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Gaikwad S, Puangmalai N, Sonawane M, Montalbano M, Price R, Iyer MS, Ray A, Moreno S, Kayed R. Nasal tau immunotherapy clears intracellular tau pathology and improves cognitive functions in aged tauopathy mice. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadj5958. [PMID: 38959324 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adj5958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Pathological tau aggregates cause cognitive decline in neurodegenerative tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). These aggregates are prevalent within intracellular compartments. Current tau immunotherapies have shown limited efficacy in clearing intracellular tau aggregates and improving cognition in clinical trials. In this study, we developed toxic tau conformation-specific monoclonal antibody-2 (TTCM2), which selectively recognized pathological tau aggregates in brain tissues from patients with AD, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). TTCM2 potently inhibited tau-seeding activity, an essential mechanism underlying tauopathy progression. To effectively target intracellular tau aggregates and ensure rapid delivery to the brain, TTCM2 was loaded in micelles (TTCM2-ms) and administered through the intranasal route. We found that intranasally administered TTCM2-ms efficiently entered the brain in hTau-tauopathy mice, targeting pathological tau in intracellular compartments. Moreover, a single intranasal dose of TTCM2-ms effectively cleared pathological tau, elevated synaptic proteins, and improved cognitive functions in aged tauopathy mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that TTCM2-ms cleared intracellular, synaptic, and seed-competent tau aggregates through tripartite motif-containing 21 (TRIM21), an intracellular antibody receptor and E3 ubiquitin ligase known to facilitate proteasomal degradation of cytosolic antibody-bound proteins. TRIM21 was found to be essential for TTCM2-ms-mediated clearance of tau pathology. Our study collectively provides evidence of the effectiveness of nasal tau immunotherapy in targeting and clearing intracellular tau pathology through TRIM21 and enhancing cognition in aged tauopathy mice. This study could be valuable in designing effective tau immunotherapies for AD and other tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Gaikwad
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nicha Puangmalai
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Minal Sonawane
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Mauro Montalbano
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rachel Price
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre," Viale G. Marconi 446 00146 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Sandra Moreno
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre," Viale G. Marconi 446 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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Rabanal-Ruiz Y, Pedrero-Prieto CM, Sanchez-Rodriguez L, Flores-Cuadrado A, Saiz-Sanchez D, Frontinan-Rubio J, Ubeda-Banon I, Duran Prado M, Martinez-Marcos A, Peinado JR. Differential accumulation of human β-amyloid and tau from enriched extracts in neuronal and endothelial cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167204. [PMID: 38679217 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167204] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
While Aβ and Tau cellular distribution has been largely studied, the comparative internalization and subcellular accumulation of Tau and Aβ isolated from human brain extracts in endothelial and neuronal cells has not yet been unveiled. We have previously demonstrated that controlled enrichment of Aβ from human brain extracts constitutes a valuable tool to monitor cellular internalization in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we establish an alternative method to strongly enrich Aβ and Tau aggregates from human AD brains, which has allowed us to study and compare the cellular internalization, distribution and toxicity of both proteins within brain barrier endothelial (bEnd.3) and neuronal (Neuro2A) cells. Our findings demonstrate the suitability of human enriched brain extracts to monitor the intracellular distribution of human Aβ and Tau, which, once internalized, show dissimilar sorting to different organelles within the cell and differential toxicity, exhibiting higher toxic effects on neuronal cells than on endothelial cells. While tau is strongly concentrated preferentially in mitochondria, Aβ is distributed predominantly within the endolysosomal system in endothelial cells, whereas the endoplasmic reticulum was its preferential location in neurons. Altogether, our findings display a picture of the interactions that human Aβ and Tau might establish in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Rabanal-Ruiz
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ciudad Real Medical School, Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration Group, Regional Center for Biomedical Research, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - C M Pedrero-Prieto
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ciudad Real Medical School, Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration Group, Regional Center for Biomedical Research, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - L Sanchez-Rodriguez
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ciudad Real Medical School, Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration Group, Regional Center for Biomedical Research, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - A Flores-Cuadrado
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ciudad Real Medical School, Neuroplasticity and Neurodegeneration Group, Regional Center for Biomedical Research, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - D Saiz-Sanchez
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ciudad Real Medical School, Neuroplasticity and Neurodegeneration Group, Regional Center for Biomedical Research, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - J Frontinan-Rubio
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ciudad Real Medical School, Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration Group, Regional Center for Biomedical Research, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - I Ubeda-Banon
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ciudad Real Medical School, Neuroplasticity and Neurodegeneration Group, Regional Center for Biomedical Research, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - M Duran Prado
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ciudad Real Medical School, Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration Group, Regional Center for Biomedical Research, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - A Martinez-Marcos
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ciudad Real Medical School, Neuroplasticity and Neurodegeneration Group, Regional Center for Biomedical Research, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Juan R Peinado
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ciudad Real Medical School, Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration Group, Regional Center for Biomedical Research, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain.
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Zheng H, Sun H, Cai Q, Tai HC. The Enigma of Tau Protein Aggregation: Mechanistic Insights and Future Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4969. [PMID: 38732197 PMCID: PMC11084794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094969] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Tau protein misfolding and aggregation are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease and over twenty neurodegenerative disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms of tau aggregation in vivo remain incompletely understood. There are two types of tau aggregates in the brain: soluble aggregates (oligomers and protofibrils) and insoluble filaments (fibrils). Compared to filamentous aggregates, soluble aggregates are more toxic and exhibit prion-like transmission, providing seeds for templated misfolding. Curiously, in its native state, tau is a highly soluble, heat-stable protein that does not form fibrils by itself, not even when hyperphosphorylated. In vitro studies have found that negatively charged molecules such as heparin, RNA, or arachidonic acid are generally required to induce tau aggregation. Two recent breakthroughs have provided new insights into tau aggregation mechanisms. First, as an intrinsically disordered protein, tau is found to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) both in vitro and inside cells. Second, cryo-electron microscopy has revealed diverse fibrillar tau conformations associated with different neurodegenerative disorders. Nonetheless, only the fibrillar core is structurally resolved, and the remainder of the protein appears as a "fuzzy coat". From this review, it appears that further studies are required (1) to clarify the role of LLPS in tau aggregation; (2) to unveil the structural features of soluble tau aggregates; (3) to understand the involvement of fuzzy coat regions in oligomer and fibril formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hwan-Ching Tai
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
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Jaye S, Sandau US, Saugstad JA. Clathrin mediated endocytosis in Alzheimer's disease: cell type specific involvement in amyloid beta pathology. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1378576. [PMID: 38694257 PMCID: PMC11061891 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1378576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive examination of the role of clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, emphasizing its impact across various cellular contexts beyond neuronal dysfunction. In neurons, dysregulated CME contributes to synaptic dysfunction, amyloid beta (Aβ) processing, and Tau pathology, highlighting its involvement in early AD pathogenesis. Furthermore, CME alterations extend to non-neuronal cell types, including astrocytes and microglia, which play crucial roles in Aβ clearance and neuroinflammation. Dysregulated CME in these cells underscores its broader implications in AD pathophysiology. Despite significant progress, further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying CME dysregulation in AD and its therapeutic implications. Overall, understanding the complex interplay between CME and AD across diverse cell types holds promise for identifying novel therapeutic targets and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julie A. Saugstad
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Sun X, Eastman G, Shi Y, Saibaba S, Oliveira AK, Lukens JR, Norambuena A, Thompson JA, Purdy MD, Dryden K, Pardo E, Mandell JW, Bloom GS. Structural and functional damage to neuronal nuclei caused by extracellular tau oligomers. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:1656-1670. [PMID: 38069673 PMCID: PMC10947977 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13535] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuronal nuclei are normally smoothly surfaced. In Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies, though, they often develop invaginations. We investigated mechanisms and functional consequences of neuronal nuclear invagination in tauopathies. METHODS Nuclear invagination was assayed by immunofluorescence in the brain, and in cultured neurons before and after extracellular tau oligomer (xcTauO) exposure. Nucleocytoplasmic transport was assayed in cultured neurons. Gene expression was investigated using nanoString nCounter technology and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Invaginated nuclei were twice as abundant in human AD as in cognitively normal adults, and were increased in mouse neurodegeneration models. In cultured neurons, nuclear invagination was induced by xcTauOs by an intracellular tau-dependent mechanism. xcTauOs impaired nucleocytoplasmic transport, increased histone H3 trimethylation at lysine 9, and altered gene expression, especially by increasing tau mRNA. DISCUSSION xcTauOs may be a primary cause of nuclear invagination in vivo, and by extension, impair nucleocytoplasmic transport and induce pathogenic gene expression changes. HIGHLIGHTS Extracellular tau oligomers (xcTauOs) cause neuronal nuclei to invaginate. xcTauOs alter nucleocytoplasmic transport, chromatin structure, and gene expression. The most upregulated gene is MAPT, which encodes tau. xcTauOs may thus drive a positive feedback loop for production of toxic tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehan Sun
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Guillermo Eastman
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- Departamento de GenómicaInstituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente EstableMinisterio de Educación y CulturaMontevideoUruguay
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Subhi Saibaba
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Ana K. Oliveira
- Department of PathologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - John R. Lukens
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Andrés Norambuena
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Joseph A. Thompson
- Department of Materials Science & EngineeringUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Michael D. Purdy
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological PhysicsUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Kelly Dryden
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological PhysicsUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Evelyn Pardo
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - James W. Mandell
- Department of PathologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - George S. Bloom
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- Department of Cell BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
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Bhatt N, Puangmalai N, Sengupta U, Jerez C, Kidd M, Gandhi S, Kayed R. C9orf72-associated dipeptide protein repeats form A11-positive oligomers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105628. [PMID: 38295729 PMCID: PMC10844744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72 is one of the most common causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. The hexanucleotide expansion, formed by GGGGCC (G4C2) repeats, leads to the production of five dipeptide protein repeats (DPRs) via repeat-associated non-AUG translation. Among the five dipeptide repeats, Gly-Arg, Pro-Arg, and Gly-Ala form neuronal inclusions that contain aggregates of the peptides. Several studies have attempted to model DPR-associated toxicity using various repeat lengths, which suggests a unique conformation that is cytotoxic and is independent of the repeat length. However, the structural characteristics of DPR aggregates have yet to be determined. Increasing evidence suggests that soluble species, such as oligomers, are the main cause of toxicity in proteinopathies, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. To investigate the ability of DPRs to aggregate and form toxic oligomers, we adopted a reductionist approach using small dipeptide repeats of 3, 6, and 12. This study shows that DPRs, particularly glycine-arginine and proline-arginine, form oligomers that exhibit distinct dye-binding properties and morphologies. Importantly, we also identified toxic DPR oligomers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia postmortem brains that are morphologically similar to those generated recombinantly. This study demonstrates that, similar to soluble oligomers formed by various amyloid proteins, DPR oligomers are toxic, independent of their repeat length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Nicha Puangmalai
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Urmi Sengupta
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Cynthia Jerez
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Madison Kidd
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Shailee Gandhi
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.
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Sengupta U, Kayed R. Tau Oligomers as Pathogenic Seeds: Preparation, Characterization, and Propagation In Vitro and In Vivo. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2754:147-183. [PMID: 38512666 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3629-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Tau oligomers have been shown to be the main toxic tau species in several neurodegenerative disorders. To study tau oligomers, we have developed reagents and established methods for the reliable preparation, isolation, and detection of tau oligomers as well as their seeding and propagation both in vitro and in vivo. Detailed below are methods for isolation of tau oligomers from brain tissues and detection of tau oligomers using tau oligomer-specific antibodies by biochemical, immunohistochemical, and biophysical methods. Further, methods for evaluating the biological activity of the tau oligomers including their effects on synaptic function, seeding, and propagation in cell models and in vivo are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmi Sengupta
- George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Departments of Neurology, and Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Departments of Neurology, and Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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Bodily TA, Ramanathan A, Wei S, Karkisaval A, Bhatt N, Jerez C, Haque MA, Ramil A, Heda P, Wang Y, Kumar S, Leite M, Li T, Zhao J, Lal R. In pursuit of degenerative brain disease diagnosis: Dementia biomarkers detected by DNA aptamer-attached portable graphene biosensor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2311565120. [PMID: 37956285 PMCID: PMC10666025 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2311565120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a brain disease which results in irreversible and progressive loss of cognition and motor activity. Despite global efforts, there is no simple and reliable diagnosis or treatment option. Current diagnosis involves indirect testing of commonly inaccessible biofluids and low-resolution brain imaging. We have developed a portable, wireless readout-based Graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) biosensor platform that can detect viruses, proteins, and small molecules with single-molecule sensitivity and specificity. We report the detection of three important amyloids, namely, Amyloid beta (Aβ), Tau (τ), and α-Synuclein (αS) using DNA aptamer nanoprobes. These amyloids were isolated, purified, and characterized from the autopsied brain tissues of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients. The limit of detection (LoD) of the sensor is 10 fM, 1-10 pM, 10-100 fM for Aβ, τ, and αS, respectively. Synthetic as well as autopsied brain-derived amyloids showed a statistically significant sensor response with respect to derived thresholds, confirming the ability to define diseased vs. nondiseased states. The detection of each amyloid was specific to their aptamers; Aβ, τ, and αS peptides when tested, respectively, with aptamers nonspecific to them showed statistically insignificant cross-reactivity. Thus, the aptamer-based GFET biosensor has high sensitivity and precision across a range of epidemiologically significant AD and PD variants. This portable diagnostic system would allow at-home and POC testing for neurodegenerative diseases globally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anirudh Ramanathan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Shanhong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200050, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Abhijith Karkisaval
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Cynthia Jerez
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Md Anzarul Haque
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Armando Ramil
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Prachi Heda
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200050, China
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL61820
| | - Mikayla Leite
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
| | - Tie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200050, China
| | - Jianlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200050, China
| | - Ratnesh Lal
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, CA92093
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Guo M, Wang L, Yin Z, Chen F, Lei P. Small extracellular vesicles as potential theranostic tools in central nervous system disorders. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115407. [PMID: 37683594 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Small extracellular vesicles(sEVs), a subset of extracellular vesicles with a bilateral membrane structure, contain biological cargoes, such as lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins. sEVs are crucial mediators of intercellular communications in the physiological and pathological processes of the central nervous system. Because of the special structure and complex pathogenesis of the brain, central nervous system disorders are characterized by high mortality and morbidity. Increasing evidence has focused on the potential of sEVs in clinical application for central nervous system disorders. sEVs are emerging as a promising diagnostic and therapeutic tool with high sensitivity, low immunogenicity, superior safety profile, and high transfer efficiency. This review highlighted the development of sEVs in central nervous system disorder clinical application. We also outlined the role of sEVs in central nervous system disorders and discussed the limitations of sEVs in clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengtian Guo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenyu Yin
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Ping Lei
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China; Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
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10
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Grinberg LT. Synaptic Oligomers and Glial Cells in Alzheimer Disease. JAMA Neurol 2023; 80:1136-1137. [PMID: 37812438 PMCID: PMC10903969 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.3539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lea Tenenholz Grinberg
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Hill J, Shalaby KE, Bihaqi SW, Alansi BH, Barlock B, Parang K, Thompson R, Ouararhni K, Zawia NH. Tolfenamic Acid Derivatives: A New Class of Transcriptional Modulators with Potential Therapeutic Applications for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15216. [PMID: 37894896 PMCID: PMC10607430 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has witnessed recent breakthroughs in the development of disease-modifying biologics and diagnostic markers. While immunotherapeutic interventions have provided much-awaited solutions, nucleic acid-based tools represent other avenues of intervention; however, these approaches are costly and invasive, and they have serious side effects. Previously, we have shown in AD animal models that tolfenamic acid (TA) can lower the expression of AD-related genes and their products and subsequently reduce pathological burden and improve cognition. Using TA as a scaffold and the zinc finger domain of SP1 as a pharmacophore, we developed safer and more potent brain-penetrating analogs that interfere with sequence-specific DNA binding at transcription start sites and predominantly modulate the expression of SP1 target genes. More importantly, the proteome of treated cells displayed ~75% of the downregulated products as SP1 targets. Specific levels of SP1-driven genes and AD biomarkers such as amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Tau proteins were also decreased as part of this targeted systemic response. These small molecules, therefore, offer a viable alternative to achieving desired therapeutic outcomes by interfering with both amyloid and Tau pathways with limited off-target systemic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaunetta Hill
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; (J.H.); (S.W.B.); (B.H.A.); (B.B.)
| | - Karim E. Shalaby
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar; (K.E.S.); (K.O.)
| | - Syed W. Bihaqi
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; (J.H.); (S.W.B.); (B.H.A.); (B.B.)
| | - Bothaina H. Alansi
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; (J.H.); (S.W.B.); (B.H.A.); (B.B.)
| | - Benjamin Barlock
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; (J.H.); (S.W.B.); (B.H.A.); (B.B.)
| | - Keykavous Parang
- Center for Targeted Drug Delivery, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chapman University School of Pharmacy, Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine, CA 92618, USA;
| | - Richard Thompson
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar; (K.E.S.); (K.O.)
| | - Khalid Ouararhni
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar; (K.E.S.); (K.O.)
| | - Nasser H. Zawia
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; (J.H.); (S.W.B.); (B.H.A.); (B.B.)
- Neurological Disorder Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar; (K.E.S.); (K.O.)
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences Division, College of Health & Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha 34110, Qatar
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12
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Hu J, Sha W, Yuan S, Wu J, Huang Y. Aggregation, Transmission, and Toxicity of the Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau: A Complex Comprehension. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15023. [PMID: 37834471 PMCID: PMC10573976 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241915023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau is an intrinsically disordered protein containing a few short and transient secondary structures. Tau physiologically associates with microtubules (MTs) for its stabilization and detaches from MTs to regulate its dynamics. Under pathological conditions, tau is abnormally modified, detaches from MTs, and forms protein aggregates in neuronal and glial cells. Tau protein aggregates can be found in a number of devastating neurodegenerative diseases known as "tauopathies", such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), etc. However, it is still unclear how the tau protein is compacted into ordered protein aggregates, and the toxicity of the aggregates is still debated. Fortunately, there has been considerable progress in the study of tau in recent years, particularly in the understanding of the intercellular transmission of pathological tau species, the structure of tau aggregates, and the conformational change events in the tau polymerization process. In this review, we summarize the concepts of tau protein aggregation and discuss the views on tau protein transmission and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Wenchi Sha
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Shuangshuang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yunpeng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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13
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Hivare P, Mujmer K, Swarup G, Gupta S, Bhatia D. Endocytic pathways of pathogenic protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases. Traffic 2023; 24:434-452. [PMID: 37392160 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12906] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Endocytosis is the fundamental uptake process through which cells internalize extracellular materials and species. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by a progressive accumulation of intrinsically disordered protein species, leading to neuronal death. Misfolding in many proteins leads to various NDs such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other disorders. Despite the significance of disordered protein species in neurodegeneration, their spread between cells and the cellular uptake of extracellular species is not entirely understood. This review discusses the major internalization mechanisms of the different conformer species of these proteins and their endocytic mechanisms. We briefly introduce the broad types of endocytic mechanisms found in cells and then summarize what is known about the endocytosis of monomeric, oligomeric and aggregated conformations of tau, Aβ, α-Syn, Huntingtin, Prions, SOD1, TDP-43 and other proteins associated with neurodegeneration. We also highlight the key players involved in internalizing these disordered proteins and the several techniques and approaches to identify their endocytic mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the obstacles involved in studying the endocytosis of these protein species and the need to develop better techniques to elucidate the uptake mechanisms of a particular disordered protein species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravin Hivare
- Biological Engineering Discipline, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gujarat, India
| | - Kratika Mujmer
- Center for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gujarat, India
| | - Gitanjali Swarup
- Biological Engineering Discipline, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gujarat, India
| | - Sharad Gupta
- Biological Engineering Discipline, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gujarat, India
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gujarat, India
| | - Dhiraj Bhatia
- Biological Engineering Discipline, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gujarat, India
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Palaj, Gujarat, India
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14
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Davidowitz EJ, Lopez P, Jimenez H, Adrien L, Davies P, Moe JG. Small molecule inhibitor of tau self-association in a mouse model of tauopathy: A preventive study in P301L tau JNPL3 mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286523. [PMID: 37556474 PMCID: PMC10411817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in tau biology and the difficulties of amyloid-directed immunotherapeutics have heightened interest in tau as a target for small molecule drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we evaluated OLX-07010, a small molecule inhibitor of tau self-association, for the prevention of tau aggregation. The primary endpoint of the study was statistically significant reduction of insoluble tau aggregates in treated JNPL3 mice compared with Vehicle-control mice. Secondary endpoints were dose-dependent reduction of insoluble tau aggregates, reduction of phosphorylated tau, and reduction of soluble tau. This study was performed in JNPL3 mice, which are representative of inherited forms of 4-repeat tauopathies with the P301L tau mutation (e.g., progressive supranuclear palsy and frontotemporal dementia). The P301L mutation makes tau prone to aggregation; therefore, JNPL3 mice present a more challenging target than mouse models of human tau without mutations. JNPL3 mice were treated from 3 to 7 months of age with Vehicle, 30 mg/kg compound dose, or 40 mg/kg compound dose. Biochemical methods were used to evaluate self-associated tau, insoluble tau aggregates, total tau, and phosphorylated tau in the hindbrain, cortex, and hippocampus. The Vehicle group had higher levels of insoluble tau in the hindbrain than the Baseline group; treatment with 40 mg/kg compound dose prevented this increase. In the cortex, the levels of insoluble tau were similar in the Baseline and Vehicle groups, indicating that the pathological phenotype of these mice was beginning to emerge at the study endpoint and that there was a delay in the development of the phenotype of the model as originally characterized. No drug-related adverse effects were observed during the 4-month treatment period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliot J. Davidowitz
- Oligomerix, Inc., White Plains, NY, United States of America
- Oligomerix, Inc., Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Heidy Jimenez
- The Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Leslie Adrien
- The Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Peter Davies
- The Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - James G. Moe
- Oligomerix, Inc., White Plains, NY, United States of America
- Oligomerix, Inc., Bronx, NY, United States of America
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15
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Lin H, Deaton CA, Johnson GVW. Commentary: BAG3 as a Mediator of Endosome Function and Tau Clearance. Neuroscience 2023; 518:4-9. [PMID: 35550160 PMCID: PMC9646927 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Tauopathies are a group of heterogeneous neurodegenerative conditions characterized by the deposition of abnormal tau protein in the brain. The underlying mechanisms that contribute to the accumulation of tau in these neurodegenerative diseases are multifactorial; nonetheless, there is a growing awareness that dysfunction of endosome-lysosome pathways is a pivotal factor. BCL2 associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) is a multidomain protein that plays a key role in maintaining neuronal proteostasis. Further, recent data indicate that BAG3 plays an important role in mediating vacuolar-dependent degradation of tau. Overexpression of BAG3 in a tauopathy mouse model decreased pathological tau levels and alleviated synapse loss. High throughput screens of BAG3 interactors have identified key players in the vacuolar system; these include clathrin and regulators of small GTPases. These findings suggest that BAG3 is an important regulator of endocytic pathways. In this commentary, we discuss the potential mechanisms by which BAG3 regulates the vacuolar system and tau proteostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Carol A Deaton
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Gail V W Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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16
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Rayman JB. Focusing on oligomeric tau as a therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37140480 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2206561] [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] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tau has commanded much attention as a potential therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases. Tau pathology is a hallmark of primary tauopathies, such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal syndrome (CBS), and subtypes of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), as well as secondary tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The development of tau therapeutics must reconcile with the structural complexity of the tau proteome, as well as an incomplete understanding of the role of tau in both physiology and disease. AREAS COVERED This review offers a current perspective on tau biology, discusses key barriers to the development of effective tau-based therapeutics, and promotes the idea that pathogenic (as opposed to merely pathological) tau should be at the center of drug development efforts. EXPERT OPINION An efficacious tau therapeutic will exhibit several primary features: 1) selectivity for pathogenic tau versus other tau species; 2) blood-brain barrier and cell membrane permeability, enabling access to intracellular tau in disease-relevant brain regions; and 3) minimal toxicity. Oligomeric tau is proposed as a major pathogenic form of tau and a compelling drug target in tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B Rayman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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17
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Moore K, Sengupta U, Puangmalai N, Bhatt N, Kayed R. Polymorphic Alpha-Synuclein Oligomers: Characterization and Differential Detection with Novel Corresponding Antibodies. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:2691-2705. [PMID: 36707462 PMCID: PMC9883140 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03211-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The pathological hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases is the accumulation of characteristic proteinaceous aggregates. Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies can be characterized as synucleinopathies due to the abnormal accumulation of the protein alpha-synuclein (α-Syn). Studies have shown amyloidogenic proteins such as α-Syn and tau can exist as polymorphic aggregates, a theory widely studied mostly in their fibrillar morphology. It is now well understood that an intermediate state of aggregates, oligomers, are the most toxic species. We have shown α-Syn, when modified by different physiological inducers, result in distinct oligomeric conformations of α-Syn. Polymorphic α-Syn oligomers exhibit distinct properties such as aggregate size, conformation, and differentially interact with tau. In this study, we confirm α-Syn oligomeric polymorphs furthermore using in-house novel α-Syn toxic conformation monoclonal antibodies (SynTCs). It is unclear the biological relevance of α-Syn oligomeric polymorphisms. Utilizing a combination of biochemical, biophysical, and cell-based assays, we characterize α-Syn oligomeric polymorphs. We found α-Syn oligomeric polymorphs exhibit distinct immunoreactivity and SynTCs exhibit differential selectivity and binding affinity for α-Syn species. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments suggest distinct α-Syn:SynTC binding enthalpies in a species-specific manner. Additionally, we found SynTCs differentially reduce α-Syn oligomeric polymorph-mediated neurotoxicity and propagation in primary cortical neurons in a polymorph-specific manner. These studies demonstrate the biological significance of polymorphic α-Syn oligomers along with the importance of polymorph-specific antibodies that target toxic α-Syn aggregates. Monoclonal antibodies that can target the conformational heterogeneity of α-Syn oligomeric species and reduce their mediated toxicity have promising immunotherapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya Moore
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Medical Research Building Room 10.138C, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-1045, USA
| | - Urmi Sengupta
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Medical Research Building Room 10.138C, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-1045, USA
| | - Nicha Puangmalai
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Medical Research Building Room 10.138C, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-1045, USA
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Medical Research Building Room 10.138C, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-1045, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Medical Research Building Room 10.138C, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-1045, USA.
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18
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Langer Horvat L, Španić Popovački E, Babić Leko M, Zubčić K, Horvat L, Mustapić M, Hof PR, Šimić G. Anterograde and Retrograde Propagation of Inoculated Human Tau Fibrils and Tau Oligomers in a Non-Transgenic Rat Tauopathy Model. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1004. [PMID: 37189622 PMCID: PMC10135744 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The tauopathy of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is first observed in the brainstem and entorhinal cortex, spreading trans-synaptically along specific pathways to other brain regions with recognizable patterns. Tau propagation occurs retrogradely and anterogradely (trans-synaptically) along a given pathway and through exosomes and microglial cells. Some aspects of in vivo tau spreading have been replicated in transgenic mice models expressing a mutated human MAPT (tau) gene and in wild-type mice. In this study, we aimed to characterize the propagation of different forms of tau species in non-transgenic 3-4 months old wild-type rats after a single unilateral injection of human tau oligomers and tau fibrils into the medial entorhinal cortex (mEC). We determined whether different variants of the inoculated human tau protein, tau fibrils, and tau oligomers, would induce similar neurofibrillary changes and propagate in an AD-related pattern, and how tau-related pathological changes would correlate with presumed cognitive impairment. We injected human tau fibrils and tau oligomers stereotaxically into the mEC and examined the distribution of tau-related changes at 3 days and 4, 8, and 11 months post-injection using antibodies AT8 and MC1, which reveal early phosphorylation and aberrant conformation of tau, respectively, HT7, anti-synaptophysin, and the Gallyas silver staining method. Human tau oligomers and tau fibrils exhibited some similarities and some differences in their ability to seed and propagate tau-related changes. Both human tau fibrils and tau oligomers rapidly propagated from the mEC anterogradely into the hippocampus and various parts of the neocortex. However, using a human tau-specific HT7 antibody, 3 days post-injection we found inoculated human tau oligomers in the red nucleus, primary motor, and primary somatosensory cortex, a finding not seen in animals inoculated with human tau fibrils. In animals inoculated with human tau fibrils, 3 days post-injection the HT7 antibody showed fibrils in the pontine reticular nucleus, a finding explained only by uptake of human tau fibrils by incoming presynaptic fibers to the mEC and retrograde transport of inoculated human tau fibrils to the brainstem. Rats inoculated with human tau fibrils showed as early as 4 months after inoculation a spread of phosphorylated tau protein at the AT8 epitopes throughout the brain, dramatically faster propagation of neurofibrillary changes than with human tau oligomers. The overall severity of tau protein changes 4, 8, and 11 months after inoculation of human tau oligomers and tau fibrils correlated well with spatial working memory and cognition impairments, as measured by the T-maze spontaneous alternation, novel object recognition, and object location tests. We concluded that this non-trangenic rat model of tauopathy, especially when using human tau fibrils, demonstrates rapidly developing pathologic alterations in neurons, synapses, and identifiable pathways together with cognitive and behavioral changes, through the anterograde and retrograde spreading of neurofibrillary degeneration. Therefore, it represents a promising model for future experimental studies of primary and secondary tauopathies, especially AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Langer Horvat
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ena Španić Popovački
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirjana Babić Leko
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Klara Zubčić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luka Horvat
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Mustapić
- Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Patrick R. Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, and Ronald M. Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Goran Šimić
- Department of Neuroscience, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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19
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Beltran-Lobo P, Reid MJ, Jimenez-Sanchez M, Verkhratsky A, Perez-Nievas BG, Noble W. Astrocyte adaptation in Alzheimer's disease: a focus on astrocytic P2X7R. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:119-130. [PMID: 36449279 PMCID: PMC10011405 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are key homeostatic and defensive cells of the central nervous system (CNS). They undertake numerous functions during development and in adulthood to support and protect the brain through finely regulated communication with other cellular elements of the nervous tissue. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), astrocytes undergo heterogeneous morphological, molecular and functional alterations represented by reactive remodelling, asthenia and loss of function. Reactive astrocytes closely associate with amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in advanced AD. The specific contribution of astrocytes to AD could potentially evolve along the disease process and includes alterations in their signalling, interactions with pathological protein aggregates, metabolic and synaptic impairments. In this review, we focus on the purinergic receptor, P2X7R, and discuss the evidence that P2X7R activation contributes to altered astrocyte functions in AD. Expression of P2X7R is increased in AD brain relative to non-demented controls, and animal studies have shown that P2X7R antagonism improves cognitive and synaptic impairments in models of amyloidosis and tauopathy. While P2X7R activation can induce inflammatory signalling pathways, particularly in microglia, we focus here specifically on the contributions of astrocytic P2X7R to synaptic changes and protein aggregate clearance in AD, highlighting cell-specific roles of this purinoceptor activation that could be targeted to slow disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Beltran-Lobo
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, 5 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RX, U.K
| | - Matthew J Reid
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, 5 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RX, U.K
| | - Maria Jimenez-Sanchez
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, 5 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RX, U.K
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, U.K
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, 48011 Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Beatriz G Perez-Nievas
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, 5 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RX, U.K
| | - Wendy Noble
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, 5 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RX, U.K
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20
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McKinnon R, Lupinski I, Liang A. Security breach: peripheral nerves provide unrestricted access for toxin delivery into the central nervous system. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:64-67. [PMID: 35799510 PMCID: PMC9241397 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.345472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We explore the hypothesis that a potential explanation for the initiation of motor neuron disease is an unappreciated vulnerability in central nervous system defense, the direct delivery of neurotoxins into motor neurons via peripheral nerve retrograde transport. This further suggests a mechanism for focal initiation of neuro-degenerative diseases in general, with subsequent spread by network degeneration as suggested by the Frost-Diamond hypothesis. We propose this vulnerability may be a byproduct of vertebrate evolution in a benign aquatic environment, where external surfaces were not exposed to concentrated neurotoxins.
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21
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Hill E, Moffat KG, Wall MJ, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Karikari TK. A Validated Method to Prepare Stable Tau Oligomers. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2551:203-224. [PMID: 36310205 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2597-2_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that tau oligomers are a major pathological species in a number of tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease. However, it is still unclear what exact mechanisms underlie tau oligomer-mediated dysfunction. Studies of tau oligomers in vitro are limited by the high propensity for aggregation and consequent changes in the aggregation state of the produced tau samples over time. In this protocol, we provide a step-by-step description of a validated method for producing stable and structurally characterized oligomers of tau that can be used in biochemical, cellular, and animal model studies to evaluate mechanisms of action of tau in tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hill
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Kevin G Moffat
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Mark J Wall
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Thomas K Karikari
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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22
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Kim JR. Oligomerization by co-assembly of β-amyloid and α-synuclein. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1153839. [PMID: 37021111 PMCID: PMC10067735 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1153839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant self-assembly of an intrinsically disordered protein is a pathological hallmark of protein misfolding diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases (AD and PD, respectively). In AD, the 40-42 amino acid-long extracellular peptide, β-amyloid (Aβ), self-assembles into oligomers, which eventually aggregate into fibrils. A similar self-association of the 140 amino acid-long intracellular protein, α-synuclein (αS), is responsible for the onset of PD pathology. While Aβ and αS are primarily extracellular and intracellular polypeptides, respectively, there is evidence of their colocalization and pathological overlaps of AD and PD. This evidence has raised the likelihood of synergistic, toxic protein-protein interactions between Aβ and αS. This mini review summarizes the findings of studies on Aβ-αS interactions related to enhanced oligomerization via co-assembly, aiming to provide a better understanding of the complex biology behind AD and PD and common pathological mechanisms among the major neurodegenerative diseases.
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P2X7 Receptor and Purinergic Signaling: Orchestrating Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Neurodegenerative Diseases. eNeuro 2022; 9:9/6/ENEURO.0092-22.2022. [PMID: 36376084 PMCID: PMC9665882 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0092-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the basic hallmarks of cellular pathology in neurodegenerative diseases. Since the metabolic activity of neurons is highly dependent on energy supply, nerve cells are especially vulnerable to impaired mitochondrial function. Besides providing oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondria are also involved in controlling levels of second messengers such as Ca2+ ions and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Interestingly, the critical role of mitochondria as producers of ROS is closely related to P2XR purinergic receptors, the activity of which is modulated by free radicals. Here, we review the relationships between the purinergic signaling system and affected mitochondrial function. Purinergic signaling regulates numerous vital biological processes in the CNS. The two main purines, ATP and adenosine, act as excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, respectively. Current evidence suggests that purinergic signaling best explains how neuronal activity is related to neuronal electrical activity and energy homeostasis, especially in the development of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms underlying the involvement of the P2RX7 purinoreceptor in triggering mitochondrial dysfunction during the development of neurodegenerative disorders. We also summarize various avenues by which the purine signaling pathway may trigger metabolic dysfunction contributing to neuronal death and the inflammatory activation of glial cells. Finally, we discuss the potential role of the purinergic system in the search for new therapeutic approaches to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
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Dhakal S, Robang AS, Bhatt N, Puangmalai N, Fung L, Kayed R, Paravastu AK, Rangachari V. Distinct neurotoxic TDP-43 fibril polymorphs are generated by heterotypic interactions with α-Synuclein. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102498. [PMID: 36116552 PMCID: PMC9587012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid aggregates of specific proteins constitute important pathological hallmarks in many neurodegenerative diseases, defining neuronal degeneration and disease onset. Recently, increasing numbers of patients show comorbidities and overlaps between multiple neurodegenerative diseases, presenting distinct phenotypes. Such overlaps are often accompanied by colocalizations of more than one amyloid protein, prompting the question of whether direct interactions between different amyloid proteins could generate heterotypic amyloids. To answer this question, we investigated the effect of α-synuclein (αS) on the DNA-binding protein TDP-43 aggregation inspired by their coexistence in pathologies such as Lewy body dementia and limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy. We previously showed αS and prion-like C-terminal domain (PrLD) of TDP-43 synergistically interact to generate toxic heterotypic aggregates. Here, we extend these studies to investigate whether αS induces structurally and functionally distinct polymorphs of PrLD aggregates. Using αS-PrLD heterotypic aggregates generated in two different stoichiometric proportions, we show αS can affect PrLD fibril forms. PrLD fibrils show distinctive residue level signatures determined by solid state NMR, dye-binding capability, proteinase K (PK) stability, and thermal stability toward SDS denaturation. Furthremore, by gold nanoparticle labeling and transmission electron microscopy, we show the presence of both αS and PrLD proteins within the same fibrils, confirming the existence of heterotypic amyloid fibrils. We also observe αS and PrLD colocalize in the cytosol of neuroblastoma cells and show that the heterotypic PrLD fibrils selectively induce synaptic dysfunction in primary neurons. These findings establish the existence of heterotypic amyloid and provide a molecular basis for the observed overlap between synucleinopathies and TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra Dhakal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA; Center for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA
| | - Alicia S Robang
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Nicha Puangmalai
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Leiana Fung
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Anant K Paravastu
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
| | - Vijayaraghavan Rangachari
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA; Center for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA.
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Jackson NA, Guerrero-Muñoz MJ, Castillo-Carranza DL. The prion-like transmission of tau oligomers via exosomes. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:974414. [PMID: 36062141 PMCID: PMC9434014 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.974414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The conversion and transmission of misfolded proteins established the basis for the prion concept. Neurodegenerative diseases are considered “prion-like” disorders that lack infectivity. Among them, tauopathies are characterized by the conversion of native tau protein into an abnormally folded aggregate. During the progression of the disease, misfolded tau polymerizes into oligomers and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). While the toxicity of NFTs is an ongoing debate, the contribution of tau oligomers to early onset neurodegenerative pathogenesis is accepted. Tau oligomers are readily transferred from neuron to neuron propagating through the brain inducing neurodegeneration. Recently, transmission of tau oligomers via exosomes is now proposed. There is still too much to uncover about tau misfolding and propagation. Here we summarize novel findings of tau oligomers transmission and propagation via exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel A. Jackson
- School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Diana L. Castillo-Carranza
- School of Medicine, University of Monterrey, San Pedro Garza García, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Diana L. Castillo-Carranza,
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26
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Yang C, Zhang X. Research progress on vesicular trafficking in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2022; 51:380-387. [PMID: 36161717 PMCID: PMC9511476 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2022-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Vesicular trafficking is a basic physiological process by which vesicles transport materials between cells and environment (intercellular transport) and between different cellular compartments (intracellular trafficking). In recent years, more and more evidences have suggested that vesicular trafficking dysfunction plays a key role in pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Abnormal vesicular trafficking promotes the propagation of misfolded proteins by mechanisms involving endocytosis, endosomal-lysosomal pathway, endosomal escape and exosome release, leading to further acceleration of disease progression. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as a neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by the selective death of upper and lower motor neurons. A variety of causative genes for ALS have been implicated in vesicle trafficking dysfunction, such as C9ORF72, TARDBP and SOD1. Therefore, the aggregation and propagation of misfolded proteins may be prevented through regulation of vesicle trafficking-related proteins, thus delay the progression of ALS. A more in-depth understanding of vesicular trafficking in ALS will be helpful in revealing the mechanism and clinical treatment of ALS. This review focuses on molecular mechanisms of vesicular trafficking in ALS, to provide reference for exploring new therapeutic strategies.
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Moretto E, Stuart S, Surana S, Vargas JNS, Schiavo G. The Role of Extracellular Matrix Components in the Spreading of Pathological Protein Aggregates. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:844211. [PMID: 35573838 PMCID: PMC9100790 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.844211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Several neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the accumulation of aggregated misfolded proteins. These pathological agents have been suggested to propagate in the brain via mechanisms similar to that observed for the prion protein, where a misfolded variant is transferred from an affected brain region to a healthy one, thereby inducing the misfolding and/or aggregation of correctly folded copies. This process has been characterized for several proteins, such as α-synuclein, tau, amyloid beta (Aβ) and less extensively for huntingtin and TDP-43. α-synuclein, tau, TDP-43 and huntingtin are intracellular proteins, and their aggregates are located in the cytosol or nucleus of neurons. They have been shown to spread between cells and this event occurs, at least partially, via secretion of these protein aggregates in the extracellular space followed by re-uptake. Conversely, Aβ aggregates are found mainly extracellularly, and their spreading occurs in the extracellular space between brain regions. Due to the inherent nature of their spreading modalities, these proteins are exposed to components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including glycans, proteases and core matrix proteins. These ECM components can interact with or process pathological misfolded proteins, potentially changing their properties and thus regulating their spreading capabilities. Here, we present an overview of the documented roles of ECM components in the spreading of pathological protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases with the objective of identifying the current gaps in knowledge and stimulating further research in the field. This could potentially lead to the identification of druggable targets to slow down the spreading and/or progression of these pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Moretto
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, CNR, Milan, Italy
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Edoardo Moretto,
| | - Skye Stuart
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sunaina Surana
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Norberto S. Vargas
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Giampietro Schiavo,
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Wang D, Wang T, Zhu M, Sun J, Zhou Z, Chen J, Teng L. A Preliminary Study on the Relationship between Serum Heparan Sulfate and Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment: The Moderating Role of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Colorectal Cancer. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:2681-2694. [PMID: 35448193 PMCID: PMC9025203 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29040219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) has been frequently reported in colorectal cancer survivors. Heparan sulfate (HS) was gradually considered to be related to cognitive disorders. The effect and potential mechanism of HS on CRCI in colorectal cancer patients were unexplored. In this study, all participants were divided into a cognitive impaired group and a cognitive normal group. The concentrations of oxidative stress factors and HS in serum were detected. Associations among HS, oxidative stress factors and CRCI were evaluated. Participants with cognitive impairment exhibited increased levels of HS, GSH, SOD and MDA, compared to the patients with normal cognitive performance. The independent significant association was found between HS and CRCI after controlling for various covariates. The higher concentrations of HS were related to the decreased cognitive performance among survivors who reported higher levels of GSH (β = 0.080, p = 0.002). Moreover, the nonlinear association between the level of HS and cognitive scores was confirmed using the restricted cubic splines (p < 0.001). These results indicated that the increased concentrations of circulating HS had a nonlinear negative connection with cognitive performance in colorectal cancer survivors, which was moderated by GSH. HS might be a new biomolecule for the identification and management of patients with CRCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danhui Wang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (D.W.); (M.Z.); (J.S.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Teng Wang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China;
| | - Min Zhu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (D.W.); (M.Z.); (J.S.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Jun Sun
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (D.W.); (M.Z.); (J.S.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (D.W.); (M.Z.); (J.S.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Jinghua Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China;
| | - Liping Teng
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; (D.W.); (M.Z.); (J.S.); (Z.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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29
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Sengupta U, Kayed R. Amyloid β, Tau, and α-Synuclein aggregates in the pathogenesis, prognosis, and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 214:102270. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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30
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Puangmalai N, Sengupta U, Bhatt N, Gaikwad S, Montalbano M, Bhuyan A, Garcia S, McAllen S, Sonawane M, Jerez C, Zhao Y, Kayed R. Lysine 63-linked ubiquitination of tau oligomers contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101766. [PMID: 35202653 PMCID: PMC8942844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-modified tau aggregates are abundantly found in human brains diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. Soluble tau oligomers (TauO) are the most neurotoxic tau species that propagate pathology and elicit cognitive deficits, but whether ubiquitination contributes to tau formation and spreading is not fully understood. Here, we observed that K63-linked, but not K48-linked, ubiquitinated TauO accumulated at higher levels in AD brains compared with age-matched controls. Using mass spectrometry analyses, we identified 11 ubiquitinated sites on AD brain-derived TauO (AD TauO). We found that K63-linked TauO are associated with enhanced seeding activity and propagation in human tau-expressing primary neuronal and tau biosensor cells. Additionally, exposure of tau-inducible HEK cells to AD TauO with different ubiquitin linkages (wild type, K48, and K63) resulted in enhanced formation and secretion of K63-linked TauO, which was associated with impaired proteasome and lysosome functions. Multipathway analysis also revealed the involvement of K63-linked TauO in cell survival pathways, which are impaired in AD. Collectively, our study highlights the significance of selective TauO ubiquitination, which could influence tau aggregation, accumulation, and subsequent pathological propagation. The insights gained from this study hold great promise for targeted therapeutic intervention in AD and related tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicha Puangmalai
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Urmi Sengupta
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Sagar Gaikwad
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Mauro Montalbano
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Arijit Bhuyan
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Stephanie Garcia
- School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Salome McAllen
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Minal Sonawane
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Cynthia Jerez
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Yingxin Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.
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Delivery of Intravenously Administered Antibodies Targeting Alzheimer’s Disease-Relevant Tau Species into the Brain Based on Receptor-Mediated Transcytosis. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020411. [PMID: 35214143 PMCID: PMC8876001 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes memory loss, cognitive decline, and eventually dementia. The etiology of AD and its pathological mechanisms remain unclear due to its complex pathobiology. At the same time, the number of patients with AD is increasing worldwide. However, no therapeutic agents for AD are currently available for definitive care. Several phase 3 clinical trials using agents targeting amyloid β (Aβ) and its related molecules have failed, with the exception of aducanumab, an anti-Aβ monoclonal antibody (mAb), clinically approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2021, which could be modified for AD drug development due to controversial approval. Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) composed of tau rather than senile plaques composed of Aβ are correlated with AD pathogenesis. Moreover, Aβ and tau pathologies initially proceed independently. At a certain point in the progression of AD symptoms, the Aβ pathology is involved in the alteration and spreading of the tau pathology. Therefore, tau-targeting therapies have attracted the attention of pharmaceutical scientists, as well as Aβ-targeting therapies. In this review, I introduce the implementations and potential of AD immunotherapy using intravenously administered anti-tau and anti-receptor bispecific mAbs. These cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) based on receptor-mediated transcytosis and are subsequently cleared by microglia based on Fc-mediated endocytosis after binding to tau and lysosomal degradation.
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Umeda T, Uekado R, Shigemori K, Eguchi H, Tomiyama T. Nasal Rifampicin Halts the Progression of Tauopathy by Inhibiting Tau Oligomer Propagation in Alzheimer Brain Extract-Injected Mice. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020297. [PMID: 35203506 PMCID: PMC8869211 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell-to-cell transmission of tau aggregates is considered a mechanism underlying the intracerebral spreading of tau pathology in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other tauopathies. Recent studies suggest that tau oligomers, rather than fibrils, participate in this process. We previously showed that intranasal rifampicin inhibits tau oligomer accumulation and improves cognition in tauopathy mice. In the present study, we examined the effects of nasal rifampicin on tau propagation in a new mouse model of tauopathy. A tau oligomer-rich fraction prepared from the brain of an AD patient was injected into a unilateral hippocampus of tau264 mice that express both 3-repeat and 4-repeat wild-type human tau. Rifampicin administration was started one week after the injection and performed three times a week for 24 weeks. Cognitive function and tau pathology were assessed by the Morris water maze test and brain section staining. Rifampicin treatment inhibited the spreading of tau oligomers from the injection site to other brain regions and neurofibrillary tangle formation in the entorhinal cortex. Synapse and neuronal loss in the hippocampus were also prevented, and cognitive function remained normal. These results suggest that intranasal rifampicin could be a promising remedy that halts the progression of tauopathy by inhibiting tau oligomer propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Umeda
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3 Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; (T.U.); (R.U.); (K.S.)
| | - Rumi Uekado
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3 Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; (T.U.); (R.U.); (K.S.)
| | - Keiko Shigemori
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3 Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; (T.U.); (R.U.); (K.S.)
| | - Hiroshi Eguchi
- Pharmaceutical Discovery Research Laboratories, Teijin Pharma Ltd., 4-3-2 Asahigaoka, Hino 191-8512, Japan;
| | - Takami Tomiyama
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3 Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; (T.U.); (R.U.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-6-6645-3921
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Marcatti M, Fracassi A, Montalbano M, Natarajan C, Krishnan B, Kayed R, Taglialatela G. Aβ/tau oligomer interplay at human synapses supports shifting therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:222. [PMID: 35377002 PMCID: PMC8979934 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04255-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive decline due to accumulating synaptic insults by toxic oligomers of amyloid beta (AβO) and tau (TauO). There is growing consensus that preventing these oligomers from interacting with synapses might be an effective approach to treat AD. However, recent clinical trial failures suggest low effectiveness of targeting Aβ in late-stage AD. Researchers have redirected their attention toward TauO as the levels of this species increase later in disease pathogenesis. Here we show that AβO and TauO differentially target synapses and affect each other's binding dynamics. METHODS Binding of labeled, pre-formed Aβ and tau oligomers onto synaptosomes isolated from the hippocampus and frontal cortex of mouse and postmortem cognitively intact elderly human brains was evaluated using flow-cytometry and western blot analyses. Binding of labeled, pre-formed Aβ and tau oligomers onto mouse primary neurons was assessed using immunofluorescence assay. The synaptic dysfunction was measured by fluorescence analysis of single-synapse long-term potentiation (FASS-LTP) assay. RESULTS We demonstrated that higher TauO concentrations effectively outcompete AβO and become the prevailing synaptic-associated species. Conversely, high concentrations of AβO facilitate synaptic TauO recruitment. Immunofluorescence analyses of mouse primary cortical neurons confirmed differential synaptic binding dynamics of AβO and TauO. Moreover, in vivo experiments using old 3xTgAD mice ICV injected with either AβO or TauO fully supported these findings. Consistent with these observations, FASS-LTP analyses demonstrated that TauO-induced suppression of chemical LTP was exacerbated by AβO. Finally, predigestion with proteinase K abolished the ability of TauO to compete off AβO without affecting the ability of high AβO levels to increase synaptic TauO recruitment. Thus, unlike AβO, TauO effects on synaptosomes are hampered by the absence of protein substrate in the membrane. CONCLUSIONS These results introduce the concept that TauO become the main synaptotoxic species at late AD, thus supporting the hypothesis that TauO may be the most effective therapeutic target for clinically manifest AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Marcatti
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| | - Anna Fracassi
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| | - Mauro Montalbano
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| | - Chandramouli Natarajan
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| | - Balaji Krishnan
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| | - Giulio Taglialatela
- Department of Neurology, Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
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Hernandez SJ, Fote G, Reyes-Ortiz AM, Steffan JS, Thompson LM. Cooperation of cell adhesion and autophagy in the brain: Functional roles in development and neurodegenerative disease. Matrix Biol Plus 2021; 12:100089. [PMID: 34786551 PMCID: PMC8579148 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2021.100089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular adhesive connections directed by the extracellular matrix (ECM) and maintenance of cellular homeostasis by autophagy are seemingly disparate functions that are molecularly intertwined, each regulating the other. This is an emerging field in the brain where the interplay between adhesion and autophagy functions at the intersection of neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. The ECM and adhesion proteins regulate autophagic responses to direct protein clearance and guide regenerative programs that go awry in brain disorders. Concomitantly, autophagic flux acts to regulate adhesion dynamics to mediate neurite outgrowth and synaptic plasticity with functional disruption contributed by neurodegenerative disease. This review highlights the cooperative exchange between cellular adhesion and autophagy in the brain during health and disease. As the mechanistic alliance between adhesion and autophagy has been leveraged therapeutically for metastatic disease, understanding overlapping molecular functions that direct the interplay between adhesion and autophagy might uncover therapeutic strategies to correct or compensate for neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Hernandez
- Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Gianna Fote
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Andrea M. Reyes-Ortiz
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Joan S. Steffan
- Psychaitry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Institute of Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Leslie M. Thompson
- Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Psychaitry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Institute of Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
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35
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Martinisi A, Flach M, Sprenger F, Frank S, Tolnay M, Winkler DT. Severe oligomeric tau toxicity can be reversed without long-term sequelae. Brain 2021; 144:963-974. [PMID: 33484116 PMCID: PMC8041046 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule stabilizing protein that forms abnormal aggregates in many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. We have previously shown that co-expression of fragmented and full-length tau in P301SxTAU62on tau transgenic mice results in the formation of oligomeric tau species and causes severe paralysis. This paralysis is fully reversible once expression of the tau fragment is halted, even though P301S tau expression is maintained. Whereas various strategies to target tau aggregation have been developed, little is known about the long-term consequences of reverted tau toxicity. Therefore, we studied the long-term motor fitness of recovered, formerly paralysed P301SxTAU62on-off mice. To assess the seeding competence of oligomeric toxic tau species, we also inoculated ALZ17 mice with brainstem homogenates from paralysed P301SxTAU62on mice. Counter-intuitively, after recovery from paralysis due to oligomeric tau species expression, ageing P301SxTAU62on-off mice did not develop more motor impairment or tau pathology when compared to heterozygous P301S tau transgenic littermates. Thus, toxic tau species causing extensive neuronal dysfunction can be cleared without inducing seeding effects. Moreover, these toxic tau species also lack long-term tau seeding effects upon intrahippocampal inoculation into ALZ17 mice. In conclusion, tau species can be neurotoxic in the absence of seeding-competent tau aggregates, and mice can clear these tau forms permanently without tau seeding or spreading effects. These observations suggest that early targeting of non-fibrillar tau species may represent a therapeutically effective intervention in tauopathies. On the other hand, the absent seeding competence of early toxic tau species also warrants caution when using seeding-based tests for preclinical tauopathy diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Martinisi
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Flach
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frederik Sprenger
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Frank
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Tolnay
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - David T Winkler
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.,Neurology, Medical University Clinic, Kantonsspital Baselland, 4410 Liestal, Switzerland
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36
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Gaikwad S, Puangmalai N, Bittar A, Montalbano M, Garcia S, McAllen S, Bhatt N, Sonawane M, Sengupta U, Kayed R. Tau oligomer induced HMGB1 release contributes to cellular senescence and neuropathology linked to Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109419. [PMID: 34289368 PMCID: PMC8341760 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging, pathological tau oligomers (TauO), and chronic inflammation in the brain play a central role in tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). However, the underlying mechanism of TauO-induced aging-related neuroinflammation remains unclear. Here, we show that TauO-associated astrocytes display a senescence-like phenotype in the brains of patients with AD and FTD. TauO exposure triggers astrocyte senescence through high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) release and inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which mediates paracrine senescence in adjacent cells. HMGB1 release inhibition using ethyl pyruvate (EP) and glycyrrhizic acid (GA) prevents TauO-induced senescence through inhibition of p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-the essential signaling pathways for SASP development. Despite the developed tauopathy in 12-month-old hTau mice, EP+GA treatment significantly decreases TauO and senescent cell loads in the brain, reduces neuroinflammation, and thus ameliorates cognitive functions. Collectively, TauO-induced HMGB1 release promotes cellular senescence and neuropathology, which could represent an important common pathomechanism in tauopathies including AD and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Gaikwad
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nicha Puangmalai
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Alice Bittar
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Mauro Montalbano
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Stephanie Garcia
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Salome McAllen
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Minal Sonawane
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Urmi Sengupta
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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37
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Mah D, Zhao J, Liu X, Zhang F, Liu J, Wang L, Linhardt R, Wang C. The Sulfation Code of Tauopathies: Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans in the Prion Like Spread of Tau Pathology. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:671458. [PMID: 34095227 PMCID: PMC8173255 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.671458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are a heterogenous family of progressive neurodegenerative diseases defined by the appearance of proteinaceous lesions within the brain composed of abnormally folded species of Microtubule Associated Protein Tau (tau). Alzheimer's Disease (AD), the most common tauopathy, is the leading cause of cognitive decline among the elderly and is responsible for more than half of all cases of senile dementia worldwide. The characteristic pathology of many tauopathies-AD included-presents as Neurofibrillary Tangles (NFTs), insoluble inclusions found within the neurons of the central nervous system composed primarily of tau protein arranged into Paired Helical Fibrils (PHFs). The spatial extent of this pathology evolves in a remarkably consistent pattern over the course of disease progression. Among the leading hypotheses which seek to explain the stereotypical progression of tauopathies is the prion model, which proposes that the spread of tau pathology is mediated by the transmission of self-propagating tau conformers between cells in a fashion analogous to the mechanism of communicable prion diseases. Protein-glycan interactions between tau and Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs) have been implicated as a key facilitator in each stage of the prion-like propagation of tau pathology, from the initial secretion of intracellular tau protein into the extracellular matrix, to the uptake of pathogenic tau seeds by cells, and the self-assembly of tau into higher order aggregates. In this review we outline the biochemical basis of the tau-HS interaction and discuss our current understanding of the mechanisms by which these interactions contribute to the propagation of tau pathology in tauopathies, with a particular focus on AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Mah
- Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyue Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Fuming Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Jian Liu
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lianchun Wang
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Robert Linhardt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, United States
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38
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Tau internalization: A complex step in tau propagation. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 67:101272. [PMID: 33571704 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aggregation of microtubule-associated protein Tau (MAPT) may underlie abnormalities of the intracellular matrix and neuronal death in tauopathies. Tau proteins can be secreted to the extracellular space and internalized into adjacent cells. The internalization of Tau is a complex but critical step in Tau propagation. This review summarizes the internalization pathways of Tau, including macropinocytosis, Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), lipid raft dependent endocytosis, Tunneling nanotubes dependent endocytosis (TNTs) and phagocytosis. The conformation of Tau fibrils and the types of recipient cell determine the internalization pathway. However, the HSPGs-dependent endocytosis seems to be the predominant pathway of Tau internalization. After internalization, Tau fibrils undergo clearance and seeding. Imbalance among Tau secretion, internalization and clearance may result in the propagation of misfolded Tau in the brain, thereby inducing Tauopathies. A better understanding of the internalization of Tau proteins may facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies to block the propagation of Tau pathology.
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39
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Bok E, Leem E, Lee BR, Lee JM, Yoo CJ, Lee EM, Kim J. Role of the Lipid Membrane and Membrane Proteins in Tau Pathology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:653815. [PMID: 33996814 PMCID: PMC8119898 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.653815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal accumulation of misfolded tau aggregates is a pathological hallmark of various tauopathies including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although tau is a cytosolic microtubule-associated protein enriched in neurons, it is also found in extracellular milieu, such as interstitial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood. Accumulating evidence showed that pathological tau spreads along anatomically connected areas in the brain through intercellular transmission and templated misfolding, thereby inducing neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction. In line with this, the spatiotemporal spreading of tau pathology is closely correlated with cognitive decline in AD patients. Although the secretion and uptake of tau involve multiple different pathways depending on tau species and cell types, a growing body of evidence suggested that tau is largely secreted in a vesicle-free forms. In this regard, the interaction of vesicle-free tau with membrane is gaining growing attention due to its importance for both of tau secretion and uptake as well as aggregation. Here, we review the recent literature on the mechanisms of the tau-membrane interaction and highlights the roles of lipids and proteins at the membrane in the tau-membrane interaction as well as tau aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Bok
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Eunju Leem
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Bo-Ram Lee
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Ji Min Lee
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea.,School of Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Chang Jae Yoo
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Eun Mi Lee
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jaekwang Kim
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
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40
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Mazumdar S, Chitkara D, Mittal A. Exploration and insights into the cellular internalization and intracellular fate of amphiphilic polymeric nanocarriers. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:903-924. [PMID: 33996406 PMCID: PMC8105776 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The beneficial or deleterious effects of nanomedicines emerge from their complex interactions with intracellular pathways and their subcellular fate. Moreover, the dynamic nature of plasma membrane accounts for the movement of these nanocarriers within the cell towards different organelles thereby not only influencing their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties but also bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy and toxicity. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of underlying parameters controlling nanocarrier endocytosis and intracellular fate is essential. In order to direct nanoparticles towards specific sub-cellular organelles the physicochemical attributes of nanocarriers can be manipulated. These include particle size, shape and surface charge/chemistry. Restricting the particle size of nanocarriers below 200 nm contributes to internalization via clathrin and caveolae mediated pathways. Similarly, a moderate negative surface potential confers endolysosomal escape and targeting towards mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi. This review aims to provide an insight into these physicochemical attributes of nanocarriers fabricated using amphiphilic graft copolymers affecting cellular internalization. Fundamental principles understood from experimental studies have been extrapolated to draw a general conclusion for the designing of optimized nanoparticulate drug delivery systems and enhanced intracellular uptake via specific endocytic pathway.
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Key Words
- AR, aspect ratio
- Amphiphilic
- CCP, clathrin coated pits
- Cav-1, caveolin-1
- Copolymer
- Cy, cyanine
- DOX, doxorubicin
- ER, endoplasmic reticulum
- FITC, fluorescein isothiocyanate
- HER-2, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
- IL-2, interleukin
- Internalization
- Intracellular fate
- Nanoparticles
- RBITC, rhodamine B isothiocyanate
- RES, reticuloendothelial system
- Rmax, minimum size threshold value
- Rmin, maximum size threshold value
- SEM, scanning electron microscopy
- SR & LR, short rod and long rod
- TEM, transmission electron microscopy
- mPEG, methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)
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Affiliation(s)
- Samrat Mazumdar
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS-PILANI), Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Deepak Chitkara
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS-PILANI), Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Anupama Mittal
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS-PILANI), Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
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41
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Ando K, Houben S, Homa M, de Fisenne MA, Potier MC, Erneux C, Brion JP, Leroy K. Alzheimer's Disease: Tau Pathology and Dysfunction of Endocytosis. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:583755. [PMID: 33551742 PMCID: PMC7862548 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.583755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kunie Ando
- Laboratory of Histology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah Houben
- Laboratory of Histology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mégane Homa
- Laboratory of Histology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-Ange de Fisenne
- Laboratory of Histology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-Claude Potier
- ICM Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, CNRS UMR7225, INSERM U1127, UPMC, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Erneux
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et moléculaire (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Brion
- Laboratory of Histology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karelle Leroy
- Laboratory of Histology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Brussels, Belgium
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42
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Veys L, Van Houcke J, Aerts J, Van Pottelberge S, Mahieu M, Coens A, Melki R, Moechars D, De Muynck L, De Groef L. Absence of Uptake and Prion-Like Spreading of Alpha-Synuclein and Tau After Intravitreal Injection of Preformed Fibrils. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 12:614587. [PMID: 33519421 PMCID: PMC7843377 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.614587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although very different in etiology and symptoms, numerous neurodegenerative diseases can be classified as proteinopathies. More so, evidence indicates that the key misfolded proteins at the basis of different neuropathies might share common mechanisms of propagation. As such, the prion-like spreading of protein aggregates through the neural network is subject of intensive research focus and requires adequate models. Here, we made use of the well-defined architecture and large accessibility of the visual system, of which the retinotopic connections represent a simple route of anterograde signaling and an elegant model to investigate transsynaptic, prion-like spreading. In two independent studies, uptake and seeding of alpha-synuclein and tau were examined after intravitreal injection of preformed fibrils. However, extracellular matrix components in the vitreous space and at the vitreoretinal surface appeared to act as a barrier for the entry of both fibrils into the retina. These results show that further experimental refinement is needed to fully realize the potential of the visual system as a model for studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of anterograde, transsynaptic spreading of prion-like proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Veys
- Laboratory Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jessie Van Houcke
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research and Development, Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Aerts
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research and Development, Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Sophie Van Pottelberge
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research and Development, Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Michel Mahieu
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research and Development, Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Audrey Coens
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute François Jacob, MIRCen, CEA-CNRS, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Ronald Melki
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute François Jacob, MIRCen, CEA-CNRS, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Dieder Moechars
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research and Development, Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Louis De Muynck
- Department of Neuroscience, Janssen Research and Development, Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Lies De Groef
- Laboratory Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Montalbano M, McAllen S, Cascio FL, Sengupta U, Garcia S, Bhatt N, Ellsworth A, Heidelman EA, Johnson OD, Doskocil S, Kayed R. TDP-43 and Tau Oligomers in Alzheimer's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Frontotemporal Dementia. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 146:105130. [PMID: 33065281 PMCID: PMC7703712 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteinaceous aggregates are major hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases. Aggregates of post-translationally modified transactive response (TAR)-DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) in cytoplasmic inclusion bodies are characteristic features in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent studies have also reported TDP-43 aggregation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). TDP-43 is an RNA/DNA binding protein (RBP) mainly present in the nucleus. In addition to several RBPs, TDP-43 has also been reported in stress granules in FTD and ALS pathologies. Despite knowledge of cytoplasmic mislocalization of TDP-43, the cellular effects of TDP-43 aggregates and their cytotoxic mechanism(s) remain to be clarified. We hypothesize that TDP-43 forms oligomeric assemblies that associate with tau, another key protein involved in ALS and FTD. However, no prior studies have investigated the interactions between TDP-43 oligomers and tau. It is therefore important to thoroughly investigate the cross-seeding properties and cellular localization of both TDP-43 and tau oligomers in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we demonstrate the effect of tau on the cellular localization of TDP-43 in WT and P301L tau-inducible cell models (iHEK) and in WT HEK-293 cells treated exogenously with soluble human recombinant tau oligomers (Exo-rTauO). We observed cytoplasmic TDP-43 accumulation o in the presence of tau in these cell models. We also studied the occurrence of TDP-43 oligomers in AD, ALS, and FTD human brain tissue using novel antibodies generated against TDP-43 oligomers as well as generic TDP-43 antibodies. Finally, we examined the cross-seeding property of AD, ALS, and FTD brain-derived TDP-43 oligomers (BDT43Os) on tau aggregation using biochemical and biophysical assays. Our results allow us to speculate that TDP-43/tau interactions might play a role in AD, ALS, and FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Montalbano
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Salome McAllen
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Filippa Lo Cascio
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Urmi Sengupta
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Stephanie Garcia
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Anna Ellsworth
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Eric A Heidelman
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, UTMB, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Omar D Johnson
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, UTMB, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Samantha Doskocil
- Neuroscience Summer Undergraduate Research Program, NSURP Program 2018, University of Texas Medical Branch, UTMB, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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Silva MC, Haggarty SJ. Tauopathies: Deciphering Disease Mechanisms to Develop Effective Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238948. [PMID: 33255694 PMCID: PMC7728099 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the pathological accumulation of microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) in the form of neurofibrillary tangles and paired helical filaments in neurons and glia, leading to brain cell death. These diseases include frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and can be sporadic or inherited when caused by mutations in the MAPT gene. Despite an incredibly high socio-economic burden worldwide, there are still no effective disease-modifying therapies, and few tau-focused experimental drugs have reached clinical trials. One major hindrance for therapeutic development is the knowledge gap in molecular mechanisms of tau-mediated neuronal toxicity and death. For the promise of precision medicine for brain disorders to be fulfilled, it is necessary to integrate known genetic causes of disease, i.e., MAPT mutations, with an understanding of the dysregulated molecular pathways that constitute potential therapeutic targets. Here, the growing understanding of known and proposed mechanisms of disease etiology will be reviewed, together with promising experimental tau-directed therapeutics, such as recently developed tau degraders. Current challenges faced by the fields of tau research and drug discovery will also be addressed.
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45
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Dudãu M, Codrici E, Tanase C, Gherghiceanu M, Enciu AM, Hinescu ME. Caveolae as Potential Hijackable Gates in Cell Communication. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:581732. [PMID: 33195223 PMCID: PMC7652756 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.581732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Caveolae are membrane microdomains described in many cell types involved in endocytocis, transcytosis, cell signaling, mechanotransduction, and aging. They are found at the interface with the extracellular environment and are structured by caveolin and cavin proteins. Caveolae and caveolins mediate transduction of chemical messages via signaling pathways, as well as non-chemical messages, such as stretching or shear stress. Various pathogens or signals can hijack these gates, leading to infectious, oncogenic and even caveolin-related diseases named caveolinopathies. By contrast, preclinical and clinical research have fallen behind in their attempts to hijack caveolae and caveolins for therapeutic purposes. Caveolae involvement in human disease is not yet fully explored or understood and, of all their scaffold proteins, only caveolin-1 is being considered in clinical trials as a possible biomarker of disease. This review briefly summarizes current knowledge about caveolae cell signaling and raises the hypothesis whether these microdomains could serve as hijackable “gatekeepers” or “gateways” in cell communication. Furthermore, because cell signaling is one of the most dynamic domains in translating data from basic to clinical research, we pay special attention to translation of caveolae, caveolin, and cavin research into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dudãu
- Biochemistry-Proteomics Laboratory, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Cell Biology and Histology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Codrici
- Biochemistry-Proteomics Laboratory, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristiana Tanase
- Biochemistry-Proteomics Laboratory, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Clinical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Gherghiceanu
- Biochemistry-Proteomics Laboratory, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Cell Biology and Histology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Enciu
- Biochemistry-Proteomics Laboratory, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Cell Biology and Histology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihail E Hinescu
- Biochemistry-Proteomics Laboratory, Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Cell Biology and Histology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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46
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Jiang S, Bhaskar K. Degradation and Transmission of Tau by Autophagic-Endolysosomal Networks and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Tauopathy. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:586731. [PMID: 33177989 PMCID: PMC7596180 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.586731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are a class of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), and many others where microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT or tau) is hyperphosphorylated and aggregated to form insoluble paired helical filaments (PHFs) and ultimately neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Autophagic-endolysosomal networks (AELN) play important roles in tau clearance. Excessive soluble neurotoxic forms of tau and tau hyperphosphorylated at specific sites are cleared through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), Chaperon-mediated Autophagy (CMA), and endosomal microautophagy (e-MI). On the other hand, intra-neuronal insoluble tau aggregates are often degraded within lysosomes by macroautophagy. AELN defects have been observed in AD, FTD, CBD, and PSP, and lysosomal dysfunction was shown to promote the cleavage and neurotoxicity of tau. Moreover, several AD risk genes (e.g., PICALM, GRN, and BIN1) have been associated with dysregulation of AELN in the late-onset sporadic AD. Conversely, tau dissociation from microtubules interferes with retrograde transport of autophagosomes to lysosomes, and that tau fragments can also lead to lysosomal dysfunction. Recent studies suggest that tau is not merely an intra-neuronal protein, but it can be released to brain parenchyma via extracellular vesicles, like exosomes and ectosomes, and thus spread between neurons. Extracellular tau can also be taken up by microglial cells and astrocytes, either being degraded through AELN or propagated via exosomes. This article reviews the complex roles of AELN in the degradation and transmission of tau, potential diagnostic/therapeutic targets and strategies based on AELN-mediated tau clearance and propagation, and the current state of drug development targeting AELN and tau against tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanya Jiang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Kiran Bhaskar
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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Reid MJ, Beltran-Lobo P, Johnson L, Perez-Nievas BG, Noble W. Astrocytes in Tauopathies. Front Neurol 2020; 11:572850. [PMID: 33071951 PMCID: PMC7542303 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.572850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the progressive accumulation across the brain of hyperphosphorylated aggregates of the microtubule-associated protein tau that vary in isoform composition, structural conformation and localization. Tau aggregates are most commonly deposited within neurons but can show differential association with astrocytes, depending on the disease. Astrocytes, the most abundant neural cells in the brain, play a major role in synapse and neuronal function, and are a key component of the glymphatic system and blood brain barrier. However, their contribution to tauopathy progression is not fully understood. Here we present a brief overview of the association of tau with astrocytes in tauopathies. We discuss findings that support a role for astrocytes in the uptake and spread of pathological tau, and we describe how alterations to astrocyte phenotype in tauopathies may cause functional alterations that impedes their ability to support neurons and/or cause neurotoxicity. The research reviewed here further highlights the importance of considering non-neuronal cells in neurodegeneration and suggests that astrocyte-directed targets that may have utility for therapeutic intervention in tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Reid
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Beltran-Lobo
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louisa Johnson
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Beatriz Gomez Perez-Nievas
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy Noble
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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48
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Guo M, Yin Z, Chen F, Lei P. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome: a promising alternative in the therapy of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Res Ther 2020; 12:109. [PMID: 32928293 PMCID: PMC7488700 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-020-00670-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been a devastating public health with the development of global aging. Approaches for reducing the current AD epidemic are becoming a primary focus of human healthcare due to the lack of achieved lasting and complete remission strategies to treat AD with the characteristics of heterogeneity and complexity. Exosomes, which is the new emerging approach to intercellular communication, provide novel perspective on identified therapeutic strategies of AD. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-exos) are emerging to be an appealing therapeutic tool for AD, with the donor-derived properties and the characteristics of minimal immunogenicity, effortless storage, nature delivery vehicles, and low risks of tumor formation based on the previous researches. In this review, we elaborate the mechanism of MSC-exos in the treatment of AD and discuss limitations in the clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengtian Guo
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenyu Yin
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Ping Lei
- Department of Geriatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Geriatrics Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
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De La-Rocque S, Moretto E, Butnaru I, Schiavo G. Knockin' on heaven's door: Molecular mechanisms of neuronal tau uptake. J Neurochem 2020; 156:563-588. [PMID: 32770783 PMCID: PMC8432157 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Since aggregates of the microtubule‐binding protein tau were found to be the main component of neurofibrillary tangles more than 30 years ago, their contribution to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and tauopathies has become well established. Recent work shows that both tau load and its distribution in the brain of AD patients correlate with cognitive decline more closely compared to amyloid plaque deposition. In addition, the amyloid cascade hypothesis has been recently challenged because of disappointing results of clinical trials designed to treat AD by reducing beta‐amyloid levels, thus fuelling a renewed interest in tau. There is now robust evidence to indicate that tau pathology can spread within the central nervous system via a prion‐like mechanism following a stereotypical pattern, which can be explained by the trans‐synaptic inter‐neuronal transfer of pathological tau. In the receiving neuron, tau has been shown to take multiple routes of internalisation, which are partially dependent on its conformation and aggregation status. Here, we review the emerging mechanisms proposed for the uptake of extracellular tau in neurons and the requirements for the propagation of its pathological conformers, addressing how they gain access to physiological tau monomers in the cytosol. Furthermore, we highlight some of the key mechanistic gaps of the field, which urgently need to be addressed to expand our understanding of tau propagation and lead to the identification of new therapeutic strategies for tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha De La-Rocque
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Edoardo Moretto
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ioana Butnaru
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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50
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Hill E, Wall MJ, Moffat KG, Karikari TK. Understanding the Pathophysiological Actions of Tau Oligomers: A Critical Review of Current Electrophysiological Approaches. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:155. [PMID: 32973448 PMCID: PMC7468384 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau is a predominantly neuronal protein that is normally bound to microtubules, where it acts to modulate neuronal and axonal stability. In humans, pathological forms of tau are implicated in a range of diseases that are collectively known as tauopathies. Kinases and phosphatases are responsible for maintaining the correct balance of tau phosphorylation to enable axons to be both stable and labile enough to function properly. In the early stages of tauopathies, this balance is interrupted leading to dissociation of tau from microtubules. This leaves microtubules prone to damage and phosphorylated tau prone to aggregation. Initially, phosphorylated tau forms oligomers, then fibrils, and ultimately neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). It is widely accepted that the initial soluble oligomeric forms of tau are probably the most pathologically relevant species but there is relatively little quantitative information to explain exactly what their toxic effects are at the individual neuron level. Electrophysiology provides a valuable tool to help uncover the mechanisms of action of tau oligomers on synaptic transmission within single neurons. Understanding the concentration-, time-, and neuronal compartment-dependent actions of soluble tau oligomers on neuronal and synaptic properties are essential to understanding how best to counteract its effects and to develop effective treatment strategies. Here, we briefly discuss the standard approaches used to elucidate these actions, focusing on the advantages and shortcomings of the experimental procedures. Subsequently, we will describe a new approach that addresses specific challenges with the current methods, thus allowing real-time toxicity evaluation at the single-neuron level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hill
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J Wall
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin G Moffat
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas K Karikari
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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