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Gathings A, Zaman V, Banik NL, Haque A. Insights into Calpain Activation and Rho-ROCK Signaling in Parkinson's Disease and Aging. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1074. [PMID: 38791036 PMCID: PMC11117523 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disease, has no cure, and current therapies are not effective at halting disease progression. The disease affects mid-brain dopaminergic neurons and, subsequently, the spinal cord, contributing to many debilitating symptoms associated with PD. The GTP-binding protein, Rho, plays a significant role in the cellular pathology of PD. The downstream effector of Rho, Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), plays multiple functions, including microglial activation and induction of inflammatory responses. Activated microglia have been implicated in the pathology of many neurodegenerative diseases, including PD, that initiate inflammatory responses, leading to neuron death. Calpain expression and activity is increased following glial activation, which triggers the Rho-ROCK pathway and induces inflammatory T cell activation and migration as well as mediates toxic α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation and neuron death, indicating a pivotal role for calpain in the inflammatory and degenerative processes in PD. Increased calpain activity and Rho-ROCK activation may represent a new mechanism for increased oxidative damage in aging. This review will summarize calpain activation and the role of the Rho-ROCK pathway in oxidative stress and α-syn aggregation, their influence on the neurodegenerative process in PD and aging, and possible strategies and research directions for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Gathings
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (A.G.); (N.L.B.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Vandana Zaman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center, 109 Bee Street, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
| | - Narendra L. Banik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (A.G.); (N.L.B.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center, 109 Bee Street, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
| | - Azizul Haque
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (A.G.); (N.L.B.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center, 109 Bee Street, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
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Kommaddi RP, Gowaikar R, P A H, Diwakar L, Singh K, Mondal A. Akt activation ameliorates deficits in hippocampal-dependent memory and activity-dependent synaptic protein synthesis in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105619. [PMID: 38182004 PMCID: PMC10839450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase-B (Akt) and the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways are implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Akt/mTOR signaling pathways, activated by external inputs, enable new protein synthesis at the synapse and synaptic plasticity. The molecular mechanisms impeding new protein synthesis at the synapse in AD pathogenesis remain elusive. Here, we aimed to understand the molecular mechanisms prior to the manifestation of histopathological hallmarks by characterizing Akt1/mTOR signaling cascades and new protein synthesis in the hippocampus of WT and amyloid precursor protein/presenilin-1 (APP/PS1) male mice. Intriguingly, compared to those in WT mice, we found significant decreases in pAkt1, pGSK3β, pmTOR, pS6 ribosomal protein, and p4E-BP1 levels in both post nuclear supernatant and synaptosomes isolated from the hippocampus of one-month-old (presymptomatic) APP/PS1 mice. In synaptoneurosomes prepared from the hippocampus of presymptomatic APP/PS1 mice, activity-dependent protein synthesis at the synapse was impaired and this deficit was sustained in young adults. In hippocampal neurons from C57BL/6 mice, downregulation of Akt1 precluded synaptic activity-dependent protein synthesis at the dendrites but not in the soma. In three-month-old APP/PS1 mice, Akt activator (SC79) administration restored deficits in memory recall and activity-dependent synaptic protein synthesis. C57BL/6 mice administered with an Akt inhibitor (MK2206) resulted in memory recall deficits compared to those treated with vehicle. We conclude that dysregulation of Akt1/mTOR and its downstream signaling molecules in the hippocampus contribute to memory recall deficits and loss of activity-dependent synaptic protein synthesis. In AD mice, however, Akt activation ameliorates deficits in memory recall and activity-dependent synaptic protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruturaj Gowaikar
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Haseena P A
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India; Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Latha Diwakar
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Kunal Singh
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Amrita Mondal
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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Ibrahim MJ, Baiju V, Sen S, Chandran PP, Ashraf GM, Haque S, Ahmad F. Utilities of Isolated Nerve Terminals in Ex Vivo Analyses of Protein Translation in (Patho)physiological Brain States: Focus on Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:91-103. [PMID: 37582987 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03562-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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Synapses are the cellular substrates of higher-order brain functions, and their dysfunction is an early and primary pathogenic mechanism across several neurological disorders. In particular, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is categorized by prodromal structural and functional synaptic deficits, prior to the advent of classical behavioral and pathological features. Recent research has shown that the development, maintenance, and plasticity of synapses depend on localized protein translation. Synaptosomes and synaptoneurosomes are biochemically isolated synaptic terminal preparations which have long been used to examine a variety of synaptic processes ex vivo in both healthy and pathological conditions. These ex vivo preparations preserve the mRNA species and the protein translational machinery. Hence, they are excellent in organello tools for the study of alterations in mRNA levels and protein translation in neuropathologies. Evaluation of synapse-specific basal and activity-driven de novo protein translation activity can be conveniently performed in synaptosomal/synaptoneurosomal preparations from both rodent and human brain tissue samples. This review gives a quick overview of the methods for isolating synaptosomes and synaptoneurosomes before discussing the studies that have utilized these preparations to study localized synapse-specific protein translation in (patho)physiological situations, with an emphasis on AD. While the review is not an exhaustive accumulation of all the studies evaluating synaptic protein translation using the synaptosomal model, the aim is to assemble the most relevant studies that have done so. The hope is to provide a suitable research platform to aid neuroscientists to utilize the synaptosomal/synaptoneurosomal models to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction within the specific confines of mRNA localization and protein translation research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Jasim Ibrahim
- Department of Biotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, 632014
| | - Viswanath Baiju
- Department of Biotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, 632014
| | - Shivam Sen
- Department of Biotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, 632014
| | - Pranav Prathapa Chandran
- Department of Biotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, 632014
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- University of Sharjah, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University City, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India, 632014.
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Šafranek M, Shumbusho A, Johansen W, Šarkanová J, Voško S, Bokor B, Jásik J, Demko V. Membrane-anchored calpains - hidden regulators of growth and development beyond plants? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1289785. [PMID: 38173928 PMCID: PMC10762896 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1289785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Calpains are modulatory proteases that modify diverse cellular substrates and play essential roles in eukaryots. The best studied are animal cytosolic calpains. Here, we focus on enigmatic membrane-anchored calpains, their structural and functional features as well as phylogenetic distribution. Based on domain composition, we identified four types of membrane-anchored calpains. Type 1 and 2 show broad phylogenetic distribution among unicellular protists and streptophytes suggesting their ancient evolutionary origin. Type 3 and 4 diversified early and are present in brown algae and oomycetes. The plant DEK1 protein is the only representative of membrane-anchored calpains that has been functionally studied. Here, we present up to date knowledge about its structural features, putative regulation, posttranslational modifications, and biological role. Finally, we discuss potential model organisms and available tools for functional studies of membrane-anchored calpains with yet unknown biological role. Mechanistic understanding of membrane-anchored calpains may provide important insights into fundamental principles of cell polarization, cell fate control, and morphogenesis beyond plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Šafranek
- Institute of Botany, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alain Shumbusho
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Wenche Johansen
- Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | - Júlia Šarkanová
- Comenius University Science Park, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Stanislav Voško
- Comenius University Science Park, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Boris Bokor
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Comenius University Science Park, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ján Jásik
- Institute of Botany, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Viktor Demko
- Institute of Botany, Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Belew MY, Huang W, Florman JT, Alkema MJ, Byrne AB. PARP knockdown promotes synapse reformation after axon injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.03.565562. [PMID: 37961175 PMCID: PMC10635140 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.03.565562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Injured nervous systems are often incapable of self-repairing, resulting in permanent loss of function and disability. To restore function, a severed axon must not only regenerate, but must also reform synapses with target cells. Together, these processes beget functional axon regeneration. Progress has been made towards a mechanistic understanding of axon regeneration. However, the molecular mechanisms that determine whether and how synapses are formed by a regenerated motor axon are not well understood. Using a combination of in vivo laser axotomy, genetics, and high-resolution imaging, we find that poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) inhibit synapse reformation in regenerating axons. As a result, regenerated parp(-) axons regain more function than regenerated wild-type axons, even though both have reached their target cells. We find that PARPs regulate both axon regeneration and synapse reformation in coordination with proteolytic calpain CLP-4. These results indicate approaches to functionally repair the injured nervous system must specifically target synapse reformation, in addition to other components of the injury response.
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Ma F, Akolkar H, Xu J, Liu Y, Popova D, Xie J, Youssef MM, Benosman R, Hart RP, Herrup K. The Amyloid Precursor Protein Modulates the Position and Length of the Axon Initial Segment. J Neurosci 2023; 43:1830-1844. [PMID: 36717226 PMCID: PMC10010458 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0172-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is linked to the genetics and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is the parent protein of the β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide, the main constituent of the amyloid plaques found in an AD brain. The pathways from APP to Aβ are intensively studied, yet the normal functions of APP itself have generated less interest. We report here that glutamate stimulation of neuronal activity leads to a rapid increase in App gene expression. In mouse and human neurons, elevated APP protein changes the structure of the axon initial segment (AIS) where action potentials are initiated. The AIS is shortened in length and shifts away from the cell body. The GCaMP8f Ca2+ reporter confirms the predicted decrease in neuronal activity. NMDA antagonists or knockdown of App block the glutamate effects. The actions of APP on the AIS are cell-autonomous; exogenous Aβ, either fibrillar or oligomeric, has no effect. In culture, APPSwe (a familial AD mutation) induces larger AIS changes than wild type APP. Ankyrin G and βIV-spectrin, scaffolding proteins of the AIS, both physically associate with APP, more so in AD brains. Finally, in humans with sporadic AD or in the R1.40 AD mouse model, both females and males, neurons have elevated levels of APP protein that invade the AIS. In vivo as in vitro, this increased APP is associated with a significant shortening of the AIS. The findings outline a new role for the APP and encourage a reconsideration of its relationship to AD.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT While the amyloid precursor protein (APP) has long been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the normal functions of the full-length Type I membrane protein have been largely unexplored. We report here that the levels of APP protein increase with neuronal activity. In vivo and in vitro, modest amounts of excess APP alter the properties of the axon initial segment. The β-amyloid peptide derived from APP is without effect. Consistent with the observed changes in the axon initial segment which would be expected to decrease action potential firing, we show that APP expression depresses neuronal activity. In mouse AD models and human sporadic AD, APP physically associates with the scaffolding proteins of the axon initial segment, suggesting a relationship with AD dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulin Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Himanshu Akolkar
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Jianquan Xu
- Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Yang Liu
- Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Dina Popova
- Human Genetics Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Jiaan Xie
- Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Mark M Youssef
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Ryad Benosman
- Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Ronald P Hart
- Human Genetics Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Karl Herrup
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
- Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
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Inhibition of Calpain Attenuates Degeneration of Substantia Nigra Neurons in the Rotenone Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213849. [PMID: 36430329 PMCID: PMC9694996 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213849] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS), calcium homeostasis is a critical determinant of neuronal survival. Calpain, a calcium-dependent neutral protease, is widely expressed in the brain, including substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Though calpain is implicated in human Parkinson's disease (PD) and corresponding animal models, the roles of specific ubiquitous calpain isoforms in PD, calpain-1 and calpain-2, remain poorly understood. In this study, we found that both isoforms are activated in a nigrostriatal pathway with increased phosphorylated synuclein following the administration of rotenone in Lewis rats, but calpain isoforms played different roles in neuronal survival. Although increased expression of calpain-1 and calpain-2 were detected in the SN of rotenone-administered rats, calpain-1 expression was not altered significantly after treatment with calpain inhibitor (calpeptin); this correlated with neuronal survival. By contrast, increased calpain-2 expression in the SN of rotenone rats correlated with neuronal death, and calpeptin treatment significantly attenuated calpain-2 and neuronal death. Calpain inhibition by calpeptin prevented glial (astroglia/microglia) activation in rotenone-treated rats in vivo, promoted M2-type microglia, and protected neurons. These data suggest that enhanced expression of calpain-1 and calpain-2 in PD models differentially affects glial activation and neuronal survival; thus, the attenuation of calpain-2 may be important in reducing SN neuronal loss in PD.
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Cdk5-p25 as a key element linking amyloid and tau pathologies in Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms and possible therapeutic interventions. Life Sci 2022; 308:120986. [PMID: 36152679 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the fact that the small atypical serine/threonine cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is expressed in a number of tissues, its activity is restricted to the central nervous system due to the neuron-only localization of its activators p35 and p39. Although its importance for the proper development and function of the brain and its role as a switch between neuronal survival and death are unmistakable and unquestionable, Cdk5 is nevertheless increasingly emerging, as supported by a large number of publications on the subject, as a therapeutic target of choice in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. Thus, its aberrant over activation via the calpain-dependent conversion of p35 into p25 is observed during the pathogenesis of the disease where it leads to the hyperphosphorylation of the β-amyloid precursor protein and tau. The present review highlights the pivotal roles of the hyperactive Cdk5-p25 complex activity in contributing to the development of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, with a particular emphasis on the linking function between Aβ and tau that this kinase fulfils and on the fact that Cdk5-p25 is part of a deleterious feed forward loop giving rise to a molecular machinery runaway leading to AD pathogenesis. Additionally, we discuss the advances and challenges related to the possible strategies aimed at specifically inhibiting Cdk5-p25 activity and which could lead to promising anti-AD therapeutics.
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Zhao Y, Wang C, He W, Cai Z. Ameliorating Alzheimer's-like Pathology by Minocycline via Inhibiting Cdk5/p25 Signaling. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1783-1792. [PMID: 34856907 PMCID: PMC9881058 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666211202124925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minocycline has multiple neuroprotective roles in abundant brain diseases, including the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cdk5/p25 signaling plays an important role in the onset and development of Alzheimer's-like pathology. The aim of the present work was to further explore the underlying mechanism which minocycline effects on Cdk5/p25 signaling related to Alzheimer's-like pathology. METHODS The cognitive function of animals was measured by the Morris water maze test. The levels of Aβ were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of APP, β- and γ- secretases, and the biomarkers of tau (total tau and hyperphosphorylated tau), inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), and biomarkers of synapse and Cdk5/p25 signaling, were detected by the Western blotting. The biomarkers of the synapse, inflammatory cytokine, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) were also determined by immunofluorescence. RESULTS Minocycline improved learning and memory in APP/PS1 mice. It limited the production of Aβ and hyperphosphorylation of tau in the hippocampus and ameliorated synaptic deficit. Moreover, it also inhibited the activation of Cdk5/p25 signaling, inflammation, and matrix metalloproteinases. CONCLUSION Minocycline mitigates Alzheimer's-like pathology via limiting the activation of Cdk5/p25 signaling pathway and improves cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518112, Guangdong, China; ,Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 312 Zhongshan First Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China. 400013, Tel: +86-23-63515796; Fax: +86-23-63515796; E-mail: , Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 29 Bulan Road, Longgang District, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China; 518112; Tel: +86-755- 61238932l; Fax: +86- 755-61238928; E-mail:
| | - Chuanling Wang
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400013, Chongqing, China; ,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 400013, Chongqing, China; ,Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan Renmin Hospital, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wenbo He
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan Renmin Hospital, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhiyou Cai
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400013, Chongqing, China; ,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 400013, Chongqing, China; ,Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 312 Zhongshan First Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China. 400013, Tel: +86-23-63515796; Fax: +86-23-63515796; E-mail: , Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 29 Bulan Road, Longgang District, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China; 518112; Tel: +86-755- 61238932l; Fax: +86- 755-61238928; E-mail:
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Ma T, Wang YY, Lu Y, Feng L, Yang YT, Li GH, Li C, Chu Y, Wang W, Zhang H. Inhibition of Piezo1/Ca 2+/calpain signaling in the rat basal forebrain reverses sleep deprivation-induced fear memory impairments. Behav Brain Res 2022; 417:113594. [PMID: 34560129 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the Piezo1/Ca2+/calpain pathway of the basal forebrain (BF) modulates impaired fear conditioning caused by sleep deprivation. Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to 6 h of total sleep deprivation using the gentle handling protocol. Step-down inhibitory avoidance tests revealed that sleep deprivation induced substantial short- and long-term fear memory impairment in rats, which was accompanied by increased Piezo1 protein expression (P < 0.01) and increased cleavage of full-length tropomyocin receptor kinase B (TrkB-FL) (P < 0.01) in the BF area. Microinjection of the Piezo1 activator Yoda1 into the BF mimicked these sleep deprivation-induced phenomena; TrkB-FL cleavage was increased (P < 0.01) and short- and long-term fear memory was impaired (both P < 0.01) by Yoda1. Inhibition of Piezo1 by GsMTx4 in the BF area reduced TrkB-FL degradation (P < 0.01) and partially reversed short- and long-term fear memory impairments in sleep-deprived rats (both P < 0.01). Inhibition of calpain activation, downstream of Piezo1 signaling, also improved short- and long-term fear memory impairments (P = 0.038, P = 0.011) and reduced TrkB degradation (P < 0.01) in sleep-deprived rats. Moreover, sleep deprivation induced a lower pain threshold than the rest control, which was partly reversed by microinjection of GsMTx4 or PD151746. Neither sleep deprivation nor the abovementioned drugs affected locomotion and sedation. Taken together, these results indicate that BF Piezo1/Ca2+/calpain signaling plays a role in sleep deprivation-induced TrkB signaling disruption and fear memory impairments in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Ying-Ying Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Neurology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Long Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, PLA general hospital of Hainan Hospital, Hainan 572013, China
| | - Yi-Tian Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Guan-Hua Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Chi Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Yang Chu
- Department of Anesthesiology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China.
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing 100088, China.
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Punicic Acid and Its Role in the Prevention of Neurological Disorders: A Review. Foods 2022; 11:foods11030252. [PMID: 35159404 PMCID: PMC8834450 DOI: 10.3390/foods11030252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of people worldwide are affected by neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). NDs are characterized by progressive damage and death of nerve cells accompanied by high levels of inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress conditions. Punicic acid, the main bioactive component of pomegranate (Punica granatum) seed oil, is an omega-5 isomer of conjugated α-linoleic acid that has shown strong anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects that contributes towards its positive effect against a wide arrange of diseases. Punicic acid decreases oxidative damage and inflammation by increasing the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. In addition, it can reduce beta-amyloid deposits formation and tau hyperphosphorylation by increasing the expression of GLUT4 protein and the inhibition of calpain hyperactivation. Microencapsulated pomegranate, with high levels of punicic acid, increases antioxidant PON1 activity in HDL. Likewise, encapsulated pomegranate formulations with high levels of punicic acid have shown an increase in the antioxidant PON1 activity in HDL. Because of the limited brain permeability of punicic acid, diverse delivery formulations have been developed to enhance the biological activity of punicic acid in the brain, diminishing neurological disorders symptoms. Punicic acid is an important nutraceutical compound in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease.
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Schultz B, Taday J, Menezes L, Cigerce A, Leite MC, Gonçalves CA. Calpain-Mediated Alterations in Astrocytes Before and During Amyloid Chaos in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 84:1415-1430. [PMID: 34719501 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
One of the changes found in the brain in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increased calpain, derived from calcium dysregulation, oxidative stress, and/or neuroinflammation, which are all assumed to be basic pillars in neurodegenerative diseases. The role of calpain in synaptic plasticity, neuronal death, and AD has been discussed in some reviews. However, astrocytic calpain changes sometimes appear to be secondary and consequent to neuronal damage in AD. Herein, we explore the possibility of calpain-mediated astroglial reactivity in AD, both preceding and during the amyloid phase. We discuss the types of brain calpains but focus the review on calpains 1 and 2 and some important targets in astrocytes. We address the signaling involved in controlling calpain expression, mainly involving p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase and calcineurin, as well as how calpain regulates the expression of proteins involved in astroglial reactivity through calcineurin and cyclin-dependent kinase 5. Throughout the text, we have tried to provide evidence of the connection between the alterations caused by calpain and the metabolic changes associated with AD. In addition, we discuss the possibility that calpain mediates amyloid-β clearance in astrocytes, as opposed to amyloid-β accumulation in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Schultz
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Taday
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Menezes
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Anderson Cigerce
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marina C Leite
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carlos-Alberto Gonçalves
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Chemical Stimulation of Rodent and Human Cortical Synaptosomes: Implications in Neurodegeneration. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051174. [PMID: 34065927 PMCID: PMC8151714 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity events, including long-term potentiation (LTP), are often regarded as correlates of brain functions of memory and cognition. One of the central players in these plasticity-related phenomena is the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate receptor (AMPAR). Increased levels of AMPARs on postsynaptic membranes thus constitute a biochemical measure of LTP. Isolated synaptic terminals (synaptosomes) are an excellent ex vivo tool to monitor synaptic physiology in healthy and diseased brains, particularly in human research. We herein describe three protocols for chemically-induced LTP (cLTP) in synaptosomes from both rodent and human brain tissues. Two of these chemical stimulation protocols are described for the first time in synaptosomes. A pharmacological block of synaptosomal actin dynamics confirmed the efficiency of the cLTP protocols. Furthermore, the study prototypically evaluated the deficiency of cLTP in cortical synaptosomes obtained from human cases of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FLTD), as well as an animal model that mimics FLTD.
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Miazek A, Zalas M, Skrzymowska J, Bogin BA, Grzymajło K, Goszczynski TM, Levine ZA, Morrow JS, Stankewich MC. Age-dependent ataxia and neurodegeneration caused by an αII spectrin mutation with impaired regulation of its calpain sensitivity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7312. [PMID: 33790315 PMCID: PMC8012654 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86470-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuronal membrane-associated periodic spectrin skeleton (MPS) contributes to neuronal development, remodeling, and organization. Post-translational modifications impinge on spectrin, the major component of the MPS, but their role remains poorly understood. One modification targeting spectrin is cleavage by calpains, a family of calcium-activated proteases. Spectrin cleavage is regulated by activated calpain, but also by the calcium-dependent binding of calmodulin (CaM) to spectrin. The physiologic significance of this balance between calpain activation and substrate-level regulation of spectrin cleavage is unknown. We report a strain of C57BL/6J mice harboring a single αII spectrin point mutation (Sptan1 c.3293G > A:p.R1098Q) with reduced CaM affinity and intrinsically enhanced sensitivity to calpain proteolysis. Homozygotes are embryonic lethal. Newborn heterozygotes of either gender appear normal, but soon develop a progressive ataxia characterized biochemically by accelerated calpain-mediated spectrin cleavage and morphologically by disruption of axonal and dendritic integrity and global neurodegeneration. Molecular modeling predicts unconstrained exposure of the mutant spectrin's calpain-cleavage site. These results reveal the critical importance of substrate-level regulation of spectrin cleavage for the maintenance of neuronal integrity. Given that excessive activation of calpain proteases is a common feature of neurodegenerative disease and traumatic encephalopathy, we propose that damage to the spectrin MPS may contribute to the neuropathology of many disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Miazek
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114, Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 31, 50-375, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Michał Zalas
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Joanna Skrzymowska
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Bryan A Bogin
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Krzysztof Grzymajło
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 31, 50-375, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Tomasz M Goszczynski
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Zachary A Levine
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, LH108, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jon S Morrow
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, LH108, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Michael C Stankewich
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, 310 Cedar Street, LH108, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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Endothelin-1 mediated vasoconstriction leads to memory impairment and synaptic dysfunction. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4868. [PMID: 33649479 PMCID: PMC7921549 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84258-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular lesions seen as white matter hyperintensity in MRI of elderly population caused due to micro-infracts and micro-bleeds contributes to vascular dementia. Such vascular insult caused by impairment in blood flow to specific area in brain involving small vessels can gradually worsen the pathology leading to cognitive deficits. In the present study we developed a transient model of vaso-constriction to study the impact of such pathology by bilateral injection of ET-1 (Endothelin-1; a 21 amino acid vasoconstricting peptide) into lateral ventricles of C57 mice. The impediment in cerebral blood flow decreased CD31 expression in endothelial cells lining the blood vessels around the hippocampal region, leading to memory deficits after 7 days. Activity dependent protein translation, critical for synaptic plasticity was absent in synaptoneurosomes prepared from hippocampal tissue. Further, Akt1- mTOR signaling cascade was downregulated indicating the possible cause for loss of activity dependent protein translation. However, these effects were reversed after 30 days indicating the ephemeral nature of deficits following a single vascular insult. Present study demonstrates that vasoconstriction leading to memory deficit and decline in activity dependent protein translation in hippocampus as a potential molecular mechanism impacting synaptic plasticity.
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Morrow JS, Stankewich MC. The Spread of Spectrin in Ataxia and Neurodegenerative Disease. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 2:131-139. [PMID: 34528024 PMCID: PMC8439443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Experimental and hereditary defects in the ubiquitous scaffolding proteins of the spectrin gene family cause an array of neuropathologies. Most recognized are ataxias caused by missense, deletions, or truncations in the SPTBN2 gene that encodes beta III spectrin. Such mutations disrupt the organization of post-synaptic receptors, their active transport through the secretory pathway, and the organization and dynamics of the actin-based neuronal skeleton. Similar mutations in SPTAN1 that encodes alpha II spectrin cause severe and usually lethal neurodevelopmental defects including one form of early infantile epileptic encephalopathy type 5 (West syndrome). Defects in these and other spectrins are implicated in degenerative and psychiatric conditions. In recent published work, we describe in mice a novel variant of alpha II spectrin that results in a progressive ataxia with widespread neurodegenerative change. The action of this variant is distinct, in that rather than disrupting a constitutive ligand-binding function of spectrin, the mutation alters its response to calcium and calmodulin-regulated signaling pathways including its response to calpain activation. As such, it represents a novel spectrinopathy that targets a key regulatory pathway where calcium and tyrosine kinase signals converge. Here we briefly discuss the various roles of spectrin in neuronal processes and calcium activated regulatory inputs that control its participation in neuronal growth, organization, and remodeling. We hypothesize that damage to the neuronal spectrin scaffold may be a common final pathway in many neurodegenerative disorders. Targeting the pathways that regulate spectrin function may thus offer novel avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon S. Morrow
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA,Molecular & Cellular Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA,Correspondence should be addressed to Jon S. Morrow; , Michael Stankewich;
| | - Michael C. Stankewich
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA,Correspondence should be addressed to Jon S. Morrow; , Michael Stankewich;
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Bi X, Baudry M. Calpain-1 and Calpain-2 in the Brain: New Evidence for a Critical Role of Calpain-2 in Neuronal Death. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122698. [PMID: 33339205 PMCID: PMC7765587 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Calpains are a family of soluble calcium-dependent proteases that are involved in multiple regulatory pathways. Our laboratory has focused on the understanding of the functions of two ubiquitous calpain isoforms, calpain-1 and calpain-2, in the brain. Results obtained over the last 30 years led to the remarkable conclusion that these two calpain isoforms exhibit opposite functions in the brain. Calpain-1 activation is required for certain forms of synaptic plasticity and corresponding types of learning and memory, while calpain-2 activation limits the extent of plasticity and learning. Calpain-1 is neuroprotective both during postnatal development and in adulthood, while calpain-2 is neurodegenerative. Several key protein targets participating in these opposite functions have been identified and linked to known pathways involved in synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection/neurodegeneration. We have proposed the hypothesis that the existence of different PDZ (PSD-95, DLG and ZO-1) binding domains in the C-terminal of calpain-1 and calpain-2 is responsible for their association with different signaling pathways and thereby their different functions. Results with calpain-2 knock-out mice or with mice treated with a selective calpain-2 inhibitor indicate that calpain-2 is a potential therapeutic target in various forms of neurodegeneration, including traumatic brain injury and repeated concussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubin Wang
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yan Liu
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xiaoning Bi
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
| | - Michel Baudry
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-909-469-8271
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Role of Kalirin and mouse strain in retention of spatial memory training in an Alzheimer's disease model mouse line. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 95:69-80. [PMID: 32768866 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nontransgenic and 3xTG transgenic mice, which express mutant transgenes encoding human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP) along with Alzheimer's disease-associated versions of hTau and a presenilin mutation, acquired the Barnes Maze escape task equivalently at 3-9 months of age. Although nontransgenics retested at 6 and 9 months acquired the escape task more quickly than naïve mice, 3xTG mice did not. Deficits in Kalirin, a multidomain protein scaffold and guanine nucleotide exchange factor that regulates dendritic spines, has been proposed as a contributor to the cognitive decline observed in Alzheimer's disease. To test whether deficits in Kalirin might amplify deficits in 3xTG mice, mice heterozygous/hemizygous for Kalirin and the 3xTG transgenes were generated. Mouse strain, age and sex affected cortical expression of key proteins. hAPP levels in 3xTG mice increased total APP levels at all ages. Kalirin expression showed strong sex-dependent expression in C57 but not B6129 mice. Decreasing Kalirin levels to half had no effect on Barnes Maze task acquisition or retraining in 3xTG hemizygous mice.
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19
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Ahmad F, Liu P. Synaptosome as a tool in Alzheimer's disease research. Brain Res 2020; 1746:147009. [PMID: 32659233 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Synapse dysfunction is an integral feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. In fact, prodromal manifestation of structural and functional deficits in synapses much prior to appearance of overt pathological hallmarks of the disease indicates that AD might be considered as a degenerative disorder of the synapses. Several research instruments and techniques have allowed us to study synaptic function and plasticity and their alterations in pathological conditions, such as AD. One such tool is the biochemically isolated preparations of detached and resealed synaptic terminals, the "synaptosomes". Because of the preservation of many of the physiological processes such as metabolic and enzymatic activities, synaptosomes have proved to be an indispensable ex vivo model system to study synapse physiology both when isolated from fresh or cryopreserved tissues, and from animal or human post-mortem tissues. This model system has been tremendously successful in the case of post-mortem tissues because of their accessibility relative to acute brain slices or cultures. The current review details the use of synaptosomes in AD research and its potential as a valuable tool in furthering our understanding of the pathogenesis and in devising and testing of therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Research New Zealand, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, Brain Research New Zealand, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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20
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Ahmad F, Haque S, Ravinayagam V, Ahmad A, Kamli MR, Barreto GE, Ghulam Md Ashraf. Developmental lead (Pb)-induced deficits in redox and bioenergetic status of cerebellar synapses are ameliorated by ascorbate supplementation. Toxicology 2020; 440:152492. [PMID: 32407874 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Neurotoxicity induced by exposure to heavy metal lead (Pb) is a concern of utmost importance particularly for countries with industrial-based economies. The developing brain is especially sensitive to exposure to even minute quantities of Pb which can alter neurodevelopmental trajectory with irreversible effects on motor, emotive-social and cognitive attributes even into later adulthood. Chemical synapses form the major pathway of inter-neuronal communications and are prime candidates for higher order brain (motor, memory and behavior) functions and determine the resistance/susceptibility for neurological disorders, including neuropsychopathologies. The synaptic pathways and mechanisms underlying Pb-mediated alterations in neuronal signaling and plasticity are not completely understood. Employing a biochemically isolated synaptosomal fraction which is enriched in synaptic terminals and synaptic mitochondria, this study aimed to analyze the alterations in bioenergetic and redox/antioxidant status of cerebellar synapses induced by developmental exposure to Pb (0.2 %). Moreover, we test the efficacy of vitamin C (ascorbate; 500 mg/kg body weight), a neuroprotective and neuromodulatory antioxidant, in mitigation of Pb-induced neuronal deficits. Our results implicate redox and bioenergetic disruptions as an underlying feature of the synaptic dysfunction observed in developmental Pb neurotoxicity, potentially contributing to consequent deficits in motor, behavioral and psychological attributes of the organisms. In addition, we establish ascorbate as a key ingredient for therapeutic approach against Pb induced neurotoxicity, particularly for early-life exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand.
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vijaya Ravinayagam
- Deanship of Scientific Research, Department of Nano-medicine Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aqeel Ahmad
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Shaqra University, Shaqra, 11961, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majid Rasool Kamli
- Center of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - George E Barreto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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21
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Su W, Zhou Q, Wang Y, Chishti A, Li QQ, Dayal S, Shiehzadegan S, Cheng A, Moore C, Bi X, Baudry M. Deletion of the Capn1 Gene Results in Alterations in Signaling Pathways Related to Alzheimer's Disease, Protein Quality Control and Synaptic Plasticity in Mouse Brain. Front Genet 2020; 11:334. [PMID: 32328086 PMCID: PMC7161415 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Calpains represent a family of calcium-dependent proteases participating in a multitude of functions under physiological or pathological conditions. Calpain-1 is one of the most studied members of the family, is ubiquitously distributed in organs and tissues, and has been shown to be involved in synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection in mammalian brain. Calpain-1 deletion results in a number of phenotypic alterations. While some of these alterations can be explained by the acute functions of calpain-1, the present study was directed at studying alterations in gene expression that could also account for these phenotypic modifications. RNA-seq analysis identified 354 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in brain of calpain-1 knock-out mice, as compared to their wild-type strain. Most DEGs were classified in 10 KEGG pathways, with the highest representations in Protein Processing in Endoplasmic Reticulum, MAP kinase and Alzheimer's disease pathways. Most DEGs were down-regulated and validation of a number of these genes indicated a corresponding decreased expression of their encoded proteins. The results indicate that calpain-1 is involved in the regulation of a significant number of genes affecting multiple brain functions. They also indicate that mutations in calpain-1 are likely to be involved in a number of brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyue Su
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Qian Zhou
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yubin Wang
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Athar Chishti
- Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Qingshun Q. Li
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Coastal and Wetland Ecosystem, College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Sujay Dayal
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Shayan Shiehzadegan
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Ariel Cheng
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Clare Moore
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Xiaoning Bi
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Michel Baudry
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
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22
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Bilirubin disrupts calcium homeostasis in neonatal hippocampal neurons: a new pathway of neurotoxicity. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:845-855. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02659-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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23
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Penke B, Bogár F, Paragi G, Gera J, Fülöp L. Key Peptides and Proteins in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2019; 20:577-599. [PMID: 30605056 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666190103123434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a form of progressive dementia involving cognitive impairment, loss of learning and memory. Different proteins (such as amyloid precursor protein (APP), β- amyloid (Aβ) and tau protein) play a key role in the initiation and progression of AD. We review the role of the most important proteins and peptides in AD pathogenesis. The structure, biosynthesis and physiological role of APP are shortly summarized. The details of trafficking and processing of APP to Aβ, the cytosolic intracellular Aβ domain (AICD) and small soluble proteins are shown, together with other amyloid-forming proteins such as tau and α-synuclein (α-syn). Hypothetic physiological functions of Aβ are summarized. The mechanism of conformational change, the formation and the role of neurotoxic amyloid oligomeric (oAβ) are shown. The fibril formation process and the co-existence of different steric structures (U-shaped and S-shaped) of Aβ monomers in mature fibrils are demonstrated. We summarize the known pathogenic and non-pathogenic mutations and show the toxic interactions of Aβ species after binding to cellular receptors. Tau phosphorylation, fibrillation, the molecular structure of tau filaments and their toxic effect on microtubules are shown. Development of Aβ and tau imaging in AD brain and CSF as well as blood biomarkers is shortly summarized. The most probable pathomechanisms of AD including the toxic effects of oAβ and tau; the three (biochemical, cellular and clinical) phases of AD are shown. Finally, the last section summarizes the present state of Aβ- and tau-directed therapies and future directions of AD research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botond Penke
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, Dom square 8, Szeged, H-6720, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Bogár
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, Dom square 8, Szeged, H-6720, Hungary.,MTA-SZTE Biomimetic Systems Research Group, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Dom square 8, Hungary
| | - Gábor Paragi
- MTA-SZTE Biomimetic Systems Research Group, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Dom square 8, Hungary.,Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pecs, Ifjusag utja 6, Hungary
| | - János Gera
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, Dom square 8, Szeged, H-6720, Hungary
| | - Lívia Fülöp
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, Dom square 8, Szeged, H-6720, Hungary
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