1
|
Grenon MB, Papavergi MT, Bathini P, Sadowski M, Lemere CA. Temporal Characterization of the Amyloidogenic APPswe/PS1dE9;hAPOE4 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5754. [PMID: 38891941 PMCID: PMC11172317 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating disorder with a global prevalence estimated at 55 million people. In clinical studies administering certain anti-beta-amyloid (Aβ) antibodies, amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIAs) have emerged as major adverse events. The frequency of these events is higher among apolipoprotein ε4 allele carriers (APOE4) compared to non-carriers. To reflect patients most at risk for vascular complications of anti-Aβ immunotherapy, we selected an APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic mouse model bearing the human APOE4 gene (APPPS1:E4) and compared it with the same APP/PS1 mouse model bearing the human APOE3 gene (APOE ε3 allele; APPPS1:E3). Using histological and biochemical analyses, we characterized mice at three ages: 8, 12, and 16 months. Female and male mice were assayed for general cerebral fibrillar and pyroglutamate (pGlu-3) Aβ deposition, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), microhemorrhages, apoE and cholesterol composition, astrocytes, microglia, inflammation, lysosomal dysfunction, and neuritic dystrophy. Amyloidosis, lipid deposition, and astrogliosis increased with age in APPPS1:E4 mice, while inflammation did not reveal significant changes with age. In general, APOE4 carriers showed elevated Aβ, apoE, reactive astrocytes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, microglial response, and neuritic dystrophy compared to APOE3 carriers at different ages. These results highlight the potential of the APPPS1:E4 mouse model as a valuable tool in investigating the vascular side effects associated with anti-amyloid immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martine B. Grenon
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.B.G.); (M.-T.P.); (P.B.)
- Section Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria-Tzousi Papavergi
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.B.G.); (M.-T.P.); (P.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Praveen Bathini
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.B.G.); (M.-T.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Martin Sadowski
- Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA;
| | - Cynthia A. Lemere
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.B.G.); (M.-T.P.); (P.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Romero-Molina C, Neuner SM, Ryszawiec M, Pébay A, Marcora E, Goate A. Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease Mutations in Human Microglia Are Not Sufficient to Trigger Amyloid Pathology in WT Mice but Might Affect Pathology in 5XFAD Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2565. [PMID: 38473822 PMCID: PMC10932392 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Several genetic variants that affect microglia function have been identified as risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease (AD), supporting the importance of this cell type in disease progression. However, the effect of autosomal dominant mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) or the presenilin (PSEN1/2) genes has not been addressed in microglia in vivo. We xenotransplanted human microglia derived from non-carriers and carriers of autosomal dominant AD (ADAD)-causing mutations in the brain of hCSF1 WT or 5XFAD mice. We observed that ADAD mutations in microglia are not sufficient to trigger amyloid pathology in WT mice. In 5XFAD mice, we observed a non-statistically significant increase in amyloid plaque volume and number of dystrophic neurites, coupled with a reduction in plaque-associated microglia in the brain of mice xenotransplanted with ADAD human microglia compared to mice xenotransplanted with non-ADAD microglia. In addition, we observed a non-statistically significant impairment in working and contextual memory in 5XFAD mice xenotransplanted with ADAD microglia compared to those xenotransplanted with non-ADAD-carrier microglia. We conclude that, although not sufficient to initiate amyloid pathology in the healthy brain, mutations in APP and PSEN1 in human microglia might cause mild changes in pathological and cognitive outcomes in 5XFAD mice in a manner consistent with increased AD risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Romero-Molina
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.R.-M.); (S.M.N.); (M.R.); (E.M.)
| | - Sarah M. Neuner
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.R.-M.); (S.M.N.); (M.R.); (E.M.)
| | - Marcelina Ryszawiec
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.R.-M.); (S.M.N.); (M.R.); (E.M.)
| | - Alice Pébay
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | | | - Edoardo Marcora
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.R.-M.); (S.M.N.); (M.R.); (E.M.)
| | - Alison Goate
- Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.R.-M.); (S.M.N.); (M.R.); (E.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khaled M, Al-Jamal H, Tajer L, El-Mir R. Alzheimer's Disease in Lebanon: Exploring Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors-A Comprehensive Review. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:21-40. [PMID: 38640157 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition that displays a high prevalence in Lebanon causing a local burden in healthcare and socio-economic sectors. Unfortunately, the lack of prevalence studies and clinical trials in Lebanon minimizes the improvement of AD patient health status. In this review, we include over 155 articles to cover the different aspects of AD ranging from mechanisms to possible treatment and management tools. We highlight some important modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of the disease including genetics, age, cardiovascular diseases, smoking, etc. Finally, we propose a hypothetical genetic synergy model between APOE4 and TREM2 genes which constitutes a potential early diagnostic tool that helps in reducing the risk of AD based on preventative measures decades before cognitive decline. The studies on AD in Lebanon and the Middle East are scarce. This review points out the importance of genetic mapping in the understanding of disease pathology which is crucial for the emergence of novel diagnostic tools. Hence, we establish a rigid basis for further research to identify the most influential genetic and environmental risk factors for the purpose of using more specific diagnostic tools and possibly adopting a local management protocol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hadi Al-Jamal
- Faculty of Public Health III, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Layla Tajer
- Faculty of Public Health III, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Reem El-Mir
- Faculty of Public Health III, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gholami A. Alzheimer's disease: The role of proteins in formation, mechanisms, and new therapeutic approaches. Neurosci Lett 2023; 817:137532. [PMID: 37866702 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS), leading to memory and cognitive decline. In AD, the brain experiences three main structural changes: a significant decrease in the quantity of neurons, the development of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, and the formation of amyloid beta (Aβ) or senile plaques, which are protein deposits found outside cells and surrounded by dystrophic neurites. Genetic studies have identified four genes associated with autosomal dominant or familial early-onset AD (FAD): amyloid precursor protein (APP), presenilin 1 (PS1), presenilin 2 (PS2), and apolipoprotein E (ApoE). The formation of plaques primarily involves the accumulation of Aβ, which can be influenced by mutations in APP, PS1, PS2, or ApoE genes. Mutations in the APP and presenilin (PS) proteins can cause an increased amyloid β peptides production, especially the further form of amyloidogenic known as Aβ42. Apart from genetic factors, environmental factors such as cytokines and neurotoxins may also have a significant impact on the development and progression of AD by influencing the formation of amyloid plaques and intracellular tangles. Exploring the causes and implications of protein aggregation in the brain could lead to innovative therapeutic approaches. Some promising therapy strategies that have reached the clinical stage include using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, estrogen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antioxidants, and antiapoptotic agents. The most hopeful therapeutic strategies involve inhibiting activity of secretase and preventing the β-amyloid oligomers and fibrils formation, which are associated with the β-amyloid fibrils accumulation in AD. Additionally, immunotherapy development holds promise as a progressive therapeutic approach for treatment of AD. Recently, the two primary categories of brain stimulation techniques that have been studied for the treatment of AD are invasive brain stimulation (IBS) and non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS). In this article, the amyloid proteins that play a significant role in the AD formation, the mechanism of disease formation as well as new drugs utilized to treat of AD will be reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amirreza Gholami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang Y, Bagyinszky E, An SSA. Patient with PSEN1 Glu318Gly and Other Possible Disease Risk Mutations, Diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15461. [PMID: 37895139 PMCID: PMC10607718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this manuscript, we introduced a French EOAD patient in Korea who carried the presenilin-1 (PSEN1) Glu318Gly mutations with four possible risk variants, including sortilin-related receptor 1 (SORL1) Glu270Lys, ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 7 (ABCA7) Val1946Met, translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 40 (TOMM40) Arg239Trp, and granulin (GRN) Ala505Gly. The patient started to present memory decline and behavioral dysfunction in his early 60s. His brain imaging presented amyloid deposits by positron emission tomography (PET-CT). The multimer detection system (MDS) screening test for plasma for amyloid oligomers was also positive, which supported the AD diagnosis. It was verified that PSEN1 Glu318Gly itself may not impact amyloid production. However, additional variants were found in other AD and non-AD risk genes, as follows: SORL1 Glu270Lys was suggested as a risk mutation for AD and could increase amyloid peptide production and impair endosome functions. ABCA7 Val1946Met was a novel variant that was predicted to be damaging. The GRN Ala505Gly was a variant with uncertain significance; however, it may reduce the granulin levels in the plasma of dementia patients. Pathway analysis revealed that PSEN1 Glu318Gly may work as a risk factor along with the SORL1 and ABCA7 variants since pathway analysis revealed that PSEN1 could directly interact with them through amyloid-related and lipid metabolism pathways. TOMM40 and PSEN1 could have common mechanisms through mitochondrial dysfunction. It may be possible that PSEN1 Glu318Gly and GRN Ala505Gly would impact disease by impairing immune-related pathways, including microglia and astrocyte development, or NFkB-related pathways. Taken together, the five risk factors may contribute to disease-related pathways, including amyloid and lipid metabolism, or impair immune mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- YoungSoon Yang
- Department of Neurology, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan 31151, Republic of Korea;
| | - Eva Bagyinszky
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Environment, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Soo A. An
- Department of Bionano Technology, Gachon Medical Research Institute, College of Bionano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si 13120, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Quick JD, Silva C, Wong JH, Lim KL, Reynolds R, Barron AM, Zeng J, Lo CH. Lysosomal acidification dysfunction in microglia: an emerging pathogenic mechanism of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:185. [PMID: 37543564 PMCID: PMC10403868 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02866-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the resident innate immune cells in the brain with a major role in orchestrating immune responses. They also provide a frontline of host defense in the central nervous system (CNS) through their active phagocytic capability. Being a professional phagocyte, microglia participate in phagocytic and autophagic clearance of cellular waste and debris as well as toxic protein aggregates, which relies on optimal lysosomal acidification and function. Defective microglial lysosomal acidification leads to impaired phagocytic and autophagic functions which result in the perpetuation of neuroinflammation and progression of neurodegeneration. Reacidification of impaired lysosomes in microglia has been shown to reverse neurodegenerative pathology in Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we summarize key factors and mechanisms contributing to lysosomal acidification impairment and the associated phagocytic and autophagic dysfunction in microglia, and how these defects contribute to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. We further discuss techniques to monitor lysosomal pH and therapeutic agents that can reacidify impaired lysosomes in microglia under disease conditions. Finally, we propose future directions to investigate the role of microglial lysosomal acidification in lysosome-mitochondria crosstalk and in neuron-glia interaction for more comprehensive understanding of its broader CNS physiological and pathological implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D Quick
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Cristian Silva
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Jia Hui Wong
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kah Leong Lim
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Reynolds
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anna M Barron
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jialiu Zeng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Chih Hung Lo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Arbez-Gindre C, Steele BR, Micha-Screttas M. Dendrimers in Alzheimer’s Disease: Recent Approaches in Multi-Targeting Strategies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030898. [PMID: 36986759 PMCID: PMC10059864 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanomaterials play an increasingly important role in current medicinal practice. As one of the most significant causes of human mortality, and one that is increasing year by year, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been the subject of a very great body of research and is an area in which nanomedicinal approaches show great promise. Dendrimers are a class of multivalent nanomaterials which can accommodate a wide range of modifications that enable them to be used as drug delivery systems. By means of suitable design, they can incorporate multiple functionalities to enable transport across the blood–brain barrier and subsequently target the diseased areas of the brain. In addition, a number of dendrimers by themselves often display therapeutic potential for AD. In this review, the various hypotheses relating to the development of AD and the proposed therapeutic interventions involving dendrimer–base systems are outlined. Special attention is focused on more recent results and on the importance of aspects such as oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in approaches to the design of new treatments.
Collapse
|
8
|
The Involvement of Post-Translational Modifications in Regulating the Development and Progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3617-3632. [PMID: 36877359 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03277-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) have been recently reported to be involved in the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In detail, PTMs include phosphorylation, glycation, acetylation, sumoylation, ubiquitination, methylation, nitration, and truncation, which are associated with pathological functions of AD-related proteins, such as β-amyloid (Aβ), β-site APP-cleavage enzyme 1 (BACE1), and tau protein. In particular, the roles of aberrant PTMs in the trafficking, cleavage, and degradation of AD-associated proteins, leading to the cognitive decline of the disease, are summarized under AD conditions. By summarizing these research progress, the gaps will be filled between PMTs and AD, which will facilitate the discovery of potential biomarkers, leading to the establishment of novel clinical intervention methods against AD.
Collapse
|
9
|
Advances in Molecular Psychiatry - March 2023: mitochondrial function, stress, neuroinflammation - bipolar disorder, psychosis, and Alzheimer's disease. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:968-971. [PMID: 36899214 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-01968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
|
10
|
Wang M, Liu K, Ma Y, Han W. Probing the Mechanisms of Inhibitors Binding to Presenilin Homologue Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052076. [PMID: 36903320 PMCID: PMC10004098 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
γ-secretase is an intramembrane proteolytic enzyme that is mainly involved in the cleavage and hydrolysis of the amyloid precursor (APP). The catalytic subunit presenilin 1 (PS1) is the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase. Since it was found that PS1 is responsible for Aβ-producing proteolytic activity, which is involved in Alzheimer's disease, it is believed that reducing the activity of PS1 and preventing or delaying the production of Aβ could help treat Alzheimer's disease. Consequently, in recent years, researchers have begun investigating the potential clinical efficacy of PS1 inhibitors. Currently, most PS1 inhibitors are only used as a tool to study the structure and function of PS1, and a few inhibitors with a high selectivity have been tested in clinics. Less-selective PS1 inhibitors were found to not only inhibit Aβ production but also inhibit Notch cleavage, which led to serious adverse events. The archaeal presenilin homologue (PSH) is a surrogate protease of presenilin that is useful for agent screening. In this study, we performed 200 ns molecular dynamics simulations (MD) of four systems to explore the conformational changes of different ligands binding to PSH. Our results indicated that the PSH-L679 system formed 3-10 helices in TM4, loosening up TM4 and allowing substrates to enter the catalytic pocket, thereby making it less inhibitory. Additionally, we found that III-31-C can bring TM4 and TM6 closer, resulting in the contraction of the PSH active pocket. Altogether, these results provide the basis for the potential design of newer PS1 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Weiwei Han
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-(431)-85155218
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li J, Zou B, Cheng XY, Yang XH, Li J, Zhao CH, Ma RX, Tian JX, Yao Y. Therapeutic effects of total saikosaponins from Radix bupleuri against Alzheimer’s disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:940999. [PMID: 35935875 PMCID: PMC9351603 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.940999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly, with amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein as the main pathological feature. Nuclear factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that primarily exists in the cytosol of hippocampal neurons, and it is considered as an important regulator of autophagy, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Total saikosaponins (TS) is the main bioactive component of Radix bupleuri (Chaihu). In this study, it was found that TS could ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in APP/PS1 transgenic mice and reduce Aβ generation and senile plaque deposition via activating Nrf2 and downregulating the expression of β-secretase 1 (BACE1). In addition, TS can enhance autophagy by promoting the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3-II, increasing the degradation of p62 and NDP52 and the clearance of phosphorylated tau (p-tau), and reducing the expression of p-tau. It can also downregulate the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) to inhibit the activation of glial cells and reduce the release of inflammatory factors. In vitro experiments using PC12 cells induced by Aβ, TS could significantly inhibit the aggregation of Aβ and reduce cytotoxicity. It was found that Nrf2 knock-out weakened the inhibitory effect of TS on BACE1 and NF-κB transcription in PC12 cells. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of TS on BACE1 transcription was achieved by promoting the binding of Nrf2 and the promoter of BACE1 ARE1. Results showed that TS downregulated the expression of BACE1 and NF-κB through Nrf2, thereby reducing the generation of Aβ and inhibiting neuroinflammation. Furthermore, TS can ameliorate synaptic loss and alleviate oxidative stress. In gut microbiota analysis, dysbiosis was demonstrated in APP/PS1 transgenic mice, indicating a potential link between gut microbiota and AD. Furthermore, TS treatment reverses the gut microbiota disorder in APP/PS1 mice, suggesting a therapeutic strategy by remodeling the gut microbe. Collectively, these data shows that TS may serve as a potential approach for AD treatment. Further investigation is needed to clarify the detailed mechanisms underlying TS regulating gut microbiota and oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Ningxia Engineering and Technology Research Center for Modernization of Characteristic Chinese Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Ningxia Ethnomedicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Bin Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Cheng
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xin-He Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jia Li
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Chun-Hui Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Xia Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ji-Xiang Tian
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yao Yao, ; Ji-Xiang Tian,
| | - Yao Yao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yao Yao, ; Ji-Xiang Tian,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Van Acker ZP, Perdok A, Bretou M, Annaert W. The microglial lysosomal system in Alzheimer's disease: Guardian against proteinopathy. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 71:101444. [PMID: 34391945 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Microglia, the brain-resident immune cells, play an essential role in the upkeep of brain homeostasis. They actively adapt into specific activation states based on cues from the microenvironment. One of these encompasses the activated response microglia (ARMs) phenotype. It arises along a healthy aging process and in a range of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). As the phenotype is characterized by an increased lipid metabolism, phagocytosis rate, lysosomal protease content and secretion of neuroprotective agents, it leaves to reason that the phenotype is adapted in an attempt to restore homeostasis. This is important to the conundrum of inflammatory processes. Inflammation per se may not be deleterious; it is only when microglial reactions become chronic or the microglial subtype is made dysfunctional by (multiple) risk proteins with single-nucleotide polymorphisms that microglial involvement becomes deleterious instead of beneficial. Interestingly, the ARMs up- and downregulate many late-onset AD-associated risk factor genes, the products of which are particularly active in the endolysosomal system. Hence, in this review, we focus on how the endolysosomal system is placed at the crossroad of inflammation and microglial capacity to keep pace with degradation.
Collapse
|
13
|
Licinio J, Wong ML. Molecular Psychiatry special issue: advances in Alzheimer's disease. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:5467-5470. [PMID: 35027660 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01434-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julio Licinio
- State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
| | - Ma-Li Wong
- State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bettcher BM, Tansey MG, Dorothée G, Heneka MT. Peripheral and central immune system crosstalk in Alzheimer disease - a research prospectus. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17:689-701. [PMID: 34522039 PMCID: PMC8439173 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00549-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the immune system is a cardinal feature of Alzheimer disease (AD), and a considerable body of evidence indicates pathological alterations in central and peripheral immune responses that change over time. Considering AD as a systemic immune process raises important questions about how communication between the peripheral and central compartments occurs and whether this crosstalk represents a therapeutic target. We established a whitepaper workgroup to delineate the current status of the field and to outline a research prospectus for advancing our understanding of peripheral-central immune crosstalk in AD. To guide the prospectus, we begin with an overview of seminal clinical observations that suggest a role for peripheral immune dysregulation and peripheral-central immune communication in AD, followed by formative animal data that provide insights into possible mechanisms for these clinical findings. We then present a roadmap that defines important next steps needed to overcome conceptual and methodological challenges, opportunities for future interdisciplinary research, and suggestions for translating promising mechanistic studies into therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brianne M. Bettcher
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XBehavioral Neurology Section, Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Malú G. Tansey
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Guillaume Dorothée
- grid.412370.30000 0004 1937 1100Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, Team “Immune System and Neuroinflammation”, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Michael T. Heneka
- grid.15090.3d0000 0000 8786 803XDepartment of Neurodegenerative Diseases & Geropsychiatry/Neurology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany ,grid.168645.80000 0001 0742 0364Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hepp Rehfeldt SC, Majolo F, Goettert MI, Laufer S. c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Inhibitors as Potential Leads for New Therapeutics for Alzheimer's Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9677. [PMID: 33352989 PMCID: PMC7765872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is becoming more prevalent as the population lives longer. For individuals over 60 years of age, the prevalence of AD is estimated at 40.19% across the world. Regarding the cognitive decline caused by the disease, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways such as the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway are involved in the progressive loss of neurons and synapses, brain atrophy, and augmentation of the brain ventricles, being activated by synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity. Nowadays, AD symptoms are manageable, but the disease itself remains incurable, thus the inhibition of JNK3 has been explored as a possible therapeutic target, considering that JNK is best known for its involvement in propagating pro-apoptotic signals. This review aims to present biological aspects of JNK, focusing on JNK3 and how it relates to AD. It was also explored the recent development of inhibitors that could be used in AD treatment since several drugs/compounds in phase III clinical trials failed. General aspects of the MAPK family, therapeutic targets, and experimental treatment in models are described and discussed throughout this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Cristine Hepp Rehfeldt
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Vale do Taquari (Univates), Lajeado CEP 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (S.C.H.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Fernanda Majolo
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Vale do Taquari (Univates), Lajeado CEP 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (S.C.H.R.); (F.M.)
- Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre CEP 90619-900, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Márcia Inês Goettert
- Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of Vale do Taquari (Univates), Lajeado CEP 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (S.C.H.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Stefan Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tuebingen, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Roussarie JP, Rodriguez-Rodriguez P. Deciphering cell-type specific signal transduction in the brain: Challenges and promises. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 90:145-171. [PMID: 33706931 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2020.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Signal transduction designates the set of molecular events that take place within a cell upon extracellular stimulation to mediate a functional outcome. Decades after the discovery that dopamine triggers opposing signaling pathways in D1- and D2-expressing medium spiny neurons, it is now clear that there are as many different flavors of signaling pathways in the brain as there are neuron types. One of the biggest challenges in molecular neuroscience is to elucidate cell-type specific signaling, in order to understand neurological diseases with regional vulnerability, but also to identify targets for precision drugs devoid of off-target effects. Here, we make a case for the importance of the study of neuron-type specific molecular characteristics. We then review the technologies that exist to study neurons in their full diversity and highlight their disease-relevant idiosyncrasies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Roussarie
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Patricia Rodriguez-Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States; Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lack of a site-specific phosphorylation of Presenilin 1 disrupts microglial gene networks and progenitors during development. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237773. [PMID: 32822378 PMCID: PMC7444478 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglial cells play a key role in brain homeostasis from development to adulthood. Here we show the involvement of a site-specific phosphorylation of Presenilin 1 (PS1) in microglial development. Profiles of microglia-specific transcripts in different temporal stages of development, combined with multiple systematic transcriptomic analysis and quantitative determination of microglia progenitors, indicate that the phosphorylation of PS1 at serine 367 is involved in the temporal dynamics of microglial development, specifically in the developing brain rudiment during embryonic microgliogenesis. We constructed a developing brain-specific microglial network to identify transcription factors linked to PS1 during development. Our data showed that PS1 functional connections appear through interaction hubs at Pu.1, Irf8 and Rela-p65 transcription factors. Finally, we showed that the total number of microglia progenitors was markedly reduced in the developing brain rudiment of embryos lacking PS1 phosphorylation compared to WT. Our work identifies a novel role for PS1 in microglial development.
Collapse
|