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Griñán-Ferré C, Bellver-Sanchis A, Guerrero A, Pallàs M. Advancing personalized medicine in neurodegenerative diseases: The role of epigenetics and pharmacoepigenomics in pharmacotherapy. Pharmacol Res 2024; 205:107247. [PMID: 38834164 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
About 80 % of brain disorders have a genetic basis. The pathogenesis of most neurodegenerative diseases is associated with a myriad of genetic defects, epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation, histone/chromatin remodeling, miRNA dysregulation), and environmental factors. The emergence of new sequencing technologies and tools to study the epigenome has led to identifying predictive biomarkers for earlier diagnosis, opening up the possibility of prophylactical interventions. As a result, advances in pharmacogenetics and pharmacoepigenomics now allow for personalized treatments based on the profile of each patient and the specific genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved. This Review highlights the complexity of neurodegenerative diseases and the variability in patient responses to pharmacotherapy, emphasizing the influence of genetic polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs used to treat those conditions. We specifically discuss the potential modulatory effect of several genetic polymorphisms associated with an increased risk of developing different neurodegenerative diseases. We explore genetic and genomic technologies and the potential of analyzing individual-specific drug metabolism to predict and influence drug response and associated clinical outcomes. We also provide insights into the mechanism of action of the drugs under investigation and their potential impact on disease-modifying pathways. Finally, the Review underscores the great potential of this field to enhance the effectiveness and safety of drug treatments through personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Griñán-Ferré
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institut de Neurociències-Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXIII, 27, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aina Bellver-Sanchis
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institut de Neurociències-Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXIII, 27, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Ana Guerrero
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institut de Neurociències-Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXIII, 27, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institut de Neurociències-Universitat de Barcelona, Avda. Joan XXIII, 27, Barcelona 08028, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Sebastijanović A, Azzurra Camassa LM, Malmborg V, Kralj S, Pagels J, Vogel U, Zienolddiny-Narui S, Urbančič I, Koklič T, Štrancar J. Particulate matter constituents trigger the formation of extracellular amyloid β and Tau -containing plaques and neurite shortening in vitro. Nanotoxicology 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38907733 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2024.2362367] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Air pollution is an environmental factor associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, characterized by decreased cognitive abilities and memory. The limited models of sporadic Alzheimer's disease fail to replicate all pathological hallmarks of the disease, making it challenging to uncover potential environmental causes. Environmentally driven models of Alzheimer's disease are thus timely and necessary. We used live-cell confocal fluorescent imaging combined with high-resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy to follow the response of retinoic acid-differentiated human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells to nanomaterial exposure. Here, we report that exposure of the cells to some particulate matter constituents reproduces a neurodegenerative phenotype, including extracellular amyloid beta-containing plaques and decreased neurite length. Consistent with the existing in vivo research, we observed detrimental effects, specifically a substantial reduction in neurite length and formation of amyloid beta plaques, after exposure to iron oxide and diesel exhaust particles. Conversely, after exposure to engineered cerium oxide nanoparticles, the lengths of neurites were maintained, and almost no extracellular amyloid beta plaques were formed. Although the exact mechanism behind this effect remains to be explained, the retinoic acid differentiated SH-SY5Y cell in vitro model could serve as an alternative, environmentally driven model of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Sebastijanović
- Infinite LLC, Maribor, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Condensed Matter Physics Department, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Vilhelm Malmborg
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- NanoLund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Slavko Kralj
- Material Synthesis Department, Jožef Stefan Institute, Slovenia
| | - Joakim Pagels
- Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- NanoLund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ulla Vogel
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Iztok Urbančič
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Condensed Matter Physics Department, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tilen Koklič
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Condensed Matter Physics Department, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Štrancar
- Infinite LLC, Maribor, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Condensed Matter Physics Department, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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3
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Ourry V, Binette AP, St-Onge F, Strikwerda-Brown C, Chagnot A, Poirier J, Breitner J, Arenaza-Urquijo EM, Rabin JS, Buckley R, Gonneaud J, Marchant NL, Villeneuve S. How Do Modifiable Risk Factors Affect Alzheimer's Disease Pathology or Mitigate Its Effect on Clinical Symptom Expression? Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:1006-1019. [PMID: 37689129 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies show that modifiable risk factors account for approximately 40% of the population variability in risk of developing dementia, including sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent findings suggest that these factors may also modify disease trajectories of people with autosomal-dominant AD. With positron emission tomography imaging, it is now possible to study the disease many years before its clinical onset. Such studies can provide key knowledge regarding pathways for either the prevention of pathology or the postponement of its clinical expression. The former "resistance pathway" suggests that modifiable risk factors could affect amyloid and tau burden decades before the appearance of cognitive impairment. Alternatively, the resilience pathway suggests that modifiable risk factors may mitigate the symptomatic expression of AD pathology on cognition. These pathways are not mutually exclusive and may appear at different disease stages. Here, in a narrative review, we present neuroimaging evidence that supports both pathways in sporadic AD and autosomal-dominant AD. We then propose mechanisms for their protective effect. Among possible mechanisms, we examine neural and vascular mechanisms for the resistance pathway. We also describe brain maintenance and functional compensation as bases for the resilience pathway. Improved mechanistic understanding of both pathways may suggest new interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Ourry
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Alexa Pichet Binette
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Clinical Memory Research Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lunds Universitet, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Frédéric St-Onge
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cherie Strikwerda-Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Audrey Chagnot
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Judes Poirier
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - John Breitner
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eider M Arenaza-Urquijo
- Environment and Health over the Lifecourse Programme, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jennifer S Rabin
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel Buckley
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julie Gonneaud
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM, U1237, PhIND "Physiopathology and Imaging of Neurological Disorders," Institut Blood and Brain @ Caen-Normandie, GIP Cyceron, Caen, France
| | - Natalie L Marchant
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sylvia Villeneuve
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McConnell Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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4
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Burkhart MC, Lee LY, Vaghari D, Toh AQ, Chong E, Chen C, Tiňo P, Kourtzi Z. Unsupervised multimodal modeling of cognitive and brain health trajectories for early dementia prediction. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10755. [PMID: 38729989 PMCID: PMC11087538 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60914-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Predicting the course of neurodegenerative disorders early has potential to greatly improve clinical management and patient outcomes. A key challenge for early prediction in real-world clinical settings is the lack of labeled data (i.e., clinical diagnosis). In contrast to supervised classification approaches that require labeled data, we propose an unsupervised multimodal trajectory modeling (MTM) approach based on a mixture of state space models that captures changes in longitudinal data (i.e., trajectories) and stratifies individuals without using clinical diagnosis for model training. MTM learns the relationship between states comprising expensive, invasive biomarkers (β-amyloid, grey matter density) and readily obtainable cognitive observations. MTM training on trajectories stratifies individuals into clinically meaningful clusters more reliably than MTM training on baseline data alone and is robust to missing data (i.e., cognitive data alone or single assessments). Extracting an individualized cognitive health index (i.e., MTM-derived cluster membership index) allows us to predict progression to AD more precisely than standard clinical assessments (i.e., cognitive tests or MRI scans alone). Importantly, MTM generalizes successfully from research cohort to real-world clinical data from memory clinic patients with missing data, enhancing the clinical utility of our approach. Thus, our multimodal trajectory modeling approach provides a cost-effective and non-invasive tool for early dementia prediction without labeled data (i.e., clinical diagnosis) with strong potential for translation to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Burkhart
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Liz Y Lee
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Delshad Vaghari
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
| | - An Qi Toh
- Department of Pharmacology, Memory, Aging, and Cognition Center, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eddie Chong
- Department of Pharmacology, Memory, Aging, and Cognition Center, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christopher Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Memory, Aging, and Cognition Center, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peter Tiňo
- School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Zoe Kourtzi
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK.
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5
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Nelson RB, Rose KN, Menniti FS, Zorn SH. Hiding in plain sight: Do recruited dendritic cells surround amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease? Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116258. [PMID: 38705533 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, human genome-wide association and expression studies have strongly implicated dysregulation of the innate immune system in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Single cell mRNA sequencing studies have identified innate immune cell subtypes that are minimally present in normal healthy brain, but whose numbers greatly increase in association with AD pathology. These AD pathology-associated immune cells are putatively the locus for the immune-related AD risk. While the prevailing view is that these immune cells arise from transformation of resident brain microglia, studies across several decades and using multiple techniques and strategies suggest instead that the pathology-associated immune cells are bone-marrow derived hematopoietic cells that are recruited into brain. We critically review this translational literature, emphasizing the strengths and limitations of techniques used to address recruitment and the experimental designs employed. We conclude that the aggregate evidence points toward recruitment into brain of innate immune cells of the myeloid dendritic cell lineage. Recruitment of dendritic cells and their role in AD pathogenesis has broad implications for our understanding of the etiology and pathobiology of AD that impact the strategies to develop new, immune system-targeted therapeutics for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Nelson
- MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., Kingston, RI; George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI; Dept of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI.
| | - Kenneth N Rose
- MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., Kingston, RI; Dept of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
| | - Frank S Menniti
- MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., Kingston, RI; George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI; Dept of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
| | - Stevin H Zorn
- MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc., Kingston, RI; George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI; Dept of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
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6
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Yaqoob N, Khan MA, Masood S, Albarakati HM, Hamza A, Alhayan F, Jamel L, Masood A. Prediction of Alzheimer's disease stages based on ResNet-Self-attention architecture with Bayesian optimization and best features selection. Front Comput Neurosci 2024; 18:1393849. [PMID: 38725868 PMCID: PMC11081001 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2024.1393849] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative illness that impairs cognition, function, and behavior by causing irreversible damage to multiple brain areas, including the hippocampus. The suffering of the patients and their family members will be lessened with an early diagnosis of AD. The automatic diagnosis technique is widely required due to the shortage of medical experts and eases the burden of medical staff. The automatic artificial intelligence (AI)-based computerized method can help experts achieve better diagnosis accuracy and precision rates. This study proposes a new automated framework for AD stage prediction based on the ResNet-Self architecture and Fuzzy Entropy-controlled Path-Finding Algorithm (FEcPFA). A data augmentation technique has been utilized to resolve the dataset imbalance issue. In the next step, we proposed a new deep-learning model based on the self-attention module. A ResNet-50 architecture is modified and connected with a self-attention block for important information extraction. The hyperparameters were optimized using Bayesian optimization (BO) and then utilized to train the model, which was subsequently employed for feature extraction. The self-attention extracted features were optimized using the proposed FEcPFA. The best features were selected using FEcPFA and passed to the machine learning classifiers for the final classification. The experimental process utilized a publicly available MRI dataset and achieved an improved accuracy of 99.9%. The results were compared with state-of-the-art (SOTA) techniques, demonstrating the improvement of the proposed framework in terms of accuracy and time efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabeela Yaqoob
- Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Muhammad Attique Khan
- Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Saleha Masood
- IRC for Finance and Digital Economy, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussain Mobarak Albarakati
- Department of Computer and Network Engineering, College of Computer and Information Systems, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ameer Hamza
- Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fatimah Alhayan
- Department of Information Systems, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Leila Jamel
- Department of Information Systems, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anum Masood
- Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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7
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Krut' VG, Kalinichenko AL, Maltsev DI, Jappy D, Shevchenko EK, Podgorny OV, Belousov VV. Optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches for modeling neurological disorders in vivo. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 235:102600. [PMID: 38548126 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Animal models of human neurological disorders provide valuable experimental tools which enable us to study various aspects of disorder pathogeneses, ranging from structural abnormalities and disrupted metabolism and signaling to motor and mental deficits, and allow us to test novel therapies in preclinical studies. To be valid, these animal models should recapitulate complex pathological features at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and behavioral levels as closely as possible to those observed in human subjects. Pathological states resembling known human neurological disorders can be induced in animal species by toxins, genetic factors, lesioning, or exposure to extreme conditions. In recent years, novel animal models recapitulating neuropathologies in humans have been introduced. These animal models are based on synthetic biology approaches: opto- and chemogenetics. In this paper, we review recent opto- and chemogenetics-based animal models of human neurological disorders. These models allow for the creation of pathological states by disrupting specific processes at the cellular level. The artificial pathological states mimic a range of human neurological disorders, such as aging-related dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, and ataxias. Opto- and chemogenetics provide new opportunities unavailable with other animal models of human neurological disorders. These techniques enable researchers to induce neuropathological states varying in severity and ranging from acute to chronic. We also discuss future directions for the development and application of synthetic biology approaches for modeling neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriya G Krut'
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia; Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Andrei L Kalinichenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Dmitry I Maltsev
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia; Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117997, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - David Jappy
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Evgeny K Shevchenko
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Oleg V Podgorny
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia; Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117997, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia.
| | - Vsevolod V Belousov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia; Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117997, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia; Life Improvement by Future Technologies (LIFT) Center, Skolkovo, Moscow 143025, Russia.
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Shaheen H, Melnik R, Singh S. Data-driven Stochastic Model for Quantifying the Interplay Between Amyloid-beta and Calcium Levels in Alzheimer's Disease. Stat Anal Data Min 2024; 17:e11679. [PMID: 38646460 PMCID: PMC11031189 DOI: 10.1002/sam.11679] [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: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The abnormal aggregation of extracellular amyloid-β ( A β ) in senile plaques resulting in calcium C a + 2 dyshomeostasis is one of the primary symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Significant research efforts have been devoted in the past to better understand the underlying molecular mechanisms driving A β deposition and C a + 2 dysregulation. Importantly, synaptic impairments, neuronal loss, and cognitive failure in AD patients are all related to the buildup of intraneuronal A β accumulation. Moreover, increasing evidence show a feed-forward loop between A β and C a + 2 levels, i.e. A β disrupts neuronal C a + 2 levels, which in turn affects the formation of A β . To better understand this interaction, we report a novel stochastic model where we analyze the positive feedback loop between A β and C a + 2 using ADNI data. A good therapeutic treatment plan for AD requires precise predictions. Stochastic models offer an appropriate framework for modelling AD since AD studies are observational in nature and involve regular patient visits. The etiology of AD may be described as a multi-state disease process using the approximate Bayesian computation method. So, utilizing ADNI data from 2-year visits for AD patients, we employ this method to investigate the interplay between A β and C a + 2 levels at various disease development phases. Incorporating the ADNI data in our physics-based Bayesian model, we discovered that a sufficiently large disruption in either A β metabolism or intracellular C a + 2 homeostasis causes the relative growth rate in both C a + 2 and A β , which corresponds to the development of AD. The imbalance of C a + 2 ions causes A β disorders by directly or indirectly affecting a variety of cellular and subcellular processes, and the altered homeostasis may worsen the abnormalities of C a + 2 ion transportation and deposition. This suggests that altering the C a + 2 balance or the balance between A β and C a + 2 by chelating them may be able to reduce disorders associated with AD and open up new research possibilities for AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Shaheen
- Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Roderick Melnik
- MS2Discovery Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5, Canada
| | - Sundeep Singh
- Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
- Data used in preparation of this article were generated by the Alzheimer’s Disease Metabolomics Consortium (ADMC). As such, the investigators within the ADMC provided data, but did not participate in the analysis or writing of this report. A complete listing of ADMC investigators can be found at: https://sites.duke.edu/adnimetab/team/
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9
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Wang X, Wang J, Chen Y, Qian X, Luo S, Wang X, Ma C, Ge W. The aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 rs671 variant enhances amyloid β pathology. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2594. [PMID: 38519490 PMCID: PMC10959958 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46899-0] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In the ALDH2 rs671 variant, a guanine changes to an adenine, resulting in a dramatic decrease in the catalytic activity of the enzyme. Population-based data are contradictory about whether this variant increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease. In East Asian populations, the prevalence of the ALDH2 rs671 variant is 30-50%, making the National Human Brain Bank for Development and Function (the largest brain bank in East Asia) an important resource to explore the link between the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease pathology. Here, using 469 postmortem brains, we find that while the ALDH2 rs671 variant is associated with increased plaque deposits and a higher Aβ40/42 ratio, it is not an independent risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Mechanistically, we show that lower ALDH2 activity leads to 4-HNE accumulation in the brain. The (R)-4-HNE enantiomer adducts to residue Lys53 of C99, favoring Aβ40 generation in the Golgi apparatus. Decreased ALDH2 activity also lowers inflammatory factor secretion, as well as amyloid β phagocytosis and spread in brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. We thus define the relationship between the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and amyloid β pathology, and find that ALDH2 rs671 is a key regulator of Aβ40 or Aβ42 generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wang
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayu Wang
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yashuang Chen
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojing Qian
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Neuroscience Center, National Human Brain Bank for Development and Function, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shiqi Luo
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Neuroscience Center, National Human Brain Bank for Development and Function, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Neuroscience Center, National Human Brain Bank for Development and Function, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Wei Ge
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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10
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Chang J, Li Y, Shan X, Chen X, Yan X, Liu J, Zhao L. Neural stem cells promote neuroplasticity: a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:619-628. [PMID: 37721293 PMCID: PMC10581561 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.380874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that neuroplasticity, such as synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis, exists throughout the normal lifespan but declines with age and is significantly impaired in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Hence, promoting neuroplasticity may represent an effective strategy with which Alzheimer's disease can be alleviated. Due to their significant ability to self-renew, differentiate, and migrate, neural stem cells play an essential role in reversing synaptic and neuronal damage, reducing the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, including amyloid-β, tau protein, and neuroinflammation, and secreting neurotrophic factors and growth factors that are related to plasticity. These events can promote synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis to repair the microenvironment of the mammalian brain. Consequently, neural stem cells are considered to represent a potential regenerative therapy with which to improve Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss how neural stem cells regulate neuroplasticity and optimize their effects to enhance their potential for treating Alzheimer's disease in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yujiao Li
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoqian Shan
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi Chen
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuhe Yan
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianwei Liu
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lan Zhao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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11
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Wen L, Bi D, Shen Y. Complement-mediated synapse loss in Alzheimer's disease: mechanisms and involvement of risk factors. Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:135-149. [PMID: 38129195 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The complement system is increasingly recognized as a key player in the synapse loss and cognitive impairments observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In particular, the process of complement-dependent synaptic pruning through phagocytosis is over-activated in AD brains, driving detrimental excessive synapse elimination and contributing to synapse loss, which is the strongest neurobiological correlate of cognitive impairments in AD. Herein we review recent advances in characterizing complement-mediated synapse loss in AD, summarize the underlying mechanisms, and discuss the possible involvement of AD risk factors such as aging and various risk genes. We conclude with an overview of key questions that remain to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Wen
- Department of Neurology and Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Danlei Bi
- Department of Neurology and Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Aging Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Yong Shen
- Department of Neurology and Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Aging Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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12
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Cogut V, McNeely TL, Bussian TJ, Graves SI, Baker DJ. Caloric Restriction Improves Spatial Learning Deficits in Tau Mice. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:925-940. [PMID: 38517786 PMCID: PMC11068089 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231117] [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] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Background Caloric restriction (CR) has been recognized for its benefits in delaying age-related diseases and extending lifespan. While its effects on amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse models are well-documented, its effects on tauopathy, another hallmark of AD, are less explored. Objective To assess the impact of a short-term 30% CR regimen on age-dependent spatial learning deficits and pathological features in a tauopathy mouse model. Methods We subjected male PS19 tau P301S (hereafter PS19) and age-matched wildtype mice from two age cohorts (4.5 and 7.5 months old) to a 6-week 30% CR regimen. Spatial learning performance was assessed using the Barnes Maze test. Tau pathology, neuroinflammation, hippocampal cell proliferation, and neurogenesis were evaluated in the older cohort by immunohistochemical staining and RT-qPCR. Results CR mitigated age-dependent spatial learning deficits in PS19 mice but exhibited limited effects on tau pathology and the associated neuroinflammation. Additionally, we found a decrease in hippocampal cell proliferation, predominantly of Iba1+ cells. Conclusions Our findings reinforce the cognitive benefits conferred by CR despite its limited modulation of disease pathology. Given the pivotal role of microglia in tau-driven pathology, the observed reduction in Iba1+ cells under CR suggests potential therapeutic implications, particularly if CR would be introduced early in disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Cogut
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Taylor L. McNeely
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Tyler J. Bussian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Sara I. Graves
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Darren J. Baker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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13
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Montine KS, Berson E, Phongpreecha T, Huang Z, Aghaeepour N, Zou JY, MacCoss MJ, Montine TJ. Understanding the molecular basis of resilience to Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1311157. [PMID: 38192507 PMCID: PMC10773681 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1311157] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The cellular and molecular distinction between brain aging and neurodegenerative disease begins to blur in the oldest old. Approximately 15-25% of observations in humans do not fit predicted clinical manifestations, likely the result of suppressed damage despite usually adequate stressors and of resilience, the suppression of neurological dysfunction despite usually adequate degeneration. Factors during life may predict the clinico-pathologic state of resilience: cardiovascular health and mental health, more so than educational attainment, are predictive of a continuous measure of resilience to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRDs). In resilience to AD alone (RAD), core features include synaptic and axonal processes, especially in the hippocampus. Future focus on larger and more diverse cohorts and additional regions offer emerging opportunities to understand this counterforce to neurodegeneration. The focus of this review is the molecular basis of resilience to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eloïse Berson
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Thanaphong Phongpreecha
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Zhi Huang
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Nima Aghaeepour
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - James Y. Zou
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Michael J. MacCoss
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Thomas J. Montine
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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14
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Roddick KM, Schellinck HM, Brown RE. Serial reversal learning in an olfactory discrimination task in 3xTg-AD mice. Learn Mem 2023; 30:310-319. [PMID: 37977821 PMCID: PMC10750865 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053840.123] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Male and female 3xTg-AD mice between 5 and 24 mo of age and their B6129F2/J wild-type controls were tested on a series of 18 olfactory discrimination and reversal tasks in an operant olfactometer. All mice learned the odor discriminations and reversals to a criterion of 85% correct, but the 3xTg-AD mice made fewer errors than the B6129F2/J mice in the odor discriminations and in the first six reversal learning tasks. Many mice showed evidence of near errorless learning, and on the reversal tasks the 3xTg-AD mice showed more instances of near errorless learning than the B6129F2/J mice. There was no evidence of an age effect on odor discrimination, but there was a decrease in errorless reversal learning in aged B6129F2/J mice. In long-term memory tests, there was an increase in the number of errors made but no genotype difference. The high level of performance indicates that the mice were able to develop a "learning to learn" strategy. The finding that the 3xTg-AD mice outperformed their littermate controls provides an example of paradoxical functional facilitation in these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M Roddick
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Heather M Schellinck
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
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15
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Zegarra-Valdivia JA, Pignatelli J, Nuñez A, Torres Aleman I. The Role of Insulin-like Growth Factor I in Mechanisms of Resilience and Vulnerability to Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16440. [PMID: 38003628 PMCID: PMC10671249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216440] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of intense research, disease-modifying therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are still very much needed. Apart from the extensively analyzed tau and amyloid pathological cascades, two promising avenues of research that may eventually identify new druggable targets for AD are based on a better understanding of the mechanisms of resilience and vulnerability to this condition. We argue that insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) activity in the brain provides a common substrate for the mechanisms of resilience and vulnerability to AD. We postulate that preserved brain IGF-I activity contributes to resilience to AD pathology as this growth factor intervenes in all the major pathological cascades considered to be involved in AD, including metabolic impairment, altered proteostasis, and inflammation, to name the three that are considered to be the most important ones. Conversely, disturbed IGF-I activity is found in many AD risk factors, such as old age, type 2 diabetes, imbalanced diet, sedentary life, sociality, stroke, stress, and low education, whereas the Apolipoprotein (Apo) E4 genotype and traumatic brain injury may also be influenced by brain IGF-I activity. Accordingly, IGF-I activity should be taken into consideration when analyzing these processes, while its preservation will predictably help prevent the progress of AD pathology. Thus, we need to define IGF-I activity in all these conditions and develop a means to preserve it. However, defining brain IGF-I activity cannot be solely based on humoral or tissue levels of this neurotrophic factor, and new functionally based assessments need to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A. Zegarra-Valdivia
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Spain;
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- School of Medicine, Universidad Señor de Sipán, Chiclayo 14000, Peru
| | - Jaime Pignatelli
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Cajal Institute (CSIC), 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Nuñez
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Ignacio Torres Aleman
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, 48940 Leioa, Spain;
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
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16
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Jury-Garfe N, You Y, Martínez P, Redding-Ochoa J, Karahan H, Johnson TS, Zhang J, Kim J, Troncoso JC, Lasagna-Reeves CA. Enhanced microglial dynamics and paucity of tau seeding in the amyloid plaque microenvironment contributes to cognitive resilience in Alzheimer's disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.27.550884. [PMID: 37546928 PMCID: PMC10402121 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.27.550884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Asymptomatic Alzheimer's disease (AsymAD) describes the status of subjects with preserved cognition but with identifiable Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain pathology (i.e. Aβ-amyloid deposits, neuritic plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles) at autopsy. In this study, we investigated the postmortem brains of a cohort of AsymAD cases to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms of resilience to AD pathology and cognitive decline. Our results showed that AsymAD cases exhibit an enrichment of core plaques and decreased filamentous plaque accumulation, as well as an increase in microglia surrounding this last type. In AsymAD cases we found less pathological tau aggregation in dystrophic neurites compared to AD and tau seeding activity comparable to healthy control subjects. We used spatial transcriptomics to further characterize the plaque niche and found autophagy, endocytosis, and phagocytosis within the top upregulated pathways in the AsymAD plaque niche, but not in AD. Furthermore, we found ARP2, an actin-based motility protein crucial to initiate the formation of new actin filaments, increased within microglia in the proximity of amyloid plaques in AsymAD. Our findings support that the amyloid-plaque microenvironment in AsymAD cases is characterized by microglia with highly efficient actin-based cell motility mechanisms and decreased tau seeding compared to AD. These two mechanisms can potentially provide protection against the toxic cascade initiated by Aβ that preserves brain health and slows down the progression of AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Jury-Garfe
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yanwen You
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Pablo Martínez
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Javier Redding-Ochoa
- Departments of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Hande Karahan
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Travis S. Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jungsu Kim
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Juan C. Troncoso
- Departments of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Cristian A. Lasagna-Reeves
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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17
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Xia Z, Wu Y, Lam JYL, Zhang Z, Burke M, Fertan E, Ranasinghe RT, Hidari E, Danial JS, Klenerman D. A computational suite for the structural and functional characterization of amyloid aggregates. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100499. [PMID: 37426747 PMCID: PMC10326375 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
We developed the aggregate characterization toolkit (ACT), a fully automated computational suite based on existing and widely used core algorithms to measure the number, size, and permeabilizing activity of recombinant and human-derived aggregates imaged with diffraction-limited and super-resolution microscopy methods at high throughput. We have validated ACT on simulated ground-truth images of aggregates mimicking those from diffraction-limited and super-resolution microscopies and showcased its use in characterizing protein aggregates from Alzheimer's disease. ACT is developed for high-throughput batch processing of images collected from multiple samples and is available as an open-source code. Given its accuracy, speed, and accessibility, ACT is expected to be a fundamental tool in studying human and non-human amyloid intermediates, developing early disease stage diagnostics, and screening for antibodies that bind toxic and heterogeneous human amyloid aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengjie Xia
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Yunzhao Wu
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Jeff Yui Long Lam
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Ziwei Zhang
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Melanie Burke
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Emre Fertan
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Rohan T. Ranasinghe
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Eric Hidari
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - John S.H. Danial
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - David Klenerman
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
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18
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Chen C, Wei J, Ma X, Xia B, Shakir N, Zhang JK, Zhang L, Cui Y, Ferguson D, Qiu S, Bai F. Disrupted Maturation of Prefrontal Layer 5 Neuronal Circuits in an Alzheimer's Mouse Model of Amyloid Deposition. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:881-892. [PMID: 36152121 PMCID: PMC10264337 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00951-5] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in genes encoding amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilins (PSs) cause familial forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder strongly associated with aging. It is currently unknown whether and how AD risks affect early brain development, and to what extent subtle synaptic pathology may occur prior to overt hallmark AD pathology. Transgenic mutant APP/PS1 over-expression mouse lines are key tools for studying the molecular mechanisms of AD pathogenesis. Among these lines, the 5XFAD mice rapidly develop key features of AD pathology and have proven utility in studying amyloid plaque formation and amyloid β (Aβ)-induced neurodegeneration. We reasoned that transgenic mutant APP/PS1 over-expression in 5XFAD mice may lead to neurodevelopmental defects in early cortical neurons, and performed detailed synaptic physiological characterization of layer 5 (L5) neurons from the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of 5XFAD and wild-type littermate controls. L5 PFC neurons from 5XFAD mice show early APP/Aβ immunolabeling. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording at an early post-weaning age (P22-30) revealed functional impairments; although 5XFAD PFC-L5 neurons exhibited similar membrane properties, they were intrinsically less excitable. In addition, these neurons received smaller amplitude and frequency of miniature excitatory synaptic inputs. These functional disturbances were further corroborated by decreased dendritic spine density and spine head volumes that indicated impaired synapse maturation. Slice biotinylation followed by Western blot analysis of PFC-L5 tissue revealed that 5XFAD mice showed reduced synaptic AMPA receptor subunit GluA1 and decreased synaptic NMDA receptor subunit GluN2A. Consistent with this, patch-clamp recording of the evoked L23>L5 synaptic responses revealed a reduced AMPA/NMDA receptor current ratio, and an increased level of AMPAR-lacking silent synapses. These results suggest that transgenic mutant forms of APP/PS1 overexpression in 5XFAD mice leads to early developmental defects of cortical circuits, which could contribute to the age-dependent synaptic pathology and neurodegeneration later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Jing Wei
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Xiaokuang Ma
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Baomei Xia
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Neha Shakir
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Jessica K Zhang
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Le Zhang
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Yuehua Cui
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Deveroux Ferguson
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA.
| | - Feng Bai
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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Ávila-Villanueva M, Dolado AM, Fernández-Blázquez M. How to Prevent and/or Revert Alzheimer's Disease Continuum During Preclinical Phases. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:505-512. [PMID: 37313496 PMCID: PMC10259072 DOI: 10.3233/adr220100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) follows three consecutive phases: namely preclinical, prodromal or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. In addition, the preclinical phase can be divided into subphases related to the presence of biomarkers that appear at different points before the onset of MCI. Indeed, an early risk factor could promote the appearance of additional ones through a continuum. The presence of various risk factors may trigger specific biomarkers. In this review, we comment on how modifiable risk factors for AD may be reverted, thus correlating with a possible decrease in the specific biomarkers for the disease. Finally, we discuss the development of a suitable AD prevention strategy by targeting modifiable risk factors, thereby increasing the level of "precision medicine" in healthcare systems worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ávila-Villanueva
- Research in Alzheimer’s Disease, Departamento de Psicología Experimental, Procesos Cognitivos y Logopedia Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Marcos Dolado
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Fernández-Blázquez
- Departamento de Psicología Biológica y de la Salud, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Wei P. Ultra-Early Screening of Cognitive Decline Due to Alzheimer's Pathology. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051423. [PMID: 37239094 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051423] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's pathology can be assessed and defined via Aβ and tau biomarkers. The preclinical period of Alzheimer's disease is long and lasts several decades. Although effective therapies to block pathological processes of Alzheimer's disease are still lacking, downward trends in the incidence and prevalence of dementia have occurred in developed countries. Accumulating findings support that education, cognitive training, physical exercise/activities, and a healthy lifestyle can protect cognitive function and promote healthy aging. Many studies focus on detecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and take a variety of interventions in this stage to protect cognitive function. However, when Alzheimer's pathology advances to the stage of MCI, interventions may not be successful in blocking the development of the pathological process. MCI individuals reverting to normal cognitive function exhibited a high probability to progress to dementia. Therefore, it is necessary to take effective measures before the MCI stage. Compared with MCI, an earlier stage, transitional cognitive decline, may be a better time window in which effective interventions are adopted for at-risk individuals. Detecting this stage in large populations relies on rapid screening of cognitive function; given that many cognitive tests focus on MCI detection, new tools need to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxu Wei
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, Key Laboratory of Neuro-Functional Information and Rehabilitation Engineering of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing 100176, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
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21
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Wang M, Zhang H, Liang J, Huang J, Chen N. Exercise suppresses neuroinflammation for alleviating Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:76. [PMID: 36935511 PMCID: PMC10026496 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02753-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease, with the characteristics of neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) and senile plaque (SP) formation. Although great progresses have been made in clinical trials based on relevant hypotheses, these studies are also accompanied by the emergence of toxic and side effects, and it is an urgent task to explore the underlying mechanisms for the benefits to prevent and treat AD. Herein, based on animal experiments and a few clinical trials, neuroinflammation in AD is characterized by long-term activation of pro-inflammatory microglia and the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes. Damaged signals from the periphery and within the brain continuously activate microglia, thus resulting in a constant source of inflammatory responses. The long-term chronic inflammatory response also exacerbates endoplasmic reticulum oxidative stress in microglia, which triggers microglia-dependent immune responses, ultimately leading to the occurrence and deterioration of AD. In this review, we systematically summarized and sorted out that exercise ameliorates AD by directly and indirectly regulating immune response of the central nervous system and promoting hippocampal neurogenesis to provide a new direction for exploring the neuroinflammation activity in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Wang
- Tianjiu Research and Development Center for Exercise Nutrition and Foods, Hubei Key Laboratory of Exercise Training and Monitoring, College of Sports Medicine, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Hu Zhang
- Tianjiu Research and Development Center for Exercise Nutrition and Foods, Hubei Key Laboratory of Exercise Training and Monitoring, College of Sports Medicine, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Jiling Liang
- Tianjiu Research and Development Center for Exercise Nutrition and Foods, Hubei Key Laboratory of Exercise Training and Monitoring, College of Sports Medicine, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Jielun Huang
- Tianjiu Research and Development Center for Exercise Nutrition and Foods, Hubei Key Laboratory of Exercise Training and Monitoring, College of Sports Medicine, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Ning Chen
- Tianjiu Research and Development Center for Exercise Nutrition and Foods, Hubei Key Laboratory of Exercise Training and Monitoring, College of Sports Medicine, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan, 430079, China.
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22
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Hampel H, Gao P, Cummings J, Toschi N, Thompson PM, Hu Y, Cho M, Vergallo A. The foundation and architecture of precision medicine in neurology and psychiatry. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:176-198. [PMID: 36642626 PMCID: PMC10720395 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Neurological and psychiatric diseases have high degrees of genetic and pathophysiological heterogeneity, irrespective of clinical manifestations. Traditional medical paradigms have focused on late-stage syndromic aspects of these diseases, with little consideration of the underlying biology. Advances in disease modeling and methodological design have paved the way for the development of precision medicine (PM), an established concept in oncology with growing attention from other medical specialties. We propose a PM architecture for central nervous system diseases built on four converging pillars: multimodal biomarkers, systems medicine, digital health technologies, and data science. We discuss Alzheimer's disease (AD), an area of significant unmet medical need, as a case-in-point for the proposed framework. AD can be seen as one of the most advanced PM-oriented disease models and as a compelling catalyzer towards PM-oriented neuroscience drug development and advanced healthcare practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Hampel
- Alzheimer's Disease & Brain Health, Eisai Inc., Nutley, NJ, USA.
| | - Peng Gao
- Alzheimer's Disease & Brain Health, Eisai Inc., Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - Jeffrey Cummings
- Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark & Mary Stevens Institute for Neuroimaging & Informatics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yan Hu
- Alzheimer's Disease & Brain Health, Eisai Inc., Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - Min Cho
- Alzheimer's Disease & Brain Health, Eisai Inc., Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - Andrea Vergallo
- Alzheimer's Disease & Brain Health, Eisai Inc., Nutley, NJ, USA
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23
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O'Brien CA, Bennett FC. Perivascular signals drive microglial appetite. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:369-370. [PMID: 36747025 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01256-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carleigh A O'Brien
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - F Chris Bennett
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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24
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Welikovitch LA, Dujardin S, Dunn AR, Fernandes AR, Khasnavis A, Chibnik LB, Kaczorowski CC, Hyman BT. Rate of tau propagation is a heritable disease trait in genetically diverse mouse strains. iScience 2023; 26:105983. [PMID: 36756365 PMCID: PMC9900390 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.105983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The speed and scope of cognitive deterioration in Alzheimer's disease is highly associated with the advancement of tau neurofibrillary lesions across brain networks. We tested whether the rate of tau propagation is a heritable disease trait in a large, well-characterized cohort of genetically divergent mouse strains. Using an AAV-based model system, P301L-mutant human tau (hTau) was introduced into the entorhinal cortex of mice derived from 18 distinct lines. The extent of tau propagation was measured by distinguishing hTau-producing cells from neurons that were recipients of tau transfer. Heritability calculation revealed that 43% of the variability in tau spread was due to genetic variants segregating across background strains. Strain differences in glial markers were also observed, but did not correlate with tau propagation. Identifying unique genetic variants that influence the progression of pathological tau may uncover novel molecular targets to prevent or slow the pace of tau spread and cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A. Welikovitch
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Simon Dujardin
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amy R. Dunn
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | | | - Anita Khasnavis
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Lori B. Chibnik
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Bradley T. Hyman
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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25
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Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a genetically complex and heterogeneous disorder with multifaceted neuropathological features, including β-amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuroinflammation. Over the past decade, emerging evidence has implicated both beneficial and pathological roles for innate immune genes and immune cells, including peripheral immune cells such as T cells, which can infiltrate the brain and either ameliorate or exacerbate AD neuropathogenesis. These findings support a neuroimmune axis of AD, in which the interplay of adaptive and innate immune systems inside and outside the brain critically impacts the etiology and pathogenesis of AD. In this review, we discuss the complexities of AD neuropathology at the levels of genetics and cellular physiology, highlighting immune signaling pathways and genes associated with AD risk and interactions among both innate and adaptive immune cells in the AD brain. We emphasize the role of peripheral immune cells in AD and the mechanisms by which immune cells, such as T cells and monocytes, influence AD neuropathology, including microglial clearance of amyloid-β peptide, the key component of β-amyloid plaque cores, pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity of microglia, astrogliosis, and their interactions with the brain vasculature. Finally, we review the challenges and outlook for establishing immune-based therapies for treating and preventing AD.
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26
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Khalifa J, Bourgault S, Gaudreault R. Interactions of Polyphenolic Gallotannins with Amyloidogenic Polypeptides Associated with Alzheimer's Disease: From Molecular Insights to Physiological Significance. Curr Alzheimer Res 2023; 20:603-617. [PMID: 38270140 DOI: 10.2174/0115672050277001231213073043] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Polyphenols are natural compounds abundantly found in plants. They are known for their numerous benefits to human health, including antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory activities. Interestingly, many studies have revealed that polyphenols can also modulate the formation of amyloid fibrils associated with disease states and can prevent the formation of cytotoxic oligomer species. In this review, we underline the numerous effects of four hydrolysable gallotannins (HGTs) with high conformational flexibility, low toxicity, and multi-targeticity, e.g., tannic acid, pentagalloyl glucose, corilagin, and 1,3,6-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose, on the aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins associated with the Alzheimer's Disease (AD). These HGTs have demonstrated interesting abilities to reduce, at different levels, the formation of amyloid fibrils involved in AD, including those assembled from the amyloid β-peptide, the tubulin-associated unit, and the islet amyloid polypeptide. HGTs were also shown to disassemble pre-formed fibrils and to diminish cognitive decline in mice. Finally, this manuscript highlights the importance of further investigating these naturally occurring HGTs as promising scaffolds to design molecules that can interfere with the formation of proteotoxic oligomers and aggregates associated with AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihane Khalifa
- Département de Chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, 2101 Rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, QC, H2X 2J6, Canada
- Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering and Applications, PROTEO, Canada
- Quebec Centre for Advanced Materials (QCAM), 3420 University Street, Montréal, QC, H2X 3Y7, Canada
| | - Steve Bourgault
- Département de Chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, 2101 Rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, QC, H2X 2J6, Canada
- Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering and Applications, PROTEO, Canada
| | - Roger Gaudreault
- Département de Chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, 2101 Rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, QC, H2X 2J6, Canada
- Quebec Centre for Advanced Materials (QCAM), 3420 University Street, Montréal, QC, H2X 3Y7, Canada
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27
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Ownby RL, Waldrop D. Cogstim: A Shared Decision-making Model to Support Older Adults' Brain Health. Curr Alzheimer Res 2023; 20:202-208. [PMID: 37231715 DOI: 10.2174/1567205020666230525110814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The lack of effective treatments for cognitive decline in older adults has led to an interest in the possibility that lifestyle interventions can help to prevent changes in mental functioning and reduce the risk for dementia. Multiple lifestyle factors have been related to risk for decline, and multicomponent intervention studies suggest that changing older adults' behaviors can have a positive impact on their cognition. How to translate these findings into a practical model for clinical use with older adults, however, is not clear. In this Commentary, we propose a shared decision-making model to support clinicians' efforts to promote brain health in older persons. The model organizes risk and protective factors into three broad groups based on their mechanism of action and provides older persons with basic information to allow them to make evidence- and preference-based choices in choosing goals for effective brain health programs. A final component includes basic instruction in behavior change strategies such as goal setting, self-monitoring, and problem-solving. The implementation of the model will support older persons' efforts to develop a personally relevant and effective brainhealthy lifestyle that may help to reduce their risk for cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond L Ownby
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33316, USA
| | - Drenna Waldrop
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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28
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Walker JM, Dehkordi SK, Schaffert J, Goette W, White CL, Richardson TE, Zare H. The Spectrum of Alzheimer-Type Pathology in Cognitively Normal Individuals. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 91:683-695. [PMID: 36502330 PMCID: PMC11184733 DOI: 10.3233/jad-220898] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The strongest risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is age. The progression of Braak stage and Thal phase with age has been demonstrated. However, prior studies did not include cognitive status. OBJECTIVE We set out to define normative values for Alzheimer-type pathologic changes in individuals without cognitive decline, and then define levels that would qualify them to be resistant to or resilient against these changes. METHODS Utilizing neuropathology data obtained from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC), we demonstrate the age-related progression of Alzheimer-type pathologic changes in cognitively normal individuals (CDR = 0, n = 542). With plots generated from these data, we establish standard lines that may be utilized to measure the extent to which an individual's Alzheimer-type pathology varies from the estimated normal range of pathology. RESULTS Although Braak stage and Thal phase progressively increase with age in cognitively normal individuals, the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease neuritic plaque score and Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change remain at low levels. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that an increasing burden of neuritic plaques is a strong predictor of cognitive decline, whereas, neurofibrillary degeneration and amyloid-β (diffuse) plaque deposition, both to some degree, are normal pathologic changes of aging that occur in almost all individuals regardless of cognitive status. Furthermore, we have defined the amount of neuropathologic change in cognitively normal individuals that would qualify them to be "resilient" against the pathology (significantly above the normative values for age, but still cognitively normal) or "resistant" to the development of pathology (significantly below the normative values for age).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie M. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Shiva Kazempour Dehkordi
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jeff Schaffert
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - William Goette
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Charles L. White
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Timothy E. Richardson
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Habil Zare
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s & Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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29
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Elsworthy RJ, Hill EJ, Dunleavy C, Aldred S. The role of ADAM10 in astrocytes: Implications for Alzheimer’s disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1056507. [DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1056507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Much of the early research into AD relies on a neuron-centric view of the brain, however, evidence of multiple altered cellular interactions between glial cells and the vasculature early in AD has been demonstrated. As such, alterations in astrocyte function are widely recognized a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of AD. The processes by which astrocytes may be involved in AD make them an interesting target for therapeutic intervention, but in order for this to be most effective, there is a need for the specific mechanisms involving astrocyte dysfunction to be investigated. “α disintegrin and metalloproteinase” 10 (ADAM10) is capable of proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein which prevents amyloid-β generation. As such ADAM10 has been identified as an interesting enzyme in AD pathology. ADAM10 is also known to play a role in a significant number of cellular processes, most notable in notch signaling and in inflammatory processes. There is a growing research base for the involvement of ADAM10 in regulating astrocytic function, primarily from an immune perspective. This review aims to bring together available evidence for ADAM10 activity in astrocytes, and how this relates to AD pathology.
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30
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Vojtechova I, Machacek T, Kristofikova Z, Stuchlik A, Petrasek T. Infectious origin of Alzheimer’s disease: Amyloid beta as a component of brain antimicrobial immunity. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010929. [PMCID: PMC9671327 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The amyloid cascade hypothesis, focusing on pathological proteins aggregation, has so far failed to uncover the root cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), or to provide an effective therapy. This traditional paradigm essentially explains a mechanism involved in the development of sporadic AD rather than its cause. The failure of an overwhelming majority of clinical studies (99.6%) demonstrates that a breakthrough in therapy would be difficult if not impossible without understanding the etiology of AD. It becomes more and more apparent that the AD pathology might originate from brain infection. In this review, we discuss a potential role of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and eukaryotic parasites as triggers of AD pathology. We show evidence from the current literature that amyloid beta, traditionally viewed as pathological, actually acts as an antimicrobial peptide, protecting the brain against pathogens. However, in case of a prolonged or excessive activation of a senescent immune system, amyloid beta accumulation and aggregation becomes damaging and supports runaway neurodegenerative processes in AD. This is paralleled by the recent study by Alam and colleagues (2022) who showed that alpha-synuclein, the protein accumulating in synucleinopathies, also plays a critical physiological role in immune reactions and inflammation, showing an unforeseen link between the 2 unrelated classes of neurodegenerative disorders. The multiplication of the amyloid precursor protein gene, recently described by Lee and collegues (2018), and possible reactivation of human endogenous retroviruses by pathogens fits well into the same picture. We discuss these new findings from the viewpoint of the infection hypothesis of AD and offer suggestions for future research. More than a century after its discovery, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains incurable and mysterious. The dominant hypothesis of amyloid cascade has succeeded in explaining the key pathological mechanism, but not its trigger. Amyloid beta has been traditionally considered a pathological peptide, and its physiological functions remain poorly known. These knowledge gaps have contributed to repeated failures of clinical studies. The emerging infectious hypothesis of AD considers central nervous system (CNS) infection the primary trigger of sporadic AD. A closely connected hypothesis claims that amyloid beta is an antimicrobial peptide. In this review, we discuss the available evidence for the involvement of infections in AD, coming from epidemiological studies, post mortem analyses of brain tissue, and experiments in vitro and in vivo. We argue there is no unique “Alzheimer’s germ,” instead, AD is a general reaction of the CNS to chronic infections, in the milieu of an aged immune system. The pathology may become self-sustained even without continuous presence of microbes in the brain. Importantly, the infectious hypothesis leads to testable predictions. Targeting amyloid beta should be ineffective, unless the triggering pathogen and inflammatory response are addressed as well. Meticulous control of selected infections might be the best near-term strategy for AD prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iveta Vojtechova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail: , (IV); , (TP)
| | - Tomas Machacek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Ales Stuchlik
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Petrasek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail: , (IV); , (TP)
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31
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Duong MT, Wolk DA. Limbic-Predominant Age-Related TDP-43 Encephalopathy: LATE-Breaking Updates in Clinicopathologic Features and Biomarkers. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2022; 22:689-698. [PMID: 36190653 PMCID: PMC9633415 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-022-01232-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) is a recently defined neurodegenerative disease characterized by amnestic phenotype and pathological inclusions of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). LATE is distinct from rarer forms of TDP-43 diseases such as frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 but is also a common copathology with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebrovascular disease and accelerates cognitive decline. LATE contributes to clinicopathologic heterogeneity in neurodegenerative diseases, so it is imperative to distinguish LATE from other etiologies. RECENT FINDINGS Novel biomarkers for LATE are being developed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). When cooccurring with AD, LATE exhibits identifiable patterns of limbic-predominant atrophy on MRI and hypometabolism on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET that are greater than expected relative to levels of local AD pathology. Efforts are being made to develop TDP-43-specific radiotracers, molecularly specific biofluid measures, and genomic predictors of TDP-43. LATE is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative disease distinct from previously characterized cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tran Duong
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David A Wolk
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Institute On Aging, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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32
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Plascencia-Villa G, Perry G. Neuropathologic Changes Provide Insights into Key Mechanisms of Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementia. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:1340-1346. [PMID: 35931209 PMCID: PMC9552032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a chronic disease characterized by a progressive decline in memory and cognition. AD progression is closely correlated with neuropathologic changes and accumulation of the two main hallmark lesions, senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Nevertheless, deciphering the complex biological aspects of AD requires looking for the neuropathologic changes not only as the cause but also as the collective response to a disease process that is essential to maintaining life during aging but ultimately generates a nonfunctional brain. Chronic conditions, such as AD, represent a new homeostatic balance or disease state, where the organism responds or adapts to maintain life. The pathologic diagnosis of AD still remains the gold standard for precise diagnosis of dementia, commonly in conjunction with cognitive-memory tests and brain image scans. Herein, we present a general overview of the main neuropathologic hallmarks and features of AD and related dementia, revealing the key biological and functional changes as potential drivers of age-dependent brain failure related to AD. The present work reflects some of the main ideas presented during the American Society for Investigative Pathology Rous-Whipple Award Lecture 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germán Plascencia-Villa
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - George Perry
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
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33
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Turknett J, Wood TR. Demand Coupling Drives Neurodegeneration: A Model of Age-Related Cognitive Decline and Dementia. Cells 2022; 11:2789. [PMID: 36139364 PMCID: PMC9496827 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The societal burden of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other major forms of dementia continues to grow, and multiple pharmacological agents directed towards modifying the pathological "hallmarks" of AD have yielded disappointing results. Though efforts continue towards broadening and deepening our knowledge and understanding of the mechanistic and neuropathological underpinnings of AD, our previous failures motivate a re-examination of how we conceptualize AD pathology and progression. In addition to not yielding effective treatments, the phenotypically heterogeneous biological processes that have been the primary area of focus to date have not been adequately shown to be necessary or sufficient to explain the risk and progression of AD. On the other hand, a growing body of evidence indicates that lifestyle and environment represent the ultimate level of causation for AD and age-related cognitive decline. Specifically, the decline in cognitive demands over the lifespan plays a central role in driving the structural and functional deteriorations of the brain. In the absence of adequate cognitive stimulus, physiological demand-function coupling leads to downregulation of growth, repair, and homeostatic processes, resulting in deteriorating brain tissue health, function, and capacity. In this setting, the heterogeneity of associated neuropathological tissue hallmarks then occurs as a consequence of an individual's genetic and environmental background and are best considered downstream markers of the disease process rather than specific targets for direct intervention. In this manuscript we outline the evidence for a demand-driven model of age-related cognitive decline and dementia and why it mandates a holistic approach to dementia treatment and prevention that incorporates the primary upstream role of cognitive demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Turknett
- Brainjo Center for Neurology and Cognitive Enhancement, Atlanta, GA 30076, USA
| | - Thomas R. Wood
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, FL 32502, USA
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