Early synaptic dysfunction induced by α-synuclein in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

Glucocorticoid receptor signaling in the brain and its involvement in cognitive function

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulates the secretion of glucocorticoids in response to environmental challenges. In the brain, a nuclear receptor transcription factor, the glucocorticoid receptor, is an important component of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis's negative feedback loop and plays a key role in regulating cognitive equilibrium and neuroplasticity. The glucocorticoid receptor influences cognitive processes, including glutamate neurotransmission, calcium signaling, and the activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor-mediated pathways, through a combination of genomic and non-genomic mechanisms. Protein interactions within the central nervous system can alter the expression and activity of the glucocorticoid receptor, thereby affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and stress-related cognitive functions. An appropriate level of glucocorticoid receptor expression can improve cognitive function, while excessive glucocorticoid receptors or long-term exposure to glucocorticoids may lead to cognitive impairment. Patients with cognitive impairment-associated diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, aging, depression, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, stroke, and addiction, often present with dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and glucocorticoid receptor expression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the functions of the glucocorticoid receptor in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and cognitive activities. It emphasizes that appropriate glucocorticoid receptor signaling facilitates learning and memory, while its dysregulation can lead to cognitive impairment. This provides clues about how glucocorticoid receptor signaling can be targeted to overcome cognitive disability-related disorders.

Parkinson's Paradox: Alpha-synuclein's Selective Strike on SNc Dopamine Neurons over VTA

In synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease (PD), dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) exhibit greater vulnerability to degeneration than those in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). While α-synuclein (αSyn) pathology is implicated in nigral dopamine neuron loss, the mechanisms by which αSyn affects neuronal activity and midbrain dopamine network connectivity prior to cell death remain unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that elevated αSyn expression induces pathophysiological changes in firing activity and disrupts network connectivity dynamics of dopamine neurons before neuronal loss. We employed two mouse models of synucleinopathy: preformed αSyn fibril (PFF) injection and AAV-mediated expression of human αSyn (hαSyn) under the control of the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) promoter, both targeting the VTA and SNc. Four weeks post-injection, brain sections underwent histological, electrophysiological, and network analyses. Immunohistochemistry for TH, hαSyn, and phospho-Ser129 αSyn assessed αSyn expression and dopaminergic neuron alterations. Neuronal viability was evaluated using two complementary approaches: quantification of TH + or FOX3 + and TUNEL labeling. Importantly, these analyses revealed no significant changes in neuronal counts or TUNEL + cells at this time point, confirming that subsequent functional assessments captured pre-neurodegenerative, αSyn-induced alterations rather than late-stage neurodegeneration. Electrophysiological recordings revealed a differential effect of hαSyn expression. SNc dopamine neurons exhibited significantly increased baseline firing rates, whereas VTA dopamine neurons remained unchanged. These findings indicate a region-specific vulnerability to αSyn-induced hyperactivity of dopamine neurons. Further analysis revealed impaired homeostatic firing rate regulation in SNc, but not VTA, dopamine neurons, demonstrated by a reduced capacity to recover baseline firing following hyperpolarization. Collectively, our results demonstrate that, prior to neurodegeneration, elevated αSyn expression differentially disrupts both basal firing activity and network stability of SNc dopamine neurons, while sparing VTA dopamine neurons. By identifying neurophysiological changes preceding dopaminergic neuron loss, these findings provide critical insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms predisposing SNc neurons to degeneration in Parkinson's disease.

Significance Statement

A central question in Parkinson's disease research is why dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) are more vulnerable than those in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This study reveals that alpha-synuclein (αSyn) pathology differentially impacts dopamine neuronal activity and network connectivity, causing changes in the SNc before neuronal loss occurs, but not in the VTA. These findings provide a mechanism to explain the differential resilience of these neighboring dopamine neuron populations and provide insights into Parkinson's disease progression. The methodologies developed in this study establish a foundation for investigating network topology in deep brain structures and its role in neurodegenerative disorders.

Dynactin knockdown leads to synuclein aggregation by blocking autophagy in a zebrafish model of Parkinson's disease

Axons of dopaminergic neurons projecting from substantia nigra to striatum are severely affected in the early stage of Parkinson's disease (PD), with axonal degeneration preceding the loss of cell bodies. Our previous study indicated that the dysfunctional retrograde axonal transport could lead to the death of dopaminergic neurons resulting in PD (10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05526.x). However, dynein, as the main molecule involved in retrograde axonal transport, was not affected. This study aimed to verify the hypothesis that dynactin rather than dynein may be one of the key factors in the retrograde degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the early stage of PD. Dynactin morpholino was used to inhibit the expression of dynactin in transgenic (Vmat2:GFP) zebrafish, resulting in a significant decrease of diencephalon dopamine neurons and synuclein aggregation in the basal plate region. In the dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cell line, dynactin-siRNA knockdown resulted in the expression of dynein shifting from dispersed distribution to concentration in synapses and cytoplasm near axons, and the fusion rate of dynein to dynactin was decreased, especially in axons, which blocked the retrograde axonal transport of α-synuclein and autophagy flow. Our results linked the knockdown of dynactin gene to the dysfunction of axonal microtubule transport system, suggesting that dynactin may be one of the key factors contributing to the retrograde degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the early stage of PD.

Peripherally administered TNF inhibitor is not protective against α-synuclein-induced dopaminergic neuronal death in rats

The underlying cause of neuronal loss in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unknown, but evidence implicates neuroinflammation in PD pathobiology. The pro-inflammatory cytokine soluble tumor necrosis factor (TNF) seems to play an important role and thus has been proposed as a therapeutic target for modulation of the neuroinflammatory processes in PD. In this regard, dominant-negative TNF (DN-TNF) agents are promising antagonists that selectively inhibit soluble TNF signaling, while preserving the beneficial effects of transmembrane TNF. Previous studies have tested the protective potential of DN-TNF-based therapy in toxin-based PD models. Here we test for the first time the protective potential of a DN-TNF therapeutic against α-synuclein-driven neurodegeneration in the viral vector-based PD female rat model. To do so, we administered the DN-TNF agent XPro1595 subcutaneously for a period of 12 weeks. In contrast to previous studies using different PD models, neuroprotection was not achieved by systemic XPro1595 treatment. α-Synuclein-induced loss of nigrostriatal neurons, accumulation of pathological inclusions and microgliosis was detected in both XPro1595- and saline-treated animals. XPro1595 treatment increased the percentage of the hypertrophic/ameboid Iba1+ cells in SN and reduced the striatal MHCII+ expression in the α-synuclein-overexpressing animals. However, the treatment did not prevent the MHCII upregulation seen in the SN of the model, nor the increase of CD68+ phagocytic cells. Therefore, despite an apparently immunomodulatory effect, this did not suffice to protect against viral vector-derived α-synuclein-induced neurotoxicity. Further studies are warranted to better elucidate the therapeutic potential of soluble TNF inhibitors in PD.

Motor cortical neuronal hyperexcitability associated with α-synuclein aggregation

ΑBSTRACT: In Parkinson's disease (PD), Lewy pathology deposits in the cerebral cortex, but how the pathology disrupts cortical circuit integrity and function remains poorly understood. To begin to address this question, we injected α-synuclein (αSyn) preformed fibrils (PFFs) into the dorsolateral striatum of mice to seed αSyn pathology in the cortical cortex and induce degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. We reported that αSyn aggregates accumulate in the motor cortex in a layer- and cell-subtype-specific pattern. Specifically, αSyn aggregates-bearing intratelencephalic neurons (ITNs) showed hyperexcitability, increased input resistance, and decreased cell capacitance, which were associated with impaired HCN channel function. Morphologically, the αSyn aggregates-bearing ITNs showed shrinkage of cell bodies and loss of dendritic spines. Last, we showed that partial dopamine depletion is not sufficient to alter thalamocortical transmission to cortical pyramidal neurons. Our results provide a novel mechanistic understanding of cortical circuit dysfunction in PD.

Eugenia uniflora Effects on the Depressive-like Behavior of MPTP-Exposed Female Rats: Apoptosis and α-Synuclein Modulation

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by motor deficits and non-motor symptoms, such as depression, which are associated with dopaminergic loss and α-synuclein aggregation in the brain. Objectives: This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of the purple fruit of Eugenia uniflora (PFEU) on motor ability and depressive-like behaviors in a PD model induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in female Wistar rats. Methods: Rats received intranasal administration of MPTP or vehicle, followed by 14 days of oral administration of PFEU (300 or 2000 mg/kg, administered once daily) or vehicle. Depressive-like behavior was assessed using the splash and forced swimming tests, while motor ability was evaluated using the rotarod and open field tests. On day 15, hippocampal tissue was collected for immunoreactivity analysis. Results: MPTP treatment induced depressive-like behavior, which was significantly reversed by PFEU, as evidenced by increased grooming and decreased immobility. No motor coordination or locomotion deficits were observed. Furthermore, PFEU treatment prevented the MPTP-induced increase in hippocampal α-synuclein, p-p53, and Bax while restoring Bcl-2 levels, suggesting neuroprotective effects through the modulation of apoptotic pathways and α-synuclein. Conclusions: These findings support PFEU's potential as a neuroprotective agent for MPTP-induced depressive-like behavior in female rats, highlighting its molecular mechanisms.

Motor Cortical Neuronal Hyperexcitability Associated with α-Synuclein Aggregation

Dysfunction of the cerebral cortex is thought to underlie motor and cognitive impairments in Parkinson disease (PD). While cortical function is known to be suppressed by abnormal basal ganglia output following dopaminergic degeneration, it remains to be determined how the deposition of Lewy pathology disrupts cortical circuit integrity and function. Moreover, it is also unknown whether cortical Lewy pathology and midbrain dopaminergic degeneration interact to disrupt cortical function in late-stage. To begin to address these questions, we injected α-synuclein (αSyn) preformed fibrils (PFFs) into the dorsolateral striatum of mice to seed αSyn pathology in the cortical cortex and induce degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Using this model system, we reported that αSyn aggregates accumulate in the motor cortex in a layer- and cell-subtype-specific pattern. Particularly, intratelencephalic neurons (ITNs) showed earlier accumulation and greater extent of αSyn aggregates relative to corticospinal neurons (CSNs). Moreover, we demonstrated that the intrinsic excitability and inputs resistance of αSyn aggregates-bearing ITNs in the secondary motor cortex (M2) are increased, along with a noticeable shrinkage of cell bodies and loss of dendritic spines. Last, neither the intrinsic excitability of CSNs nor their thalamocortical input was altered by a partial striatal dopamine depletion associated with αSyn pathology. Our results documented motor cortical neuronal hyperexcitability associated with αSyn aggregation and provided a novel mechanistic understanding of cortical circuit dysfunction in PD.

Role of Lipids in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease

Aggregation of α-synuclein (αSyn) and its accumulation as Lewy bodies play a central role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the mechanism by which αSyn aggregates in the brain remains unclear. Biochemical studies have demonstrated that αSyn interacts with lipids, and these interactions affect the aggregation process of αSyn. Furthermore, genetic studies have identified mutations in lipid metabolism-associated genes such as glucocerebrosidase 1 (GBA1) and synaptojanin 1 (SYNJ1) in sporadic and familial forms of PD, respectively. In this review, we focus on the role of lipids in triggering αSyn aggregation in the pathogenesis of PD and propose the possibility of modulating the interaction of lipids with αSyn as a potential therapy for PD.

Motor Cortical Neuronal Hyperexcitability Associated with α-Synuclein Aggregation

Dysfunction of the cerebral cortex is thought to underlie motor and cognitive impairments in Parkinson disease (PD). While cortical function is known to be suppressed by abnormal basal ganglia output following dopaminergic degeneration, it remains to be determined how the deposition of Lewy pathology disrupts cortical circuit integrity and function. Moreover, it is also unknown whether cortical Lewy pathology and midbrain dopaminergic degeneration interact to disrupt cortical function in late-stage. To begin to address these questions, we injected α-synuclein (αSyn) preformed fibrils (PFFs) into the dorsolateral striatum of mice to seed αSyn pathology in the cortical cortex and induce degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Using this model system, we reported that αSyn aggregates accumulate in the motor cortex in a layer- and cell-subtype-specific pattern. Particularly, intratelencephalic neurons (ITNs) showed earlier accumulation and greater extent of αSyn aggregates relative to corticospinal neurons (CSNs). Moreover, we demonstrated that the intrinsic excitability and inputs resistance of αSyn aggregates-bearing ITNs in the secondary motor cortex (M2) are increased, along with a noticeable shrinkage of cell bodies and loss of dendritic spines. Last, neither the intrinsic excitability of CSNs nor their thalamocortical input was altered by a partial striatal dopamine depletion associated with αSyn pathology. Our results documented motor cortical neuronal hyperexcitability associated with αSyn aggregation and provided a novel mechanistic understanding of cortical circuit dysfunction in PD.

Molecular properties and diagnostic potential of monoclonal antibodies targeting cytotoxic α-synuclein oligomers

α-Synuclein (α-syn) accumulates as insoluble amyloid but also forms soluble α-syn oligomers (αSOs), thought to be even more cytotoxic than fibrils. To detect and block the unwanted activities of these αSOs, we have raised 30 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against different forms of αSOs, ranging from unmodified αSOs to species stabilized by lipid peroxidation products and polyphenols, αSOs formed by C-terminally truncated α-syn, and multivalent display of α-syn on capsid virus-like particles (cVLPs). While the mAbs generally show a preference for αSOs, they also bind fibrils, but to variable extents. Overall, we observe great diversity in the mAbs' relative affinities for monomers and αSOs, varied requirements for the C-terminal extension of α-syn, and only a modest effect on α-syn fibrillation. Several mAbs show several orders of magnitude preference for αSOs over monomers in in-solution studies, while the commercial antibody MJF14 only bound 10-fold more strongly to αSOs than monomeric α-syn. Gratifyingly, seven mAbs almost completely block αSO permeabilization of membrane vesicles. Five selected mAbs identified α-syn-related pathologies like Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy Neurites, as well as Glial Cytoplasmic Inclusions in postmortem brains from people diagnosed for PD, dementia with LBs or multiple system atrophy, although to different extents. Three mAbs were particularly useful for pathological evaluation of postmortem brain human tissue, including early stages of PD. Although there was no straightforward connection between the mAbs' biophysical and immunohistochemical properties, it is encouraging that this comprehensive collection of mAbs able to recognize different aggregated α-syn species in vitro also holds diagnostic potential.

Cardiac sympathetic "morbidity" might reflect the neurobiology of early Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

An appropriate extracranial biomarker that delineates endophenotypes of Parkinson's disease (PD) at an early stage and reflects the neurodegenerative process is lacking. An evaluation of myocardial sympathetic nerve terminals could be a good candidate. This study aimed to explore subtypes of PD patients that showed cardiac catecholaminergic vesicular defect and their characteristics.

METHODS

This study included 122 early drug-naïve PD patients who were followed for approximately 4-5 years. All patients were examined with 18F-N-(3-fluoropropyl)-2beta-carbon ethoxy-3beta-(4-iodophenyl) nortropane positron-emission tomography and 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy. Cardiac scans were reexamined two or three times. Patients were subgrouped into the sympathetic denervated group at the initial scan, those without evidence of denervated myocardium in the first and subsequent scans, and the converters whose myocardium was initially normal but became impaired in the subsequent scans. Cognition in 99 patients was initially assessed with neuropsychological tests. Any associations between cardiac denervation subtypes and presynaptic dopamine transporter densities were investigated. Cognitive status relevant to cardiac sympathetic denervation status was evaluated.

RESULTS

This study found that cross-sectional comparisons of presynaptic monoamine transporter availability with a predefined order of cardiac denervation groups revealed parallel degeneration. A quadratic correlation between cardiac catecholamine capacity and cognition was observed. This association was interpreted to reflect the early neurobiology of PD.

CONCLUSION

An observed cardiac catecholaminergic gradient was to mirror the central neurobiology of early PD.

The AAV-α-Synuclein Model of Parkinson's Disease: An Update

Targeted delivery of α-synuclein using AAV vectors has over the two decades since its introduction developed into a versatile tool for modeling different aspects of synucleinopathy, mimicking those seen in Parkinson's disease and related Lewy body disorders. The viral vector approach to disease modeling is attractive in that the expression of α-synuclein, wild-type or mutated, can be confined to defined anatomical structures and targeted to selected cell populations using either cell-type specific promoter constructs or different natural or engineered AAV serotypes. AAV-α-synuclein was initially used to model progressive α-synuclein pathology in nigral dopamine neurons, and, like the standard 6-OHDA model, it has most commonly been applied unilaterally, using the non-injected side as a reference and control. In recent years, however, the AAV-α-synuclein model has become more widely used to induce Parkinson-like synuclein pathology in other relevant neuronal systems, such as the brainstem noradrenergic and serotonergic neurons, the vagal motor neurons, as well as in oligodendrocytes, the prime target relevant to the pathology seen in multiple system atrophy. The purpose of this review is to give an overview of the progress made in the use of the AAV-α-synuclein model over the last two decades and summarize the state-of-the art in the use of the AAV-α-synuclein model for disease modeling in rats and mice.

α-Synuclein propagation leads to synaptic abnormalities in the cortex through microglial synapse phagocytosis

The major neuropathologic feature of Parkinson's disease is the presence of widespread intracellular inclusions of α-synuclein known as Lewy bodies. Evidence suggests that these misfolded protein inclusions spread through the brain with disease progression. Changes in synaptic function precede neurodegeneration, and this extracellular α-synuclein can affect synaptic transmission. However, whether and how the spreading of α-synuclein aggregates modulates synaptic function before neuronal loss remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of intrastriatal injection of α-synuclein preformed fibrils (PFFs) on synaptic activity in the somatosensory cortex using a combination of whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, histology, and Golgi-Cox staining. Intrastriatal PFF injection was followed by formation of phosphorylated α-synuclein inclusions in layer 5 of the somatosensory cortex, leading to a decrease in synapse density, dendritic spines, and spontaneous excitatory post-synaptic currents, without apparent neuronal loss. Additionally, three-dimensional reconstruction of microglia using confocal imaging showed an increase in the engulfment of synapses. Collectively, our data indicate that propagation of α-synuclein through neural networks causes abnormalities in synaptic structure and dynamics prior to neuronal loss.

Alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies: from overt neurodegeneration back to early synaptic dysfunction

Although the discovery of the critical role of α-synuclein (α-syn) in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is now twenty-five years old, it still represents a milestone in PD research. Abnormal forms of α-syn trigger selective and progressive neuronal death through mitochondrial impairment, lysosomal dysfunction, and alteration of calcium homeostasis not only in PD but also in other α-syn-related neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy, pure autonomic failure, and REM sleep behavior disorder. Furthermore, α-syn-dependent early synaptic and plastic alterations and the underlying mechanisms preceding overt neurodegeneration have attracted great interest. In particular, the presence of early inflammation in experimental models and PD patients, occurring before deposition and spreading of α-syn, suggests a mechanistic link between inflammation and synaptic dysfunction. The knowledge of these early mechanisms is of seminal importance to support the research on reliable biomarkers to precociously identify the disease and possible disease-modifying therapies targeting α-syn. In this review, we will discuss these critical issues, providing a state of the art of the role of this protein in early PD and other synucleinopathies.

Targeting α-synuclein post-translational modifications in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway. Although the exact mechanisms underlying PD are still not completely understood, it is well accepted that α-synuclein plays key pathophysiological roles as the main constituent of the cytoplasmic inclusions known as Lewy bodies. Several post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as the best-known phosphorylation, target α-synuclein and are thus implicated in its physiological and pathological functions. In this review, we present (1) an overview of the pathophysiological roles of α-synuclein, (2) a descriptive analysis of α-synuclein PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, glycation, truncation, and O-GlcNAcylation, as well as (3) a brief summary on α-synuclein PTMs as potential biomarkers for PD. A better understanding of α-synuclein PTMs is of paramount importance for elucidating the mechanisms underlying PD and can thus be expected to improve early detection and monitoring disease progression, as well as identify promising new therapeutic targets.

PET imaging in animal models of Parkinson's disease

Alpha-synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy, are characterized by aberrant accumulation of alpha-synuclein and synaptic dysfunction leading to motor and cognitive deficits. Animal models of alpha-synucleinopathy have greatly facilitated the mechanistic understanding of the disease and the development of therapeutics. Various transgenic, alpha-synuclein fibril-injected, and toxin-injected animal models of Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy that recapitulate the disease pathology have been developed and widely used. Recent advances in positron emission tomography have allowed the noninvasive visualization of molecular alterations, underpinning behavioral dysfunctions in the brains of animal models and the longitudinal monitoring of treatment effects. Imaging studies in these disease animal models have employed multi-tracer PET designs to reveal dopaminergic deficits together with other molecular alterations. This review focuses on the development of new positron emission tomography tracers and studies of alpha-synuclein, synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A neurotransmitter receptor deficits such as dopaminergic receptor, dopaminergic transporter, serotonergic receptor, vesicular monoamine transporter 2, hypometabolism, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and leucine rich repeat kinase 2 in animal models of Parkinson's disease. The outstanding challenges and emerging applications are outlined, such as investigating the gut-brain-axis by using positron emission tomography in animal models, and provide a future outlook.

Selecting the Best Animal Model of Parkinson's Disease for Your Research Purpose: Insight from in vivo PET Imaging Studies

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative multisystem disorder leading to motor and non-motor symptoms in millions of individuals. Despite intense research, there is still no cure, and early disease biomarkers are lacking. Animal models of PD have been inspired by basic elements of its pathogenesis, such as dopamine dysfunction, alpha-synuclein accumulation, neuroinflammation and disruption of protein degradation, and these have been crucial for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of pathology, the identification of biomarkers, and evaluation of novel therapies. Imaging biomarkers are non-invasive tools to assess disease progression and response to therapies; their discovery and validation have been an active field of translational research. Here, we highlight different considerations of animal models of PD that can be applied to future research, in terms of their suitability to answer different research questions. We provide the reader with important considerations of the best choice of model to use based on the disease features of each model, including issues related to different species. In addition, positron emission tomography studies conducted in PD animal models in the last 5 years are presented. With a variety of different species, interventions and genetic information, the choice of the most appropriate model to answer research questions can be daunting, especially since no single model recapitulates all aspects of this complex disorder. Appropriate animal models in conjunction with in vivo molecular imaging tools, if selected properly, can be a powerful combination for the assessment of novel therapies and developing tools for early diagnosis.

Characterisation of functional deficits induced by AAV overexpression of alpha-synuclein in rats

Background

In the last decades different preclinical animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) have been generated, aiming to mimic the progressive neuronal loss of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) cells as well as motor and non-motor impairment. Among all the available models, AAV-based models of human alpha-synuclein (h-aSYN) overexpression are promising tools for investigation of disease progression and therapeutic interventions.

Objectives

The goal with this work was to characterise the impairment in motor and non-motor domains following nigrostriatal overexpression of h-aSYN and correlate the behavioural deficits with histological assessment of associated pathology.

Methods

Intranigral injection of an AAV9 expressing h-aSYN was compared with untreated animals, 6-OHDA and AAV9 expressing either no transgene or GFP. The animals were assessed on a series of simple and complex behavioural tasks probing motor and non-motor domains. Post-mortem neuropathology was analysed using immunohistochemical methods.

Results

Overexpression of h-aSYN led to progressive degeneration of DA neurons of the SN and axonal terminals in the striatum (STR). We observed extensive nigral and striatal pathology, resembling that of human PD brain, as well as the development of stable progressive deficit in simple motor tasks and in non-motor domains such as deficits in motivation and lateralised neglect.

Conclusions

In the present work we characterized a rat model of PD that closely resembles human PD pathology at the histological and behavioural level. The correlation of cell loss with behavioural performance enables the selection of rats which can be used in neuroprotective or neurorestorative therapies.

The pathobiological basis of depression in Parkinson disease: challenges and outlooks

Depression, with an estimated prevalence of about 40% is a most common neuropsychiatric disorder in Parkinson disease (PD), with a negative impact on quality of life, cognitive impairment and functional disability, yet the underlying neurobiology is poorly understood. Depression in PD (DPD), one of its most common non-motor symptoms, can precede the onset of motor symptoms but can occur at any stage of the disease. Although its diagnosis is based on standard criteria, due to overlap with other symptoms related to PD or to side effects of treatment, depression is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. DPD has been related to a variety of pathogenic mechanisms associated with the underlying neurodegenerative process, in particular dysfunction of neurotransmitter systems (dopaminergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic), as well as to disturbances of cortico-limbic, striato-thalamic-prefrontal, mediotemporal-limbic networks, with disruption in the topological organization of functional mood-related, motor and other essential brain network connections due to alterations in the blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) fluctuations in multiple brain areas. Other hypothetic mechanisms involve neuroinflammation, neuroimmune dysregulation, stress hormones, neurotrophic, toxic or metabolic factors. The pathophysiology and pathogenesis of DPD are multifactorial and complex, and its interactions with genetic factors, age-related changes, cognitive disposition and other co-morbidities awaits further elucidation.

The mitochondrial protein Sideroflexin 3 (SFXN3) influences neurodegeneration pathways in vivo

Synapses are a primary pathological target in neurodegenerative diseases. Identifying therapeutic targets at the synapse could delay progression of numerous conditions. The mitochondrial protein SFXN3 is a neuronally enriched protein expressed in synaptic terminals and regulated by key synaptic proteins, including α-synuclein. We first show that SFXN3 uses the carrier import pathway to insert into the inner mitochondrial membrane. Using high-resolution proteomics on Sfxn3-KO mice synapses, we then demonstrate that SFXN3 influences proteins and pathways associated with neurodegeneration and cell death (including CSPα and Caspase-3), as well as neurological conditions (including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease). Overexpression of SFXN3 orthologues in Drosophila models of Parkinson's disease significantly reduced dopaminergic neuron loss. In contrast, the loss of SFXN3 was insufficient to trigger neurodegeneration in mice, indicating an anti- rather than pro-neurodegeneration role for SFXN3. Taken together, these results suggest a potential role for SFXN3 in the regulation of neurodegeneration pathways.

Animal models of action control and cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) has historically been considered a motor disorder induced by a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. More recently, it has been recognized to have significant non-motor symptoms, most prominently cognitive symptoms associated with a dysexecutive syndrome. It is common in the literature to see motor and cognitive symptoms treated separately and, indeed, there has been a general call for specialized treatment of the latter, particularly in the more severe cases of PD with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Animal studies have similarly been developed to model the motor or non-motor symptoms. Nevertheless, considerable research has established that segregating consideration of cognition from the precursors to motor movement, particularly movement associated with goal-directed action, is difficult if not impossible. Indeed, on some contemporary views cognition is embodied in action control, something that is particularly prevalent in theory and evidence relating to the integration of goal-directed and habitual control processes. The current paper addresses these issues within the literature detailing animal models of cognitive dysfunction in PD and their neural and neurochemical bases. Generally, studies using animal models of PD provide some of the clearest evidence for the integration of these action control processes at multiple levels of analysis and imply that consideration of this integrative process may have significant benefits for developing new approaches to the treatment of PD.

Efficacy and immunogenicity of MultiTEP-based DNA vaccines targeting human α-synuclein: prelude for IND enabling studies

Accumulation of misfolded proteins such as amyloid-β (Aβ), tau, and α-synuclein (α-Syn) in the brain leads to synaptic dysfunction, neuronal damage, and the onset of relevant neurodegenerative disorder/s. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are characterized by the aberrant accumulation of α-Syn intracytoplasmic Lewy body inclusions and dystrophic Lewy neurites resulting in neurodegeneration associated with inflammation. Cell to cell propagation of α-Syn aggregates is implicated in the progression of PD/DLB, and high concentrations of anti-α-Syn antibodies could inhibit/reduce the spreading of this pathological molecule in the brain. To ensure sufficient therapeutic concentrations of anti-α-Syn antibodies in the periphery and CNS, we developed four α-Syn DNA vaccines based on the universal MultiTEP platform technology designed especially for the elderly with immunosenescence. Here, we are reporting on the efficacy and immunogenicity of these vaccines targeting three B-cell epitopes of hα-Syn aa85-99 (PV-1947D), aa109-126 (PV-1948D), aa126-140 (PV-1949D) separately or simultaneously (PV-1950D) in a mouse model of synucleinopathies mimicking PD/DLB. All vaccines induced high titers of antibodies specific to hα-Syn that significantly reduced PD/DLB-like pathology in hα-Syn D line mice. The most significant reduction of the total and protein kinase resistant hα-Syn, as well as neurodegeneration, were observed in various brain regions of mice vaccinated with PV-1949D and PV-1950D in a sex-dependent manner. Based on these preclinical data, we selected the PV-1950D vaccine for future IND enabling preclinical studies and clinical development.

p38-TFEB pathways promote microglia activation through inhibiting CMA-mediated NLRP3 degradation in Parkinson's disease

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), accompanied by accumulation of α-synuclein, chronic neuroinflammation and autophagy dysfunction. Previous studies suggested that misfolded α-synuclein induces the inflammatory response and autophagy dysfunction in microglial cells. The NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the neuroinflammatory process in the central nervous system. However, the relationship between autophagy deficiency and NLRP3 activation induced by α-synuclein accumulation is not well understood.

Methods

Through immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, ELISA and behavioral tests, we investigated the role of p38-TFEB-NLRP3 signaling pathways on neuroinflammation in the α-synuclein A53T PD models.

Results

Our results showed that increased protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in the α-synuclein A53T PD models. P38 is activated by overexpression of α-synuclein A53T mutant, which inhibited the master transcriptional activator of autophagy TFEB. And we found that NLRP3 was degraded by chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) in microglial cells. Furthermore, p38-TFEB pathways inhibited CMA-mediated NLRP3 degradation in Parkinson's disease. Inhibition of p38 had a protective effect on Parkinson's disease model via suppressing the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Moreover, both p38 inhibitor SB203580 and NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 not only prevented neurodegeneration in vivo, but also alleviated movement impairment in α-synuclein A53T-tg mice model of Parkinson’s disease.

Conclusion

Our research reveals p38-TFEB pathways promote microglia activation through inhibiting CMA-mediated NLRP3 degradation in Parkinson's disease, which could be a potential therapeutic strategy for PD.

Graphical abstract

p38-TFEB pathways promote microglia activation through inhibiting CMA-mediated NLRP3 degradation in Parkinson's disease. In this model, p38 activates NLRP3 inflammasome via inhibiting TFEB in microglia. TFEB signaling negatively regulates NLRP3 inflammasome through increasing LAMP2A expression, which binds to NLRP3 and promotes its degradation via chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA). NLRP3-mediated microglial activation promotes the death of dopaminergic neurons.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02349-y.

α-Synuclein Overexpression Increases Dopamine D2/3 Receptor Binding and Immune Activation in a Model of Early Parkinson’s Disease

Progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, immune activation, and α-synuclein pathology characterize Parkinson’s disease (PD). We previously reported that unilateral intranigral injection of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors encoding wild-type human α-synuclein produced a rat model of early PD with dopamine terminal dysfunction. Here we tested the hypothesis that decreases in dopamine result in increased postsynaptic dopamine D2/D3 receptor expression, neuroinflammation, and reduced synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) density. Rats were injected with rAAV encoding α-synuclein or green fluorescent protein and subjected to non-pharmacological motor tests, before euthanization at 12 weeks post-injection. We performed: (1) in situ hybridization of nigral tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA, (2) HPLC of striatal dopamine content, and (3) autoradiography with [³H]raclopride, [³H]DTBZ, [³H]GBR12935, [³H]PK11195, and [³H]UCB-J to measure binding at D2/3 receptors, vesicular monoamine transporter 2, dopamine transporters, mitochondrial translocator protein, and SV2A, respectively. rAAV-α-synuclein induced motor asymmetry and reduced tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA and dopamine content in ipsilateral brain regions. This was paralleled by elevated ipsilateral postsynaptic dopamine D2/3 receptor expression and immune activation, with no changes to synaptic SV2A density. In conclusion, α-synuclein overexpression results in dopaminergic degeneration that induced compensatory increases in D2/3 binding and immune activation, recapitulating many of the pathological characteristics of PD.

Dopaminergic Axons: Key Recitalists in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with dopamine depletion in the striatum owing to the selective and progressive loss of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, which results in motor dysfunction and secondary clinical manifestations. The dopamine level in the striatum is preserved because of the innervation of the substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic neurons into it. Therefore, protection of the SN neurons is crucial for maintaining the dopamine level in the striatum and for ensuring the desired motor coordination. Several strategies have been devised to protect the degenerating dopaminergic neurons or to restore the dopamine levels for treating PD. Most of the methods focus exclusively on preventing cell body death in the neurons. Although advances have been made in understanding the disease, the search for disease-modifying drugs is an ongoing process. The present review describes the evidence from studies involving patients with PD as well as PD models that axon terminals are highly vulnerable to exogenous and endogenous insults and degenerate at the early stage of the disease. Impairment of mitochondrial dynamics, Ca²⁺ homeostasis, axonal transport, and loss of plasticity of axon terminals appear before the neuronal degeneration in PD. Furthermore, distortion of synaptic morphology and reduction of postsynaptic dendritic spines are the neuropathological hallmarks of early-stage disease. Thus, the review proposes a shift in focus from discerning the mechanism of neuronal cell body loss and targeting it to an entirely different approach of preventing axonal degeneration. The review also suggests appropriate strategies to prevent the loss of synaptic terminals, which could induce regrowth of the axon and its auxiliary fibers and might offer relief from the symptomatic features of PD.

Alpha-Synuclein and Lipids: The Elephant in the Room?

Since the initial identification of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) at the synapse, numerous studies demonstrated that α-syn is a key player in the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies. Recent advances underline interactions between α-syn and lipids that also participate in α-syn misfolding and aggregation. In addition, increasing evidence demonstrates that α-syn plays a major role in different steps of synaptic exocytosis. Thus, we reviewed literature showing (1) the interplay among α-syn, lipids, and lipid membranes; (2) advances of α-syn synaptic functions in exocytosis. These data underscore a fundamental role of α-syn/lipid interplay that also contributes to synaptic defects in PD. The importance of lipids in PD is further highlighted by data showing the impact of α-syn on lipid metabolism, modulation of α-syn levels by lipids, as well as the identification of genetic determinants involved in lipid homeostasis associated with α-syn pathologies. While questions still remain, these recent developments open the way to new therapeutic strategies for PD and related disorders including some based on modulating synaptic functions.

Further Characterization of Intrastriatal Lipopolysaccharide Model of Parkinson's Disease in C57BL/6 Mice

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common movement disorder, characterized by progressive degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway, which consists of dopaminergic cell bodies in substantia nigra and their neuronal projections to the striatum. Moreover, PD is associated with an array of non-motor symptoms such as olfactory dysfunction, gastrointestinal dysfunction, impaired regulation of the sleep-wake cycle, anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment. Inflammation and concomitant oxidative stress are crucial in the pathogenesis of PD. Thus, this study aimed to model PD via intrastriatal injection of the inflammagen lipopolysaccharide (LPS)to investigate if the lesion causes olfactory and motor impairments, inflammation, oxidative stress, and alteration in synaptic proteins in the olfactory bulb, striatum, and colon. Ten µg of LPS was injected unilaterally into the striatum of 27 male C57BL/6 mice, and behavioural assessment was conducted at 4 and 8 weeks post-treatment, followed by tissue collection. Intrastriatal LPS induced motor impairment in C57BL/6 mice at 8 weeks post-treatment evidenced by reduced latency time in the rotarod test. LPS also induced inflammation in the striatum characterized by increased expression of microglial marker Iba-1 and astrocytic marker GFAP, with degeneration of dopaminergic neuronal fibres (reduced tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity), and reduction of synaptic proteins and DJ-1 protein. Additionally, intrastriatal LPS induced inflammation, oxidative stress and alterations in synaptic proteins within the olfactory bulb, although this did not induce a significant impairment in olfactory function. Intrastriatal LPS induced mild inflammatory changes in the distal colon, accompanied by increased protein expression of 3-nitrotyrosine-modified proteins. This model recapitulated the major features of PD such as motor impairment and degeneration of dopaminergic neuronal fibres in the striatum, as well as some pathological changes in the olfactory bulb and colon; thus, this model could be suitable for understanding clinical PD and testing neuroprotective strategies.

Proteomic Profiling of the Substantia Nigra to Identify Determinants of Lewy Body Pathology and Dopaminergic Neuronal Loss

Proteinaceous aggregates containing α-synuclein protein called Lewy bodies in the substantia nigra is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. The molecular mechanisms of Lewy body formation and associated neuronal loss remain largely unknown. To gain insights into proteins and pathways associated with Lewy body pathology, we performed quantitative profiling of the proteome. We analyzed substantia nigra tissue from 51 subjects arranged into three groups: cases with Lewy body pathology, Lewy body-negative controls with matching neuronal loss, and controls with no neuronal loss. Using a label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach, we characterized the proteome both in terms of protein abundances and peptide modifications. Statistical testing for differential abundance of the most abundant 2963 proteins, followed by pathway enrichment and Bayesian learning of the causal network structure, was performed to identify likely drivers of Lewy body formation and dopaminergic neuronal loss. The identified pathways include (1) Arp2/3 complex-mediated actin nucleation; (2) synaptic function; (3) poly(A) RNA binding; (4) basement membrane and endothelium; and (5) hydrogen peroxide metabolic process. According to the data, the endothelial/basement membrane pathway is tightly connected with both pathologies and likely to be one of the drivers of neuronal loss. The poly(A) RNA-binding proteins, including the ones relevant to other neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., TDP-43 and FUS), have a strong inverse correlation with Lewy bodies and may reflect an alternative mechanism of nigral neurodegeneration.

Downregulation of glial genes involved in synaptic function mitigates Huntington's disease pathogenesis

Most research on neurodegenerative diseases has focused on neurons, yet glia help form and maintain the synapses whose loss is so prominent in these conditions. To investigate the contributions of glia to Huntington's disease (HD), we profiled the gene expression alterations of Drosophila expressing human mutant Huntingtin (mHTT) in either glia or neurons and compared these changes to what is observed in HD human and HD mice striata. A large portion of conserved genes are concordantly dysregulated across the three species; we tested these genes in a high-throughput behavioral assay and found that downregulation of genes involved in synapse assembly mitigated pathogenesis and behavioral deficits. To our surprise, reducing dNRXN3 function in glia was sufficient to improve the phenotype of flies expressing mHTT in neurons, suggesting that mHTT's toxic effects in glia ramify throughout the brain. This supports a model in which dampening synaptic function is protective because it attenuates the excitotoxicity that characterizes HD.

When a neuron dies, through injury or disease, the body loses all communication that passes through it. The brain compensates by rerouting the flow of information through other neurons in the network. Eventually, if the loss of neurons becomes too great, compensation becomes impossible. This process happens in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease. In the case of Huntington's disease, the cause is mutation to a single gene known as huntingtin. The mutation is present in every cell in the body but causes particular damage to parts of the brain involved in mood, thinking and movement.

Neurons and other cells respond to mutations in the huntingtin gene by turning the activities of other genes up or down, but it is not clear whether all of these changes contribute to the damage seen in Huntington's disease. In fact, it is possible that some of the changes are a result of the brain trying to protect itself. So far, most research on this subject has focused on neurons because the huntingtin gene plays a role in maintaining healthy neuronal connections. But, given that all cells carry the mutated gene, it is likely that other cells are also involved. The glia are a diverse group of cells that support the brain, providing care and sustenance to neurons. These cells have a known role in maintaining the connections between neurons and may also have play a role in either causing or correcting the damage seen in Huntington's disease.

The aim of Onur et al. was to find out which genes are affected by having a mutant huntingtin gene in neurons or glia, and whether severity of Huntington’s disease improved or worsened when the activity of these genes changed. First, Onur et al. identified genes affected by mutant huntingtin by comparing healthy human brains to the brains of people with Huntington's disease. Repeating the same comparison in mice and fruit flies identified genes affected in the same way across all three species, revealing that, in Huntington's disease, the brain dials down glial cell genes involved in maintaining neuronal connections.

To find out how these changes in gene activity affect disease severity and progression, Onur et al. manipulated the activity of each of the genes they had identified in fruit flies that carried mutant versions of huntingtin either in neurons, in glial cells or in both cell types. They then filmed the flies to see the effects of the manipulation on movement behaviors, which are affected by Huntington’s disease. This revealed that purposely lowering the activity of the glial genes involved in maintaining connections between neurons improved the symptoms of the disease, but only in flies who had mutant huntingtin in their glial cells. This indicates that the drop in activity of these genes observed in Huntington’s disease is the brain trying to protect itself.

This work suggests that it is important to include glial cells in studies of neurological disorders. It also highlights the fact that changes in gene expression as a result of a disease are not always bad. Many alterations are compensatory, and try to either make up for or protect cells affected by the disease. Therefore, it may be important to consider whether drugs designed to treat a condition by changing levels of gene activity might undo some of the body's natural protection. Working out which changes drive disease and which changes are protective will be essential for designing effective treatments.

Suppressing Cdk5 Activity by Luteolin Inhibits MPP+-Induced Apoptotic of Neuroblastoma through Erk/Drp1 and Fak/Akt/GSK3β Pathways

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. The cause of PD is still unclear. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been linked to the development of PD. Luteolin, a non-toxic flavonoid, has become interested in an alternative medicine, according to its effects on anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptosis, although the underlying mechanism of luteolin on PD has not been fully elucidated. This study aims to investigate whether luteolin prevents neurotoxicity induction by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium iodide (MPP⁺), a neurotoxin in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. The results reveal that luteolin significantly improved cell viability and reduced apoptosis in MPP⁺-treated cells. Increasing lipid peroxidation and superoxide anion (O₂⁻), including mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) disruption, is ameliorated by luteolin treatment. In addition, luteolin attenuated MPP⁺-induced neurite damage via GAP43 and synapsin-1. Furthermore, Cdk5 is found to be overactivated and correlated with elevation of cleaved caspase-3 activity in MPP⁺-exposed cells, while phosphorylation of Erk1/2, Drp1, Fak, Akt and GSK3β are inhibited. In contrast, luteolin attenuated Cdk5 overactivation and supported phosphorylated level of Erk1/2, Drp1, Fak, Akt and GSK3β with reducing in cleaved caspase-3 activity. Results indicate that luteolin exerts neuroprotective effects via Cdk5-mediated Erk1/2/Drp1 and Fak/Akt/GSK3β pathways, possibly representing a potential preventive agent for neuronal disorder.

Development of an α-synuclein knockdown peptide and evaluation of its efficacy in Parkinson's disease models

Convincing evidence supports the premise that reducing α-synuclein levels may be an effective therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD); however, there has been lack of a clinically applicable α-synuclein reducing therapeutic strategy. This study was undertaken to develop a blood-brain barrier and plasma membrane-permeable α-synuclein knockdown peptide, Tat-βsyn-degron, that may have therapeutic potential. The peptide effectively reduced the level of α-synuclein via proteasomal degradation both in cell cultures and in animals. Tat-βsyn-degron decreased α-synuclein aggregates and microglial activation in an α-synuclein pre-formed fibril model of spreading synucleinopathy in transgenic mice overexpressing human A53T α-synuclein. Moreover, Tat-βsyn-degron reduced α-synuclein levels and significantly decreased the parkinsonian toxin-induced neuronal damage and motor impairment in a mouse toxicity model of PD. These results show the promising efficacy of Tat-βsyn-degron in two different animal models of PD and suggest its potential use as an effective PD therapeutic that directly targets the disease-causing process.

PET imaging reveals early and progressive dopaminergic deficits after intra-striatal injection of preformed alpha-synuclein fibrils in rats

Alpha-synuclein (a-syn) can aggregate and form toxic oligomers and insoluble fibrils which are the main component of Lewy bodies. Intra-neuronal Lewy bodies are a major pathological characteristic of Parkinson's disease (PD). These fibrillar structures can act as seeds and accelerate the aggregation of monomeric a-syn. Indeed, recent studies show that injection of preformed a-syn fibrils (PFF) into the rodent brain can induce aggregation of the endogenous monomeric a-syn resulting in neuronal dysfunction and eventual cell death. We injected 8 μg of murine a-syn PFF, or soluble monomeric a-syn into the right striatum of rats. The animals were monitored behaviourally using the cylinder test, which measures paw asymmetry, and the corridor task that measures lateralized sensorimotor response to sugar treats. In vivo PET imaging was performed after 6, 13 and 22 weeks using [¹¹C]DTBZ, a marker of the vesicular monoamine 2 transporter (VMAT2), and after 15 and 22 weeks using [¹¹C]UCB-J, a marker of synaptic SV2A protein in nerve terminals. Histology was performed at the three time points using antibodies against dopaminergic markers, aggregated a-syn, and MHCII to evaluate the immune response. While the a-syn PFF injection caused only mild behavioural changes, [¹¹C]DTBZ PET showed a significant and progressive decrease of VMAT2 binding in the ipsilateral striatum. This was accompanied by a small progressive decrease in [¹¹C]UCB-J binding in the same area. In addition, our histological analysis revealed a gradual spread of misfolded a-syn pathology in areas anatomically connected to striatum that became bilateral with time. The striatal a-syn PFF injection resulted in a progressive unilateral degeneration of dopamine terminals, and an early and sustained presence of MHCII positive ramified microglia in the ipsilateral striatum and substantia nigra. Our study shows that striatal injections of a-syn fibrils induce progressive pathological synaptic dysfunction prior to cell death that can be detected in vivo with PET. We confirm that intrastriatal injection of a-syn PFFs provides a model of progressive a-syn pathology with loss of dopaminergic and synaptic function accompanied by neuroinflammation, as found in human PD.

Pivotal Role of Fyn Kinase in Parkinson's Disease and Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia: a Novel Therapeutic Target?

The exact etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains obscure, although many cellular mechanisms including α-synuclein aggregation, oxidative damage, excessive neuroinflammation, and dopaminergic neuronal apoptosis are implicated in its pathogenesis. There is still no disease-modifying treatment for PD and the gold standard therapy, chronic use of levodopa is usually accompanied by severe side effects, mainly levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). Hence, the elucidation of the precise underlying molecular mechanisms is of paramount importance. Fyn is a tyrosine phospho-transferase of the Src family nonreceptor kinases that is highly implicated in immune regulation, cell proliferation and normal brain development. Accumulating preclinical evidence highlights the emerging role of Fyn in key aspects of PD and LID pathogenesis: it may regulate α-synuclein phosphorylation, oxidative stress-induced dopaminergic neuronal death, enhanced neuroinflammation and glutamate excitotoxicity by mediating key signaling pathways, such as BDNF/TrkB, PKCδ, MAPK, AMPK, NF-κB, Nrf2, and NMDAR axes. These findings suggest that therapeutic targeting of Fyn or Fyn-related pathways may represent a novel approach in PD treatment. Saracatinib, a nonselective Fyn inhibitor, has already been tested in clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease, and novel selective Fyn inhibitors are under investigation. In this comprehensive review, we discuss recent evidence on the role of Fyn in the pathogenesis of PD and LID and provide insights on additional Fyn-related molecular mechanisms to be explored in PD and LID pathology that could aid in the development of future Fyn-targeted therapeutic approaches.

The "Sick-but-not-Dead" Phenomenon Applied to Catecholamine Deficiency in Neurodegenerative Diseases

The catecholamines dopamine and norepinephrine are key central neurotransmitters that participate in many neurobehavioral processes and disease states. Norepinephrine is also the main neurotransmitter mediating regulation of the circulation by the sympathetic nervous system. Several neurodegenerative disorders feature catecholamine deficiency. The most common is Parkinson's disease (PD), in which putamen dopamine content is drastically reduced. PD also entails severely decreased myocardial norepinephrine content, a feature that characterizes two other Lewy body diseases-pure autonomic failure and dementia with Lewy bodies. It is widely presumed that tissue catecholamine depletion in these conditions results directly from loss of catecholaminergic neurons; however, as highlighted in this review, there are also important functional abnormalities in extant residual catecholaminergic neurons. We refer to this as the "sick-but-not-dead" phenomenon. The malfunctions include diminished dopamine biosynthesis via tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and L-aromatic-amino-acid decarboxylase (LAAAD), inefficient vesicular sequestration of cytoplasmic catecholamines, and attenuated neuronal reuptake via cell membrane catecholamine transporters. A unifying explanation for catecholaminergic neurodegeneration is autotoxicity exerted by 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL), an obligate intermediate in cytoplasmic dopamine metabolism. In PD, putamen DOPAL is built up with respect to dopamine, associated with a vesicular storage defect and decreased aldehyde dehydrogenase activity. Probably via spontaneous oxidation, DOPAL potently oligomerizes and forms quinone-protein adducts with ("quinonizes") α-synuclein (AS), a major constituent in Lewy bodies, and DOPAL-induced AS oligomers impede vesicular storage. DOPAL also quinonizes numerous intracellular proteins and inhibits enzymatic activities of TH and LAAAD. Treatments targeting DOPAL formation and oxidation therefore might rescue sick-but-not-dead catecholaminergic neurons in Lewy body diseases.

From Synaptic Protein to Prion: The Long and Controversial Journey of α-Synuclein

Since its discovery 30 years ago, α-synuclein (α-syn) has been one of the most studied proteins in the field of neuroscience. Dozens of groups worldwide have tried to reveal not only its role in the CNS but also in other organs. α-syn has been linked to several processes essential in brain homeostasis such as neurotransmitter release, synaptic function, and plasticity. However, despite the efforts made in this direction, the main function of α-syn is still unknown. Moreover, α-syn became a protein of interest for neurologists and neuroscientists when mutations in its gene were found associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and even more when α-syn protein deposits were observed in the brain of PD, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients. At present, the abnormal accumulation of α-syn constitutes one of the pathological hallmarks of these disorders, also referred to as α-synucleinopathies, and it is used for post-mortem diagnostic criteria. Whether α-syn aggregation is cause or consequence of the pathogenic events underlying α-synucleinopathies remains unclear and under discussion. Recently, different in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the ability of pathogenic α-syn to spread between cells, not only within the CNS but also from peripheral locations such as the gut, salivary glands, and through the olfactory network into the CNS, inducing abnormal misfolding of endogenous α-syn and leading to neurodegeneration and motor and cognitive impairment in animal models. Thus, it has been suggested that α-syn should be considered a prion protein. Here we present an update of what we know about α-syn function, aggregation and spreading, and its role in neurodegeneration. We also discuss the rationale and findings supporting the hypothetical prion nature of α-syn, its weaknesses, and future perspectives for research and the development of disease-modifying therapies.

The Role of Lipids in the Initiation of α-Synuclein Misfolding

The aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) is inseparably connected to Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is now well-established that certain forms of α-syn aggregates, oligomers and fibrils, can exert neurotoxicity in synucleinopathies. With the exception of rare familial forms, the vast majority of PD cases are idiopathic. Understanding the earliest molecular mechanisms that cause initial α-syn misfolding could help to explain why PD affects only some individuals and others not. Factors that chaperone the transition of α-syn’s physiological to pathological function are of particular interest, since they offer opportunities for intervention. The relationship between α-syn and lipids represents one of those factors. Membrane interaction is crucial for normal cellular function, but lipids also induce the aggregation of α-syn, causing cell toxicity. Also, disease-causing or risk-factor mutations in genes related to lipid metabolism like PLA2G6, SCARB2 or GBA1 highlight the close connection between PD and lipids. Despite the clear link, the ambivalent interaction has not been studied sufficiently so far. In this review, we address how α-syn interacts with lipids and how they can act as key factor for orchestrating toxic conversion of α-syn. Furthermore, we will discuss a scenario in which initial α-syn aggregation is determined by shifts in lipid/α-syn ratio as well as by dyshomeostasis of membrane bound/unbound state of α-syn.

Lipids: Key Players That Modulate α-Synuclein Toxicity and Neurodegeneration in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease; it is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain and the accumulation of neuronal inclusions, mainly consisting of α-synuclein (α-syn) fibrils in the affected regions. The prion-like property of the pathological forms of α-syn transmitted via neuronal circuits has been considered inherent in the nature of PD. Thus, one of the potential targets in terms of PD prevention is the suppression of α-syn conversion from the functional form to pathological forms. Recent studies suggested that α-syn interacts with synaptic vesicle membranes and modulate the synaptic functions. A series of studies suggest that transient interaction of α-syn as multimers with synaptic vesicle membranes composed of phospholipids and other lipids is required for its physiological function, while an α-syn-lipid interaction imbalance is believed to cause α-syn aggregation and the resultant pathological α-syn conversion. Altered lipid metabolisms have also been implicated in the modulation of PD pathogenesis. This review focuses on the current literature reporting the role of lipids, especially phospholipids, and lipid metabolism in α-syn dynamics and aggregation processes.

Nuclear Factor-κB Dysregulation and α-Synuclein Pathology: Critical Interplay in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease

The loss of dopaminergic neurons of the nigrostriatal system underlies the onset of the typical motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). Lewy bodies (LB) and Lewy neurites (LN), proteinaceous inclusions mainly composed of insoluble α-synuclein (α-syn) fibrils are key neuropathological hallmarks of the brain of affected patients. Compelling evidence supports that in the early prodromal phases of PD, synaptic terminal and axonal alterations initiate and drive a retrograde degeneration process culminating with the loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons. This notwithstanding, the molecular triggers remain to be fully elucidated. Although it has been shown that α-syn fibrillary aggregation can induce early synaptic and axonal impairment and cause nigrostriatal degeneration, we still ignore how and why α-syn fibrillation begins. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription factors, key regulators of inflammation and apoptosis, are involved in the brain programming of systemic aging as well as in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. The NF-κB family of factors consists of five different subunits (c-Rel, p65/RelA, p50, RelB, and p52), which combine to form transcriptionally active dimers. Different findings point out a role of RelA in PD. Interestingly, the nuclear content of RelA is abnormally increased in nigral dopamine (DA) neurons and glial cells of PD patients. Inhibition of RelA exert neuroprotection against (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) MPTP and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) toxicity, suggesting that this factor decreases neuronal resilience. Conversely, the c-Rel subunit can exert neuroprotective actions. We recently described that mice deficient for c-Rel develop a PD-like motor and non-motor phenotype characterized by progressive brain α-syn accumulation and early synaptic changes preceding the frank loss of nigrostriatal neurons. This evidence supports that dysregulations in this transcription factors may be involved in the onset of PD. This review highlights observations supporting a possible interplay between NF-κB dysregulation and α-syn pathology in PD, with the aim to disclose novel potential mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Modeling α-Synuclein Propagation with Preformed Fibril Injections

The aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Postmortem analyses of α-syn pathology, especially that of PD, have suggested that aggregates progressively spread from a few discrete locations to wider brain regions. The neuron-to-neuron propagation of α-syn has been suggested to be the underlying mechanism by which aggregates spread throughout the brain. Many cellular and animal models has been created to study cell-to-cell propagation. Recently, it has been shown that a single injection of preformed fibrils (PFFs) made of recombinant α-syn proteins into various tissues and organs of many different animal species results in widespread α-syn pathology in the central nervous system (CNS). These PFF models have been extensively used to study the mechanism by which aggregates spread throughout the brain. Here, we review what we have learned from PFF models, describe the nature of PFFs and the neuropathological features, neurophysiological characteristics, and behavioral outcomes of the models.

The noradrenergic system is necessary for survival of vulnerable midbrain dopaminergic neurons: implications for development and Parkinson's disease

The cause of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neuron loss in sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD) is multifactorial, involving cell autonomous factors, cell-cell interactions, and the effects of environmental toxins. Early loss of neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC), the main source of ascending noradrenergic (NA) projections, is an important feature of PD and other neurodegenerative disorders. We hypothesized that NA afferents provide trophic support for vulnerable mDA neurons. We demonstrate that depriving mDA neurons of NA input increases postnatal apoptosis and decreases cell survival in young adult rodents, with relative sparing of calbindin-positive subpopulations known to be resistant to degeneration in PD. As a mechanism, we propose that the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulates anterograde survival effects of LC inputs to mDA neurons. We demonstrate that the LC is rich in BDNF mRNA in postnatal and young adult brains. Early postnatal NA denervation reduces both BDNF protein and activation of TrkB receptors in the ventral midbrain. Furthermore, overexpression of BDNF in NA afferents in transgenic mice increases mDA neuronal survival. Finally, increasing NA activity in primary cultures of mDA neurons improves survival, an effect that is additive or synergistic in the presence of different concentrations of BDNF. Taken together, our results point to a novel mechanism whereby LC afferents couple BDNF effects and NA activity to provide anterograde trophic support for vulnerable mDA neurons. Early loss of NA activity and anterograde neurotrophin support may contribute to degeneration of vulnerable neurons in PD and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Molecular Imaging of the Dopamine Transporter

Dopamine transporter (DAT) single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) with (123)Ioflupane is a widely used diagnostic tool for patients with suspected parkinsonian syndromes, as it assists with differentiating between Parkinson’s disease (PD) or atypical parkinsonisms and conditions without a presynaptic dopaminergic deficit such as essential tremor, vascular and drug-induced parkinsonisms. Recent evidence supports its utility as in vivo proof of degenerative parkinsonisms, and DAT imaging has been proposed as a potential surrogate marker for dopaminergic nigrostriatal neurons. However, the interpretation of DAT-SPECT imaging may be challenged by several factors including the loss of DAT receptor density with age and the effect of certain drugs on dopamine uptake. Furthermore, a clear, direct relationship between nigral loss and DAT decrease has been controversial so far. Striatal DAT uptake could reflect nigral neuronal loss once the loss exceeds 50%. Indeed, reduction of DAT binding seems to be already present in the prodromal stage of PD, suggesting both an early synaptic dysfunction and the activation of compensatory changes to delay the onset of symptoms. Despite a weak correlation with PD severity and progression, quantitative measurements of DAT binding at baseline could be used to predict the emergence of late-disease motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. This review addresses the possibilities and limitations of DAT-SPECT in PD and, focusing specifically on regulatory changes of DAT in surviving DA neurons, we investigate its role in diagnosis and its prognostic value for motor complications as disease progresses.

NF-κB/c-Rel deficiency causes Parkinson's disease-like prodromal symptoms and progressive pathology in mice

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, is characterized by dopaminergic nigrostriatal neuron loss and brain accumulation of Lewy bodies, protein aggregates mainly composed of α-synuclein. We reported that mice deficient for NF-κB/c-Rel (c-rel^-/-) develop a late-onset parkinsonism. At 18 months of age, c-rel^-/- mice showed nigrostriatal degeneration and accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates associated with a motor impairment responsive to L-DOPA administration. Being c-Rel protein a transcriptional regulator for mitochondrial anti-oxidant and antiapoptotic factors, it has been inferred that its deficiency may affect the resilience of “energy demanding” nigral dopaminergic neurons to the aging process.

PD patients manifest a prodromal syndrome that includes olfactory and gastrointestinal dysfunctions years before the frank degeneration of nigrostriatal neurons and appearance of motor symptoms. According to the Braak staging, the onset of non-motor and motor symptoms relates to progressive ascendant diffusion of α-synuclein pathology in the brain. The aim of this study was to identify whether c-rel^-/- deficiency is associated with the onset of premotor signs of PD and spatio-temporal progression of cerebral α-synuclein deposition.

Methods

Intestinal and olfactory functions, intestine and brain α-synuclein deposition as well as striatal alterations, were assessed in c-rel^-/- and control mice from 2 to 18 months of age.

Results

From 2 months of age, c-rel^-/- mice displayed intestinal constipation and increasing olfactory impairment. At 2 months, c-rel^-/- mice exhibited a mild α-synuclein accumulation in the distal colon. Moreover, they developed an age-dependent deposition of fibrillary α-synuclein that, starting at 5 months from the olfactory bulbs, dorsal motor nucleus of vagus and locus coeruleus, reached the substantia nigra at 12 months. At this age, the α-synuclein pathology associated with a drop of dopamine transporter in the striatum that anticipated by 6 months the axonal degeneration. From 12 months onwards oxidative/nitrosative stress developed in the striatum in parallel with altered expression of mitochondrial homeostasis regulators in the substantia nigra.

Conclusions

In c-rel^-/- mice, reproducing a parkinsonian progressive pathology with non-motor and motor symptoms, a Braak-like pattern of brain ascending α-synuclein deposition occurs. The peculiar phenotype of c-rel^-/- mice envisages a potential contribution of c-Rel dysregulation to the pathogenesis of PD.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40035-019-0154-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cell Clearing Systems Bridging Neuro-Immunity and Synaptic Plasticity

In recent years, functional interconnections emerged between synaptic transmission, inflammatory/immune mediators, and central nervous system (CNS) (patho)-physiology. Such interconnections rose up to a level that involves synaptic plasticity, both concerning its molecular mechanisms and the clinical outcomes related to its behavioral abnormalities. Within this context, synaptic plasticity, apart from being modulated by classic CNS molecules, is strongly affected by the immune system, and vice versa. This is not surprising, given the common molecular pathways that operate at the cross-road between the CNS and immune system. When searching for a common pathway bridging neuro-immune and synaptic dysregulations, the two major cell-clearing cell clearing systems, namely the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy, take center stage. In fact, just like is happening for the turnover of key proteins involved in neurotransmitter release, antigen processing within both peripheral and CNS-resident antigen presenting cells is carried out by UPS and autophagy. Recent evidence unravelling the functional cross-talk between the cell-clearing pathways challenged the traditional concept of autophagy and UPS as independent systems. In fact, autophagy and UPS are simultaneously affected in a variety of CNS disorders where synaptic and inflammatory/immune alterations concur. In this review, we discuss the role of autophagy and UPS in bridging synaptic plasticity with neuro-immunity, while posing a special emphasis on their interactions, which may be key to defining the role of immunity in synaptic plasticity in health and disease.

Alpha-Synuclein Continues to Enhance SNARE-Dependent Vesicle Docking at Exorbitant Concentrations

Recently, Parkinson’s disease-associated α-synuclein (αS) has emerged as an important regulator for SNARE-dependent vesicle fusion. However, it is controversial if excessive accumulation of αS, even in the absence of aggregation, impairs neurotransmission. Here we use a single vesicle fusion assay with ms time resolution capable of dissecting the impact of αS on each step of membrane fusion. Unlike the previous results from various in vitro, cellular, and in vivo studies, we find that non-aggregated αS promotes vesicle merger even at exorbitant concentrations. The enhancement has been seen as much as 13 fold. Delving into the kinetics of the intermediate states for vesicle fusion reveals that αS stimulates vesicle docking without altering the dynamics of bilayer merger (lipid mixing). However, minute amounts of soluble aggregated species abolish SNARE-dependent bilayer merger completely. Thus, the results show that excessive accumulation of non-aggregated αS may not be toxic for neurotransmitter release.

Glial Contribution to Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapse Loss in Neurodegeneration

Synapse loss is an early feature shared by many neurodegenerative diseases, and it represents the major correlate of cognitive impairment. Recent studies reveal that microglia and astrocytes play a major role in synapse elimination, contributing to network dysfunction associated with neurodegeneration. Excitatory and inhibitory activity can be affected by glia-mediated synapse loss, resulting in imbalanced synaptic transmission and subsequent synaptic dysfunction. Here, we review the recent literature on the contribution of glia to excitatory/inhibitory imbalance, in the context of the most common neurodegenerative disorders. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying pathological synapse loss will be instrumental to design targeted therapeutic interventions, taking in account the emerging roles of microglia and astrocytes in synapse remodeling.

Translational inhibition of α-synuclein by Posiphen normalizes distal colon motility in transgenic Parkinson mice

Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with motor as well as non-motor symptoms, including gastrointestinal dysfunction. In humans, these precede the motor symptoms by decades. Previously developed and characterized transgenic mice expressing the mutant human α-synuclein gene (SNCA) (either A53T or A30P), but not the endogenous mouse Snca, serve as models for familial PD. These animals demonstrate both robust abnormalities in enteric nervous system (ENS) function as well as synuclein-immunoreactive aggregates in ENS ganglia by 3 months of age, recapitulating early gastrointestinal abnormalities seen before the gait impairment characteristics of human and murine PD. Posiphen is a translational inhibitor of α-synuclein that targets the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of SNCA mRNA and could be a potential drug for the treatment of PD. However, its efficacy in ameliorating symptoms of PD has not yet been evaluated. Here, we used these transgenic mouse models to investigate the efficacy of Posiphen in reversing the gastrointestinal dysfunction. We show that Posiphen normalizes the colonic motility of both transgenic mouse models, although it did not affect the Whole Gut Transit Time (WGTT). Pharmacokinetics studies revealed that Posiphen is more abundant in the brain than in blood, in agreement with its lipophilicity, and the main metabolite is N⁸-NorPosiphen, a molecule with similar properties as Posiphen. The brain Posiphen levels necessary to effect optimal function were calculated and compared with efficacious brain levels from previous studies, showing that a 2-3 mM concentration of Posiphen and metabolites is sufficient for functional efficacy. Finally, 10 mg/kg Posiphen reduced α-synuclein levels in the gut of hSNCA^A53T mice treated for twenty-one weeks, while 50 and 65 mg/kg Posiphen reduced α-synuclein levels in the brain of hSNCA^A53T mice treated for twenty-one days. In conclusion, this is the first study showing the preclinical efficacy of Posiphen in normalizing the colonic motility in mouse models of gastrointestinal dysfunction in early PD. This result is in agreement with the ability of Posiphen to reach the nervous system, and its mechanism of action, the translational inhibition of α-synuclein expression. These significant findings support further development of Posiphen as a drug for the treatment of PD.