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Ji Y, Yang C, Pang X, Yan Y, Wu Y, Geng Z, Hu W, Hu P, Wu X, Wang K. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in Alzheimer's disease: effects on neural and synaptic rehabilitation. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:326-342. [PMID: 38819037 PMCID: PMC11317939 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01201] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease resulting from deficits in synaptic transmission and homeostasis. The Alzheimer's disease brain tends to be hyperexcitable and hypersynchronized, thereby causing neurodegeneration and ultimately disrupting the operational abilities in daily life, leaving patients incapacitated. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a cost-effective, neuro-modulatory technique used for multiple neurological conditions. Over the past two decades, it has been widely used to predict cognitive decline; identify pathophysiological markers; promote neuroplasticity; and assess brain excitability, plasticity, and connectivity. It has also been applied to patients with dementia, because it can yield facilitatory effects on cognition and promote brain recovery after a neurological insult. However, its therapeutic effectiveness at the molecular and synaptic levels has not been elucidated because of a limited number of studies. This study aimed to characterize the neurobiological changes following repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment, evaluate its effects on synaptic plasticity, and identify the associated mechanisms. This review essentially focuses on changes in the pathology, amyloidogenesis, and clearance pathways, given that amyloid deposition is a major hypothesis in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Apoptotic mechanisms associated with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation procedures and different pathways mediating gene transcription, which are closely related to the neural regeneration process, are also highlighted. Finally, we discuss the outcomes of animal studies in which neuroplasticity is modulated and assessed at the structural and functional levels by using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, with the aim to highlight future directions for better clinical translations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ji
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Chaoyi Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xuerui Pang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yibing Yan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhi Geng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wenjie Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Panpan Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xingqi Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Psychology and Sleep Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
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Yu L, Wang H, Yao Q, Li K, Qu L, Tang B, Zeng W, Qiao G, Tang Y, Hu G, Hu G, Wong VKW, Wang Q, Qin D, Wu J, Zhou X, Sun X, Law BYK, Wu A. Thonningianin A from Penthorum chinense Pursh as a targeted inhibitor of Alzheimer's disease-related β-amyloid and Tau proteins. Phytother Res 2024. [PMID: 39225174 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by complex pathogenesis mechanisms. Among these, β-amyloid plaques and hyperphosphorylated Tau protein tangles have been identified as significant contributors to neuronal damage. This study investigates thonningianin A (TA) from Penthorum chinense Pursh (PCP) as a potential inhibitor targeting these pivotal proteins in AD progression. The inhibitory potential of PCP and TA on Aβ fibrillization was initially investigated. Subsequently, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry and biolayer interferometry were employed to determine TA's affinity for both Aβ and Tau. The inhibitory effects of TA on the levels and cytotoxicity of AD-related proteins were then assessed. In 3xTg-AD mice, the therapeutic potential of TA was evaluated. Additionally, the molecular interactions between TA and either Aβ or Tau were explored using molecular docking. We found that PCP-total ethanol extract and TA significantly inhibited Aβ fibrillization. Additionally, TA demonstrated strong affinity to Aβ and Tau, reduced levels of amyloid precursor protein and Tau, and alleviated mitochondrial distress in PC-12 cells. In 3xTg-AD mice, TA improved cognition, reduced Aβ and Tau pathology, and strengthened neurons. Moreover, molecular analyses revealed efficient binding of TA to Aβ and Tau. In conclusion, TA, derived from PCP, shows significant neuroprotection against AD proteins, highlighting its potential as an anti-AD drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau
- Department of Chemistry, School of Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Huimiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau
| | - Qianfang Yao
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Keru Li
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Liqun Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau
| | - Bin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau
| | - Wu Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau
| | - Gan Qiao
- Nucleic Acid Medicine of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yong Tang
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau
| | - Guishan Hu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Guangqiang Hu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Vincent Kam-Wai Wong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau
| | - Qiong Wang
- Sino-Portugal TCM International Cooperation Center, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Dalian Qin
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jianming Wu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaogang Zhou
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Sun
- Vascular Surgery Department, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Betty Yuen-Kwan Law
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau
| | - Anguo Wu
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Drugability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Yamaguchi T, Hamano T, Sada K, Asano R, Kanaan NM, Sasaki H, Yen SH, Kitazaki Y, Endo Y, Enomoto S, Shirafuji N, Ikawa M, Yamamura O, Fujita Y, Aoki K, Naiki H, Morishima M, Saito Y, Murayama S, Nakamoto Y. Syk inhibitors reduce tau protein phosphorylation and oligomerization. Neurobiol Dis 2024:106656. [PMID: 39233131 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106656] [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: 07/14/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), a non-receptor-type tyrosine kinase, has a wide range of physiological functions. A possible role of Syk in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been proposed. We evaluated the localization of Syk in the brains of patients with AD and control participants. Human neuroblastoma M1C cells harboring wild-type tau (4R0N) were used with the tetracycline off (TetOff) induction system. In this model of neuronal tauopathy, the effects of the Syk inhibitors-BAY 61-3606 and R406-on tau phosphorylation and oligomerization were explored using several phosphorylated tau-specific antibodies and an oligomeric tau antibody, and the effects of these Syk inhibitors on autophagy were examined using western blot analyses. Moreover, the effects of the Syk inhibitor R406 were evaluated in vivo using wild-type mice. In AD brains, Syk and phosphorylated tau colocalized in the cytosol. In M1C cells, Syk protein (72 kDa) was detected using western blot analysis. Syk inhibitors decreased the expression levels of several tau phosphoepitopes including PHF-1, CP13, AT180, and AT270. Syk inhibitors also decreased the levels of caspase-cleaved tau (TauC3), a pathological tau form. Syk inhibitors increased inactivated glycogen synthase kinase 3β expression and decreased active p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression and demethylated protein phosphatase 2 A levels, indicating that Syk inhibitors inactivate tau kinases and activate tau phosphatases. Syk inhibitors also activated autophagy, as indicated by increased LC3II and decreased p62 levels. In vivo, the Syk inhibitor R406 decreased phosphorylated tau levels in wild-type mice. These findings suggest that Syk inhibitors offer novel therapeutic strategies for tauopathies, including AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohisa Yamaguchi
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Tadanori Hamano
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan; Department of Aging and Dementia (DAD), Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan; Life Science Innovation Center, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.
| | - Kiyonao Sada
- Department of Genome Science and Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Rei Asano
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Nicholas M Kanaan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, MI, USA
| | - Hirohito Sasaki
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Shu-Hui Yen
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, MI, USA
| | - Yuki Kitazaki
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Endo
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Soichi Enomoto
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Norimichi Shirafuji
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Masamichi Ikawa
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Osamu Yamamura
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Youshi Fujita
- Department of Neurology, Fujita Neurological Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Koji Aoki
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Hironobu Naiki
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Maho Morishima
- Brain Bank for Aging Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Saito
- Brain Bank for Aging Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeo Murayama
- Brain Bank for Aging Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunari Nakamoto
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
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Marcatti M, Tumurbaatar B, Borghi M, Guptarak J, Zhang WR, Krishnan B, Kayed R, Fracassi A, Taglialatela G. Inhibition of Calcineurin with FK506 Reduces Tau Levels and Attenuates Synaptic Impairment Driven by Tau Oligomers in the Hippocampus of Male Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9092. [PMID: 39201779 PMCID: PMC11354963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25169092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-associated neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by progressive cognitive decline, memory impairment, and structural brain changes, primarily involving Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Recent research highlights the significance of smaller Aβ and Tau oligomeric aggregates (AβO and TauO, respectively) in synaptic dysfunction and disease progression. Calcineurin (CaN), a key calcium/calmodulin-dependent player in regulating synaptic function in the central nervous system (CNS) is implicated in mediating detrimental effects of AβO on synapses and memory function in AD. This study aims to investigate the specific impact of CaN on both exogenous and endogenous TauO through the acute and chronic inhibition of CaN. We previously demonstrated the protective effect against AD of the immunosuppressant CaN inhibitor, FK506, but its influence on TauO remains unclear. In this study, we explored the short-term effects of acute CaN inhibition on TauO phosphorylation and TauO-induced memory deficits and synaptic dysfunction. Mice received FK506 post-TauO intracerebroventricular injection and TauO levels and phosphorylation were assessed, examining their impact on CaN and GSK-3β. The study investigated FK506 preventive/reversal effects on TauO-induced clustering of CaN and GSK-3β. Memory and synaptic function in TauO-injected mice were evaluated with/without FK506. Chronic FK506 treatment in 3xTgAD mice explored its influence on CaN, Aβ, and Tau levels. This study underscores the significant influence of CaN inhibition on TauO and associated AD pathology, suggesting therapeutic potential in targeting CaN for addressing various aspects of AD onset and progression. These findings provide valuable insights for potential interventions in AD, emphasizing the need for further exploration of CaN-targeted strategies.
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Yoo CJ, Choi Y, Bok E, Lin Y, Cheon M, Lee YH, Kim J. Complement receptor 4 mediates the clearance of extracellular tau fibrils by microglia. FEBS J 2024; 291:3499-3520. [PMID: 38715400 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17150] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Tauopathies exhibit a characteristic accumulation of misfolded tau aggregates in the brain. Tau pathology shows disease-specific spatiotemporal propagation through intercellular transmission, which is closely correlated with the progression of clinical manifestations. Therefore, identifying molecular mechanisms that prevent tau propagation is critical for developing therapeutic strategies for tauopathies. The various innate immune receptors, such as complement receptor 3 (CR3) and complement receptor 4 (CR4), have been reported to play a critical role in the clearance of various extracellular toxic molecules by microglia. However, their role in tau clearance has not been studied yet. In the present study, we investigated the role of CR3 and CR4 in regulating extracellular tau clearance. We found that CR4 selectively binds to tau fibrils but not to tau monomers, whereas CR3 does not bind to either of them. Inhibiting CR4, but not CR3, significantly reduces the uptake of tau fibrils by BV2 cells and primary microglia. By contrast, inhibiting CR4 has no effect on the uptake of tau monomers by BV2 cells. Furthermore, inhibiting CR4 suppresses the clearance of extracellular tau fibrils, leading to more seed-competent tau fibrils remaining in the extracellular space relative to control samples. We also provide evidence that the expression of CR4 is upregulated in the brains of human Alzheimer's disease patients and the PS19 mouse model of tauopathy. Taken together, our data strongly support that CR4 is a previously undescribed receptor for the clearance of tau fibrils in microglia and may represent a novel therapeutic target for tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Jae Yoo
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, South Korea
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), South Korea
| | - Youngtae Choi
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, South Korea
| | - Eugene Bok
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, South Korea
| | - Yuxi Lin
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, South Korea
| | - Mookyung Cheon
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, South Korea
| | - Young-Ho Lee
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, South Korea
- Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong-si, South Korea
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Jaekwang Kim
- Dementia Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, South Korea
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Ondrejcak T, Klyubin I, Hu NW, Yang Y, Zhang Q, Rodriguez BJ, Rowan MJ. Rapidly reversible persistent long-term potentiation inhibition by patient-derived brain tau and amyloid ß proteins. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230234. [PMID: 38853565 PMCID: PMC11343230 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
How the two pathognomonic proteins of Alzheimer's disease (AD); amyloid ß (Aß) and tau, cause synaptic failure remains enigmatic. Certain synthetic and recombinant forms of these proteins are known to act concurrently to acutely inhibit long-term potentiation (LTP). Here, we examined the effect of early amyloidosis on the acute disruptive action of synaptotoxic tau prepared from recombinant protein and tau in patient-derived aqueous brain extracts. We also explored the persistence of the inhibition of LTP by different synaptotoxic tau preparations. A single intracerebral injection of aggregates of recombinant human tau that had been prepared by either sonication of fibrils (SτAs) or disulfide bond formation (oTau) rapidly and persistently inhibited LTP in rat hippocampus. The threshold for the acute inhibitory effect of oTau was lowered in amyloid precursor protein (APP)-transgenic rats. A single injection of synaptotoxic tau-containing AD or Pick's disease brain extracts also inhibited LTP, for over two weeks. Remarkably, the persistent disruption of synaptic plasticity by patient-derived brain tau was rapidly reversed by a single intracerebral injection of different anti-tau monoclonal antibodies, including one directed to a specific human tau amino acid sequence. We conclude that patient-derived LTP-disrupting tau species persist in the brain for weeks, maintaining their neuroactivity often in concert with Aß. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Long-term potentiation: 50 years on'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Ondrejcak
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland
| | - Igor Klyubin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland
| | - Neng-Wei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou450001, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiancheng Zhang
- School of Physics and Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland
| | - Brian J. Rodriguez
- School of Physics and Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Republic of Ireland
| | - Michael J. Rowan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland
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Soeda Y, Hayashi E, Nakatani N, Ishigaki S, Takaichi Y, Tachibana T, Riku Y, Chambers JK, Koike R, Mohammad M, Takashima A. A novel monoclonal antibody generated by immunization with granular tau oligomers binds to tau aggregates at 423-430 amino acid sequence. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16391. [PMID: 39060263 PMCID: PMC11282240 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65949-7] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Prior to the formation of amyloid fibrils, the pathological hallmark in tau-related neurodegenerative disease, tau monomers aggregate into a diverse range of oligomers. Granular tau oligomers, consisting of approximately 40 tau protein molecules, are present in the prefrontal cortex of patients at Braak stages I-II, preclinical stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Antibodies to granular tau oligomers as antigens have not been reported. Therefore, we generated new rat monoclonal antibodies by immunization with granular tau oligomers. Three antibodies from different hybridoma clones showed stronger immunoreactivity to granular tau oligomers and tau fibrils compared with monomeric tau. Of the three antibodies, 2D6-2C6 showed 3000-fold greater immunoreactivity in P301L-tau transgenic (rTg4510) mice than in non-transgenic mice, while MC1 antibody, which detects pathological conformations of tau, showed a 5.5-fold increase. These results suggest that 2D6-2C6 recognizes aggregates more specifically than MC1. In AD subjects, 2D6-2C6 recognized neurofibrillary tangles and pretangles, and co-localized within AT8-positive cells containing phosphorylated tau aggregates. The epitope of 2D6-2C6 is the 423-430 amino acid (AA) sequence of C-terminal regions. Taken together, a novel monoclonal antibody, 2D6-2C6, generated by immunization with granular tau oligomers binds to tau aggregates at the 423-430 AA sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Soeda
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-8588, Japan.
| | - Emi Hayashi
- Cell Engineering Corporation, 5-12-14 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, 532-0011, Japan
| | - Naoko Nakatani
- Cell Engineering Corporation, 5-12-14 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, 532-0011, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Ishigaki
- Department of Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Brain Disease, Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Yuta Takaichi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Taro Tachibana
- Cell Engineering Corporation, 5-12-14 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, 532-0011, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering Division of Science and Engineering for Materials, Chemistry and Biology, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 558-0022, Japan
| | - Yuichi Riku
- Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute, Aichi, 480-1195, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai, Showa, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - James K Chambers
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Riki Koike
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-8588, Japan
| | - Moniruzzaman Mohammad
- Department of Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Brain Disease, Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Akihiko Takashima
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-8588, Japan
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Soeda Y, Yoshimura H, Bannai H, Koike R, Shiiba I, Takashima A. Intracellular tau fragment droplets serve as seeds for tau fibrils. Structure 2024:S0969-2126(24)00236-3. [PMID: 39032487 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.06.018] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Intracellular tau aggregation requires a local protein concentration increase, referred to as "droplets". However, the cellular mechanism for droplet formation is poorly understood. Here, we expressed OptoTau, a P301L mutant tau fused with CRY2olig, a light-sensitive protein that can form homo-oligomers. Under blue light exposure, OptoTau increased tau phosphorylation and was sequestered in aggresomes. Suppressing aggresome formation by nocodazole formed tau granular clusters in the cytoplasm. The granular clusters disappeared by discontinuing blue light exposure or 1,6-hexanediol treatment suggesting that intracellular tau droplet formation requires microtubule collapse. Expressing OptoTau-ΔN, a species of N-terminal cleaved tau observed in the Alzheimer's disease brain, formed 1,6-hexanediol and detergent-resistant tau clusters in the cytoplasm with blue light stimulation. These intracellular stable tau clusters acted as a seed for tau fibrils in vitro. These results suggest that tau droplet formation and N-terminal cleavage are necessary for neurofibrillary tangles formation in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Soeda
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan.
| | - Hideaki Yoshimura
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroko Bannai
- School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Biosciences, Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsucho, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 162-0056, Japan
| | - Riki Koike
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan
| | - Isshin Shiiba
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan
| | - Akihiko Takashima
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan
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9
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Harvey J. Novel Leptin-Based Therapeutic Strategies to Limit Synaptic Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7352. [PMID: 39000459 PMCID: PMC11242278 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of hyper-phosphorylated tau and amyloid beta (Aβ) are key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increasing evidence indicates that in the early pre-clinical stages of AD, phosphorylation and build-up of tau drives impairments in hippocampal excitatory synaptic function, which ultimately leads to cognitive deficits. Consequently, limiting tau-related synaptic abnormalities may have beneficial effects in AD. There is now significant evidence that the hippocampus is an important brain target for the endocrine hormone leptin and that leptin has pro-cognitive properties, as activation of synaptic leptin receptors markedly influences higher cognitive processes including learning and memory. Clinical studies have identified a link between the circulating leptin levels and the risk of AD, such that AD risk is elevated when leptin levels fall outwith the physiological range. This has fuelled interest in targeting the leptin system therapeutically. Accumulating evidence supports this possibility, as numerous studies have shown that leptin has protective effects in a variety of models of AD. Recent findings have demonstrated that leptin has beneficial effects in the preclinical stages of AD, as leptin prevents the early synaptic impairments driven by tau protein and amyloid β. Here we review recent findings that implicate the leptin system as a potential novel therapeutic target in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Harvey
- Department of Neuroscience, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
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10
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Singh MK, Shin Y, Ju S, Han S, Kim SS, Kang I. Comprehensive Overview of Alzheimer's Disease: Etiological Insights and Degradation Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6901. [PMID: 39000011 PMCID: PMC11241648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136901] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and affects millions of individuals globally. AD is associated with cognitive decline and memory loss that worsens with aging. A statistical report using U.S. data on AD estimates that approximately 6.9 million individuals suffer from AD, a number projected to surge to 13.8 million by 2060. Thus, there is a critical imperative to pinpoint and address AD and its hallmark tau protein aggregation early to prevent and manage its debilitating effects. Amyloid-β and tau proteins are primarily associated with the formation of plaques and neurofibril tangles in the brain. Current research efforts focus on degrading amyloid-β and tau or inhibiting their synthesis, particularly targeting APP processing and tau hyperphosphorylation, aiming to develop effective clinical interventions. However, navigating this intricate landscape requires ongoing studies and clinical trials to develop treatments that truly make a difference. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) across various cohorts identified 40 loci and over 300 genes associated with AD. Despite this wealth of genetic data, much remains to be understood about the functions of these genes and their role in the disease process, prompting continued investigation. By delving deeper into these genetic associations, novel targets such as kinases, proteases, cytokines, and degradation pathways, offer new directions for drug discovery and therapeutic intervention in AD. This review delves into the intricate biological pathways disrupted in AD and identifies how genetic variations within these pathways could serve as potential targets for drug discovery and treatment strategies. Through a comprehensive understanding of the molecular underpinnings of AD, researchers aim to pave the way for more effective therapies that can alleviate the burden of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonhwa Shin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Songhyun Ju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunhee Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Soo Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Insug Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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11
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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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12
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Zheng H, Sun H, Cai Q, Tai HC. The Enigma of Tau Protein Aggregation: Mechanistic Insights and Future Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4969. [PMID: 38732197 PMCID: PMC11084794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094969] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Tau protein misfolding and aggregation are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease and over twenty neurodegenerative disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms of tau aggregation in vivo remain incompletely understood. There are two types of tau aggregates in the brain: soluble aggregates (oligomers and protofibrils) and insoluble filaments (fibrils). Compared to filamentous aggregates, soluble aggregates are more toxic and exhibit prion-like transmission, providing seeds for templated misfolding. Curiously, in its native state, tau is a highly soluble, heat-stable protein that does not form fibrils by itself, not even when hyperphosphorylated. In vitro studies have found that negatively charged molecules such as heparin, RNA, or arachidonic acid are generally required to induce tau aggregation. Two recent breakthroughs have provided new insights into tau aggregation mechanisms. First, as an intrinsically disordered protein, tau is found to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) both in vitro and inside cells. Second, cryo-electron microscopy has revealed diverse fibrillar tau conformations associated with different neurodegenerative disorders. Nonetheless, only the fibrillar core is structurally resolved, and the remainder of the protein appears as a "fuzzy coat". From this review, it appears that further studies are required (1) to clarify the role of LLPS in tau aggregation; (2) to unveil the structural features of soluble tau aggregates; (3) to understand the involvement of fuzzy coat regions in oligomer and fibril formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hwan-Ching Tai
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
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13
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Huhe H, Shapley SM, Duong D, Wu F, Ha SK, Choi SH, Kofler J, Mou Y, Guimaraes TR, Thathiah A, Schaeffer LKH, Carter GW, Seyfried NT, Silva AC, Sukoff Rizzo SJ. Marmosets as model systems for the study of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: substantiation of physiological Tau 3R and 4R isoform expression and phosphorylation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.26.590453. [PMID: 38746277 PMCID: PMC11092449 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.26.590453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Marmosets have been shown to spontaneously develop pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) during advanced age, including amyloid-beta plaques, positioning them as a model system to overcome the rodent-to-human translational gap for AD. However, Tau expression in the marmoset brain has been understudied. METHODS To comprehensively investigate Tau isoform expression in marmosets, brain tissue from eight unrelated marmosets across various ages was evaluated and compared to human postmortem AD tissue. Microtubule-associated protein tau ( MAPT ) mRNA expression and splicing were confirmed by RT-PCR. Tau isoforms in the marmoset brain were examined by western blot, mass spectrometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical staining. Synaptic Tau expression was analyzed from crude synaptosome extractions. RESULTS 3R and 4R Tau isoforms are expressed in marmoset brains at both transcript and protein levels across ages. Results from western blot analysis were confirmed by mass spectrometry, which revealed that Tau peptides in marmoset corresponded to the 3R and 4R peptides in the human AD brain. 3R Tau was primarily enriched in neonate brains, and 4R enhanced in adult and aged brains. Tau was widely distributed in neurons with localization in the soma and synaptic regions. Phosphorylation residues were observed on Thr-181, Thr-217, and Thr-231, Ser202/Thr205, Ser396/Ser404. Paired helical filament (PHF)-like aggregates were also detected in aged marmosets. DISCUSSION Our results confirm the expression of both 3R and 4R Tau isoforms and important phosphorylation residues in the marmoset brain. These data emphasize the significance of marmosets with natural expression of AD-related hallmarks as important translational models for the study of AD.
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14
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López-Ortiz S, Caruso G, Emanuele E, Menéndez H, Peñín-Grandes S, Guerrera CS, Caraci F, Nisticò R, Lucia A, Santos-Lozano A, Lista S. Digging into the intrinsic capacity concept: Can it be applied to Alzheimer's disease? Prog Neurobiol 2024; 234:102574. [PMID: 38266702 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Historically, aging research has largely centered on disease pathology rather than promoting healthy aging. The World Health Organization's (WHO) policy framework (2015-2030) underscores the significance of fostering the contributions of older individuals to their families, communities, and economies. The WHO has introduced the concept of intrinsic capacity (IC) as a key metric for healthy aging, encompassing five primary domains: locomotion, vitality, sensory, cognitive, and psychological. Past AD research, constrained by methodological limitations, has focused on single outcome measures, sidelining the complexity of the disease. Our current scientific milieu, however, is primed to adopt the IC concept. This is due to three critical considerations: (I) the decline in IC is linked to neurocognitive disorders, including AD, (II) cognition, a key component of IC, is deeply affected in AD, and (III) the cognitive decline associated with AD involves multiple factors and pathophysiological pathways. Our study explores the application of the IC concept to AD patients, offering a comprehensive model that could revolutionize the disease's diagnosis and prognosis. There is a dearth of information on the biological characteristics of IC, which are a result of complex interactions within biological systems. Employing a systems biology approach, integrating omics technologies, could aid in unraveling these interactions and understanding IC from a holistic viewpoint. This comprehensive analysis of IC could be leveraged in clinical settings, equipping healthcare providers to assess AD patients' health status more effectively and devise personalized therapeutic interventions in accordance with the precision medicine paradigm. We aimed to determine whether the IC concept could be extended from older individuals to patients with AD, thereby presenting a model that could significantly enhance the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana López-Ortiz
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | | | - Héctor Menéndez
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Saúl Peñín-Grandes
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Claudia Savia Guerrera
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy; Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences Research Unit, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Robert Nisticò
- School of Pharmacy, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy; Laboratory of Pharmacology of Synaptic Plasticity, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Alejandro Lucia
- Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), 28041 Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Sport Sciences, European University of Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain; CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Ageing (CIBERFES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Santos-Lozano
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012 Valladolid, Spain; Research Institute of the Hospital 12 de Octubre ('imas12'), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Simone Lista
- i+HeALTH Strategic Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, Miguel de Cervantes European University (UEMC), 47012 Valladolid, Spain.
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15
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Alhadidy MM, Kanaan NM. Biochemical approaches to assess the impact of post-translational modifications on pathogenic tau conformations using recombinant protein. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:301-318. [PMID: 38348781 PMCID: PMC10903483 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230596] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Tau protein is associated with many neurodegenerative disorders known as tauopathies. Aggregates of tau are thought of as a main contributor to neurodegeneration in these diseases. Increasingly, evidence points to earlier, soluble conformations of abnormally modified monomers and multimeric tau as toxic forms of tau. The biological processes driving tau from physiological species to pathogenic conformations remain poorly understood, but certain avenues are currently under investigation including the functional consequences of various pathological tau changes (e.g. mutations, post-translational modifications (PTMs), and protein-protein interactions). PTMs can regulate several aspects of tau biology such as proteasomal and autophagic clearance, solubility, and aggregation. Moreover, PTMs can contribute to the transition of tau from normal to pathogenic conformations. However, our understating of how PTMs specifically regulate the transition of tau into pathogenic conformations is partly impeded by the relative lack of structured frameworks to assess and quantify these conformations. In this review, we describe a set of approaches that includes several in vitro assays to determine the contribution of PTMs to tau's transition into known pathogenic conformations. The approaches begin with different methods to create recombinant tau proteins carrying specific PTMs followed by validation of the PTMs status. Then, we describe a set of biochemical and biophysical assays that assess the contribution of a given PTM to different tau conformations, including aggregation, oligomerization, exposure of the phosphatase-activating domain, and seeding. Together, these approaches can facilitate the advancement of our understanding of the relationships between PTMs and tau conformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M. Alhadidy
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, U.S.A
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
| | - Nicholas M. Kanaan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, U.S.A
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
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16
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Panayi N, Schulz P, He P, Hanna B, Lifshitz J, Rowe RK, Sierks MR. Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice Generates Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease Related Protein Pathology that Correlates with Neurobehavioral Deficits. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04035-5. [PMID: 38411868 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04035-5] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the long-term risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we demonstrate that protein variant pathology generated in brain tissue of an experimental TBI mouse model is similar to protein variant pathology observed during early stages of AD, and that subacute accumulation of AD associated variants of amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau in the TBI mouse model correlated with behavioral deficits. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to midline fluid percussion injury or to sham injury, after which sensorimotor function (rotarod, neurological severity score), cognitive deficit (novel object recognition), and affective deficits (elevated plus maze, forced swim task) were assessed post-injury (DPI). Protein pathology at 7, 14, and 28 DPI was measured in multiple brain regions using an immunostain panel of reagents selectively targeting different neurodegenerative disease-related variants of Aβ, tau, TDP-43, and alpha-synuclein. Overall, TBI resulted in sensorimotor deficits and accumulation of AD-related protein variant pathology near the impact site, both of which returned to sham levels by 14 DPI. Individual mice, however, showed persistent behavioral deficits and/or accumulation of toxic protein variants at 28 DPI. Behavioral outcomes of each mouse were correlated with levels of seven different protein variants in ten brain regions at specific DPI. Out of 21 significant correlations between protein variant levels and behavioral deficits, 18 were with variants of Aβ or tau. Correlations at 28 DPI were all between a single Aβ or tau variant, both of which are strongly associated with human AD cases. These data provide a direct mechanistic link between protein pathology resulting from TBI and the hallmarks of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Panayi
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-6106, USA
| | - Philip Schulz
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-6106, USA
| | - Ping He
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-6106, USA
| | - Brandon Hanna
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-6106, USA
| | - Jonathan Lifshitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Phoenix Veteran Affairs Health Care System, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Rachel K Rowe
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Michael R Sierks
- Chemical Engineering, The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287-6106, USA.
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17
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Kauwe G, Pareja-Navarro KA, Yao L, Chen JH, Wong I, Saloner R, Cifuentes H, Nana AL, Shah S, Li Y, Le D, Spina S, Grinberg LT, Seeley WW, Kramer JH, Sacktor TC, Schilling B, Gan L, Casaletto KB, Tracy TE. KIBRA repairs synaptic plasticity and promotes resilience to tauopathy-related memory loss. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e169064. [PMID: 38299587 PMCID: PMC10836803 DOI: 10.1172/jci169064] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity is obstructed by pathogenic tau in the brain, representing a key mechanism that underlies memory loss in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Here, we found that reduced levels of the memory-associated protein KIdney/BRAin (KIBRA) in the brain and increased KIBRA protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid are associated with cognitive impairment and pathological tau levels in disease. We next defined a mechanism for plasticity repair in vulnerable neurons using the C-terminus of the KIBRA protein (CT-KIBRA). We showed that CT-KIBRA restored plasticity and memory in transgenic mice expressing pathogenic human tau; however, CT-KIBRA did not alter tau levels or prevent tau-induced synapse loss. Instead, we found that CT-KIBRA stabilized the protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ) to maintain synaptic plasticity and memory despite tau-mediated pathogenesis. Thus, our results distinguished KIBRA both as a biomarker of synapse dysfunction and as the foundation for a synapse repair mechanism to reverse cognitive impairment in tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Kauwe
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
| | | | - Lei Yao
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
| | - Jackson H. Chen
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
| | - Ivy Wong
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
| | - Rowan Saloner
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Helen Cifuentes
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
| | - Alissa L. Nana
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Samah Shah
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
| | - Yaqiao Li
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, Califoria, USA
| | - David Le
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, Califoria, USA
| | - Salvatore Spina
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lea T. Grinberg
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - William W. Seeley
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Joel H. Kramer
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Todd C. Sacktor
- The Robert F. Furchgott Center of Neural and Behavioral Science, Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Anesthesiology, and Neurology, State University of New York Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | | | - Li Gan
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kaitlin B. Casaletto
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Tara E. Tracy
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, California, USA
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Puangmalai N, Bhatt N, Bittar A, Jerez C, Shchankin N, Kayed R. Traumatic brain injury derived pathological tau polymorphs induce the distinct propagation pattern and neuroinflammatory response in wild type mice. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 232:102562. [PMID: 38135105 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102562] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The misfolding and aggregation of the tau protein into neurofibrillary tangles constitutes a central feature of tauopathies. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has emerged as a potential risk factor, triggering the onset and progression of tauopathies. Our previous research revealed distinct polymorphisms in soluble tau oligomers originating from single versus repetitive mild TBIs. However, the mechanisms orchestrating the dissemination of TBI brain-derived tau polymorphs (TBI-BDTPs) remain elusive. In this study, we explored whether TBI-BDTPs could initiate pathological tau formation, leading to distinct pathogenic trajectories. Wild-type mice were exposed to TBI-BDTPs from sham, single-blast (SB), or repeated-blast (RB) conditions, and their memory function was assessed through behavioral assays at 2- and 8-month post-injection. Our findings revealed that RB-BDTPs induced cognitive and motor deficits, concurrently fostering the emergence of toxic tau aggregates within the injected hippocampus. Strikingly, this tau pathology propagated to cortical layers, intensifying over time. Importantly, RB-BDTP-exposed animals displayed heightened glial cell activation, NLRP3 inflammasome formation, and increased TBI biomarkers, particularly triggering the aggregation of S100B, which is indicative of a neuroinflammatory response. Collectively, our results shed light on the intricate mechanisms underlying TBI-BDTP-induced tau pathology and its association with neuroinflammatory processes. This investigation enhances our understanding of tauopathies and their interplay with neurodegenerative and inflammatory pathways following traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicha Puangmalai
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nemil Bhatt
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Alice Bittar
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Cynthia Jerez
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nikita Shchankin
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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Sengupta U, Kayed R. Tau Oligomers as Pathogenic Seeds: Preparation, Characterization, and Propagation In Vitro and In Vivo. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2754:147-183. [PMID: 38512666 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3629-9_9] [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] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Tau oligomers have been shown to be the main toxic tau species in several neurodegenerative disorders. To study tau oligomers, we have developed reagents and established methods for the reliable preparation, isolation, and detection of tau oligomers as well as their seeding and propagation both in vitro and in vivo. Detailed below are methods for isolation of tau oligomers from brain tissues and detection of tau oligomers using tau oligomer-specific antibodies by biochemical, immunohistochemical, and biophysical methods. Further, methods for evaluating the biological activity of the tau oligomers including their effects on synaptic function, seeding, and propagation in cell models and in vivo are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmi Sengupta
- George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Departments of Neurology, and Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rakez Kayed
- George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Departments of Neurology, and Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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20
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Haut F, Argyrousi EK, Arancio O. Re-Arranging the Puzzle between the Amyloid-Beta and Tau Pathology: An APP-Centric Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:259. [PMID: 38203429 PMCID: PMC10779219 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010259] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
After several years of research in the field of Alzheimer's disease (AD), it is still unclear how amyloid-beta (Aβ) and Tau, two key hallmarks of the disease, mediate the neuropathogenic events that lead to AD. Current data challenge the "Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis" that has prevailed in the field of AD, stating that Aβ precedes and triggers Tau pathology that will eventually become the toxic entity in the progression of the disease. This perspective also led the field of therapeutic approaches towards the development of strategies that target Aβ or Tau. In the present review, we discuss recent literature regarding the neurotoxic role of both Aβ and Tau in AD, as well as their physiological function in the healthy brain. Consequently, we present studies suggesting that Aβ and Tau act independently of each other in mediating neurotoxicity in AD, thereafter, re-evaluating the "Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis" that places Tau pathology downstream of Aβ. More recent studies have confirmed that both Aβ and Tau could propagate the disease and induce synaptic and memory impairments via the amyloid precursor protein (APP). This finding is not only interesting from a mechanistic point of view since it provides better insights into the AD pathogenesis but also from a therapeutic point of view since it renders APP a common downstream effector for both Aβ and Tau. Subsequently, therapeutic strategies that act on APP might provide a more viable and physiologically relevant approach for targeting AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Haut
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, 630 West 168th Street, P&S, New York, NY 10032, USA; (F.H.); (E.K.A.)
| | - Elentina K. Argyrousi
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, 630 West 168th Street, P&S, New York, NY 10032, USA; (F.H.); (E.K.A.)
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, 630 West 168th Street, P&S, New York, NY 10032, USA; (F.H.); (E.K.A.)
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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21
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Bodart-Santos V, Pinheiro LS, da Silva-Junior AJ, Froza RL, Ahrens R, Gonçalves RA, Andrade MM, Chen Y, Alcantara CDL, Grinberg LT, Leite REP, Ferreira ST, Fraser PE, De Felice FG. Alzheimer's disease brain-derived extracellular vesicles reveal altered synapse-related proteome and induce cognitive impairment in mice. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:5418-5436. [PMID: 37204850 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been implicated in the spread of neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but their involvement in behavioral outcomes linked to AD remains to be determined. METHODS EVs isolated from post mortem brain tissue from control, AD, or frontotemporal dementia (FTD) donors, as well as from APP/PS1 mice, were injected into the hippocampi of wild-type (WT) or a humanized Tau mouse model (hTau/mTauKO). Memory tests were carried out. Differentially expressed proteins in EVs were assessed by proteomics. RESULTS Both AD-EVs and APP/PS1-EVs trigger memory impairment in WT mice. We further demonstrate that AD-EVs and FTD-EVs carry Tau protein, present altered protein composition associated with synapse regulation and transmission, and trigger memory impairment in hTau/mTauKO mice. DISCUSSION Results demonstrate that AD-EVs and FTD-EVs have negative impacts on memory in mice and suggest that, in addition to spreading pathology, EVs may contribute to memory impairment in AD and FTD. HIGHLIGHTS Aβ was detected in EVs from post mortem AD brain tissue and APP/PS1 mice. Tau was enriched in EVs from post mortem AD, PSP and FTD brain tissue. AD-derived EVs and APP/PS1-EVs induce cognitive impairment in wild-type (WT) mice. AD- and FTD-derived EVs induce cognitive impairment in humanized Tau mice. Proteomics findings associate EVs with synapse dysregulation in tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Bodart-Santos
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lisandra S Pinheiro
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Almir J da Silva-Junior
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rudimar L Froza
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rosemary Ahrens
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rafaella A Gonçalves
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Mayara M Andrade
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Yan Chen
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carolina de Lima Alcantara
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lea T Grinberg
- Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology and Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Renata E P Leite
- Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio T Ferreira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paul E Fraser
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Fernanda G De Felice
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
- D'OR Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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22
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Hook V, Podvin S, Mosier C, Boyarko B, Seyffert L, Stringer H, Rissman RA. Emerging evidence for dysregulated proteome cargoes of tau-propagating extracellular vesicles driven by familial mutations of tau and presenilin. EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES AND CIRCULATING NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 4:588-598. [PMID: 38125374 PMCID: PMC10732590 DOI: 10.20517/evcna.2023.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Tau propagation, pathogenesis, and neurotoxicity are hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases that result in cognitive impairment. Tau accumulates in Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia and parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), progressive supranuclear palsy, and related tauopathies. Knowledge of the mechanisms for tau propagation in neurodegeneration is necessary for understanding the development of dementia. Exosomes, known as extracellular vesicles (EVs), have emerged as participants in promoting tau propagation. Recent findings show that EVs generated by neurons expressing familial mutations of tauopathies of FTDP-17 (P301L and V337M) (mTau) and presenilin (A246E) (mPS1) in AD induce tau propagation and accumulation after injection into rodent brain. To gain knowledge of the proteome cargoes of the mTau and mPS1 EVs that promote tau pathogenesis, this review compares the proteomes of these EVs, which results in important new questions concerning EV mechanisms of tau pathogenesis. Proteomics data show that EVs produced by mTau- and mPS1-expressing iPSC neurons share proteins involved in exocytosis and vesicle secretion and, notably, these EVs also possess differences in protein components of vesicle-mediated transport, extracellular functions, and cell adhesion. It will be important for future studies to gain an understanding of the breadth of familial genetic mutations of tau, presenilin, and other genes in promoting EV initiation of tau propagation and pathogenesis. Furthermore, elucidation of EV cargo components that mediate tau propagation will have potential as biomarkers and therapeutic strategies to ameliorate dementia of tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Hook
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sonia Podvin
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Charles Mosier
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ben Boyarko
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Laura Seyffert
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Haley Stringer
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Robert A. Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Health System, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
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23
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Jannat K, Balakrishnan R, Han JH, Yu YJ, Kim GW, Choi DK. The Neuropharmacological Evaluation of Seaweed: A Potential Therapeutic Source. Cells 2023; 12:2652. [PMID: 37998387 PMCID: PMC10670678 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), are the seventh leading cause of mortality and morbidity in developed countries. Clinical observations of NDD patients are characterized by a progressive loss of neurons in the brain along with memory decline. The common pathological hallmarks of NDDs include oxidative stress, the dysregulation of calcium, protein aggregation, a defective protein clearance system, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and damage to cholinergic neurons. Therefore, managing this pathology requires screening drugs with different pathological targets, and suitable drugs for slowing the progression or prevention of NDDs remain to be discovered. Among the pharmacological strategies used to manage NDDs, natural drugs represent a promising therapeutic strategy. This review discusses the neuroprotective potential of seaweed and its bioactive compounds, and safety issues, which may provide several beneficial insights that warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoshnur Jannat
- Department of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea; (K.J.); (J.-H.H.); (Y.-J.Y.); (G.-W.K.)
| | - Rengasamy Balakrishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute of Inflammatory Disease (RID), College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jun-Hyuk Han
- Department of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea; (K.J.); (J.-H.H.); (Y.-J.Y.); (G.-W.K.)
| | - Ye-Ji Yu
- Department of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea; (K.J.); (J.-H.H.); (Y.-J.Y.); (G.-W.K.)
| | - Ga-Won Kim
- Department of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea; (K.J.); (J.-H.H.); (Y.-J.Y.); (G.-W.K.)
| | - Dong-Kug Choi
- Department of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea; (K.J.); (J.-H.H.); (Y.-J.Y.); (G.-W.K.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Research Institute of Inflammatory Disease (RID), College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea;
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24
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Hamilton K, Morrow K, Markantoni E, Harvey J. Leptin prevents aberrant targeting of tau to hippocampal synapses via PI 3 kinase driven inhibition of GSK3β. J Neurochem 2023; 167:520-537. [PMID: 37822142 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) and hyper-phosphorylated tau are key hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with an accumulation of both proteins linked to hippocampal synaptic dysfunction. Recent evidence indicates that Aβ drives mis-localisation of tau from axons to synapses, resulting in AMPA receptor (AMPAR) internalisation and impaired excitatory synaptic function. These tau-driven synaptic impairments are thought to underlie the cognitive deficits in AD. Consequently, limiting the synapto-toxic effects of tau may prevent AD-related cognitive deficits. Increasing evidence links leptin dysfunction with higher AD risk, and numerous studies have identified neuroprotective properties of leptin in AD models of Aβ-induced toxicity. However, it is unclear if leptin protects against tau-related synaptic dysfunction. Here we show that Aβ1-42 significantly increases dendritic and synaptic levels of tau and p-tau in hippocampal neurons, and these effects were blocked by leptin. In accordance with GSK-3β being involved in tau phosphorylation, the protective effects of leptin involve PI 3-kinase (PI3K) activation and inhibition of GSK-3β. Aβ1-42 -driven synaptic targeting of tau was associated with the removal of GluA1-containing AMPARs from synapses, which was also inhibited by leptin-driven inhibition of GSK-3β. Direct application of oligomeric tau to hippocampal neurons caused internalisation of GluA1-containing AMPARs and this effect was blocked by prior application of leptin. Similarly, leptin prevented the ability of tau to block induction of activity-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) at hippocampal SC-CA1 synapses. These findings increase our understanding of the neuroprotective actions of leptin in the early pre-clinical stages of AD and further validate the leptin system as a therapeutic target in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty Hamilton
- Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Kate Morrow
- Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Ermione Markantoni
- Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Jenni Harvey
- Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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25
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Cozachenco D, Zimmer ER, Lourenco MV. Emerging concepts towards a translational framework in Alzheimer's disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105246. [PMID: 37236385 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, significant efforts have been made to understand the precise mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia. However, clinical trials targeting AD pathological hallmarks have consistently failed. Refinement of AD conceptualization, modeling, and assessment is key to developing successful therapies. Here, we review critical findings and discuss emerging ideas to integrate molecular mechanisms and clinical approaches in AD. We further propose a refined workflow for animal studies incorporating multimodal biomarkers used in clinical studies - delineating critical paths for drug discovery and translation. Addressing unresolved questions with the proposed conceptual and experimental framework may accelerate the development of effective disease-modifying strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Cozachenco
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eduardo R Zimmer
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry (PPGBioq), UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pharmacology and Therapeutics (PPGFT), UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; McGill Centre for Studies in Aging, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Mychael V Lourenco
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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26
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Davidowitz EJ, Lopez P, Jimenez H, Adrien L, Davies P, Moe JG. Small molecule inhibitor of tau self-association in a mouse model of tauopathy: A preventive study in P301L tau JNPL3 mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286523. [PMID: 37556474 PMCID: PMC10411817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in tau biology and the difficulties of amyloid-directed immunotherapeutics have heightened interest in tau as a target for small molecule drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we evaluated OLX-07010, a small molecule inhibitor of tau self-association, for the prevention of tau aggregation. The primary endpoint of the study was statistically significant reduction of insoluble tau aggregates in treated JNPL3 mice compared with Vehicle-control mice. Secondary endpoints were dose-dependent reduction of insoluble tau aggregates, reduction of phosphorylated tau, and reduction of soluble tau. This study was performed in JNPL3 mice, which are representative of inherited forms of 4-repeat tauopathies with the P301L tau mutation (e.g., progressive supranuclear palsy and frontotemporal dementia). The P301L mutation makes tau prone to aggregation; therefore, JNPL3 mice present a more challenging target than mouse models of human tau without mutations. JNPL3 mice were treated from 3 to 7 months of age with Vehicle, 30 mg/kg compound dose, or 40 mg/kg compound dose. Biochemical methods were used to evaluate self-associated tau, insoluble tau aggregates, total tau, and phosphorylated tau in the hindbrain, cortex, and hippocampus. The Vehicle group had higher levels of insoluble tau in the hindbrain than the Baseline group; treatment with 40 mg/kg compound dose prevented this increase. In the cortex, the levels of insoluble tau were similar in the Baseline and Vehicle groups, indicating that the pathological phenotype of these mice was beginning to emerge at the study endpoint and that there was a delay in the development of the phenotype of the model as originally characterized. No drug-related adverse effects were observed during the 4-month treatment period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliot J. Davidowitz
- Oligomerix, Inc., White Plains, NY, United States of America
- Oligomerix, Inc., Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Heidy Jimenez
- The Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Leslie Adrien
- The Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Peter Davies
- The Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - James G. Moe
- Oligomerix, Inc., White Plains, NY, United States of America
- Oligomerix, Inc., Bronx, NY, United States of America
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27
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Ondrejcak T, Klyubin I, Hu NW, O'Malley TT, Corbett GT, Winters R, Perkinton MS, Billinton A, Prenderville JA, Walsh DM, Rowan MJ. Tau and Amyloid β Protein in Patient-Derived Aqueous Brain Extracts Act Concomitantly to Disrupt Long-Term Potentiation in Vivo. J Neurosci 2023; 43:5870-5879. [PMID: 37491315 PMCID: PMC10423043 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0082-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid β protein (Aβ) and tau, the two main proteins implicated in causing Alzheimer's disease (AD), are posited to trigger synaptic dysfunction long before significant synaptic loss occurs in vulnerable circuits. Whereas soluble Aβ aggregates from AD brain are well recognized potent synaptotoxins, less is known about the synaptotoxicity of soluble tau from AD or other tauopathy patient brains. Minimally manipulated patient-derived aqueous brain extracts contain the more diffusible native forms of these proteins. Here, we explore how intracerebral injection of Aβ and tau present in such aqueous extracts of patient brain contribute to disruption of synaptic plasticity in the CA1 area of the male rat hippocampus. Aqueous extracts of certain AD brains acutely inhibited long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission in a manner that required both Aβ and tau. Tau-containing aqueous extracts of a brain from a patient with Pick's disease (PiD) also impaired LTP, and diffusible tau from either AD or PiD brain lowered the threshold for AD brain Aβ to inhibit LTP. Remarkably, the disruption of LTP persisted for at least 2 weeks after a single injection. These findings support a critical role for diffusible tau in causing rapid onset, persistent synaptic plasticity deficits, and promoting Aβ-mediated synaptic dysfunction.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The microtubule-associated protein tau forms relatively insoluble fibrillar deposits in the brains of people with neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Pick's diseases. More soluble aggregates of disease-associated tau may diffuse between cells and could cause damage to synapses in vulnerable circuits. We prepared aqueous extracts of diseased cerebral cortex and tested their ability to interfere with synaptic function in the brains of live rats. Tau in these extracts rapidly and persistently disrupted synaptic plasticity and facilitated impairments caused by amyloid β protein, the other major pathologic protein in Alzheimer's disease. These findings show that certain diffusible forms of tau can mediate synaptic dysfunction and may be a target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Ondrejcak
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Igor Klyubin
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Neng-Wei Hu
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Tiernan T O'Malley
- Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Research, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Hale Building for Transformative Medicine, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Grant T Corbett
- Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Research, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Hale Building for Transformative Medicine, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Róisín Winters
- Transpharmation Ireland, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Michael S Perkinton
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca UK, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Billinton
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca UK, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, United Kingdom
| | - Jack A Prenderville
- Transpharmation Ireland, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Dominic M Walsh
- Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Research, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Hale Building for Transformative Medicine, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Michael J Rowan
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
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28
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Puliatti G, Li Puma DD, Aceto G, Lazzarino G, Acquarone E, Mangione R, D'Adamio L, Ripoli C, Arancio O, Piacentini R, Grassi C. Intracellular accumulation of tau oligomers in astrocytes and their synaptotoxic action rely on Amyloid Precursor Protein Intracellular Domain-dependent expression of Glypican-4. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 227:102482. [PMID: 37321444 PMCID: PMC10472746 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Several studies including ours reported the detrimental effects of extracellular tau oligomers (ex-oTau) on glutamatergic synaptic transmission and plasticity. Astrocytes greatly internalize ex-oTau whose intracellular accumulation alters neuro/gliotransmitter handling thereby negatively affecting synaptic function. Both amyloid precursor protein (APP) and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are required for oTau internalization in astrocytes but the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not been clearly identified yet. Here we found that a specific antibody anti-glypican 4 (GPC4), a receptor belonging to the HSPG family, significantly reduced oTau uploading from astrocytes and prevented oTau-induced alterations of Ca2+-dependent gliotransmitter release. As such, anti-GPC4 spared neurons co-cultured with astrocytes from the astrocyte-mediated synaptotoxic action of ex-oTau, thus preserving synaptic vesicular release, synaptic protein expression and hippocampal LTP at CA3-CA1 synapses. Of note, the expression of GPC4 depended on APP and, in particular, on its C-terminal domain, AICD, that we found to bind Gpc4 promoter. Accordingly, GPC4 expression was significantly reduced in mice in which either APP was knocked-out or it contained the non-phosphorylatable amino acid alanine replacing threonine 688, thus becoming unable to produce AICD. Collectively, our data indicate that GPC4 expression is APP/AICD-dependent, it mediates oTau accumulation in astrocytes and the resulting synaptotoxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Puliatti
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenica Donatella Li Puma
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Aceto
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Lazzarino
- UniCamillus - Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, Rome 00131, Italy
| | - Erica Acquarone
- Taub Institute, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, and Department of Medicine, Columbia University, 630W 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Renata Mangione
- Department of Basic biotechnological sciences, intensivological and perioperative clinics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano D'Adamio
- Institute of Brain Health, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Cristian Ripoli
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, Rome, Italy
| | - Ottavio Arancio
- Taub Institute, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, and Department of Medicine, Columbia University, 630W 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Roberto Piacentini
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, Rome, Italy.
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, Rome, Italy
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29
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Colom-Cadena M, Davies C, Sirisi S, Lee JE, Simzer EM, Tzioras M, Querol-Vilaseca M, Sánchez-Aced É, Chang YY, Holt K, McGeachan RI, Rose J, Tulloch J, Wilkins L, Smith C, Andrian T, Belbin O, Pujals S, Horrocks MH, Lleó A, Spires-Jones TL. Synaptic oligomeric tau in Alzheimer's disease - A potential culprit in the spread of tau pathology through the brain. Neuron 2023; 111:2170-2183.e6. [PMID: 37192625 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease, fibrillar tau pathology accumulates and spreads through the brain and synapses are lost. Evidence from mouse models indicates that tau spreads trans-synaptically from pre- to postsynapses and that oligomeric tau is synaptotoxic, but data on synaptic tau in human brain are scarce. Here we used sub-diffraction-limit microscopy to study synaptic tau accumulation in postmortem temporal and occipital cortices of human Alzheimer's and control donors. Oligomeric tau is present in pre- and postsynaptic terminals, even in areas without abundant fibrillar tau deposition. Furthermore, there is a higher proportion of oligomeric tau compared with phosphorylated or misfolded tau found at synaptic terminals. These data suggest that accumulation of oligomeric tau in synapses is an early event in pathogenesis and that tau pathology may progress through the brain via trans-synaptic spread in human disease. Thus, specifically reducing oligomeric tau at synapses may be a promising therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martí Colom-Cadena
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Caitlin Davies
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sònia Sirisi
- Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau - Hospital de Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ji-Eun Lee
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; IRR Chemistry Hub, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4 UU Edinburgh, UK
| | - Elizabeth M Simzer
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Makis Tzioras
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marta Querol-Vilaseca
- Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau - Hospital de Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Érika Sánchez-Aced
- Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau - Hospital de Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ya Yin Chang
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kristjan Holt
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Robert I McGeachan
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jamie Rose
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jane Tulloch
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lewis Wilkins
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Colin Smith
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and Sudden Death Brain Bank, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Teodora Andrian
- Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine Lab, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olivia Belbin
- Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau - Hospital de Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sílvia Pujals
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mathew H Horrocks
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; IRR Chemistry Hub, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, EH16 4 UU Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alberto Lleó
- Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Sant Pau - Hospital de Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Tara L Spires-Jones
- The University of Edinburgh Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK.
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30
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Pampuscenko K, Morkuniene R, Krasauskas L, Smirnovas V, Brown GC, Borutaite V. Extracellular tau stimulates phagocytosis of living neurons by activated microglia via Toll-like 4 receptor-NLRP3 inflammasome-caspase-1 signalling axis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10813. [PMID: 37402829 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37887-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In tauopathies, abnormal deposition of intracellular tau protein followed by gradual elevation of tau in cerebrospinal fluids and neuronal loss has been documented, however, the mechanism how actually neurons die under tau pathology is largely unknown. We have previously shown that extracellular tau protein (2N4R isoform) can stimulate microglia to phagocytose live neurons, i.e. cause neuronal death by primary phagocytosis, also known as phagoptosis. Here we show that tau protein induced caspase-1 activation in microglial cells via 'Toll-like' 4 (TLR4) receptors and neutral sphingomyelinase. Tau-induced neuronal loss was blocked by caspase-1 inhibitors (Ac-YVAD-CHO and VX-765) as well as by TLR4 antibodies. Inhibition of caspase-1 by Ac-YVAD-CHO prevented tau-induced exposure of phosphatidylserine on the outer leaflet of neuronal membranes and reduced microglial phagocytic activity. We also show that suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome, which is down-stream of TLR4 receptors and mediates caspase-1 activation, by a specific inhibitor (MCC550) also prevented tau-induced neuronal loss. Moreover, NADPH oxidase is also involved in tau-induced neurotoxicity since neuronal loss was abolished by its pharmacological inhibitor. Overall, our data indicate that extracellular tau protein stimulates microglia to phagocytose live neurons via Toll-like 4 receptor-NLRP3 inflammasome-caspase-1 axis and NADPH oxidase, each of which may serve as a potential molecular target for pharmacological treatment of tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katryna Pampuscenko
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50161, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Ramune Morkuniene
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50161, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Lukas Krasauskas
- Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, 10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vytautas Smirnovas
- Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, 10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Guy C Brown
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Vilmante Borutaite
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50161, Kaunas, Lithuania
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31
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Inyang D, Saumtally T, Nnadi CN, Devi S, So PW. A Systematic Review of the Effects of Capsaicin on Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10176. [PMID: 37373321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by cognitive impairment, and amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tau tangles at neuropathology. Capsaicin is a spicy-tasting compound found in chili peppers, with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and possible neuroprotective properties. Capsaicin intake has been associated with greater cognitive function in humans, and attenuating aberrant tau hyperphosphorylation in a rat model of AD. This systematic review discusses the potential of capsaicin in improving AD pathology and symptoms. A systematic analysis was conducted on the effect of capsaicin on AD-associated molecular changes, cognitive and behaviour resulting in 11 studies employing rodents and/or cell cultures, which were appraised with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Ten studies showed capsaicin attenuated tau deposition, apoptosis, and synaptic dysfunction; was only weakly effective on oxidative stress; and had conflicting effects on amyloid processing. Eight studies demonstrated improved spatial and working memory, learning, and emotional behaviours in rodents following capsaicin treatment. Overall, capsaicin showed promise in improving AD-associated molecular, cognitive, and behavioural changes in cellular and animal models, and further investigations are recommended to test the readily available bioactive, capsaicin, to treat AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Inyang
- Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Tasneem Saumtally
- Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Chinelo Nonyerem Nnadi
- Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Sharmila Devi
- Basic and Clinical Neuroscience Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Po-Wah So
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK
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32
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Kauwe G, Pareja-Navarro KA, Yao L, Chen JH, Wong I, Saloner R, Cifuentes H, Nana AL, Shah S, Li Y, Le D, Spina S, Grinberg LT, Seeley WW, Kramer JH, Sacktor TC, Schilling B, Gan L, Casaletto KB, Tracy TE. KIBRA repairs synaptic plasticity and promotes resilience to tauopathy-related memory loss. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.12.543777. [PMID: 37398236 PMCID: PMC10312627 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.12.543777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity is obstructed by pathogenic tau in the brain, representing a key mechanism that underlies memory loss in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Here, we define a mechanism for plasticity repair in vulnerable neurons using the C-terminus of the KIdney/BRAin (KIBRA) protein (CT-KIBRA). We show that CT-KIBRA restores plasticity and memory in transgenic mice expressing pathogenic human tau; however, CT-KIBRA did not alter tau levels or prevent tau-induced synapse loss. Instead, we find that CT-KIBRA binds to and stabilizes protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ) to maintain synaptic plasticity and memory despite tau-mediated pathogenesis. In humans we find that reduced KIBRA in brain and increased KIBRA in cerebrospinal fluid are associated with cognitive impairment and pathological tau levels in disease. Thus, our results distinguish KIBRA both as a novel biomarker of synapse dysfunction in AD and as the foundation for a synapse repair mechanism to reverse cognitive impairment in tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Kauwe
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA USA
| | | | - Lei Yao
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA USA
| | | | - Ivy Wong
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA USA
| | - Rowan Saloner
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco USA
| | | | - Alissa L. Nana
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco USA
| | - Samah Shah
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA USA
| | - Yaqiao Li
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - David Le
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Salvatore Spina
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco USA
| | - Lea T. Grinberg
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco USA
| | - William W. Seeley
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco USA
| | - Joel H. Kramer
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco USA
| | - Todd C. Sacktor
- The Robert F. Furchgott Center of Neural and Behavioral Science, Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Anesthesiology, and Neurology, State University of New York Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY USA
| | | | - Li Gan
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer Disease Research Institute, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Kaitlin B. Casaletto
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco USA
| | - Tara E. Tracy
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA USA
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33
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Brown J, Camporesi E, Lantero-Rodriguez J, Olsson M, Wang A, Medem B, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Karikari TK, Wall M, Hill E. Tau in cerebrospinal fluid induces neuronal hyperexcitability and alters hippocampal theta oscillations. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:67. [PMID: 37095572 PMCID: PMC10127378 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01562-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies are characterized by the aggregation of tau into soluble and insoluble forms (including tangles and neuropil threads). In humans, a fraction of both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated N-terminal to mid-domain tau species, are secreted into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Some of these CSF tau species can be measured as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, starting from early stages of disease. While in animal models of AD pathology, soluble tau aggregates have been shown to disrupt neuronal function, it is unclear whether the tau species present in CSF will modulate neural activity. Here, we have developed and applied a novel approach to examine the electrophysiological effects of CSF from patients with a tau-positive biomarker profile. The method involves incubation of acutely-isolated wild-type mouse hippocampal brain slices with small volumes of diluted human CSF, followed by a suite of electrophysiological recording methods to evaluate their effects on neuronal function, from single cells through to the network level. Comparison of the toxicity profiles of the same CSF samples, with and without immuno-depletion for tau, has enabled a pioneering demonstration that CSF-tau potently modulates neuronal function. We demonstrate that CSF-tau mediates an increase in neuronal excitability in single cells. We then observed, at the network level, increased input-output responses and enhanced paired-pulse facilitation as well as an increase in long-term potentiation. Finally, we show that CSF-tau modifies the generation and maintenance of hippocampal theta oscillations, which have important roles in learning and memory and are known to be altered in AD patients. Together, we describe a novel method for screening human CSF-tau to understand functional effects on neuron and network activity, which could have far-reaching benefits in understanding tau pathology, thus allowing for the development of better targeted treatments for tauopathies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Brown
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Elena Camporesi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, 43180, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Juan Lantero-Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, 43180, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Maria Olsson
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, 43180, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 43180, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Alice Wang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Blanca Medem
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, 43180, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 43180, Mölndal, Sweden
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, 43180, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 43180, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Thomas K Karikari
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, 43180, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 43180, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Mark Wall
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Emily Hill
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
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Meftah S, Gan J. Alzheimer’s disease as a synaptopathy: Evidence for dysfunction of synapses during disease progression. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2023; 15:1129036. [PMID: 36970154 PMCID: PMC10033629 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2023.1129036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The synapse has consistently been considered a vulnerable and critical target within Alzheimer’s disease, and synapse loss is, to date, one of the main biological correlates of cognitive decline within Alzheimer’s disease. This occurs prior to neuronal loss with ample evidence that synaptic dysfunction precedes this, in support of the idea that synaptic failure is a crucial stage within disease pathogenesis. The two main pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal aggregates of amyloid or tau proteins, have had demonstrable effects on synaptic physiology in animal and cellular models of Alzheimer’s disease. There is also growing evidence that these two proteins may have a synergistic effect on neurophysiological dysfunction. Here, we review some of the main findings of synaptic alterations in Alzheimer’s disease, and what we know from Alzheimer’s disease animal and cellular models. First, we briefly summarize some of the human evidence to suggest that synapses are altered, including how this relates to network activity. Subsequently, animal and cellular models of Alzheimer’s disease are considered, highlighting mouse models of amyloid and tau pathology and the role these proteins may play in synaptic dysfunction, either in isolation or examining how the two pathologies may interact in dysfunction. This specifically focuses on neurophysiological function and dysfunction observed within these animal models, typically measured using electrophysiology or calcium imaging. Following synaptic dysfunction and loss, it would be impossible to imagine that this would not alter oscillatory activity within the brain. Therefore, this review also discusses how this may underpin some of the aberrant oscillatory patterns seen in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and human patients. Finally, an overview of some key directions and considerations in the field of synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease is covered. This includes current therapeutics that are targeted specifically at synaptic dysfunction, but also methods that modulate activity to rescue aberrant oscillatory patterns. Other important future avenues of note in this field include the role of non-neuronal cell types such as astrocytes and microglia, and mechanisms of dysfunction independent of amyloid and tau in Alzheimer’s disease. The synapse will certainly continue to be an important target within Alzheimer’s disease for the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Meftah
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jian Gan
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Jian Gan,
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35
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Gray ALH, Norman V, Oluwatoba DS, Prosser RA, Do TD. Potential Protective Function of Aβ 42 Monomer on Tauopathies. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2023; 34:472-483. [PMID: 36693165 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.2c00343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
While soluble forms of amyloid-β (Aβ) and Tau work together to drive healthy neurons into a disease state, how their interaction may control the prion-like propagation and neurotoxicity of Tau is not fully understood. The cross-linking via disulfide bond formation is crucial for Tau oligomers to obtain stable conformers and spread between cells. This work thus focuses on how Aβ42 regulates this critical process. By studying the interactions between Aβ42 and TauPHF43, a construct that mimics the Tau R3 isoform, has a similar length to Aβ42, and contains one cysteine (Cys-322), we discovered that fresh Aβ42 could protect Tau against the formation of disulfide cross-linked dimers. We showed that the monomeric and small Aβ oligomers (the "nonamyloidogenic Aβ") efficiently disassembled tau dimers and heparin-induced Tau oligomers to recover Tau monomers. Interestingly, Aβ serves the role of an antioxidant to prevent disulfide bond formation, as supported by the experiments of Aβ with cystine. Furthermore, using cyclosporine A (CycA), a macrocyclic β-sheet disruptor, we demonstrated that targeting amyloidogenic Aβ with CycA does not affect the TauPHF43 disassembly driven by Aβ42. Separately, we assessed the initial toxicity of Aβ42 and TauPHF43 in acute brain slices and found that Aβ42 is more toxic than TauPHF43 or the two peptides combined. Our work highlights a potential protective role of Aβ42 monomers in AD that was previously overlooked while focusing on the mechanism behind Aβ42 aggregation leading to tau dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber L H Gray
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Victoria Norman
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Damilola S Oluwatoba
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Rebecca A Prosser
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Thanh D Do
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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36
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Phospholipase D1 Attenuation Therapeutics Promotes Resilience against Synaptotoxicity in 12-Month-Old 3xTg-AD Mouse Model of Progressive Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043372. [PMID: 36834781 PMCID: PMC9967100 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043372] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Abrogating synaptotoxicity in age-related neurodegenerative disorders is an extremely promising area of research with significant neurotherapeutic implications in tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our studies using human clinical samples and mouse models demonstrated that aberrantly elevated phospholipase D1 (PLD1) is associated with amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau-driven synaptic dysfunction and underlying memory deficits. While knocking out the lipolytic PLD1 gene is not detrimental to survival across species, elevated expression is implicated in cancer, cardiovascular conditions and neuropathologies, leading to the successful development of well-tolerated mammalian PLD isoform-specific small molecule inhibitors. Here, we address the importance of PLD1 attenuation, achieved using repeated 1 mg/kg of VU0155069 (VU01) intraperitoneally every alternate day for a month in 3xTg-AD mice beginning only from ~11 months of age (with greater influence of tau-driven insults) compared to age-matched vehicle (0.9% saline)-injected siblings. A multimodal approach involving behavior, electrophysiology and biochemistry corroborate the impact of this pre-clinical therapeutic intervention. VU01 proved efficacious in preventing in later stage AD-like cognitive decline affecting perirhinal cortex-, hippocampal- and amygdala-dependent behaviors. Glutamate-dependent HFS-LTP and LFS-LTD improved. Dendritic spine morphology showed the preservation of mushroom and filamentous spine characteristics. Differential PLD1 immunofluorescence and co-localization with Aβ were noted.
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Hill E, Moffat KG, Wall MJ, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Karikari TK. A Validated Method to Prepare Stable Tau Oligomers. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2551:203-224. [PMID: 36310205 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2597-2_14] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There is growing evidence that tau oligomers are a major pathological species in a number of tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease. However, it is still unclear what exact mechanisms underlie tau oligomer-mediated dysfunction. Studies of tau oligomers in vitro are limited by the high propensity for aggregation and consequent changes in the aggregation state of the produced tau samples over time. In this protocol, we provide a step-by-step description of a validated method for producing stable and structurally characterized oligomers of tau that can be used in biochemical, cellular, and animal model studies to evaluate mechanisms of action of tau in tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hill
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Kevin G Moffat
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Mark J Wall
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Thomas K Karikari
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Tzioras M, McGeachan RI, Durrant CS, Spires-Jones TL. Synaptic degeneration in Alzheimer disease. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:19-38. [PMID: 36513730 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00749-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive decline in older individuals accompanied by the presence of two pathological protein aggregates - amyloid-β and phosphorylated tau - in the brain. The disease results in brain atrophy caused by neuronal loss and synapse degeneration. Synaptic loss strongly correlates with cognitive decline in both humans and animal models of AD. Indeed, evidence suggests that soluble forms of amyloid-β and tau can cause synaptotoxicity and spread through neural circuits. These pathological changes are accompanied by an altered phenotype in the glial cells of the brain - one hypothesis is that glia excessively ingest synapses and modulate the trans-synaptic spread of pathology. To date, effective therapies for the treatment or prevention of AD are lacking, but understanding how synaptic degeneration occurs will be essential for the development of new interventions. Here, we highlight the mechanisms through which synapses degenerate in the AD brain, and discuss key questions that still need to be answered. We also cover the ways in which our understanding of the mechanisms of synaptic degeneration is leading to new therapeutic approaches for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makis Tzioras
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Robert I McGeachan
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,The Hospital for Small Animals, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Claire S Durrant
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tara L Spires-Jones
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. .,UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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Emerging Roles of Extracellular Vesicles in Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on Synaptic Dysfunction and Vesicle-Neuron Interaction. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010063. [PMID: 36611856 PMCID: PMC9818402 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered by many to be a synaptic failure. Synaptic function is in fact deeply affected in the very early disease phases and recognized as the main cause of AD-related cognitive impairment. While the reciprocal involvement of amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau peptides in these processes is under intense investigation, the crucial role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by different brain cells as vehicles for these molecules and as mediators of early synaptic alterations is gaining more and more ground in the field. In this review, we will summarize the current literature on the contribution of EVs derived from distinct brain cells to neuronal alterations and build a working model for EV-mediated propagation of synaptic dysfunction in early AD. A deeper understanding of EV-neuron interaction will provide useful targets for the development of novel therapeutic approaches aimed at hampering AD progression.
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40
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Natale F, Fusco S, Grassi C. Dual role of brain-derived extracellular vesicles in dementia-related neurodegenerative disorders: cargo of disease spreading signals and diagnostic-therapeutic molecules. Transl Neurodegener 2022; 11:50. [PMID: 36437458 PMCID: PMC9701396 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-022-00326-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are one of the most common causes of disability and represent 6.3% of the global burden of disease. Among them, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases cause cognitive decline, representing the most disabling symptom on both personal and social levels. The molecular mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of dementia are still poorly understood, and include secretory factors potentially affecting differentiated neurons, glial cells and neural stem cell niche. In the last decade, much attention has been devoted to exosomes as novel carriers of information exchanged among both neighbouring and distant cells. These vesicles can be generated and internalized by different brain cells including neurons, neural stem cells, astrocytes, and microglia, thereby affecting neural plasticity and cognitive functions in physiological and pathological conditions. Here, we review data on the roles of exosomes as carriers of bioactive molecules potentially involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders and detectable in biological fluids as biomarkers of dementia. We also discuss the experimental evidence of the therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived vesicles in experimental models of neurodegeneration-dependent cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Natale
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy ,grid.414603.4Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Fusco
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy ,grid.414603.4Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy ,grid.414603.4Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Hu Z, Ondrejcak T, Yu P, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Klyubin I, Kennelly SP, Rowan MJ, Hu NW. Do tau-synaptic long-term depression interactions in the hippocampus play a pivotal role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease? Neural Regen Res 2022; 18:1213-1219. [PMID: 36453396 PMCID: PMC9838152 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.360166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease correlates with the extent of tau pathology, in particular tau hyperphosphorylation that initially appears in the transentorhinal and related regions of the brain including the hippocampus. Recent evidence indicates that tau hyperphosphorylation caused by either amyloid-β or long-term depression, a form of synaptic weakening involved in learning and memory, share similar mechanisms. Studies from our group and others demonstrate that long-term depression-inducing low-frequency stimulation triggers tau phosphorylation at different residues in the hippocampus under different experimental conditions including aging. Conversely, certain forms of long-term depression at hippocampal glutamatergic synapses require endogenous tau, in particular, phosphorylation at residue Ser396. Elucidating the exact mechanisms of interaction between tau and long-term depression may help our understanding of the physiological and pathological functions of tau/tau (hyper)phosphorylation. We first summarize experimental evidence regarding tau-long-term depression interactions, followed by a discussion of possible mechanisms by which this interplay may influence the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Finally, we conclude with some thoughts and perspectives on future research about these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengtao Hu
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China,Department of Gerontology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Tomas Ondrejcak
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Pengpeng Yu
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yin Yang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China,Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Igor Klyubin
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sean P. Kennelly
- Department of Age-Related Healthcare, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland,Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael J. Rowan
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Neng-Wei Hu
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China,Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland,Correspondence to: Neng-Wei Hu, .
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42
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Chockanathan U, Padmanabhan K. From synapses to circuits and back: Bridging levels of understanding in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:5564-5586. [PMID: 35244297 PMCID: PMC10926359 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by behavioural changes that include memory loss and cognitive decline and is associated with the appearance of amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles throughout the brain. Although aspects of the disease percolate across multiple levels of neuronal organization, from the cellular to the behavioural, it is increasingly clear that circuits are a critical junction between the cellular pathology and the behavioural phenotypes that bookend these levels of analyses. In this review, we discuss critical aspects of neural circuit research, beginning with synapses and progressing to network activity and how they influence our understanding of disease processed in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udaysankar Chockanathan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Krishnan Padmanabhan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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43
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Polanco JC, Götz J. Exosomal and vesicle-free tau seeds-propagation and convergence in endolysosomal permeabilization. FEBS J 2022; 289:6891-6907. [PMID: 34092031 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD), β-amyloid peptides aggregate to form amyloid plaques, and the microtubule-associated protein tau forms neurofibrillary tangles. However, severity and duration of AD correlate with the stereotypical emergence of tau tangles throughout the brain, suggestive of a gradual region-to-region spreading of pathological tau. The current notion in the field is that misfolded tau seeds propagate transsynaptically and corrupt the proper folding of soluble tau in recipient neurons. This is supported by accumulating evidence showing that in AD, functional connectivity and not proximity predicts the spreading of tau pathology. Tau seeds can be found in two flavors, vesicle-free, that is, naked as in oligomers and fibrils, or encapsulated by membranes of secreted vesicles known as exosomes. Both types of seeds have been shown to propagate between interconnected neurons. Here, we describe potential ways of how their propagation can be controlled in several subcellular compartments by manipulating mechanisms affecting production, neuron-to-neuron transmission, internalization, endosomal escape, and autophagy. We emphasize that although vesicle-free tau seeds and exosomes differ, they share the ability to trigger endolysosomal permeabilization. Such a mechanistic convergence in endolysosomal permeabilization presents itself as a unique opportunity to target both types of tau seeding. We discuss the cellular response to endolysosomal damage that might be key to control permeabilization, and the significant overlap in the seeding mechanism of proteopathic agents other than tau, which suggests that targeting the endolysosomal pathway could pave the way toward developing broad-spectrum treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Polanco
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jürgen Götz
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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44
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Sehar U, Rawat P, Reddy AP, Kopel J, Reddy PH. Amyloid Beta in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12924. [PMID: 36361714 PMCID: PMC9655207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects behavior, thinking, learning, and memory in elderly individuals. AD occurs in two forms, early onset familial and late-onset sporadic; genetic mutations in PS1, PS2, and APP genes cause early onset familial AD, and a combination of lifestyle, environment and genetic factors causes the late-onset sporadic form of the disease. However, accelerated disease progression is noticed in patients with familial AD. Disease-causing pathological changes are synaptic damage, and mitochondrial structural and functional changes, in addition to increased production and accumulation of phosphorylated tau (p-tau), and amyloid beta (Aβ) in the affected brain regions in AD patients. Aβ is a peptide derived from amyloid precursor protein (APP) by proteolytic cleavage of beta and gamma secretases. APP is a glycoprotein that plays a significant role in maintaining neuronal homeostasis like signaling, neuronal development, and intracellular transport. Aβ is reported to have both protective and toxic effects in neurons. The purpose of our article is to summarize recent developments of Aβ and its association with synapses, mitochondria, microglia, astrocytes, and its interaction with p-tau. Our article also covers the therapeutic strategies that reduce Aβ toxicities in disease progression and discusses the reasons for the failures of Aβ therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujala Sehar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Priyanka Rawat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Arubala P. Reddy
- Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Jonathan Kopel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - P. Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Nutritional Sciences Department, College of Human Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
- Neurology, Departments of School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Public Health Department of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, School Health Professions, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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45
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Natale C, Barzago MM, Colnaghi L, De Luigi A, Orsini F, Fioriti L, Diomede L. A Combined Cell-Worm Approach to Search for Compounds Counteracting the Toxicity of Tau Oligomers In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11277. [PMID: 36232578 PMCID: PMC9569484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A clear relationship between the tau assemblies and toxicity has still to be established. To correlate the tau conformation with its proteotoxic effect in vivo, we developed an innovative cell-worm-based approach. HEK293 cells expressing tau P301L under a tetracycline-inducible system (HEK T-Rex) were employed to produce different tau assemblies whose proteotoxic potential was evaluated using C. elegans. Lysates from cells induced for five days significantly reduced the worm's locomotor activity. This toxic effect was not related to the total amount of tau produced by cells or to its phosphorylation state but was related to the formation of multimeric tau assemblies, particularly tetrameric ones. We investigated the applicability of this approach for testing compounds acting against oligomeric tau toxicity, using doxycycline (Doxy) as a prototype drug. Doxy affected tau solubility and promoted the disassembly of already formed toxic aggregates in lysates of cells induced for five days. These effects translated into a dose-dependent protective action in C. elegans. These findings confirm the validity of the combined HEK T-Rex cells and the C. elegans-based approach as a platform for pharmacological screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmina Natale
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Monica Barzago
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Colnaghi
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Ada De Luigi
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Franca Orsini
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute and Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Luana Fioriti
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute and Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Diomede
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
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46
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Zhang H, Jiang X, Ma L, Wei W, Li Z, Chang S, Wen J, Sun J, Li H. Role of Aβ in Alzheimer’s-related synaptic dysfunction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:964075. [PMID: 36092715 PMCID: PMC9459380 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.964075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic dysfunction is closely related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) which is also recognized as synaptic disorder. β-amyloid (Aβ) is one of the main pathogenic factors in AD, which disrupts synaptic plasticity and mediates the synaptic toxicity through different mechanisms. Aβ disrupts glutamate receptors, such as NMDA and AMPA receptors, which mediates calcium dyshomeostasis and damages synapse plasticity characterized by long-term potentiation (LTP) suppression and long-term depression (LTD) enhancement. As Aβ stimulates and Ca2+ influx, microglial cells and astrocyte can be activated and release cytokines, which reduces glutamate uptake and further impair synapse function. Besides, extracellular glutamate accumulation induced by Aβ mediates synapse toxicity resulting from reduced glutamate receptors and glutamate spillovers. Aβ also mediates synaptic dysfunction by acting on various signaling pathways and molecular targets, disrupting mitochondria and energy metabolism. In addition, Aβ overdeposition aggravates the toxic damage of hyperphosphorylated tau to synapses. Synaptic dysfunction plays a critical role in cognitive impairment of AD. The review addresses the possible mechanisms by which Aβ mediates AD-related synaptic impairment from distant perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqin Zhang
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefan Jiang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Ma
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zehui Li
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Surui Chang
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayu Wen
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahui Sun
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Li
- Institute of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hao Li,
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47
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Forloni G, La Vitola P, Balducci C. Oligomeropathies, inflammation and prion protein binding. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:822420. [PMID: 36081661 PMCID: PMC9445368 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.822420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The central role of oligomers, small soluble aggregates of misfolded proteins, in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders is recognized in numerous experimental conditions and is compatible with clinical evidence. To underline this concept, some years ago we coined the term oligomeropathies to define the common mechanism of action of protein misfolding diseases like Alzheimer, Parkinson or prion diseases. Using simple experimental conditions, with direct application of synthetic β amyloid or α-synuclein oligomers intraventricularly at micromolar concentrations, we could detect differences and similarities in the biological consequences. The two oligomer species affected cognitive behavior, neuronal dysfunction and cerebral inflammatory reactions with distinct mechanisms. In these experimental conditions the proposed mediatory role of cellular prion protein in oligomer activities was not confirmed. Together with oligomers, inflammation at different levels can be important early in neurodegenerative disorders; both β amyloid and α-synuclein oligomers induce inflammation and its control strongly affects neuronal dysfunction. This review summarizes our studies with β-amyloid or α-synuclein oligomers, also considering the potential curative role of doxycycline, a well-known antibiotic with anti-amyloidogenic and anti-inflammatory activities. These actions are analyzed in terms of the therapeutic prospects.
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48
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Du F, Yu Q, Kanaan NM, Yan SS. Mitochondrial oxidative stress contributes to the pathological aggregation and accumulation of tau oligomers in Alzheimer's disease. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:2498-2507. [PMID: 35165721 PMCID: PMC9396941 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau oligomers (oTau) are thought to precede neurofibrillary tangle formation and likely represent one of the toxic species in disease. This study addresses whether mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to tau oligomer accumulation. First, we determined whether elevated oxidative stress correlates with aggregation of tau oligomers in the brain and platelets of human Alzheimer's disease (AD) patient, tauopathy mice, primary cortical neurons from tau mice and human trans-mitochondrial 'cybrid' (cytoplasmic hybrid) neuronal cells, whose mitochondria are derived from platelets of patients with sporadic AD- or mild cognitive impairment (MCI)-derived mitochondria. Increased formation of tau oligomers correlates with elevated ROS levels in the hippocampi of AD patients and tauopathy mice, AD- and MCI-derived mitochondria and AD and MCI cybrid cells. Furthermore, scavenging ROS by application of mito-TEMPO/2-(2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl-4-ylamino)-2-oxoethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, not only inhibits the generation of mitochondrial ROS and rescues mitochondrial respiratory function but also robustly suppresses tau oligomer accumulation in MCI and AD cybrids as well as cortical neurons from tau mice. These studies provide substantial evidence that mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress contributes to tau oligomer formation and accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Du
- Department of Surgery, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Qing Yu
- Department of Surgery, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Nicholas M Kanaan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, MI 49503
| | - Shirley ShiDu Yan
- Department of Surgery, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Anti-Inflammatory Activity of 4-(4-(Heptyloxy)phenyl)-2,4-dihydro-3 H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one via Repression of MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathways in β-Amyloid-Induced Alzheimer's Disease Models. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27155035. [PMID: 35956985 PMCID: PMC9370156 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27155035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major neurodegenerative disease, but so far, it can only be treated symptomatically rather than changing the process of the disease. Recently, triazoles and their derivatives have been shown to have potential for the treatment of AD. In this study, the neuroprotective effects of 4-(4-(heptyloxy)phenyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one (W112) against β-amyloid (Aβ)-induced AD pathology and its possible mechanism were explored both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that W112 exhibits a neuroprotective role against Aβ-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells and improves the learning and memory abilities of Aβ-induced AD-like rats. In addition, the assays of the protein expression revealed that W112 reversed tau hyperphosphorylation and reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, both in vitro and in vivo studies. Further study indicated that the regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-κB pathways played a key role in mediating the neuroprotective effects of W112 against AD-like pathology. W112 may become a potential drug for AD intervention.
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Transcranial Electromagnetic Treatment Stops Alzheimer’s Disease Cognitive Decline over a 2½-Year Period: A Pilot Study. MEDICINES 2022; 9:medicines9080042. [PMID: 36005647 PMCID: PMC9416517 DOI: 10.3390/medicines9080042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: There is currently no therapeutic that can stop or reverse the progressive memory impairment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, we recently published that 2 months of daily, in-home transcranial electromagnetic treatment (TEMT) reversed the cognitive impairment in eight mild/moderate AD subjects. These cognitive enhancements were accompanied by predicted changes in AD markers within both the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Methods: In view of these encouraging findings, the initial clinical study was extended twice to encompass a period of 2½ years. The present study reports on the resulting long-term safety, cognitive assessments, and AD marker evaluations from the five subjects who received long-term treatment. Results: TEMT administration was completely safe over the 2½-year period, with no deleterious side effects. In six cognitive/functional tasks (including the ADAS-cog13, Rey AVLT, MMSE, and ADL), no decline in any measure occurred over this 2½-year period. Long-term TEMT induced reductions in the CSF levels of C-reactive protein, p-tau217, Aβ1-40, and Aβ1-42 while modulating CSF oligomeric Aβ levels. In the plasma, long-term TEMT modulated/rebalanced levels of both p-tau217 and total tau. Conclusions: Although only a limited number of AD patients were involved in this study, the results suggest that TEMT can stop the cognitive decline of AD over a period of at least 2½ years and can do so with no safety issues.
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