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Rajendran K, Krishnan UM. Mechanistic insights and emerging therapeutic stratagems for Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 97:102309. [PMID: 38615895 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102309] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a multi-factorial neurodegenerative disorder has affected over 30 million individuals globally and these numbers are expected to increase in the coming decades. Current therapeutic interventions are largely ineffective as they focus on a single target. Development of an effective drug therapy requires a deep understanding of the various factors influencing the onset and progression of the disease. Aging and genetic factors exert a major influence on the development of AD. Other factors like post-viral infections, iron overload, gut dysbiosis, and vascular dysfunction also exacerbate the onset and progression of AD. Further, post-translational modifications in tau, DRP1, CREB, and p65 proteins increase the disease severity through triggering mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic loss, and differential interaction of amyloid beta with different receptors leading to impaired intracellular signalling. With advancements in neuroscience tools, new inter-relations that aggravate AD are being discovered including pre-existing diseases and exposure to other pathogens. Simultaneously, new therapeutic strategies involving modulation of gene expression through targeted delivery or modulation with light, harnessing the immune response to promote clearance of amyloid deposits, introduction of stem cells and extracellular vesicles to replace the destroyed neurons, exploring new therapeutic molecules from plant, marine and biological sources delivered in the free state or through nanoparticles and use of non-pharmacological interventions like music, transcranial stimulation and yoga. Polypharmacology approaches involving combination of therapeutic agents are also under active investigation for superior therapeutic outcomes. This review elaborates on various disease-causing factors, their underlying mechanisms, the inter-play between different disease-causing players, and emerging therapeutic options including those under clinical trials, for treatment of AD. The challenges involved in AD therapy and the way forward have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayalvizhi Rajendran
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India; Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India; Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India; School of Arts, Sciences, Humanities & Education, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401, India.
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El Hajj R, Al Sagheer T, Ballout N. Optogenetics in chronic neurodegenerative diseases, controlling the brain with light: A systematic review. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25321. [PMID: 38588013 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive disorders characterized by synaptic loss and neuronal death. Optogenetics combines optical and genetic methods to control the activity of specific cell types. The efficacy of this approach in neurodegenerative diseases has been investigated in many reviews, however, none of them tackled it systematically. Our study aimed to review systematically the findings of optogenetics and its potential applications in animal models of chronic neurodegenerative diseases and compare it with deep brain stimulation and designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs techniques. The search strategy was performed based on the PRISMA guidelines and the risk of bias was assessed following the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation tool. A total of 247 articles were found, of which 53 were suitable for the qualitative analysis. Our data revealed that optogenetic manipulation of distinct neurons in the brain is efficient in rescuing memory impairment, alleviating neuroinflammation, and reducing plaque pathology in Alzheimer's disease. Similarly, this technique shows an advanced understanding of the contribution of various neurons involved in the basal ganglia pathways with Parkinson's disease motor symptoms and pathology. However, the optogenetic application using animal models of Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was limited. Optogenetics is a promising technique that enhanced our knowledge in the research of neurodegenerative diseases and addressed potential therapeutic solutions for managing these diseases' symptoms and delaying their progression. Nevertheless, advanced investigations should be considered to improve optogenetic tools' efficacy and safety to pave the way for their translatability to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rojine El Hajj
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tareq Al Sagheer
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nissrine Ballout
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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3
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Ma Y, Fan C, Wang Y, Li W, Jiang H, Yang W. Comprehensive analysis of mRNAs in the cerebral cortex in APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice with Alzheimer's disease based on high-throughput sequencing of N4-acetylcytidine. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:267. [PMID: 37548859 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01192-z] [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: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), a significant modified nucleoside, participates in the development of many diseases. Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) contain most of the information of the genome and are the molecules that transmit information from genes to proteins. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease in which fibrillar amyloid plaques are present. However, it remains unknown how mRNA ac4C modification affects the development of AD. In the current study, ac4C-modified mRNAs were comprehensively analyzed in AD mice by ac4C-RIP-seq and RNA-seq. Next, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to examine the relationships between the genes with differential ac4C modification levels and their RNA expression levels. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) acquired above were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis to further analyze the molecular mechanisms in AD. In total, 3312 significant ac4C peaks were found on 2512 mRNAs, 1241 of which were hyperacetylated and 1271 of which were hypoacetylated. In addition, 956 mRNAs with differential expression were found, including 520 upregulated mRNAs and 436 downregulated mRNAs. Overall, 134 mRNAs with simultaneous changes at the ac4C levels as well as RNA expression levels were identified via joint analysis. Then, through PPI network construction and functional enrichment analysis, 37 key mRNAs were screened, which were predominantly enriched in GABAergic synapses and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The significant difference in the abundance of mRNA ac4C modification indicates that this modification is associated with AD progression, which may provide insight for more investigations of the potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhen Ma
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui, China
| | - Chang Fan
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui, China
| | - Yongzhong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui, China
| | - Weizu Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medicine College, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Wenming Yang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China.
- Encephalopathy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Anhui, China.
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Sahu PP, Tseng P. Gamma sensory entrainment for cognitive improvement in neurodegenerative diseases: opportunities and challenges ahead. Front Integr Neurosci 2023; 17:1146687. [PMID: 37138796 PMCID: PMC10149720 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2023.1146687] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural oscillations have been categorized into various frequency bands that are mechanistically associated with different cognitive functions. Specifically, the gamma band frequency is widely implicated to be involved in a wide range of cognitive processes. As such, decreased gamma oscillation has been associated with cognitive declines in neurological diseases, such as memory dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, studies have attempted to artificially induce gamma oscillations by using 40 Hz sensory entrainment stimulation. These studies reported attenuation of amyloid load, hyper-phosphorylation of tau protein, and improvement in overall cognition in both AD patients and mouse models. In this review, we discuss the advancements in the use of sensory stimulation in animal models of AD and as a therapeutic strategy in AD patients. We also discuss future opportunities, as well as challenges, for using such strategies in other neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prangya Parimita Sahu
- Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Brain and Consciousness Research Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Philip Tseng
- Cross College Elite Program, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Research Center for Mind, Brain and Learning, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Philip Tseng,
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Peng Y, Yuan C, Zhang Y. The role of the basal forebrain in general anesthesia. IBRAIN 2022; 9:102-110. [PMID: 37786520 PMCID: PMC10529324 DOI: 10.1002/ibra.12082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The basal forebrain is a group of nerve nuclei on the ventral side of the ventral ganglion, composed of γ-aminobutyric acid neurons, glutamatergic neurons, cholinergic neurons, and orexigenic neurons. Previous studies have focused on the involvement of the basal forebrain in regulating reward, learning, movement, sleep-awakening, and other neurobiological behaviors, but its role in the regulation of general anesthesia has not been systematically elucidated. Therefore, the different neuronal subtypes in the basal forebrain and projection pathways in general anesthesia will be discussed in this paper. In this paper, we aim to determine and elaborate on the role of the basal forebrain in general anesthesia and the development of theoretical research and provide a new theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi‐Ting Peng
- Department of AnethesiologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ ProtectionZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
- School of AnesthesiologyZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Cheng‐Dong Yuan
- Department of AnethesiologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ ProtectionZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
- School of AnesthesiologyZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of AnethesiologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ ProtectionZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
- School of AnesthesiologyZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
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Ko H, Yoon SP. Optogenetic neuromodulation with gamma oscillation as a new strategy for Alzheimer disease: a narrative review. JOURNAL OF YEUNGNAM MEDICAL SCIENCE 2022; 39:269-277. [PMID: 35152662 PMCID: PMC9580057 DOI: 10.12701/jyms.2021.01683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The amyloid hypothesis has been considered a major explanation of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. However, failure of phase III clinical trials with anti-amyloid-beta monoclonal antibodies reveals the need for other therapeutic approaches to treat Alzheimer disease. Compared to its relatively short history, optogenetics has developed considerably. The expression of microbial opsins in cells using genetic engineering allows specific control of cell signals or molecules. The application of optogenetics to Alzheimer disease research or clinical approaches is increasing. When applied with gamma entrainment, optogenetic neuromodulation can improve Alzheimer disease symptoms. Although safety problems exist with optogenetics such as the use of viral vectors, this technique has great potential for use in Alzheimer disease. In this paper, we review the historical applications of optogenetic neuromodulation with gamma entrainment to investigate the mechanisms involved in Alzheimer disease and potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haneol Ko
- Medical Course, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Sang-Pil Yoon
- Department of Anatomy, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
- Corresponding author: Sang-Pil Yoon, MD, PhD Department of Anatomy, Jeju National University College of Medicine, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju 63243, Korea Tel: +82-64-754-3823 • Fax: +82-64-725-2593 • E-mail:
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Guan A, Wang S, Huang A, Qiu C, Li Y, Li X, Wang J, Wang Q, Deng B. The role of gamma oscillations in central nervous system diseases: Mechanism and treatment. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:962957. [PMID: 35966207 PMCID: PMC9374274 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.962957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma oscillation is the synchronization with a frequency of 30–90 Hz of neural oscillations, which are rhythmic electric processes of neuron groups in the brain. The inhibitory interneuron network is necessary for the production of gamma oscillations, but certain disruptions such as brain inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic imbalances can cause this network to malfunction. Gamma oscillations specifically control the connectivity between different brain regions, which is crucial for perception, movement, memory, and emotion. Studies have linked abnormal gamma oscillations to conditions of the central nervous system, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia. Evidence suggests that gamma entrainment using sensory stimuli (GENUS) provides significant neuroprotection. This review discusses the function of gamma oscillations in advanced brain activities from both a physiological and pathological standpoint, and it emphasizes gamma entrainment as a potential therapeutic approach for a range of neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Guan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shaoshuang Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ailing Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chenyue Qiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yansong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xuying Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinfei Wang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Qiang Wang,
| | - Bin Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Deng,
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Theta and gamma oscillatory dynamics in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease: A path to prospective therapeutic intervention. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 136:104628. [PMID: 35331816 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the neural basis of cognitive deficits, a key feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), is imperative for achieving the therapy of the disease. Rhythmic oscillatory activities in neural systems are a fundamental mechanism for diverse brain functions, including cognition. In several neurological conditions like AD, aberrant neural oscillations have been shown to play a central role. Furthermore, manipulation of brain oscillations in animals has confirmed their impact on cognition and disease. In this article, we review the evidence from mouse models that shows how synchronized oscillatory activity is intricately linked to AD machinery. We primarily focus on recent reports showing abnormal oscillatory activities at theta and gamma frequencies in AD condition and their influence on cellular disturbances and cognitive impairments. A thorough comprehension of the role that neuronal oscillations play in AD pathology should pave the way to therapeutic interventions that can curb the disease.
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Mirzayi P, Shobeiri P, Kalantari A, Perry G, Rezaei N. Optogenetics: implications for Alzheimer's disease research and therapy. Mol Brain 2022; 15:20. [PMID: 35197102 PMCID: PMC8867657 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00905-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a critical neurodegenerative condition, has a wide range of effects on brain activity. Synaptic plasticity and neuronal circuits are the most vulnerable in Alzheimer’s disease, but the exact mechanism is unknown. Incorporating optogenetics into the study of AD has resulted in a significant leap in this field during the last decades, kicking off a revolution in our knowledge of the networks that underpin cognitive functions. In Alzheimer's disease, optogenetics can help to reduce and reverse neural circuit and memory impairments. Here we review how optogenetically driven methods have helped expand our knowledge of Alzheimer's disease, and how optogenetic interventions hint at a future translation into therapeutic possibilities for further utilization in clinical settings. In conclusion, neuroscience has witnessed one of its largest revolutions following the introduction of optogenetics into the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parsa Mirzayi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Children's Medical Center Hospital, Dr. Qarib St., Keshavarz Blvd, 14194, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Parnian Shobeiri
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Children's Medical Center Hospital, Dr. Qarib St., Keshavarz Blvd, 14194, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirali Kalantari
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Children's Medical Center Hospital, Dr. Qarib St., Keshavarz Blvd, 14194, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - George Perry
- Department of Biology and Neurosciences Institute, University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran. .,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Dr. Gharib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, Iran.
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Can gamma entrainment of the brain rhythms prevent or alleviate Alzheimer’s disease? J Transl Int Med 2021; 9:231-233. [PMID: 35136721 PMCID: PMC8802396 DOI: 10.2478/jtim-2021-0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
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Traikapi A, Konstantinou N. Gamma Oscillations in Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Potential Therapeutic Role. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:782399. [PMID: 34966263 PMCID: PMC8710538 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.782399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) remains a lethal neurodegenerative disorder for which there are no effective treatments. This review examines the latest evidence of a novel and newly introduced perspective, which focuses on the restoration of gamma oscillations and investigates their potential role in the treatment of AD. Gamma brain activity (∼25–100 Hz) has been well-known for its role in cognitive function, including memory, and it is fundamental for healthy brain activity and intra-brain communication. Aberrant gamma oscillations have been observed in both mice AD models and human AD patients. A recent line of work demonstrated that gamma entrainment, through auditory and visual sensory stimulation, can effectively attenuate AD pathology and improve cognitive function in mice models of the disease. The first evidence from AD patients indicate that gamma entrainment therapy can reduce loss of functional connectivity and brain atrophy, improve cognitive function, and ameliorate several pathological markers of the disease. Even though research is still in its infancy, evidence suggests that gamma-based therapy may have a disease-modifying effect and has signified a new and promising era in AD research.
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Byron N, Semenova A, Sakata S. Mutual Interactions between Brain States and Alzheimer's Disease Pathology: A Focus on Gamma and Slow Oscillations. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:707. [PMID: 34439940 PMCID: PMC8389330 DOI: 10.3390/biology10080707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Brain state varies from moment to moment. While brain state can be defined by ongoing neuronal population activity, such as neuronal oscillations, this is tightly coupled with certain behavioural or vigilant states. In recent decades, abnormalities in brain state have been recognised as biomarkers of various brain diseases and disorders. Intriguingly, accumulating evidence also demonstrates mutual interactions between brain states and disease pathologies: while abnormalities in brain state arise during disease progression, manipulations of brain state can modify disease pathology, suggesting a therapeutic potential. In this review, by focusing on Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, we provide an overview of how brain states change in AD patients and mouse models, and how controlling brain states can modify AD pathology. Specifically, we summarise the relationship between AD and changes in gamma and slow oscillations. As pathological changes in these oscillations correlate with AD pathology, manipulations of either gamma or slow oscillations can modify AD pathology in mouse models. We argue that neuromodulation approaches to target brain states are a promising non-pharmacological intervention for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Byron
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Anna Semenova
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Shuzo Sakata
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
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Wichert N, Witt M, Blume C, Scheper T. Clinical applicability of optogenetic gene regulation. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:4168-4185. [PMID: 34287844 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The field of optogenetics is rapidly growing in relevance and number of developed tools. Among other things, the optogenetic repertoire includes light-responsive ion channels and methods for gene regulation. This review will be confined to the optogenetic control of gene expression in mammalian cells as suitable models for clinical applications. Here optogenetic gene regulation might offer an excellent method for spatially and timely regulated gene and protein expression in cell therapeutic approaches. Well-known systems for gene regulation, such as the LOV-, CRY2/CIB-, PhyB/PIF-systems, as well as other, in mammalian cells not yet fully established systems, will be described. Advantages and disadvantages with regard to clinical applications are outlined in detail. Among the many unanswered questions concerning the application of optogenetics, we discuss items such as the use of exogenous chromophores and their effects on the biology of the cells and methods for a gentle, but effective gene transfection method for optogenetic tools for in vivo applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Wichert
- Insitute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Witt
- Insitute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cornelia Blume
- Insitute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Scheper
- Insitute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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