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Haddadi M, Haghi M, Rezaei N, Kiani Z, Akkülah T, Celik A. APOE and Alzheimer's disease: Pathologic clues from transgenic Drosophila melanogaster. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 123:105420. [PMID: 38537387 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105420] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common forms of neurodegenerative diseases. Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) is the main genetic risk factor in the development of late-onset AD. However, the exact mechanism underlying ApoE4-mediated neurodegeneration remains unclear. We utilized Drosophila melanogaster to examine the neurotoxic effects of various human APOE isoforms when expressed specifically in glial and neural cells. We assessed impacts on mitochondrial dynamics, ER stress, lipid metabolism, and bio-metal ion concentrations in the central nervous system (CNS) of the transgenic flies. Dachshund antibody staining revealed a reduction in the number of Kenyon cells. Behavioral investigations including ethanol tolerance and learning and memory performance demonstrated neuronal dysfunction in APOE4-expressing larvae and adult flies. Transcription level of marf and drp-1 were found to be elevated in APOE4 flies, while atf4, atf6, and xbp-1 s showed down regulation. Enhanced concentrations of triglyceride and cholesterol in the CNS were observed in APOE4 transgenic flies, with especially pronounced effects upon glial-specific expression of the gene. Spectrophotometry of brain homogenate revealed enhanced Fe++ and Zn++ ion levels in conjunction with diminished Cu++ levels upon APOE4 expression. To explore therapeutic strategies, we subjected the flies to heat-shock treatment, aiming to activate heat-shock proteins (HSPs) and assess their potential to mitigate the neurotoxic effects of APOE isoforms. The results showed potential therapeutic benefits for APOE4-expressing flies, hinting at an ability to attenuate memory deterioration. Overall, our findings suggest that APOE4 can alter lipid metabolism, bio metal ion homeostasis, and disrupt the harmonious fission-fusion balance of neuronal and glial mitochondria, ultimately inducing ER stress. These alterations mirror the main clinical manifestations of AD in patients. Therefore, our work underscores the suitability of Drosophila as a fertile model for probing the pathological roles of APOE and furthering our understanding of diverse isoform-specific functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Haddadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran; Genetics and Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
| | - Mehrnaz Haghi
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Niloofar Rezaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
| | - Zahra Kiani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
| | - Taha Akkülah
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkiye; Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Arzu Celik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkiye; Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkiye
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Kim B, Dabin LC, Tate MD, Karahan H, Sharify AD, Acri DJ, Al-Amin MM, Philtjens S, Smith DC, Wijeratne HRS, Park JH, Jucker M, Kim J. Effects of SPI1-mediated transcriptome remodeling on Alzheimer's disease-related phenotypes in mouse models of Aβ amyloidosis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3996. [PMID: 38734693 PMCID: PMC11088624 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48484-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
SPI1 was recently reported as a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in large-scale genome-wide association studies. However, it is unknown whether SPI1 should be downregulated or increased to have therapeutic benefits. To investigate the effect of modulating SPI1 levels on AD pathogenesis, we performed extensive biochemical, histological, and transcriptomic analyses using both Spi1-knockdown and Spi1-overexpression mouse models. Here, we show that the knockdown of Spi1 expression significantly exacerbates insoluble amyloid-β (Aβ) levels, amyloid plaque deposition, and gliosis. Conversely, overexpression of Spi1 significantly ameliorates these phenotypes and dystrophic neurites. Further mechanistic studies using targeted and single-cell transcriptomics approaches demonstrate that altered Spi1 expression modulates several pathways, such as immune response pathways and complement system. Our data suggest that transcriptional reprogramming by targeting transcription factors, like Spi1, might hold promise as a therapeutic strategy. This approach could potentially expand the current landscape of druggable targets for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byungwook Kim
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Luke Child Dabin
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Mason Douglas Tate
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Hande Karahan
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Ahmad Daniel Sharify
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Dominic J Acri
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Md Mamun Al-Amin
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Stéphanie Philtjens
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Daniel Curtis Smith
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - H R Sagara Wijeratne
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Jung Hyun Park
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Mathias Jucker
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jungsu Kim
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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Singh S, Mahajan M, Kumar D, Singh K, Chowdhary M, Amit. An inclusive study of recent advancements in Alzheimer's disease: A comprehensive review. Neuropeptides 2023; 102:102369. [PMID: 37611472 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102369] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) has remained elusive in revealing its pathophysiology and mechanism of development. In this review paper, we attempt to highlight several theories that abound about the exact pathway of AD development. The number of cases worldwide has prompted a constant flow of research to detect high-risk patients, slow the progression of the disease and discover improved methods of treatment that may prove effective. We shall focus on the two main classes of drugs that are currently in use; and emerging ones with novel mechanisms that are under development. As of late there has also been increased attention towards factors that were previously thought to be unrelated to AD, such as the gut microbiome, lifestyle habits, and diet. Studies have now shown that all these factors make an impact on AD progression, thus bringing to our attention more areas that could hold the key to combating this disease. This paper covers all the aforementioned factors concisely. We also briefly explore the relationship between mental health and AD, both before and after the diagnosis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Singh
- Department of Zoology, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Mitali Mahajan
- Department of Zoology, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Dhawal Kumar
- Department of Zoology, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Kunika Singh
- Department of Zoology, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Mehvish Chowdhary
- Department of Zoology, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Amit
- Department of Zoology, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
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Jiang Y, MacNeil LT. Simple model systems reveal conserved mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:82. [PMID: 37950311 PMCID: PMC10638731 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00664-x] [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: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of effective therapies that slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the fundamental cellular mechanisms underlying these diseases. Model organisms, including yeast, worms, and flies, provide simple systems with which to investigate the mechanisms of disease. The evolutionary conservation of cellular pathways regulating proteostasis and stress response in these organisms facilitates the study of genetic factors that contribute to, or protect against, neurodegeneration. Here, we review genetic modifiers of neurodegeneration and related cellular pathways identified in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, focusing on models of AD and related tauopathies. We further address the potential of simple model systems to better understand the fundamental mechanisms that lead to AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Lesley T MacNeil
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
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Venediktov AA, Bushueva OY, Kudryavtseva VA, Kuzmin EA, Moiseeva AV, Baldycheva A, Meglinski I, Piavchenko GA. Closest horizons of Hsp70 engagement to manage neurodegeneration. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1230436. [PMID: 37795273 PMCID: PMC10546621 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1230436] [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: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Our review seeks to elucidate the current state-of-the-art in studies of 70-kilodalton-weighed heat shock proteins (Hsp70) in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). The family has already been shown to play a crucial role in pathological aggregation for a wide spectrum of brain pathologies. However, a slender boundary between a big body of fundamental data and its implementation has only recently been crossed. Currently, we are witnessing an anticipated advancement in the domain with dozens of studies published every month. In this review, we briefly summarize scattered results regarding the role of Hsp70 in the most common NDs including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We also bridge translational studies and clinical trials to portray the output for medical practice. Available options to regulate Hsp70 activity in NDs are outlined, too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem A. Venediktov
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Yu Bushueva
- Laboratory of Genomic Research, Research Institute for Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology, Kursk State Medical University, Kursk, Russia
| | - Varvara A. Kudryavtseva
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Egor A. Kuzmin
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksandra V. Moiseeva
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Baldycheva
- STEMM Laboratory, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Igor Meglinski
- Department of Physics, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Gennadii A. Piavchenko
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
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Funguetto-Ribeiro AC, Nakama KA, Pinz MP, Oliveira RLD, Sacramento MD, Pereira FSO, Pinton S, Wilhelm EA, Luchese C, Alves D, Ávila DS, Haas SE. Development and In Vivo Assessment of 4-Phenyltellanyl-7-chloroquinoline-loaded Polymeric Nanocapsules in Alzheimer's Disease Models. Brain Sci 2023; 13:999. [PMID: 37508931 PMCID: PMC10377448 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13070999] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in older people, and available treatments are palliative and produce undesirable side effects. The 4-phenyltellanyl-7-chloroquinoline (TQ) is an organochalcogen compound studied due to its pharmacological properties, particularly its antioxidant potential. However, TQ possesses some drawbacks such as low aqueous solubility and high toxicity, thus warranting the search for tools that improve the safety and effectiveness of new compounds. Here, we developed and investigated the biological effects of TQ-loaded polymeric nanocapsules (NCTQ) in an AD model in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans expressing human Aβ1-42 in their body-wall muscles and Swiss mice injected with Aβ25-35. The NCTQ displayed good physicochemical properties, including nanometer size and maximum encapsulation capacity. The treatment showed low toxicity, reduced Aβ peptide-induced paralysis, and activated an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone in the C. elegans model. The Aβ injection in mice caused memory impairment, which NCTQ mitigated by improving working, long-term, and aversive memory. Additionally, no changes in biochemical markers were evidenced in mice, demonstrating that there was no hepatotoxicity in the tested doses. Altogether, these findings provide insights into the neuroprotective effects of TQ and indicate that NCTQ is a promising candidate for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly Ayumi Nakama
- Pharmaceutical Science Graduate Program, Federal University of Pampa-UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana 97501-970, Brazil
| | - Mikaela Peglow Pinz
- Biochemistry and Bioprospecting Graduate Program, Biochemical Pharmacology Research Laboratory (LaFarBio), Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN), Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Science Center (CCQFA), Federal University of Pelotas-UFPel, Pelotas 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Renata Leivas de Oliveira
- Biochemistry and Bioprospecting Graduate Program, Biochemical Pharmacology Research Laboratory (LaFarBio), Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN), Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Science Center (CCQFA), Federal University of Pelotas-UFPel, Pelotas 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Manoela do Sacramento
- Clean Organic Synthesis Laboratory (LASOL), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences (CCQFA), Federal University of Pelotas-UFPel, Pelotas 96010-900, Brazil
| | | | - Simone Pinton
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Federal University of Pampa-UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana 97501-970, Brazil
| | - Ethel Antunes Wilhelm
- Biochemistry and Bioprospecting Graduate Program, Biochemical Pharmacology Research Laboratory (LaFarBio), Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN), Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Science Center (CCQFA), Federal University of Pelotas-UFPel, Pelotas 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Luchese
- Biochemistry and Bioprospecting Graduate Program, Biochemical Pharmacology Research Laboratory (LaFarBio), Neurobiotechnology Research Group (GPN), Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Science Center (CCQFA), Federal University of Pelotas-UFPel, Pelotas 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Diego Alves
- Clean Organic Synthesis Laboratory (LASOL), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences (CCQFA), Federal University of Pelotas-UFPel, Pelotas 96010-900, Brazil
| | - Daiana Silva Ávila
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Federal University of Pampa-UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana 97501-970, Brazil
| | - Sandra Elisa Haas
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Federal University of Pampa-UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana 97501-970, Brazil
- Pharmaceutical Science Graduate Program, Federal University of Pampa-UNIPAMPA, Uruguaiana 97501-970, Brazil
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Regmi S, Liu DD, Shen M, Kevadiya BD, Ganguly A, Primavera R, Chetty S, Yarani R, Thakor AS. Mesenchymal stromal cells for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: Strategies and limitations. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1011225. [PMID: 36277497 PMCID: PMC9584646 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1011225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major cause of age-related dementia and is characterized by progressive brain damage that gradually destroys memory and the ability to learn, which ultimately leads to the decline of a patient’s ability to perform daily activities. Although some of the pharmacological treatments of AD are available for symptomatic relief, they are not able to limit the progression of AD and have several side effects. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) could be a potential therapeutic option for treating AD due to their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective effects. MSCs not only secret neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory factors to promote the survival of neurons, but they also transfer functional mitochondria and miRNAs to boost their bioenergetic profile as well as improve microglial clearance of accumulated protein aggregates. This review focuses on different clinical and preclinical studies using MSC as a therapy for treating AD, their outcomes, limitations and the strategies to potentiate their clinical translation.
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Parkinson's Disease-Specific Autoantibodies against the Neuroprotective Co-Chaperone STIP1. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101649. [PMID: 35626686 PMCID: PMC9139896 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a debilitating movement disorder characterised by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. As neuroprotective agents mitigating the rate of neurodegeneration are unavailable, the current therapies largely focus only on symptomatic relief. Here, we identified stress-inducible phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1) as a putative neuroprotective factor targeted by PD-specific autoantibodies. STIP1 is a co-chaperone with reported neuroprotective capacities in mouse Alzheimer’s disease and stroke models. With human dopaminergic neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, STIP1 was found to alleviate staurosporine-induced neurotoxicity. A case-control study involving 50 PD patients (average age = 62.94 ± 8.48, Hoehn and Yahr >2 = 55%) and 50 age-matched healthy controls (HCs) (average age = 63.1 ± 8) further revealed high levels of STIP1 autoantibodies in 20% of PD patients compared to 10% of HCs. Using an overlapping peptide library covering the STIP1 protein, we identified four PD-specific B cell epitopes that were not recognised in HCs. All of these epitopes were located within regions crucial for STIP1’s chaperone function or prion protein association. Our clinical and neuro-immunological studies highlight the potential of the STIP1 co-chaperone as an endogenous neuroprotective agent in PD and suggest the possible involvement of autoimmune mechanisms via the production of autoantibodies in a subset of individuals.
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Pereira FSDO, Barbosa FAR, Canto RFS, Lucchese C, Pinton S, Braga AL, Azeredo JBD, Quines CB, Ávila DS. Dihydropyrimidinone-derived selenoesters efficacy and safety in an in vivo model of Aβ aggregation. Neurotoxicology 2021; 88:14-24. [PMID: 34718060 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2021.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In a previous in vitro study, dihydropyrimidinone-derived selenoesteres demonstrated antioxidant properties, metal chelators and inhibitory acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, making these compounds promising candidates for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) treatment. However, these effects have yet to be demonstrated in an in vivo animal model; therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of eight selenoester compounds in a Caenorhabditis elegans model using transgenic strains for amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) aggregation. The L1 stage worms were acutely exposed (30 min) to the compounds at concentrations ranging from 5 to 200 μM and after 48 h the maintenance temperature was increased to 25 ° C for Aβ expression and aggregation. After 48 h, several parameters related to phenotypic manifestations of Aβ toxicity and mechanistic elucidation were analyzed. At the concentrations tested no significant toxicity of the compounds was found. The selenoester compound FA90 significantly reduced the rate of paralyzed worms and increased the number of swimming movements compared to the untreated worms. In addition, FA90 and FA130 improved egg-laying induced by levamisole and positively modulated HSP-6 and HSP-4 expression, thereby increasing reticular and mitochondrial protein folding response in C. elegans, which could attenuate Aβ aggregation in early exposure. Therefore, our initial screening using an alternative model demonstrated that FA90, among the eight selenoesters evaluated, was the most promising compound for AD evaluation screening in more complex animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Suelen de Oliveira Pereira
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology in Caenorhabditis elegans, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Flavio Augusto Rocha Barbosa
- Laboratory of Synthesis of Bioactive Selenium Compounds (LabSelen), Chemistry Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Rômulo Farias Santos Canto
- Department of Pharmacosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Simone Pinton
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology in Caenorhabditis elegans, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Antônio Luiz Braga
- Laboratory of Synthesis of Bioactive Selenium Compounds (LabSelen), Chemistry Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Juliano Braun de Azeredo
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Course, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Caroline Brandão Quines
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology in Caenorhabditis elegans, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Daiana Silva Ávila
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Laboratory of Biochemistry and Toxicology in Caenorhabditis elegans, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil.
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Li WH, Gan LH, Ma FF, Feng RL, Wang J, Li YH, Sun YY, Wang YJ, Diao X, Qian FY, Wen TQ. Deletion of Dcf1 Reduces Amyloid-β Aggregation and Mitigates Memory Deficits. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 81:1181-1194. [PMID: 33896839 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. One of the pathologies of AD is the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) to form senile plaques, leading to a decline in cognitive ability and a lack of learning and memory. However, the cause leading to Aβ aggregation is not well understood. Dendritic cell factor 1 (Dcf1) shows a high expression in the entorhinal cortex neurons and neurofibrillary tangles in AD patients. OBJECTIVE Our goal is to investigate the effect of Dcf1 on Aβ aggregation and memory deficits in AD development. METHODS The mouse and Drosophila AD model were used to test the expression and aggregation of Aβ, senile plaque formation, and pathological changes in cognitive behavior during dcf1 knockout and expression. We finally explored possible drug target effects through intracerebroventricular delivery of Dcf1 antibodies. RESULTS Deletion of Dcf1 resulted in decreased Aβ42 level and deposition, and rescued AMPA Receptor (GluA2) levels in the hippocampus of APP-PS1-AD mice. In Aβ42 AD Drosophila, the expression of Dcf1 in Aβ42 AD flies aggravated the formation and accumulation of senile plaques, significantly reduced its climbing ability and learning-memory. Data analysis from all 20 donors with and without AD patients aged between 80 and 90 indicated a high-level expression of Dcf1 in the temporal neocortex. Dcf1 contributed to Aβ aggregation by UV spectroscopy assay. Intracerebroventricular delivery of Dcf1 antibodies in the hippocampus reduced the area of senile plaques and reversed learning and memory deficits in APP-PS1-AD mice. CONCLUSION Dcf1 causes Aβ-plaque accumulation, inhibiting dcf1 expression could potentially offer therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hao Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin-Hua Gan
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang-Fang Ma
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-Li Feng
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Hui Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang-Yang Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Jiang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Diao
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei-Yang Qian
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tie-Qiao Wen
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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Zatsepina OG, Nikitina EA, Shilova VY, Chuvakova LN, Sorokina S, Vorontsova JE, Tokmacheva EV, Funikov SY, Rezvykh AP, Evgen'ev MB. Hsp70 affects memory formation and behaviorally relevant gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster. Cell Stress Chaperones 2021; 26:575-594. [PMID: 33829398 PMCID: PMC8065088 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-021-01203-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat shock proteins, in particular Hsp70, play a central role in proteostasis in eukaryotic cells. Due to its chaperone properties, Hsp70 is involved in various processes after stress and under normal physiological conditions. In contrast to mammals and many Diptera species, inducible members of the Hsp70 family in Drosophila are constitutively synthesized at a low level and undergo dramatic induction after temperature elevation or other forms of stress. In the courtship suppression paradigm used in this study, Drosophila males that have been repeatedly rejected by mated females during courtship are less likely than naive males to court other females. Although numerous genes with known function were identified to play important roles in long-term memory, there is, to the best of our knowledge, no direct evidence implicating Hsp70 in this process. To elucidate a possible role of Hsp70 in memory formation, we used D. melanogaster strains containing different hsp70 copy numbers, including strains carrying a deletion of all six hsp70 genes. Our investigations exploring the memory of courtship rejection paradigm demonstrated that a low constitutive level of Hsp70 is apparently required for learning and the formation of short and long-term memories in males. The performed transcriptomic studies demonstrate that males with different hsp70 copy numbers differ significantly in the expression of a few definite groups of genes involved in mating, reproduction, and immunity in response to rejection. Specifically, our analysis reveals several major pathways that depend on the presence of hsp70 in the genome and participate in memory formation and consolidation, including the cAMP signaling cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- O G Zatsepina
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - E A Nikitina
- Department of Neurogenetics, Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Human and Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Herzen State Pedagogical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - V Y Shilova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - L N Chuvakova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - S Sorokina
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - J E Vorontsova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - E V Tokmacheva
- Department of Neurogenetics, Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - S Y Funikov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A P Rezvykh
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - M B Evgen'ev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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12
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Klegeris A. Regulation of neuroimmune processes by damage- and resolution-associated molecular patterns. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:423-429. [PMID: 32985460 PMCID: PMC7996015 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.293134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterile inflammatory processes are essential for the maintenance of central nervous system homeostasis, but they also contribute to various neurological disorders, including neurotrauma, stroke, and demyelinating or neurodegenerative diseases. Immune mechanisms in the central nervous system and periphery are regulated by a diverse group of endogenous proteins, which can be broadly divided into the pro-inflammatory damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and anti-inflammatory resolution-associated molecular patterns (RAMPs), even though there is notable overlap between the DAMP- and RAMP-like activities for some of these molecules. Both groups of molecular patterns were initially described in peripheral immune processes and pathologies; however, it is now evident that at least some, if not all, of these immunomodulators also regulate neuroimmune processes and contribute to neuroinflammation in diverse central nervous system disorders. The review of recent literature demonstrates that studies on DAMPs and RAMPs of the central nervous system still lag behind the much broader research effort focused on their peripheral counterparts. Nevertheless, this review also reveals that over the last five years, significant advances have been made in our understanding of the neuroimmune functions of several well-established DAMPs, including high-mobility group box 1 protein and interleukin 33. Novel neuroimmune functions have been demonstrated for other DAMPs that previously were considered almost exclusively as peripheral immune regulators; they include mitochondrial transcription factor A and cytochrome C. RAMPs of the central nervous system are an emerging area of neuroimmunology with very high translational potential since some of these molecules have already been used in preclinical and clinical studies as candidate therapeutic agents for inflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The therapeutic potential of DAMP antagonists and neutralizing antibodies in central nervous system neuroinflammatory diseases is also supported by several of the identified studies. It can be concluded that further studies of DAMPs and RAMPs of the central nervous system will continue to be an important and productive field of neuroimmunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andis Klegeris
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada
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13
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Breijyeh Z, Karaman R. Comprehensive Review on Alzheimer's Disease: Causes and Treatment. Molecules 2020; 25:E5789. [PMID: 33302541 PMCID: PMC7764106 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 833] [Impact Index Per Article: 208.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a disorder that causes degeneration of the cells in the brain and it is the main cause of dementia, which is characterized by a decline in thinking and independence in personal daily activities. AD is considered a multifactorial disease: two main hypotheses were proposed as a cause for AD, cholinergic and amyloid hypotheses. Additionally, several risk factors such as increasing age, genetic factors, head injuries, vascular diseases, infections, and environmental factors play a role in the disease. Currently, there are only two classes of approved drugs to treat AD, including inhibitors to cholinesterase enzyme and antagonists to N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA), which are effective only in treating the symptoms of AD, but do not cure or prevent the disease. Nowadays, the research is focusing on understanding AD pathology by targeting several mechanisms, such as abnormal tau protein metabolism, β-amyloid, inflammatory response, and cholinergic and free radical damage, aiming to develop successful treatments that are capable of stopping or modifying the course of AD. This review discusses currently available drugs and future theories for the development of new therapies for AD, such as disease-modifying therapeutics (DMT), chaperones, and natural compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafik Karaman
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem 20002, Palestine;
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14
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Genetic Dissection of Alzheimer's Disease Using Drosophila Models. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030884. [PMID: 32019113 PMCID: PMC7037931 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a main cause of dementia, is the most common neurodegenerative disease that is related to abnormal accumulation of the amyloid β (Aβ) protein. Despite decades of intensive research, the mechanisms underlying AD remain elusive, and the only available treatment remains symptomatic. Molecular understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of AD is necessary to develop disease-modifying treatment. Drosophila, as the most advanced genetic model, has been used to explore the molecular mechanisms of AD in the last few decades. Here, we introduce Drosophila AD models based on human Aβ and summarize the results of their genetic dissection. We also discuss the utility of functional genomics using the Drosophila system in the search for AD-associated molecular mechanisms in the post-genomic era.
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15
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Martin-Peña A, Ferrus A. CCB is Involved in Actin-Based Axonal Transport of Selected Synaptic Proteins. J Neurosci 2020; 40:542-556. [PMID: 31754011 PMCID: PMC6961990 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0915-18.2019] [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: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapse formation, maturation, and turnover require a finely regulated transport system that delivers selected cargos to specific synapses. However, the supporting mechanisms of this process are not fully understood. The present study unravels a new molecular system for vesicle-based axonal transport of proteins in male and female flies (Drosophila melanogaster). Here, we identify the gene CG14579 as the transcription unit corresponding to the regulatory mutations known as central complex broad (ccb). These mutations were previously isolated for their morphological phenotype in R-neurons of the ellipsoid body, a component of the central complex. Mutant axons from R-neurons fail to cross the midline, which is indicative of an aberrant composition of the growth cone. However, the molecular mechanism remained to be deciphered. In this manuscript, we show that CCB is involved in axonal trafficking of FasII and synaptobrevin, but not syntaxin. These results suggest that axonal transport of certain proteins is required for the correct pathfinding of R-neurons. We further investigated the molecular network supporting the CCB system and found that CCB colocalizes and coimmunoprecipitates with Rab11. Epistasis studies indicated that Rab11 is positioned downstream of CCB within this axonal transport system. Interestingly, ccb also interacts with actin and the actin nucleator spire The data revealed that this interaction plays a key role in the development of axonal connections within the ellipsoid body. We propose that the CCB/Rab11/SPIRE system regulates axonal trafficking of synaptic proteins required for proper connectivity and synaptic function.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Proper function of the nervous system requires the establishment of mature, functional synapses. Differential protein composition in the synapse enables optimal performance of cognitive tasks. Therefore, it is critical to have a finely regulated transport system to deliver selected synaptic proteins to synapses. Remarkably, impairments in cytoskeleton-based protein-transport systems often underlie cognitive deficits, such as those associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases. This study reveals that CCB is part of a novel transport system that delivers certain synaptic proteins via the actin cytoskeleton within the Rab11-related domain of slow recycling endosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Martin-Peña
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, Madrid 28002, Spain,
- Department of Neurology, and
- Center for Smell and Taste, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Alberto Ferrus
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Cajal Institute, Madrid 28002, Spain,
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Challenging Proteostasis: Role of the Chaperone Network to Control Aggregation-Prone Proteins in Human Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1243:53-68. [PMID: 32297211 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-40204-4_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Protein homeostasis (Proteostasis) is essential for correct and efficient protein function within the living cell. Among the critical components of the Proteostasis Network (PN) are molecular chaperones that serve widely in protein biogenesis under physiological conditions, and prevent protein misfolding and aggregation enhanced by conditions of cellular stress. For Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's diseases and ALS, multiple classes of molecular chaperones interact with the highly aggregation-prone proteins amyloid-β, tau, α-synuclein, huntingtin and SOD1 to influence the course of proteotoxicity associated with these neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, overexpression of molecular chaperones and induction of the heat shock response have been shown to be protective in a wide range of animal models of these diseases. In contrast, for cancer cells the upregulation of chaperones has the undesirable effect of promoting cellular survival and tumor growth by stabilizing mutant oncoproteins. In both situations, physiological levels of molecular chaperones eventually become functionally compromised by the persistence of misfolded substrates, leading to a decline in global protein homeostasis and the dysregulation of diverse cellular pathways. The phenomenon of chaperone competition may underlie the broad pathology observed in aging and neurodegenerative diseases, and restoration of physiological protein homeostasis may be a suitable therapeutic avenue for neurodegeneration as well as for cancer.
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17
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Arnés M, Romero N, Casas-Tintó S, Acebes Á, Ferrús A. PI3K activation prevents Aβ42-induced synapse loss and favors insoluble amyloid deposit formation. Mol Biol Cell 2019; 31:244-260. [PMID: 31877058 PMCID: PMC7183762 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e19-05-0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Excess of Aβ42 peptide is considered a hallmark of the disease. Here we express the human Aβ42 peptide to assay the neuroprotective effects of PI3K in adult Drosophila melanogaster. The neuronal expression of the human peptide elicits progressive toxicity in the adult fly. The pathological traits include reduced axonal transport, synapse loss, defective climbing ability and olfactory perception, as well as lifespan reduction. The Aβ42-dependent synapse decay does not involve transcriptional changes in the core synaptic protein encoding genes bruchpilot, liprin and synaptobrevin. All toxicity features, however, are suppressed by the coexpression of PI3K. Moreover, PI3K activation induces a significant increase of 6E10 and thioflavin-positive amyloid deposits. Mechanistically, we suggest that Aβ42-Ser26 could be a candidate residue for direct or indirect phosphorylation by PI3K. Along with these in vivo experiments, we further analyze Aβ42 toxicity and its suppression by PI3K activation in in vitro assays with SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell cultures, where Aβ42 aggregation into large insoluble deposits is reproduced. Finally, we show that the Aβ42 toxicity syndrome includes the transcriptional shut down of PI3K expression. Taken together, these results uncover a potential novel pharmacological strategy against this disease through the restoration of PI3K activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ninovska Romero
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, University of La Laguna, Tenerife 38200, Spain
| | | | - Ángel Acebes
- Cajal Institute (CSIC), Madrid 28002, Spain.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, University of La Laguna, Tenerife 38200, Spain
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18
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Hall D. On the nature of the optimal form of the holdase-type chaperone stress response. FEBS Lett 2019; 594:43-66. [PMID: 31432502 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The holdase paradigm of chaperone action involves preferential binding by the chaperone to the unfolded protein state, thereby preventing it from either, associating with other unstable proteins (to form large dysfunctional aggregates), or being degraded by the proteolytic machinery of the cell/organism. In this paper, we examine the necessary physical constraints imposed upon the holdase chaperone response in a cell-like environment and use these limitations to comment on the likely nature of the optimal form of chaperone response in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Hall
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Genetics, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Papanikolopoulou K, Mudher A, Skoulakis E. An assessment of the translational relevance of Drosophila in drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:303-313. [PMID: 30664368 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1569624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drosophila melanogaster offers a powerful expedient and economical system with facile genetics. Because of the high sequence and functional conservation with human disease-associated genes, it has been cardinal in deciphering disease mechanisms at the genetic and molecular level. Drosophila are amenable to and respond well to pharmaceutical treatment which coupled to their genetic tractability has led to discovery, repositioning, and validation of a number of compounds. Areas covered: This review summarizes the generation of fly models of human diseases, their advantages and use in elucidation of human disease mechanisms. Representative studies provide examples of the utility of this system in modeling diseases and the discovery, repositioning and testing on pharmaceuticals to ameliorate them. Expert opinion: Drosophila offers a facile and economical whole animal system with many homologous organs to humans, high functional conservation and established methods of generating and validating human disease models. Nevertheless, it remains relatively underused as a drug discovery tool probably because its relevance to mammalian systems remains under question. However, recent exciting success stories using Drosophila disease models for drug screening, repositioning and validation strongly suggest that fly models should figure prominently in the drug discovery pipeline from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Papanikolopoulou
- a Division of Neuroscience , Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming" , Vari , Greece
| | - Amrit Mudher
- b Centre for Biological Sciences , University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
| | - Efthimios Skoulakis
- a Division of Neuroscience , Biomedical Sciences Research Centre "Alexander Fleming" , Vari , Greece
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