, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Kwanwoo Shin
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biological Interfaces, Sogang University, Seoul, 121-742, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Baldassarre M, Baronio CM, Morozova-Roche LA, Barth A. Amyloid β-peptides 1-40 and 1-42 form oligomers with mixed β-sheets. Chem Sci 2017; 8:8247-8254. [PMID: 29568473 PMCID: PMC5857929 DOI: 10.1039/c7sc01743j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Two main amyloid-β peptides of different length (Aβ40 and Aβ42) are involved in Alzheimer's disease. Their relative abundance is decisive for the severity of the disease and mixed oligomers may contribute to the toxic species. However, little is know about the extent of mixing. To study whether Aβ40 and Aβ42 co-aggregate, we used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in combination with 13C-labeling and spectrum calculation and focused on the amide I vibration, which is sensitive to backbone structure. Mixtures of monomeric labeled Aβ40 and unlabeled Aβ42 (and vice versa) were co-incubated for ∼20 min and their infrared spectrum recorded. The position of the main 13C-amide I' band shifted to higher wavenumbers with increasing admixture of 12C-peptide due to the presence of 12C-amides in the vicinity of 13C-amides. The results indicate that Aβ40 and Aβ42 form mixed oligomers with a largely random distribution of Aβ40 and Aβ42 strands in their β-sheets. The structures of the mixed oligomers are intermediate between those of the pure oligomers. There is no indication that one of the peptides forces the backbone structure of its oligomers on the other peptide when they are mixed as monomers. We also demonstrate that isotope-edited infrared spectroscopy can distinguish aggregation modulators that integrate into the backbone structure of their interaction partner from those that do not. As an example for the latter case, the pro-inflammatory calcium binding protein S100A9 is shown not to incorporate into the β-sheets of Aβ42.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Baldassarre
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics , Stockholm University , Arrhenius Laboratories , 10691 Stockholm , Sweden .
| | - Cesare M Baronio
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics , Stockholm University , Arrhenius Laboratories , 10691 Stockholm , Sweden .
| | | | - Andreas Barth
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics , Stockholm University , Arrhenius Laboratories , 10691 Stockholm , Sweden .
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Scheidt HA, Adler J, Zeitschel U, Höfling C, Korn A, Krueger M, Roßner S, Huster D. Pyroglutamate-Modified Amyloid β (11- 40) Fibrils Are More Toxic than Wildtype Fibrils but Structurally Very Similar. Chemistry 2017; 23:15834-15838. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201703909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Holger A. Scheidt
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics; Leipzig University; Härtelstr. 16-18 04107 Leipzig Germany
| | - Juliane Adler
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics; Leipzig University; Härtelstr. 16-18 04107 Leipzig Germany
| | - Ulrike Zeitschel
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research; Leipzig University; Liebigstr. 19 04103 Leipzig Germany
| | - Corinna Höfling
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research; Leipzig University; Liebigstr. 19 04103 Leipzig Germany
| | - Alexander Korn
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics; Leipzig University; Härtelstr. 16-18 04107 Leipzig Germany
| | - Martin Krueger
- Institute of Anatomy; Leipzig University; Eilenburger Str. 14-15 04317 Leipzig Germany
| | - Steffen Roßner
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research; Leipzig University; Liebigstr. 19 04103 Leipzig Germany
| | - Daniel Huster
- Institute for Medical Physics and Biophysics; Leipzig University; Härtelstr. 16-18 04107 Leipzig Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
pH induced single step shift of hydrophobic patches followed by formation of an MG state and an amyloidogenic intermediate in Lima Bean Trypsin Inhibitor (LBTI). Int J Biol Macromol 2017; 103:111-119. [PMID: 28501599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Lima Bean Trypsin Inhibitor (LBTI) is 83 residues monomeric protein of 9.0 KDa, consisting of six antiparallel β-strands and can undergo concentration dependant dimerization. We have tried to characterize folding intermediates of LBTI under equilibrium denaturation conditions. We have used various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to understand the folding and misfolding pathways. LBTI forms molten globule structure at pH 2 and amyloidiogenic intermediate state (Ia) at pH 4. pH induced Shifting of surface exposed hydrophobic patches and that followed by withdrawal of the lone tyrosine residue (Y69) towards nonpolar environment have been reported. Denaturation profile of native and molten globule (MG) states of LBTI in presence of guanidine hydrochloride show sigmoidal curves with non-coincidental and irreversible behaviour in both states. Concentration dependent amyloid fibril formation was confirmed by Thioflavin T and Congo Red binding and its morphology was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This is the first report on biophysical characterization of folding intermediates of LBTI and its aggregation behaviour to the best of our knowledge.
Collapse
|
10
|
Hoffmann T, Meyer A, Heiser U, Kurat S, Böhme L, Kleinschmidt M, Bühring KU, Hutter-Paier B, Farcher M, Demuth HU, Lues I, Schilling S. Glutaminyl Cyclase Inhibitor PQ912 Improves Cognition in Mouse Models of Alzheimer's Disease-Studies on Relation to Effective Target Occupancy. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2017; 362:119-130. [PMID: 28446518 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.117.240614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies suggest that the majority of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides deposited in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are truncated and post-translationally modified at the N terminus. Among these modified species, pyroglutamyl-Aβ (pE-Aβ, including N3pE-Aβ40/42 and N11pE-Aβ40/42) has been identified as particularly neurotoxic. The N-terminal modification renders the peptide hydrophobic, accelerates formation of oligomers, and reduces degradation by peptidases, leading ultimately to the accumulation of the peptide and progression of AD. It has been shown that the formation of pyroglutamyl residues is catalyzed by glutaminyl cyclase (QC). Here, we present data about the pharmacological in vitro and in vivo efficacy of the QC inhibitor (S)-1-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)-5-(4-propoxyphenyl)imidazolidin-2-one (PQ912), the first-in-class compound that is in clinical development. PQ912 inhibits human, rat, and mouse QC activity, with Ki values ranging between 20 and 65 nM. Chronic oral treatment of hAPPSLxhQC double-transgenic mice with approximately 200 mg/kg/day via chow shows a significant reduction of pE-Aβ levels and concomitant improvement of spatial learning in a Morris water maze test paradigm. This dose results in a brain and cerebrospinal fluid concentration of PQ912 which relates to a QC target occupancy of about 60%. Thus, we conclude that >50% inhibition of QC activity in the brain leads to robust treatment effects. Secondary pharmacology experiments in mice indicate a fairly large potency difference for Aβ cyclization compared with cyclization of physiologic substrates, suggesting a robust therapeutic window in humans. This information constitutes an important translational guidance for predicting the therapeutic dose range in clinical studies with PQ912.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Hoffmann
- Probiodrug AG, Halle, Germany (T.H., A.M., U.H., L.B., K.-U.B., I.L.); QPS Austria, Grambach, Austria (S.K., B.H.-P., M.F.); and Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Department for Drug Design and Target Validation, Halle, Germany (M.K., H.-U.D., S.S.)
| | - Antje Meyer
- Probiodrug AG, Halle, Germany (T.H., A.M., U.H., L.B., K.-U.B., I.L.); QPS Austria, Grambach, Austria (S.K., B.H.-P., M.F.); and Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Department for Drug Design and Target Validation, Halle, Germany (M.K., H.-U.D., S.S.)
| | - Ulrich Heiser
- Probiodrug AG, Halle, Germany (T.H., A.M., U.H., L.B., K.-U.B., I.L.); QPS Austria, Grambach, Austria (S.K., B.H.-P., M.F.); and Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Department for Drug Design and Target Validation, Halle, Germany (M.K., H.-U.D., S.S.)
| | - Stephan Kurat
- Probiodrug AG, Halle, Germany (T.H., A.M., U.H., L.B., K.-U.B., I.L.); QPS Austria, Grambach, Austria (S.K., B.H.-P., M.F.); and Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Department for Drug Design and Target Validation, Halle, Germany (M.K., H.-U.D., S.S.)
| | - Livia Böhme
- Probiodrug AG, Halle, Germany (T.H., A.M., U.H., L.B., K.-U.B., I.L.); QPS Austria, Grambach, Austria (S.K., B.H.-P., M.F.); and Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Department for Drug Design and Target Validation, Halle, Germany (M.K., H.-U.D., S.S.)
| | - Martin Kleinschmidt
- Probiodrug AG, Halle, Germany (T.H., A.M., U.H., L.B., K.-U.B., I.L.); QPS Austria, Grambach, Austria (S.K., B.H.-P., M.F.); and Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Department for Drug Design and Target Validation, Halle, Germany (M.K., H.-U.D., S.S.)
| | - Karl-Ulrich Bühring
- Probiodrug AG, Halle, Germany (T.H., A.M., U.H., L.B., K.-U.B., I.L.); QPS Austria, Grambach, Austria (S.K., B.H.-P., M.F.); and Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Department for Drug Design and Target Validation, Halle, Germany (M.K., H.-U.D., S.S.)
| | - Birgit Hutter-Paier
- Probiodrug AG, Halle, Germany (T.H., A.M., U.H., L.B., K.-U.B., I.L.); QPS Austria, Grambach, Austria (S.K., B.H.-P., M.F.); and Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Department for Drug Design and Target Validation, Halle, Germany (M.K., H.-U.D., S.S.)
| | - Martina Farcher
- Probiodrug AG, Halle, Germany (T.H., A.M., U.H., L.B., K.-U.B., I.L.); QPS Austria, Grambach, Austria (S.K., B.H.-P., M.F.); and Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Department for Drug Design and Target Validation, Halle, Germany (M.K., H.-U.D., S.S.)
| | - Hans-Ulrich Demuth
- Probiodrug AG, Halle, Germany (T.H., A.M., U.H., L.B., K.-U.B., I.L.); QPS Austria, Grambach, Austria (S.K., B.H.-P., M.F.); and Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Department for Drug Design and Target Validation, Halle, Germany (M.K., H.-U.D., S.S.)
| | - Inge Lues
- Probiodrug AG, Halle, Germany (T.H., A.M., U.H., L.B., K.-U.B., I.L.); QPS Austria, Grambach, Austria (S.K., B.H.-P., M.F.); and Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Department for Drug Design and Target Validation, Halle, Germany (M.K., H.-U.D., S.S.)
| | - Stephan Schilling
- Probiodrug AG, Halle, Germany (T.H., A.M., U.H., L.B., K.-U.B., I.L.); QPS Austria, Grambach, Austria (S.K., B.H.-P., M.F.); and Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Department for Drug Design and Target Validation, Halle, Germany (M.K., H.-U.D., S.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Goldblatt G, Cilenti L, Matos JO, Lee B, Ciaffone N, Wang QX, Tetard L, Teter K, Tatulian SA. Unmodified and pyroglutamylated amyloid β peptides form hypertoxic hetero-oligomers of unique secondary structure. FEBS J 2017; 284:1355-1369. [PMID: 28294556 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid β (Aβ) peptide plays a major role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and occurs in multiple forms, including pyroglutamylated Aβ (AβpE). Identification and characterization of the most cytotoxic Aβ species is necessary for advancement in AD diagnostics and therapeutics. While in brain tissue multiple Aβ species act in combination, structure/toxicity studies and immunotherapy trials have been focused on individual forms of Aβ. As a result, the molecular composition and the structural features of "toxic Aβ oligomers" have remained unresolved. Here, we have used a novel approach, hydration from gas phase coupled with isotope-edited Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, to identify the prefibrillar assemblies formed by Aβ and AβpE and to resolve the structures of both peptides in combination. The peptides form unusual β-sheet oligomers stabilized by intramolecular H-bonding as opposed to intermolecular H-bonding in the fibrils. Time-dependent morphological changes in peptide assemblies have been visualized by atomic force microscopy. Aβ/AβpE hetero-oligomers exert unsurpassed cytotoxic effect on PC12 cells as compared to oligomers of individual peptides or fibrils. These findings lead to a novel concept that Aβ/AβpE hetero-oligomers, not just Aβ or AβpE oligomers, constitute the main neurotoxic conformation. The hetero-oligomers thus present a new biomarker that may be targeted for development of more efficient diagnostic and immunotherapeutic strategies to combat AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greg Goldblatt
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Lucia Cilenti
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Jason O Matos
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Briana Lee
- Nanotechnology Graduate Program, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Nicholas Ciaffone
- Nanotechnology Graduate Program, NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Qing X Wang
- Physics Graduate Program, College of Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Laurene Tetard
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.,Department of Physics, College of Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Ken Teter
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Suren A Tatulian
- Department of Physics, College of Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fibrils of Truncated Pyroglutamyl-Modified Aβ Peptide Exhibit a Similar Structure as Wildtype Mature Aβ Fibrils. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33531. [PMID: 27650059 PMCID: PMC5030707 DOI: 10.1038/srep33531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrillation of differently modified amyloid β peptides and deposition as senile plaques are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. N-terminally truncated variants, where the glutamate residue 3 is converted into cyclic pyroglutamate (pGlu), form particularly toxic aggregates. We compare the molecular structure and dynamics of fibrils grown from wildtype Aβ(1–40) and pGlu3-Aβ(3–40) on the single amino acid level. Thioflavin T fluorescence, electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction reveal the general morphology of the amyloid fibrils. We found good agreement between the 13C and 15N NMR chemical shifts indicative for a similar secondary structure of both fibrils. A well-known interresidual contact between the two β-strands of the Aβ fibrils could be confirmed by the detection of interresidual cross peaks in a 13C-13C NMR correlation spectrum between the side chains of Phe 19 and Leu 34. Small differences in the molecular dynamics of residues in the proximity to the pyroglutamyl-modified N-terminus were observed as measured by DIPSHIFT order parameter experiments.
Collapse
|
13
|
Galante D, Ruggeri FS, Dietler G, Pellistri F, Gatta E, Corsaro A, Florio T, Perico A, D'Arrigo C. A critical concentration of N-terminal pyroglutamylated amyloid beta drives the misfolding of Ab1-42 into more toxic aggregates. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 79:261-270. [PMID: 27592450 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A wide consensus based on robust experimental evidence indicates pyroglutamylated amyloid-β isoform (AβpE3-42) as one of the most neurotoxic peptides involved in the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, AβpE3-42 co-oligomerized with excess of Aβ1-42, produces oligomers and aggregates that are structurally distinct and far more cytotoxic than those made from Aβ1-42 alone. Here, we investigate quantitatively the influence of AβpE3-42 on biophysical properties and biological activity of Aβ1-42. We tested different ratios of AβpE3-42/Aβ1-42 mixtures finding a correlation between the biological activity and the structural conformation and morphology of the analyzed mixtures. We find that a mixture containing 5% AβpE3-42, induces the highest disruption of intracellular calcium homeostasis and the highest neuronal toxicity. These data correlate to an high content of relaxed antiparallel β-sheet structure and the coexistence of a population of big spheroidal aggregates together with short fibrils. Our experiments provide also evidence that AβpE3-42 causes template-induced misfolding of Aβ1-42 at ratios below 33%. This means that there exists a critical concentration required to have seeding on Aβ1-42 aggregation, above this threshold, the seed effect is not possible anymore and AβpE3-42 controls the total aggregation kinetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denise Galante
- Institute for Macromolecular Studies, National Research Council, 16149 Genova, Italy; Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Simone Ruggeri
- Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPLF), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CB21EW, United Kingdom
| | - Giovanni Dietler
- Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPLF), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Elena Gatta
- Department of Physics, University of Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsaro
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Angelo Perico
- Institute for Macromolecular Studies, National Research Council, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Cristina D'Arrigo
- Institute for Macromolecular Studies, National Research Council, 16149 Genova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Goldblatt G, Matos JO, Gornto J, Tatulian SA. Isotope-edited FTIR reveals distinct aggregation and structural behaviors of unmodified and pyroglutamylated amyloid β peptides. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2016. [PMID: 26214017 DOI: 10.1039/c5cp03343h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid β peptide (Aβ) is causatively associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and N-terminally truncated and pyroglutamylated Aβ peptides (AβpE) exert hypertoxic effect by an unknown mechanism. Recent evidence has identified the prefibrillar oligomers of Aβ, not the fibrils, as the prevalent cytotoxic species. Structural characterization of Aβ and AβpE oligomers is therefore important for better understanding of their toxic effect. Here we have used isotope-edited Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to identify the conformational changes in Aβ(1-42) and AβpE(3-42) upon aggregation, individually and in 1 : 1 molar combination. During the first two hours of exposure to aqueous buffer, the peptides undergo transition from mostly α-helical to mostly β-sheet structure. Data on peptides (13)C,(15)N-labeled at K(16)L(17)V(18) or V(36)G(37)G(38)V(39) allowed construction of structural models for the monomer and early oligomers. The peptide monomer comprises a β-hairpin that involves residues upstream of the K(16)L(17)V(18) sequence and an N-terminal α-helix. The oligomers form by non-H-bonding interactions between the β-strands of neighboring β-hairpins, in lateral or staggered manner, with the strands running parallel or antiparallel. Relative α-helical and β-sheet propensities of Aβ(1-42) and AβpE(3-42) depend on the ionic strength of the buffer, emphasizing the importance of ionic interactions in Aβ peptide structure and aggregation. It is inferred that N-terminal modification of AβpE(3-42) affects the helix stability and thereby modulates β-sheet oligomer formation. The data thus provide new insight into the molecular mechanism of Aβ oligomerization by emphasizing the role of the N-terminal transient α-helical structure and by identifying structural constraints for molecular organization of the oligomers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greg Goldblatt
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Jason O Matos
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Jeremy Gornto
- Undergraduate student, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Suren A Tatulian
- Department of Physics, Physical Sciences Room 456, University of Central Florida, 4111 Libra Drive, Orlando, Florida 32816-2385, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wulff M, Baumann M, Thümmler A, Yadav JK, Heinrich L, Knüpfer U, Schlenzig D, Schierhorn A, Rahfeld JU, Horn U, Balbach J, Demuth HU, Fändrich M. Verstärkte Fibrillen-Fragmentierung N-terminal verkürzter, Pyroglutamat-modifizierter Aβ-Peptide. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201511099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Wulff
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Biotechnologie; Universität Ulm; Helmholtzstraße 8/1 89081 Ulm Deutschland
| | - Monika Baumann
- Institut für Physik; Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg; Deutschland
| | - Anka Thümmler
- Probiodrug AG, Biozentrum; Halle (Saale) Deutschland
| | - Jay K. Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology; School of Life Sciences; Central University of Rajasthan; Indien
| | - Liesa Heinrich
- Leibniz-Institut für Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie; Hans-Knöll-Institut; Jena Deutschland
| | - Uwe Knüpfer
- Leibniz-Institut für Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie; Hans-Knöll-Institut; Jena Deutschland
| | - Dagmar Schlenzig
- Außenstelle Halle für Molekulare Wirkstoffbiochemie und Therapieentwicklung MWT; Fraunhofer-Institut für Zelltherapie und Immunologie IZI Leipzig, Biozentrum; Halle (Saale) Deutschland
| | - Angelika Schierhorn
- Serviceeinheit für Massenspektrometrie; Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg; Halle (Saale) Deutschland
| | - Jens-Ulrich Rahfeld
- Außenstelle Halle für Molekulare Wirkstoffbiochemie und Therapieentwicklung MWT; Fraunhofer-Institut für Zelltherapie und Immunologie IZI Leipzig, Biozentrum; Halle (Saale) Deutschland
| | - Uwe Horn
- Leibniz-Institut für Naturstoff-Forschung und Infektionsbiologie; Hans-Knöll-Institut; Jena Deutschland
| | - Jochen Balbach
- Institut für Physik; Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg; Deutschland
| | - Hans-Ulrich Demuth
- Außenstelle Halle für Molekulare Wirkstoffbiochemie und Therapieentwicklung MWT; Fraunhofer-Institut für Zelltherapie und Immunologie IZI Leipzig, Biozentrum; Halle (Saale) Deutschland
| | - Marcus Fändrich
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Biotechnologie; Universität Ulm; Helmholtzstraße 8/1 89081 Ulm Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wulff M, Baumann M, Thümmler A, Yadav JK, Heinrich L, Knüpfer U, Schlenzig D, Schierhorn A, Rahfeld JU, Horn U, Balbach J, Demuth HU, Fändrich M. Enhanced Fibril Fragmentation of N-Terminally Truncated and Pyroglutamyl-Modified Aβ Peptides. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016; 55:5081-4. [PMID: 26970534 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201511099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
N-terminal truncation and pyroglutamyl (pE) formation are naturally occurring chemical modifications of the Aβ peptide in Alzheimer's disease. We show herein that these two modifications significantly reduce the fibril length and the transition midpoint of thermal unfolding of the fibrils, but they do not substantially perturb the fibrillary peptide conformation. This observation implies that the N terminus of the unmodified peptide protects Aβ fibrils against mechanical stress and fragmentation and explains the high propensity of pE-modified peptides to form small and particularly toxic aggregates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Wulff
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biotechnologie, Ulm University, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Monika Baumann
- Institute of Physics, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Strasse 7, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anka Thümmler
- Probiodrug AG, Biocenter, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.,Nomad Bioscience GmbH, Biocenter, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jay K Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, NH-8, Ajmer-, 305801, Rajasthan, India
| | - Liesa Heinrich
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Uwe Knüpfer
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Dagmar Schlenzig
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation MWT Halle/Saale, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI Leipzig, Biocenter, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Angelika Schierhorn
- Service Unit for Mass Spectrometry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 3, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jens-Ulrich Rahfeld
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation MWT Halle/Saale, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI Leipzig, Biocenter, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Uwe Horn
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Jochen Balbach
- Institute of Physics, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Strasse 7, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Demuth
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation MWT Halle/Saale, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI Leipzig, Biocenter, Weinbergweg 22, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marcus Fändrich
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biotechnologie, Ulm University, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Immunotherapy Against N-Truncated Amyloid-β Oligomers. METHODS IN PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3560-4_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
|
18
|
Lues I, Weber F, Meyer A, Bühring U, Hoffmann T, Kühn-Wache K, Manhart S, Heiser U, Pokorny R, Chiesa J, Glund K. A phase 1 study to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of PQ912, a glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor, in healthy subjects. ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA-TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH & CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS 2015; 1:182-195. [PMID: 29854937 PMCID: PMC5975062 DOI: 10.1016/j.trci.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Pyroglutamate-amyloid-β (pE-Aβ) peptides are major components of Aβ-oligomers and Aβ-plaques, which are regarded as key culprits of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. PQ912 is a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme glutaminyl cyclase (QC), essential for the formation of pE-Aβ peptides. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single- and multiple-ascending oral dose study investigated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of PQ912 in healthy nonelderly and elderly subjects. Results PQ912 was considered safe and well tolerated with dose-proportional pharmacokinetics up to doses of 200 mg. At higher doses up to 1800 mg, exposure was supraproportional and exposure in elderly subjects was approximately 1.5- to 2.1-fold higher. Exposure in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was approximately 20% of the unbound drug in plasma, and both serum and CSF QC activity was inhibited in a dose-related manner. Discussion This first-in-man study of a compound-targeting QC inhibition justifies further development of PQ912 for the treatment of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inge Lues
- Probiodrug AG, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rolf Pokorny
- Covance Clinical Research Unit AG, Allschwil (Basel), Switzerland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gielbert A, Thorne JK, Hope J. Pyroglutamyl-N-terminal prion protein fragments in sheep brain following the development of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Front Mol Biosci 2015; 2:7. [PMID: 25988175 PMCID: PMC4429639 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2015.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein misfolding, protein aggregation and disruption to cellular proteostasis are key processes in the propagation of disease and, in some progressive neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system, the misfolded protein can act as a self-replicating template or prion converting its normal isoform into a misfolded copy of itself. We have investigated the sheep transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, scrapie, and developed a multiple selected reaction monitoring (mSRM) mass spectrometry assay to quantify brain peptides representing the “ragged” N-terminus and the core of ovine prion protein (PrPSc) by using Q-Tof mass spectrometry. This allowed us to identify pyroglutamylated N-terminal fragments of PrPSc at residues 86, 95 and 101, and establish that these fragments were likely to be the result of in vivo processes. We found that the ratios of pyroglutamylated PrPSc fragments were different in sheep of different breeds and geographical origin, and our expanded ovine PrPSc assay was able to determine the ratio and allotypes of PrP accumulating in diseased brain of PrP heterozygous sheep; it also revealed significant differences between N-terminal amino acid profiles (N-TAAPs) in other types of ovine prion disease, CH1641 scrapie and ovine BSE. Variable rates of PrP misfolding, aggregation and degradation are the likely basis for phenotypic (or strain) differences in prion-affected animals and our mass spectrometry-based approach allows the simultaneous investigation of factors such as post-translational modification (pyroglutamyl formation), conformation (by N-TAAP analysis) and amino-acid polymorphisms (allotype ratio) which affect the kinetics of these proteostatic processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Gielbert
- Department of Pathology, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge Addlestone, UK
| | - Jemma K Thorne
- Department of Pathology, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge Addlestone, UK
| | - James Hope
- Science Strategy Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency-Weybridge Addlestone, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Todd K, Fossati S, Ghiso J, Rostagno A. Mitochondrial dysfunction induced by a post-translationally modified amyloid linked to a familial mutation in an alternative model of neurodegeneration. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2014; 1842:2457-67. [PMID: 25261792 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Familial British dementia (FBD) is an early-onset non-amyloid-β (Aβ) cerebral amyloidosis that presents with severe cognitive decline and strikingly similar neuropathological features to those present in Alzheimer's disease (AD). FBD is associated with a T to A single nucleotide transition in the stop codon of a gene encoding BRI2, leading to the production of an elongated precursor protein. Furin-like proteolytic processing at its C-terminus releases a longer-than-normal 34 amino acid peptide, ABri, exhibiting amyloidogenic properties not seen in its 23 amino acid physiologic counterpart Bri1-23. Deposited ABri exhibits abundant post-translational pyroglutamate (pE) formation at the N-terminus, a feature seen in truncated forms of Aβ found in AD deposits, and co-exists with neurofibrillary tangles almost identical to those found in AD. We tested the impact of the FBD mutation alone and in conjunction with the pE post-translational modification on the structural properties and associated neurotoxicity of the ABri peptide. The presence of pE conferred to the ABri molecule enhanced hydrophobicity and accelerated aggregation/fibrillization properties. ABri pE was capable of triggering oxidative stress, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and activation of caspase-mediated apoptotic mechanisms in neuronal cells, whereas homologous peptides lacking the elongated C-terminus and/or the N-terminal pE were unable to induce similar detrimental cellular pathways. The data indicate that the presence of N-terminal pE is not in itself sufficient to induce pathogenic changes in the physiologic Bri1-23 peptides but that its combination with the ABri mutation is critical for the molecular pathogenesis of FBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krysti Todd
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Silvia Fossati
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jorge Ghiso
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Agueda Rostagno
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| |
Collapse
|