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Teruya K, Oguma A, Iwabuchi S, Nishizawa K, Doh-Ura K. Combination of Styrylbenzoazole Compound and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Enhances Therapeutic Effect in Prion-Infected Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:4705-4711. [PMID: 38114760 PMCID: PMC11236910 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03852-4] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal transmissible neurodegenerative disorders. Tremendous efforts have been made for prion diseases; however, no effective treatment is available. Several anti-prion compounds have a preference for which prion strains or prion-infected animal models to target. Styrylbenzoazole compound called cpd-B is effective in RML prion-infected mice but less so in 263K prion-infected mice, whereas hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is effective in 263K prion-infected mice but less so in RML prion-infected mice. In the present study, we developed a combination therapy of cpd-B and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose expecting synergistic effects in both RML prion-infected mice and 263K prion-infected mice. A single subcutaneous administration of this combination had substantially a synergistic effect in RML prion-infected mice but had no additive effect in 263K prion-infected mice. These results showed that the effect of cpd-B was enhanced by hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The complementary nature of the two compounds in efficacy against prion strains, chemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and physical properties appears to have contributed to the effective combination therapy. Our results pave the way for the strategy of new anti-prion agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Teruya
- Department of Neurochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Ayumi Oguma
- Department of Neurochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Sara Iwabuchi
- Department of Neurochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Keiko Nishizawa
- Department of Neurochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Katsumi Doh-Ura
- Department of Neurochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
- Faculty of Medical Science & Welfare, Tohoku Bunka Gakuen University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
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Nikolić L, Ferracin C, Legname G. Recent advances in cellular models for discovering prion disease therapeutics. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:985-996. [PMID: 35983689 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2113773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prion diseases are a group of rare and lethal rapidly progressive neurodegenerative diseases arising due to conversion of the physiological cellular prion protein into its pathological counterparts, denoted as "prions". These agents are resistant to inactivation by standard decontamination procedures and can be transmitted between individuals, consequently driving the irreversible brain damage typical of the diseases. AREAS COVERED Since its infancy, prion research has mainly depended on animal models for untangling the pathogenesis of the disease as well as for the drug development studies. With the advent of prion-infected cell lines, relevant animal models have been complemented by a variety of cell-based models presenting a much faster, ethically acceptable alternative. EXPERT OPINION To date, there are still either no effective prophylactic regimens or therapies for human prion diseases. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more relevant cellular models that best approximate in vivo models. Each cellular model presented and discussed in detail in this review has its own benefits and limitations. Once embarking in a drug screening campaign for the identification of molecules that could interfere with prion conversion and replication, one should carefully consider the ideal cellular model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Nikolić
- PhD Student in Functional and Structural Genomics, Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy,
| | - Chiara Ferracin
- PhD Student in Functional and Structural Genomics, Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- D.Phil., Full Professor of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Prion Biology, Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
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3
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Dong TTT, Akagi A, Nonaka T, Nakagaki T, Mihara B, Takao M, Iwasaki Y, Nishida N, Satoh K. Formalin RT-QuIC assay detects prion-seeding activity in formalin-fixed brain samples from sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease patients. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 159:105504. [PMID: 34509607 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropathology of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) is usually investigated using formalin-fixed and formic acid-treated brain tissue. However, formalin and formic acid treatment can interfere with immunostaining of abnormal prion protein. Therefore, there is a need for biochemical methods other than immunostaining to investigate abnormal prion protein in postmortem tissue. We developed RT-QuIC to quantitate the seeding activity (SD50) of sCJD brain tissue treated with formalin and formic acid. METHODS We used endpoint RT-QuIC assays to analyze SD50 in formalin-fixed brain tissue from 19 sCJD patients (14 MM1 cases, 3 MM2-thalamic form [MM2T] cases and 2 MM2-cortical form [MM2C] cases) diagnosed according to Parchi's classification. We assessed SD50 in brains after incubation in formalin solution for over 1 month, and after treating formalin-fixed brain tissue with formic acid. We also examined how the SD50 values from formalin-fixed brain samples compared with neuropathological and immunohistochemical findings. RESULTS The SD50 values of formalin-fixed brain samples from 14 MM1 cases, 2 MM2C cases, and 2 MM2T cases were 107.77±0.57/g tissue, 107.44±0.24/g tissue and 106.00±0.77/g tissue, respectively. The average SD50 value in MM1 unfixed brains decreased by 102.04 after formalin fixation for 1 month. In MM1 cases, after combined formalin and formic acid treatment, the SD50 value was reduced by approximately 105.16 compared with that of unfixed tissue. The SD50 values of formalin-fixed tissue showed a consistent pattern with the neuropathological findings in most brain regions examined. CONCLUSION RT-QuIC enables the study of formalin-fixed brain tissue from sCJD patients that has not previously been amenable to analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi-Thu-Trang Dong
- Department of Health Sciences, Unit of Medical and Dental Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan
| | - Akio Akagi
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Nonaka
- Department of Health Sciences, Unit of Medical and Dental Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Takehiro Nakagaki
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Ban Mihara
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Brain and Blood Vessels, Mihara Memorial Hospital, Isesaki 372-0006, Japan.
| | - Masaki Takao
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Brain and Blood Vessels, Mihara Memorial Hospital, Isesaki 372-0006, Japan; Department of Neurology International Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama 350-1298, Japan; Department of Clinical Laboratory National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), National Center Hospital, 4-1-1 Ogawa-higashi-cho, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan
| | - Yasushi Iwasaki
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, Aichi 480-1195, Japan.
| | - Noriyuki Nishida
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Katsuya Satoh
- Department of Health Sciences, Unit of Medical and Dental Sciences, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan.
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4
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Zhan W, Muhuri M, Tai PWL, Gao G. Vectored Immunotherapeutics for Infectious Diseases: Can rAAVs Be The Game Changers for Fighting Transmissible Pathogens? Front Immunol 2021; 12:673699. [PMID: 34046041 PMCID: PMC8144494 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.673699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional vaccinations and immunotherapies have encountered major roadblocks in preventing infectious diseases like HIV, influenza, and malaria. These challenges are due to the high genomic variation and immunomodulatory mechanisms inherent to these diseases. Passive transfer of broadly neutralizing antibodies may offer partial protection, but these treatments require repeated dosing. Some recombinant viral vectors, such as those based on lentiviruses and adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), can confer long-term transgene expression in the host after a single dose. Particularly, recombinant (r)AAVs have emerged as favorable vectors, given their high in vivo transduction efficiency, proven clinical efficacy, and low immunogenicity profiles. Hence, rAAVs are being explored to deliver recombinant antibodies to confer immunity against infections or to diminish the severity of disease. When used as a vaccination vector for the delivery of antigens, rAAVs enable de novo synthesis of foreign proteins with the conformation and topology that resemble those of natural pathogens. However, technical hurdles like pre-existing immunity to the rAAV capsid and production of anti-drug antibodies can reduce the efficacy of rAAV-vectored immunotherapies. This review summarizes rAAV-based prophylactic and therapeutic strategies developed against infectious diseases that are currently being tested in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Technical challenges and potential solutions will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhan
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- VIDE Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Manish Muhuri
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- VIDE Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Phillip W. L. Tai
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- VIDE Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Guangping Gao
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- VIDE Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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5
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Abdulrahman BA, Tahir W, Doh-Ura K, Gilch S, Schatzl HM. Combining autophagy stimulators and cellulose ethers for therapy against prion disease. Prion 2020; 13:185-196. [PMID: 31578923 PMCID: PMC6779372 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2019.1670928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal transmissible neurodegenerative disorders that affect animals and humans. Prions are proteinaceous infectious particles consisting of a misfolded isoform of the cellular prion protein PrPC, termed PrPSc. PrPSc accumulates in infected neurons due to partial resistance to proteolytic digestion. Using compounds that interfere with the production of PrPSc or enhance its degradation cure prion infection in vitro, but most drugs failed when used to treat prion-infected rodents. In order to synergize the effect of anti-prion drugs, we combined drugs interfering with the generation of PrPSc with compounds inducing PrPSc degradation. Here, we tested autophagy stimulators (rapamycin or AR12) and cellulose ether compounds (TC-5RW or 60SH-50) either as single or combination treatment of mice infected with RML prions. Single drug treatments significantly extended the survival compared to the untreated group. As anticipated, also all the combination therapy groups showed extended survival compared to the untreated group, but no combination treatment showed superior effects to 60SH-50 or TC-5RW treatment alone. Unexpectedly, we later found that combining autophagy stimulator and cellulose ether treatment in cultured neuronal cells mitigated the pro-autophagic activity of AR12 and rapamycin, which can in part explain the in vivo results. Overall, we show that it is critical to exclude antagonizing drug effects when attempting combination therapy. In addition, we identified AR-12 as a pro-autophagic drug that significantly extends survival of prion-infected mice, has no adverse side effects on the animals used in this study, and can be useful in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basant A Abdulrahman
- Department of Comparative Biology & Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada.,Calgary Prion Research Unit, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University , Cairo , Egypt
| | - Waqas Tahir
- Department of Comparative Biology & Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada.,Calgary Prion Research Unit, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada
| | - Katsumi Doh-Ura
- Department of Neurochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine , Sendai , Japan
| | - Sabine Gilch
- Department of Comparative Biology & Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada.,Calgary Prion Research Unit, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada
| | - Hermann M Schatzl
- Department of Comparative Biology & Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada.,Calgary Prion Research Unit, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary , Calgary , Alberta , Canada
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6
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Ellett LJ, Revill ZT, Koo YQ, Lawson VA. Strain variation in treatment and prevention of human prion diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 175:121-145. [PMID: 32958230 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.08.006] [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: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies or prion diseases describe a number of different human disorders that differ in their clinical phenotypes, which are nonetheless united by their transmissible nature and common pathology. Clinical variation in the absence of a conventional infectious agent is believed to be encoded by different conformations of the misfolded prion protein. This misfolded protein is the target of methods designed to prevent disease transmission in a surgical setting and reduction of the misfolded seed or preventing its continued propagation have been the focus of therapeutic strategies. It is therefore possible that strain variation may influence the efficacy of prevention and treatment approaches. Historically, an understanding of prion disease transmission and pathogenesis has been focused on research tools developed using agriculturally relevant strains of prion disease. However, an increased understanding of the molecular biology of human prion disorders has highlighted differences not only between different forms of the disease affecting humans and animals but also within diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), which is represented by several sporadic CJD specific conformations and an additional conformation associated with variant CJD. In this chapter we will discuss whether prion strain variation can affect the efficacy of methods used to decontaminate prions and whether strain variation in pre-clinical models of prion disease can be used to identify therapeutic strategies that have the best possible chance of success in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Ellett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Zoe T Revill
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Yong Qian Koo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Victoria A Lawson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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7
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Ho DM, Artavanis-Tsakonas S, Louvi A. The Notch pathway in CNS homeostasis and neurodegeneration. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 9:e358. [PMID: 31502763 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The role of the Notch signaling pathway in neural development has been well established over many years. More recent studies, however, have demonstrated that Notch continues to be expressed and active throughout adulthood in many areas of the central nervous system. Notch signals have been implicated in adult neurogenesis, memory formation, and synaptic plasticity in the adult organism, as well as linked to acute brain trauma and chronic neurodegenerative conditions. NOTCH3 mutations are responsible for the most common form of hereditary stroke, the progressive disorder cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy. Notch has also been associated with several progressive neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Although numerous studies link Notch activity with CNS homeostasis and neurodegenerative diseases, the data thus far are primarily correlative, rather than functional. Nevertheless, the evidence for Notch pathway activity in specific neural cellular contexts is strong, and certainly intriguing, and points to the possibility that the pathway carries therapeutic promise. This article is categorized under: Nervous System Development > Flies Signaling Pathways > Cell Fate Signaling Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: General Principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana M Ho
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Angeliki Louvi
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience and Program on Neurogenetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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8
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Abstract
Recent advances in understanding of the molecular biology of prion diseases and improved clinical diagnostic techniques might allow researchers to think about therapeutic trials in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) patients. Some attempts have been made in the past and various compounds have been tested in single case reports and patient series. Controlled trials are rare. However, in the past few years, it has been demonstrated that clinical trials are feasible. The clinicians might face several specific problems when evaluating the efficacy of the drug in CJD, such as rareness of the disease, lack of appropriate preclinical tests and heterogeneous clinical presentation in humans. These problems have to be carefully addressed in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Zafar
- Clinical Dementia Center and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Georg-August University, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Department, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Aneeqa Noor
- Clinical Dementia Center and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Georg-August University, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Inga Zerr
- Clinical Dementia Center and German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Georg-August University, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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9
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Hirsch TZ, Martin-Lannerée S, Reine F, Hernandez-Rapp J, Herzog L, Dron M, Privat N, Passet B, Halliez S, Villa-Diaz A, Lacroux C, Klein V, Haïk S, Andréoletti O, Torres JM, Vilotte JL, Béringue V, Mouillet-Richard S. Epigenetic Control of the Notch and Eph Signaling Pathways by the Prion Protein: Implications for Prion Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:2159-2173. [PMID: 29998397 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1193-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Among the ever-growing number of self-replicating proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases, the prion protein PrP remains the most infamous for its central role in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). In these diseases, pathogenic prions propagate through a seeding mechanism, where normal PrPC molecules are converted into abnormally folded scrapie isoforms termed PrPSc. Since its discovery over 30 years ago, much advance has contributed to define the host-encoded cellular prion protein PrPC as a critical relay of prion-induced neuronal cell demise. A current consensual view is that the conversion of PrPC into PrPSc in neuronal cells diverts the former from its normal function with subsequent molecular alterations affecting synaptic plasticity. Here, we report that prion infection is associated with reduced expression of key effectors of the Notch pathway in vitro and in vivo, recapitulating changes fostered by the absence of PrPC. We further show that both prion infection and PrPC depletion promote drastic alterations in the expression of a defined set of Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands, which represent important players in synaptic function. Our data indicate that defects in the Notch and Eph axes can be mitigated in response to histone deacetylase inhibition in PrPC-depleted as well as prion-infected cells. We thus conclude that infectious prions cause a loss-of-function phenotype with respect to Notch and Eph signaling and that these alterations are sustained by epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théo Z Hirsch
- INSERM UMR 1124, 75006, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 1124, 75006, Paris, France
- INSERM U1162, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Séverine Martin-Lannerée
- INSERM UMR 1124, 75006, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 1124, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Fabienne Reine
- INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, UR 892 Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Julia Hernandez-Rapp
- INSERM UMR 1124, 75006, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 1124, 75006, Paris, France
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, G1V4G2, Québec, Canada
| | - Laetitia Herzog
- INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, UR 892 Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Michel Dron
- INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, UR 892 Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Nicolas Privat
- INSERM UMR 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, 75013, Paris, France
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Passet
- INRA UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sophie Halliez
- INRA, Université Paris-Saclay, UR 892 Virologie Immunologie Moléculaires, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- INSERM, UMR-S1172, Lille University, 59045, Lille, France
| | - Ana Villa-Diaz
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal-INIA, 28130, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Victor Klein
- INSERM UMR 1124, 75006, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 1124, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Haïk
- INSERM UMR 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, 75013, Paris, France
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, F-75013, Paris, France
| | | | - Juan-Maria Torres
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal-INIA, 28130, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jean-Luc Vilotte
- INRA UMR1313, Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Sophie Mouillet-Richard
- INSERM UMR 1124, 75006, Paris, France.
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 1124, 75006, Paris, France.
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10
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DeArmond SJ. Autobiography Series: From Sleep-Wake Mechanisms to Prion Diseases. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2017; 76:631-642. [PMID: 28863454 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlx045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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11
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Giles K, Olson SH, Prusiner SB. Developing Therapeutics for PrP Prion Diseases. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2017; 7:cshperspect.a023747. [PMID: 28096242 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a023747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The prototypical PrP prion diseases are invariably fatal, and the search for agents to treat them spans more than 30 years, with limited success. However, in the last few years, the application of high-throughput screening, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacokinetic optimization has led to important advances. The PrP prion inoculation paradigm provides a robust assay for testing therapeutic efficacy, and a dozen compounds have been reported that lead to meaningful extension in survival of prion-infected mice. Here, we review the history and recent progress in the field, focusing on studies validated in animal models. Based on screens in cells infected with mouse-passaged PrP prions, orally available compounds were generated that double or even triple the survival of mice infected with the same prion strain. Unfortunately, no compounds have yet shown efficacy against human prions. Nevertheless, the speed of the recent advances brings hope that an effective therapeutic can be developed. A successful treatment for any neurodegenerative disease would be a major achievement, and the growing understanding that the more common neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, progress by an analogous prion mechanism serves to highlight the importance of antiprion therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Giles
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143.,Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Steven H Olson
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143.,Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Stanley B Prusiner
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143.,Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
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12
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Wang Y, Yu S, Huang D, Cui M, Hu H, Zhang L, Wang W, Parameswaran N, Jackson M, Osborne B, Bedogni B, Li C, Sy MS, Xin W, Zhou L. Cellular Prion Protein Mediates Pancreatic Cancer Cell Survival and Invasion through Association with and Enhanced Signaling of Notch1. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016. [PMID: 27639164 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.07.010]available] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Up-regulation of human prion protein (PrP) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with a poor prognosis. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of PrP-mediated tumorigenesis is not completely understood. In this study, we found that PDAC cell lines can be divided into either PrP high expresser or PrP low expresser. In addition to filamin A (FLNA), PrP interacts with Notch1, forming a PrP/FLNA/Notch1 complex. Silencing PrP in high-expresser cells decreases Notch1 expression and Notch1 signaling. These cells exhibited decreased proliferation, xenograft growth, and tumor invasion but show increased tumor apoptosis. These phenotypes were rescued by ectopically expressed and activated Notch1. By contrast, overexpression of PrP in low expressers increases Notch1 expression and signaling, enhances proliferation, and increases tumor invasion and xenograft growth that can be blocked by a Notch inhibitor. Our data further suggest that PrP increases Notch1 stability likely through suppression of Notch proteosome degradation. Additionally, we found that targeting PrP combined with anti-Notch is much more effective than singularly targeted therapy in retarding PDAC growth. Finally, we show that coexpression of PrP and Notch1 confers an even poorer prognosis than PrP expression alone. Taken together, our results have unraveled a novel molecular pathway driven by interactions between PrP and Notch1 in the progression of PDAC, supporting a critical tumor-promoting role of Notch1 in PrP-expressing PDAC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Shuiliang Yu
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Dan Huang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Min Cui
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Huankai Hu
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Lihua Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weihuan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Mark Jackson
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Barbara Osborne
- Molecular & Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Barbara Bedogni
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Chaoyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Department of Molecular Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Man-Sun Sy
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Wei Xin
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Lan Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
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13
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Wang Y, Yu S, Huang D, Cui M, Hu H, Zhang L, Wang W, Parameswaran N, Jackson M, Osborne B, Bedogni B, Li C, Sy MS, Xin W, Zhou L. Cellular Prion Protein Mediates Pancreatic Cancer Cell Survival and Invasion through Association with and Enhanced Signaling of Notch1. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 186:2945-2956. [PMID: 27639164 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Up-regulation of human prion protein (PrP) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with a poor prognosis. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of PrP-mediated tumorigenesis is not completely understood. In this study, we found that PDAC cell lines can be divided into either PrP high expresser or PrP low expresser. In addition to filamin A (FLNA), PrP interacts with Notch1, forming a PrP/FLNA/Notch1 complex. Silencing PrP in high-expresser cells decreases Notch1 expression and Notch1 signaling. These cells exhibited decreased proliferation, xenograft growth, and tumor invasion but show increased tumor apoptosis. These phenotypes were rescued by ectopically expressed and activated Notch1. By contrast, overexpression of PrP in low expressers increases Notch1 expression and signaling, enhances proliferation, and increases tumor invasion and xenograft growth that can be blocked by a Notch inhibitor. Our data further suggest that PrP increases Notch1 stability likely through suppression of Notch proteosome degradation. Additionally, we found that targeting PrP combined with anti-Notch is much more effective than singularly targeted therapy in retarding PDAC growth. Finally, we show that coexpression of PrP and Notch1 confers an even poorer prognosis than PrP expression alone. Taken together, our results have unraveled a novel molecular pathway driven by interactions between PrP and Notch1 in the progression of PDAC, supporting a critical tumor-promoting role of Notch1 in PrP-expressing PDAC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Shuiliang Yu
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Dan Huang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Min Cui
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Huankai Hu
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Lihua Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weihuan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Mark Jackson
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Barbara Osborne
- Molecular & Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Barbara Bedogni
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Chaoyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Department of Molecular Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Man-Sun Sy
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Wei Xin
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Lan Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
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14
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Ahn M, Kalume F, Pitstick R, Oehler A, Carlson G, DeArmond SJ. Brain Aggregates: An Effective In Vitro Cell Culture System Modeling Neurodegenerative Diseases. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2016; 75:256-62. [PMID: 26851378 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlv025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases is particularly challenging because of the discrepancies in drug effects between in vitro and in vivo studies. These discrepancies occur in part because current cell culture systems used for drug screening have many limitations. First, few cell culture systems accurately model human aging or neurodegenerative diseases. Second, drug efficacy may differ between dividing and stationary cells, the latter resembling nondividing neurons in the CNS. Brain aggregates (BrnAggs) derived from embryonic day 15 gestation mouse embryos may represent neuropathogenic processes in prion disease and reflect in vivo drug efficacy. Here, we report a new method for the production of BrnAggs suitable for drug screening and suggest that BrnAggs can model additional neurological diseases such as tauopathies. We also report a functional assay with BrnAggs by measuring electrophysiological activities. Our data suggest that BrnAggs could serve as an effective in vitro cell culture system for drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misol Ahn
- From the Department of Pathology (MA, AO, SJD) and Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MA, SJD), University of California San Francisco, California; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (FK); and McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana (RP, GC).
| | - Franck Kalume
- From the Department of Pathology (MA, AO, SJD) and Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MA, SJD), University of California San Francisco, California; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (FK); and McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana (RP, GC)
| | - Rose Pitstick
- From the Department of Pathology (MA, AO, SJD) and Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MA, SJD), University of California San Francisco, California; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (FK); and McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana (RP, GC)
| | - Abby Oehler
- From the Department of Pathology (MA, AO, SJD) and Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MA, SJD), University of California San Francisco, California; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (FK); and McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana (RP, GC)
| | - George Carlson
- From the Department of Pathology (MA, AO, SJD) and Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MA, SJD), University of California San Francisco, California; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (FK); and McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana (RP, GC)
| | - Stephen J DeArmond
- From the Department of Pathology (MA, AO, SJD) and Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MA, SJD), University of California San Francisco, California; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (FK); and McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana (RP, GC)
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15
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Soto C, Satani N. The intricate mechanisms of neurodegeneration in prion diseases. Trends Mol Med 2015; 17:14-24. [PMID: 20889378 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2010.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 08/27/2010] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases are a group of infectious neurodegenerative diseases with an entirely novel mechanism of transmission, involving a protein-only infectious agent that propagates the disease by transmitting protein conformational changes. The disease results from extensive and progressive brain degeneration. The molecular mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration are not entirely known but involve multiple processes operating simultaneously and synergistically in the brain, including spongiform degeneration, synaptic alterations, brain inflammation, neuronal death and the accumulation of protein aggregates. Here, we review the pathways implicated in prion-induced brain damage and put the pieces together into a possible model of neurodegeneration in prion disorders. A more comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of brain degeneration is essential to develop a much needed therapy for these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Soto
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's disease and related Brain disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Houston Medical School, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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16
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Caverzasi E, Mandelli ML, DeArmond SJ, Hess CP, Vitali P, Papinutto N, Oehler A, Miller BL, Lobach IV, Bastianello S, Geschwind MD, Henry RG. White matter involvement in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 137:3339-54. [PMID: 25367029 PMCID: PMC4240303 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awu298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is considered primarily a disease of grey matter, although the extent of white matter involvement has not been well described. We used diffusion tensor imaging to study the white matter in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease compared to healthy control subjects and to correlated magnetic resonance imaging findings with histopathology. Twenty-six patients with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and nine age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects underwent volumetric T1-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging. Six patients had post-mortem brain analysis available for assessment of neuropathological findings associated with prion disease. Parcellation of the subcortical white matter was performed on 3D T1-weighted volumes using Freesurfer. Diffusion tensor imaging maps were calculated and transformed to the 3D-T1 space; the average value for each diffusion metric was calculated in the total white matter and in regional volumes of interest. Tract-based spatial statistics analysis was also performed to investigate the deeper white matter tracts. There was a significant reduction of mean (P = 0.002), axial (P = 0.0003) and radial (P = 0.0134) diffusivities in the total white matter in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Mean diffusivity was significantly lower in most white matter volumes of interest (P < 0.05, corrected for multiple comparisons), with a generally symmetric pattern of involvement in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Mean diffusivity reduction reflected concomitant decrease of both axial and radial diffusivity, without appreciable changes in white matter anisotropy. Tract-based spatial statistics analysis showed significant reductions of mean diffusivity within the white matter of patients with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, mainly in the left hemisphere, with a strong trend (P = 0.06) towards reduced mean diffusivity in most of the white matter bilaterally. In contrast, by visual assessment there was no white matter abnormality either on T2-weighted or diffusion-weighted images. Widespread reduction in white matter mean diffusivity, however, was apparent visibly on the quantitative attenuation coefficient maps compared to healthy control subjects. Neuropathological analysis showed diffuse astrocytic gliosis and activated microglia in the white matter, rare prion deposition and subtle subcortical microvacuolization, and patchy foci of demyelination with no evident white matter axonal degeneration. Decreased mean diffusivity on attenuation coefficient maps might be associated with astrocytic gliosis. We show for the first time significant global reduced mean diffusivity within the white matter in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, suggesting possible primary involvement of the white matter, rather than changes secondary to neuronal degeneration/loss. Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) is considered primarily a disease of grey matter. However, Caverzasi et al. now show a global decrease in mean diffusivity in white matter. The changes appear to be associated with reactive astrocytic gliosis and activated microglia, and suggest primary involvement of the white matter in sCJD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Caverzasi
- 1 Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA 2 Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Maria Luisa Mandelli
- 2 Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Stephen J DeArmond
- 3 Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA 4 Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Christopher P Hess
- 5 Neuroradiology Division, Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Paolo Vitali
- 6 Brain MRI 3T Mondino Research Center, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Nico Papinutto
- 1 Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Abby Oehler
- 3 Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA 4 Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Bruce L Miller
- 2 Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Irina V Lobach
- 1 Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Stefano Bastianello
- 7 Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Michael D Geschwind
- 2 Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Roland G Henry
- 1 Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA 8 Bioengineering Graduate Group, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA 9 Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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17
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Ahn M, Bajsarowicz K, Oehler A, Lemus A, Bankiewicz K, DeArmond SJ. Convection-enhanced delivery of AAV2-PrPshRNA in prion-infected mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98496. [PMID: 24866748 PMCID: PMC4035323 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion disease is caused by a single pathogenic protein (PrPSc), an abnormal conformer of the normal cellular prion protein PrPC. Depletion of PrPC in prion knockout mice makes them resistant to prion disease. Thus, gene silencing of the Prnp gene is a promising effective therapeutic approach. Here, we examined adeno-associated virus vector type 2 encoding a short hairpin RNA targeting Prnp mRNA (AAV2-PrP-shRNA) to suppress PrPC expression both in vitro and in vivo. AAV2-PrP-shRNA treatment suppressed PrP levels and prevented dendritic degeneration in RML-infected brain aggregate cultures. Infusion of AAV2-PrP-shRNA-eGFP into the thalamus of CD-1 mice showed that eGFP was transported to the cerebral cortex via anterograde transport and the overall PrPC levels were reduced by ∼70% within 4 weeks. For therapeutic purposes, we treated RML-infected CD-1 mice with AAV2-PrP-shRNA beginning at 50 days post inoculation. Although AAV2-PrP-shRNA focally suppressed PrPSc formation in the thalamic infusion site by ∼75%, it did not suppress PrPSc formation efficiently in other regions of the brain. Survival of mice was not extended compared to the untreated controls. Global suppression of PrPC in the brain is required for successful therapy of prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misol Ahn
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Krystyna Bajsarowicz
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Abby Oehler
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Azucena Lemus
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Krystof Bankiewicz
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Stephen J. DeArmond
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Quinacrine promotes replication and conformational mutation of chronic wasting disease prions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:6028-33. [PMID: 24711410 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1322377111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Quinacrine's ability to reduce levels of pathogenic prion protein (PrP(Sc)) in mouse cells infected with experimentally adapted prions led to several unsuccessful clinical studies in patients with prion diseases, a 10-y investment to understand its mechanism of action, and the production of related compounds with expectations of greater efficacy. We show here, in stark contrast to this reported inhibitory effect, that quinacrine enhances deer and elk PrP(Sc) accumulation and promotes propagation of prions causing chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal, transmissible, neurodegenerative disorder of cervids of uncertain zoonotic potential. Surprisingly, despite increased prion titers in quinacrine-treated cells, transmission of the resulting prions produced prolonged incubation times and altered PrP(Sc) deposition patterns in the brains of diseased transgenic mice. This unexpected outcome is consistent with quinacrine affecting the intrinsic properties of the CWD prion. Accordingly, quinacrine-treated CWD prions were comprised of an altered PrP(Sc) conformation. Our findings provide convincing evidence for drug-induced conformational mutation of prions without the prerequisite of generating drug-resistant variants of the original strain. More specifically, they show that a drug capable of restraining prions in one species/strain setting, and consequently used to treat human prion diseases, improves replicative ability in another and therefore force reconsideration of current strategies to screen antiprion compounds.
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19
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Brazier MW, Wall VA, Brazier BW, Masters CL, Collins SJ. Therapeutic interventions ameliorating prion disease. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 7:83-105. [DOI: 10.1586/14787210.7.1.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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20
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The DNA virus white spot syndrome virus uses an internal ribosome entry site for translation of the highly expressed nonstructural protein ICP35. J Virol 2013; 87:13263-78. [PMID: 24089551 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01732-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Although shrimp white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a large double-stranded DNA virus (∼300 kbp), it expresses many polycistronic mRNAs that are likely to use internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements for translation. A polycistronic mRNA encodes the gene of the highly expressed nonstructural protein ICP35, and here we use a dual-luciferase assay to demonstrate that this protein is translated cap independently by an IRES element located in the 5' untranslated region of icp35. A deletion analysis of this region showed that IRES activity was due to stem-loops VII and VIII. A promoterless assay, a reverse transcription-PCR together with quantitative real-time PCR analysis, and a stable stem-loop insertion upstream of the Renilla luciferase open reading frame were used, respectively, to rule out the possibility that cryptic promoter activity, abnormal splicing, or read-through was contributing to the IRES activity. In addition, a Northern blot analysis was used to confirm that only a single bicistronic mRNA was expressed. The importance of ICP35 to viral replication was demonstrated in a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) interference knockdown experiment in which the mortality of the icp35 dsRNA group was significantly reduced. Tunicamycin was used to show that the α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 is required for icp35 IRES activity. We also found that the intercalating drug quinacrine significantly inhibited icp35 IRES activity in vitro and reduced the mortality rate and viral copy number in WSSV-challenged shrimp. Lastly, in Sf9 insect cells, we found that knockdown of the gene for the Spodoptera frugiperda 40S ribosomal protein RPS10 decreased icp35 IRES-regulated firefly luciferase activity but had no effect on cap-dependent translation.
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Panegyres PK, Armari E. Therapies for human prion diseases. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE 2013; 2:176-186. [PMID: 24093082 PMCID: PMC3783831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The pathological foundation of human prion diseases is a result of the conversion of the physiological form of prion protein (PrP(c)) to the pathological protease resistance form PrP(res). Most patients with prion disease have unknown reasons for this conversion and the subsequent development of a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. The conversion of PrP(c) to PrP(res), with resultant propagation and accumulation results in neuronal death and amyloidogenesis. However, with increasing understanding of neurodegenerative processes it appears that protein-misfolding and subsequent propagation of these rouge proteins, is a generic phenomenon shared with diseases caused by tau, α-synucleins and β-amyloid proteins. Consequently, effective anti-prion agents may have wider implications. A number of therapeutic approaches include polyanionic, polycyclic drugs such as pentosan polysulfate (PPS), which prevent the conversion of PrP(c) to PrP(res) and might also sequester and down-regulate PrP(res). Polyanionic compounds might also help to clear PrP(res). Treatments aimed at the laminin receptor, which is an important accessory molecule in the conversion of PrP(c) to PrP(res) - neuroprotection, immunotherapy, siRNA and antisense approaches have provided some experimental promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter K Panegyres
- Neurodegenerative Disorders Research Pty Ltd 185 York St, Subiaco WA, Australia
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22
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Poli G, Corda E, Martino PA, Dall'ara P, Bareggi SR, Bondiolotti G, Iulini B, Mazza M, Casalone C, Hwang SH, Hammock BD, Inceoglu B. Therapeutic activity of inhibition of the soluble epoxide hydrolase in a mouse model of scrapie. Life Sci 2013; 92:1145-50. [PMID: 23651659 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Revised: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The misfolding and the aggregation of specific proteins are key features of neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs). In TSEs, neuronal loss and inflammation are associated with the accumulation of the misfolded isoform (PrP(sc)) of the cellular prion protein (PrP(c)). Therefore we tested the hypothesis that augmenting a natural anti-inflammatory pathway mediated by epoxygenated fatty acids (EpFAs) will delay lethality. EpFAs are highly potent but enzymatically labile molecules produced by the actions of a number of cytochrome P450 enzymes. Stabilization of these bioactive lipids by inhibiting their degradation mediated by the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) results in potent anti-inflammatory effects in multiple disease models. MAIN METHODS Mice were infected with the mouse-adapted RML strain of scrapie by intracerebral or intraperitoneal routes. Animals received the sEH inhibitor, by oral route, administrated in drinking water or vehicle (PEG400). Infected mice were euthanized at a standard clinical end point. Histopathological, immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses of brain tissue confirmed the presence of pathology related to prion infection. KEY FINDINGS Oral administration of the sEHI did not affect the very short survival time of the intracerebral prion infection group. However, mice infected by intraperitoneal route and treated with t-AUCB survived significantly longer than the control group mice (p<0.001). SIGNIFICANCE These findings support the idea that inhibition of sEH or augmentation of the natural EpFA signaling in the brain offers a potential and different route to understand prion diseases and may become a therapeutic strategy for diseases involving neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Poli
- Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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23
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Silvius D, Pitstick R, Ahn M, Meishery D, Oehler A, Barsh GS, DeArmond SJ, Carlson GA, Gunn TM. Levels of the Mahogunin Ring Finger 1 E3 ubiquitin ligase do not influence prion disease. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55575. [PMID: 23383230 PMCID: PMC3559536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are rare but invariably fatal neurodegenerative disorders. They are associated with spongiform encephalopathy, a histopathology characterized by the presence of large, membrane-bound vacuolar structures in the neuropil of the brain. While the primary cause is recognized as conversion of the normal form of prion protein (PrPC) to a conformationally distinct, pathogenic form (PrPSc), the cellular pathways and mechanisms that lead to spongiform change, neuronal dysfunction and death are not known. Mice lacking the Mahogunin Ring Finger 1 (MGRN1) E3 ubiquitin ligase develop spongiform encephalopathy by 9 months of age but do not become ill. In cell culture, PrP aberrantly present in the cytosol was reported to interact with and sequester MGRN1. This caused endo-lysosomal trafficking defects similar to those observed when Mgrn1 expression is knocked down, implicating disrupted MGRN1-dependent trafficking in the pathogenesis of prion disease. As these defects were rescued by over-expression of MGRN1, we investigated whether reduced or elevated Mgrn1 expression influences the onset, progression or pathology of disease in mice inoculated with PrPSc. No differences were observed, indicating that disruption of MGRN1-dependent pathways does not play a significant role in the pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Silvius
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana, United States of America
| | - Rose Pitstick
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana, United States of America
| | - Misol Ahn
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Delisha Meishery
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana, United States of America
| | - Abby Oehler
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Gregory S. Barsh
- Departments of Genetics and Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Stephen J. DeArmond
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - George A. Carlson
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana, United States of America
| | - Teresa M. Gunn
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, Montana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Quinacrine reactivity with prion proteins and prion-derived peptides. Amino Acids 2013; 44:1279-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-013-1460-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/05/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Wang T, Lee MH, Choi E, Pardo-Villamizar CA, Lee SB, Yang IH, Calabresi PA, Nath A. Granzyme B-induced neurotoxicity is mediated via activation of PAR-1 receptor and Kv1.3 channel. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43950. [PMID: 22952817 PMCID: PMC3430617 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence supports a critical role of T cells in neurodegeneration associated with acute and subacute brain inflammatory disorders. Granzyme B (GrB), released by activated T cells, is a cytotoxic proteinase which may induce perforin-independent neurotoxicity. Here, we studied the mechanism of perforin-independent GrB toxicity by treating primary cultured human neuronal cells with recombinant GrB. GrBactivated the protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1 receptor on the neuronal cell surface leading to decreased intracellular cyclic AMP levels. This was followed by increased expression and translocation of the voltage gated potassium channel, Kv1.3 to the neuronal cell membrane. Similar expression of Kv1.3 was also seen in neurons of the cerebral cortex adjacent to active inflammatory lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis. Kv1.3 expression was followed by activation of Notch-1 resulting in neurotoxicity. Blocking PAR-1, Kv1.3 or Notch-1 activation using specific pharmacological inhibitors or siRNAs prevented GrB-induced neurotoxicity. Furthermore, clofazimine protected against GrB-induced neurotoxicity in rat hippocampus, in vivo. These observations indicate that GrB released from T cells induced neurotoxicity by interacting with the membrane bound Gi-coupled PAR-1 receptor and subsequently activated Kv1.3 and Notch-1. These pathways provide novel targets to treat T cell-mediated neuroinflammatory disorders. Kv1.3 is of particular interest since it is expressed on the cell surface, only under pathological circumstances, and early in the cascade of events making it an attractive therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongguang Wang
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Myoung-Hwa Lee
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Elliot Choi
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Sung Bin Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - In Hong Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Singapore Institute for Nanotechnology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peter A. Calabresi
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Avindra Nath
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Poli G, Corda E, Lucchini B, Puricelli M, Martino PA, Dall'ara P, Villetti G, Bareggi SR, Corona C, Vallino Costassa E, Gazzuola P, Iulini B, Mazza M, Acutis P, Mantegazza P, Casalone C, Imbimbo BP. Therapeutic effect of CHF5074, a new γ-secretase modulator, in a mouse model of scrapie. Prion 2012; 6:62-72. [PMID: 22453180 DOI: 10.4161/pri.6.1.18317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs) and Alzheimer disease (AD) both misfolding and aggregation of specific proteins represent key features. Recently, it was observed that PrP (c) is a mediator of a synaptic dysfunction induced by Aβ oligomers. We tested a novel γ secretase modulator (CHF5074) in a murine model of prion disease. Groups of female mice were intracerebrally or intraperitoneally infected with the mouse-adapted Rocky Mountain Laboratory prions. Two weeks prior infection, the animals were provided with a CHF5074-medicated diet (375 ppm) or a standard diet (vehicle) until they showed neurological signs and eventually died. In intracerebrally infected mice, oral administration of CHF5074 did not prolong survival of the animals. In intraperitoneally-infected mice, CHF5074-treated animals showed a median survival time of 21 days longer than vehicle-treated mice (p < 0.001). In these animals, immunohistochemistry analyses showed that deposition of PrP (Sc) in the cerebellum, hippocampus and parietal cortex in CHF5074-treated mice was significantly lower than in vehicle-treated animals. Immunostaining of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in parietal cortex revealed a significantly higher reactive gliosis in CHF5074-treated mice compared to the control group of infected animals. Although the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of CHF5074 in this murine model of human prion disease is unclear, it could be hypothesized that the drug counteracts PrP (Sc ) toxicity through astrocyte-mediated neuroprotection. CHF5074 shows a pharmacological potential in murine models of both AD and TSEs thus suggesting a link between these degenerative pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Poli
- Microbiology and Immunology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Ahn M, Ghaemmaghami S, Huang Y, Phuan PW, May BCH, Giles K, DeArmond SJ, Prusiner SB. Pharmacokinetics of quinacrine efflux from mouse brain via the P-glycoprotein efflux transporter. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39112. [PMID: 22768295 PMCID: PMC3388068 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The lipophilic cationic compound quinacrine has been used as an antimalarial drug for over 75 years but its pharmacokinetic profile is limited. Here, we report on the pharmacokinetic properties of quinacrine in mice. Following an oral dose of 40 mg/kg/day for 30 days, quinacrine concentration in the brain of wild-type mice was maintained at a concentration of ∼1 µM. As a substrate of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux transporter, quinacrine is actively exported from the brain, preventing its accumulation to levels that may show efficacy in some disease models. In the brains of P-gp-deficient Mdr1(0/0) mice, we found quinacrine reached concentrations of ∼80 µM without any signs of acute toxicity. Additionally, we examined the distribution and metabolism of quinacrine in the wild-type and Mdr1(0/0) brains. In wild-type mice, the co-administration of cyclosporin A, a known P-gp inhibitor, resulted in a 6-fold increase in the accumulation of quinacrine in the brain. Our findings argue that the inhibition of the P-gp efflux transporter should improve the poor pharmacokinetic properties of quinacrine in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misol Ahn
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Sina Ghaemmaghami
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Yong Huang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Puay-Wah Phuan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Barnaby C. H. May
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Kurt Giles
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Stephen J. DeArmond
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Stanley B. Prusiner
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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A brain aggregate model gives new insights into the pathobiology and treatment of prion diseases. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2012; 71:449-66. [PMID: 22507918 DOI: 10.1097/nen.0b013e3182544680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain aggregates (BrnAggs) derived from fetal mouse brains contain mature neurons and glial cells. We determined that BrnAggs are consistently infected with Rocky Mountain Laboratory scrapie strain prions and produce increasing levels of the pathogenic form of the prion protein (PrP). Their abundant dendrites undergo degeneration shortly after prion infection. Treatment of prion-infected BrnAggs with drugs, such as a γ-secretase inhibitors and quinacrine (Qa), which stop PrP formation and dendritic degeneration, mirrors the results from rodent studies. Because PrP is trafficked into lysosomes by endocytosis and autophagosomes by phagocytosis in neurons of prion strain-infected BrnAggs, we studied the effects of drugs that modulate subcellular trafficking. Rapamycin (Rap), which activates autophagy, markedly increased light-chain 3-II (LC3-II)-positive autophagosomes and cathepsin D-positive lysosomes in BrnAggs but could not eliminate the intracellular PrP within them. Adding Qa to Rap markedly reduced the number of LC3-II-positive autolysosomes. Rap + Qa created a competition between Rap increasing and Qa decreasing LC3-II. Rapamycin + Qa decreased total PrP by 56% compared with that of Qa alone, which reduced PrP by 37% relative to Rap alone. We conclude that the decrease was dominated by the ability of Qa to decrease the formation of PrP. Therefore, BrnAggs provide an efficient in vitro tool for screening drug therapies and studying the complex biology of prions.
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Zawada Z, Šebestík J, Šafařík M, Bouř P. Dependence of the Reactivity of Acridine on Its Substituents: A Computational and Kinetic Study. European J Org Chem 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.201101017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Ables JL, Breunig JJ, Eisch AJ, Rakic P. Not(ch) just development: Notch signalling in the adult brain. Nat Rev Neurosci 2011; 12:269-83. [PMID: 21505516 DOI: 10.1038/nrn3024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The Notch pathway is often regarded as a developmental pathway, but components of Notch signalling are expressed and active in the adult brain. With the advent of more sophisticated genetic manipulations, evidence has emerged that suggests both conserved and novel roles for Notch signalling in the adult brain. Not surprisingly, Notch is a key regulator of adult neural stem cells, but it is increasingly clear that Notch signalling also has roles in the regulation of migration, morphology, synaptic plasticity and survival of immature and mature neurons. Understanding the many functions of Notch signalling in the adult brain, and its dysfunction in neurodegenerative disease and malignancy, is crucial to the development of new therapeutics that are centred around this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Ables
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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Oz M, Lorke DE, Hasan M, Petroianu GA. Cellular and molecular actions of Methylene Blue in the nervous system. Med Res Rev 2011; 31:93-117. [PMID: 19760660 DOI: 10.1002/med.20177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Methylene Blue (MB), following its introduction to biology in the 19th century by Ehrlich, has found uses in various areas of medicine and biology. At present, MB is the first line of treatment in methemoglobinemias, is used frequently in the treatment of ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy, and is routinely employed as a diagnostic tool in surgical procedures. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that MB has beneficial effects in Alzheimer's disease and memory improvement. Although the modulation of the cGMP pathway is considered the most significant effect of MB, mediating its pharmacological actions, recent studies indicate that it has multiple cellular and molecular targets. In the majority of cases, biological effects and clinical applications of MB are dictated by its unique physicochemical properties including its planar structure, redox chemistry, ionic charges, and light spectrum characteristics. In this review article, these physicochemical features and the actions of MB on multiple cellular and molecular targets are discussed with regard to their relevance to the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Oz
- Integrative Neuroscience Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, DHHS, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA.
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32
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Sambamurti K, Greig NH, Utsuki T, Barnwell EL, Sharma E, Mazell C, Bhat NR, Kindy MS, Lahiri DK, Pappolla MA. Targets for AD treatment: conflicting messages from γ-secretase inhibitors. J Neurochem 2011; 117:359-74. [PMID: 21320126 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07213.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Current evidence suggests that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multi-factorial disease that starts with accumulation of multiple proteins. We have previously proposed that inhibition of γ-secretase may impair membrane recycling causing neurodegeneration starting at synapses (Sambamurti K., Suram A., Venugopal C., Prakasam A., Zhou Y., Lahiri D. K. and Greig N. H. A partial failure of membrane protein turnover may cause Alzheimer's disease: a new hypothesis. Curr. Alzheimer Res., 3, 2006, 81). We also proposed familal AD mutations increase Aβ42 by inhibiting γ-secretase. Herein, we discuss the failure of Eli Lilly's γ-secretase inhibitor, semagacestat, in clinical trials in the light of our hypothesis, which extends the problem beyond toxicity of Aβ aggregates. We elaborate that γ-secretase inhibitors lead to accumulation of amyloid precursor protein C-terminal fragments that can later be processed by γ-secretase to yields bursts of Aβ to facilitate aggregation. Although we do not exclude a role for toxic Aβ aggregates, inhibition of γ-secretase can affect numerous substrates other than amyloid precursor protein to affect multiple pathways and the combined accumulation of multiple peptides in the membrane may impair its function and turnover. Taken together, protein processing and turnover pathways play an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and unless we clearly see consistent disease-related increase in their levels or activity, we need to focus on preserving their function rather than inhibiting them for treatment of AD and similar diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Sambamurti
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA.
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33
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Benvegnù S, Roncaglia P, Agostini F, Casalone C, Corona C, Gustincich S, Legname G. Developmental influence of the cellular prion protein on the gene expression profile in mouse hippocampus. Physiol Genomics 2011; 43:711-25. [PMID: 21406608 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00205.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) to an abnormal and protease-resistant isoform is the key event in prion diseases. Mice lacking PrP(C) are resistant to prion infection, and downregulation of PrP(C) during prion infection prevents neuronal loss and the progression to clinical disease. These results are suggestive of the potential beneficial effect of silencing PrP(C) during prion diseases. However, the silencing of a protein that is widely expressed throughout the central nervous system could be detrimental to brain homeostasis. The physiological role of PrP(C) remains still unclear, but several putative functions (e.g., neuronal development and maintenance) have been proposed. To assess the influence of PrP(C) on gene expression profile in the mouse brain, we undertook a microarray analysis by using RNA isolated from the hippocampus at two different developmental stages: newborn (4.5-day-old) and adult (3-mo-old) mice, both from wild-type and Prnp(0/0) animals. Comparing the different datasets allowed us to identify "commonly" co-regulated genes and "uniquely" deregulated genes during postnatal development. The absence of PrP(C) affected several biological pathways, the most representative being cell signaling, cell-cell communication and transduction processes, calcium homeostasis, nervous system development, synaptic transmission, and cell adhesion. However, there was only a moderate alteration of the gene expression profile in our animal models. PrP(C) deficiency did not lead to a dramatic alteration of gene expression profile and produced moderately altered gene expression levels from young to adult animals. Thus, our results may provide additional support to silencing endogenous PrP(C) levels as therapeutic approach to prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Benvegnù
- Laboratory of Prion Biology, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Trieste
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Abstract
Drug resistance is a refractory barrier in the battle against many fatal diseases caused by rapidly evolving agents, including HIV, apicomplexans and specific cancers. Emerging evidence suggests that drug resistance might extend to lethal prion disorders and related neurodegenerative amyloidoses. Prions are self-replicating protein conformers, usually 'cross-beta' amyloid polymers, which are naturally transmitted between individuals and promote phenotypic change. Prion conformers are catalytic templates that specifically convert other copies of the same protein to the prion form. Once in motion, this chain reaction of conformational replication can deplete all non-prion copies of a protein. Typically, prions exist as ensembles of multiple structurally distinct, self-replicating forms or 'strains'. Each strain confers a distinct phenotype and replicates at different rates depending on the environment. As replicators, prions are units of selection. Thus, natural selection inescapably enriches or depletes various prion strains from populations depending on their conformational fitness (ability to self-replicate) in the prevailing environment. The most successful prions confer advantages to their host as with numerous yeast prions. Here, I review recent evidence that drug-like small molecules can antagonize some prion strains but simultaneously select for drug-resistant prions composed of mammalian PrP or the yeast prion protein, Sup35. For Sup35, the drug-resistant strain configures original intermolecular amyloid contacts that are not ordinarily detected. Importantly, a synergistic small-molecule cocktail counters prion diversity by eliminating multiple Sup35 prion strains. Collectively, these advances illuminate the plasticity of prionogenesis and suggest that synergistic combinatorial therapies might circumvent this pathological vicissitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 805b Stellar-Chance Laboratories, 422 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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35
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Dearmond SJ, Bajsarowicz K. PrPSc accumulation in neuronal plasma membranes links Notch-1 activation to dendritic degeneration in prion diseases. Mol Neurodegener 2010; 5:6. [PMID: 20205843 PMCID: PMC2825502 DOI: 10.1186/1750-1326-5-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2009] [Accepted: 01/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are disorders of protein conformation in which PrPC, the normal cellular conformer, is converted to an abnormal, protease-resistant conformer rPrPSc. Approximately 80% of rPrPSc accumulates in neuronal plasma membranes where it changes their physical properties and profoundly affects membrane functions. In this review we explain how rPrPSc is transported along axons to presynaptic boutons and how we envision the conversion of PrPC to rPrPSc in the postsynaptic membrane. This information is a prerequisite to the second half of this review in which we present evidence that rPrPSc accumulation in synaptic regions links Notch-1 signaling with the dendritic degeneration. The hypothesis that the Notch-1 intracellular domain, NICD, is involved in prion disease was tested by treating prion-infected mice with the γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) LY411575, with quinacrine (Qa), and with the combination of GSI + Qa. Surprisingly, treatment with GSI alone markedly decreased NICD but did not prevent dendritic degeneration. Qa alone produced near normal dendritic trees. The combined GSI + Qa treatment resulted in a richer dendritic tree than in controls. We speculate that treatment with GSI alone inhibited both stimulators and inhibitors of dendritic growth. With the combined GSI + Qa treatment, Qa modulated the effect of GSI perhaps by destabilizing membrane rafts. GSI + Qa decreased PrPSc in the neocortex and the hippocampus by 95%, but only by 50% in the thalamus where disease was begun by intrathalamic inoculation of prions. The results of this study indicate that GSI + Qa work synergistically to prevent dendrite degeneration and to block formation of PrPSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Dearmond
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, 1855 Folsom Street MCB 269, San Francisco, CA 94143-0803, USA.
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36
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Structure–activity relationship of tocopherol derivatives suggesting a novel non-antioxidant mechanism in antiprion potency. Neurosci Lett 2010; 469:122-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.11.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2009] [Revised: 11/06/2009] [Accepted: 11/20/2009] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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37
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Ghaemmaghami S, Ahn M, Lessard P, Giles K, Legname G, DeArmond SJ, Prusiner SB. Continuous quinacrine treatment results in the formation of drug-resistant prions. PLoS Pathog 2009; 5:e1000673. [PMID: 19956709 PMCID: PMC2777304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 10/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Quinacrine is a potent antiprion compound in cell culture models of prion disease but has failed to show efficacy in animal bioassays and human clinical trials. Previous studies demonstrated that quinacrine inefficiently penetrates the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which could contribute to its lack of efficacy in vivo. As quinacrine is known to be a substrate for P-glycoprotein multi-drug resistance (MDR) transporters, we circumvented its poor BBB permeability by utilizing MDR(0/0) mice that are deficient in mdr1a and mdr1b genes. Mice treated with 40 mg/kg/day of quinacrine accumulated up to 100 microM of quinacrine in their brains without acute toxicity. PrP(Sc) levels in the brains of prion-inoculated MDR(0/0) mice diminished upon the initiation of quinacrine treatment. However, this reduction was transient and PrP(Sc) levels recovered despite the continuous administration of quinacrine. Treatment with quinacrine did not prolong the survival times of prion-inoculated, wild-type or MDR(0/0) mice compared to untreated mice. A similar phenomenon was observed in cultured differentiated prion-infected neuroblastoma cells: PrP(Sc) levels initially decreased after quinacrine treatment then rapidly recovered after 3 d of continuous treatment. Biochemical characterization of PrP(Sc) that persisted in the brains of quinacrine-treated mice had a lower conformational stability and different immunoaffinities compared to that found in the brains of untreated controls. These physical properties were not maintained upon passage in MDR(0/0) mice. From these data, we propose that quinacrine eliminates a specific subset of PrP(Sc) conformers, resulting in the survival of drug-resistant prion conformations. Transient accumulation of this drug-resistant prion population provides a possible explanation for the lack of in vivo efficacy of quinacrine and other antiprion drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Ghaemmaghami
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Misol Ahn
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Pierre Lessard
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Kurt Giles
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Giuseppe Legname
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Stephen J. DeArmond
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Stanley B. Prusiner
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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38
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Roberts BE, Duennwald ML, Wang H, Chung C, Lopreiato NP, Sweeny EA, Knight MN, Shorter J. A synergistic small-molecule combination directly eradicates diverse prion strain structures. Nat Chem Biol 2009; 5:936-46. [PMID: 19915541 PMCID: PMC2909773 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2009] [Accepted: 09/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Safely eradicating prions, amyloids and preamyloid oligomers may ameliorate several fatal neurodegenerative disorders. Yet, whether small-molecule drugs can directly antagonize the entire spectrum of distinct amyloid structures or ‘strains’ that underlie distinct disease states is unclear. Here, we investigated this issue using the yeast prion protein Sup35. We have established how epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) blocks synthetic Sup35 prionogenesis, eliminates preformed Sup35 prions, and disrupts inter- and intra-molecular prion contacts. Unexpectedly, these direct activities were strain selective, altered the repertoire of accessible infectious forms and facilitated emergence of a new prion strain that configured original, EGCG-resistant intermolecular contacts. In vivo, EGCG cured and prevented induction of susceptible but not resistant strains, and elicited switching from susceptible to resistant forms. Importantly, 4,5-bis-(4-methoxyanilino)phthalimide directly antagonized EGCG-resistant prions and synergized with EGCG to eliminate diverse Sup35 prion strains. Thus, synergistic small-molecule combinations that directly eradicate complete strain repertoires likely hold considerable therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake E Roberts
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
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Sasvari Z, Bach S, Blondel M, Nagy PD. Inhibition of RNA recruitment and replication of an RNA virus by acridine derivatives with known anti-prion activities. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7376. [PMID: 19823675 PMCID: PMC2757906 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2009] [Accepted: 08/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Small molecule inhibitors of RNA virus replication are potent antiviral drugs and useful to dissect selected steps in the replication process. To identify antiviral compounds against Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV), a model positive stranded RNA virus, we tested acridine derivatives, such as chlorpromazine (CPZ) and quinacrine (QC), which are active against prion-based diseases. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we report that CPZ and QC compounds inhibited TBSV RNA accumulation in plants and in protoplasts. In vitro assays revealed that the inhibitory effects of these compounds were manifested at different steps of TBSV replication. QC was shown to have an effect on multiple steps, including: (i) inhibition of the selective binding of the p33 replication protein to the viral RNA template, which is required for recruitment of viral RNA for replication; (ii) reduction of minus-strand synthesis by the tombusvirus replicase; and (iii) inhibition of translation of the uncapped TBSV genomic RNA. In contrast, CPZ was shown to inhibit the in vitro assembly of the TBSV replicase, likely due to binding of CPZ to intracellular membranes, which are important for RNA virus replication. Conclusion/Significance Since we found that CPZ was also an effective inhibitor of other plant viruses, including Tobacco mosaic virus and Turnip crinkle virus, it seems likely that CPZ has a broad range of antiviral activity. Thus, these inhibitors constitute effective tools to study similarities in replication strategies of various RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsanna Sasvari
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Stéphane Bach
- USR3151-CNRS “Protein Phosphorylation & Human Disease”, Station Biologique, B.P. 74, 29682 Roscoff cedex, Bretagne, France
| | - Marc Blondel
- INSERM U613, Brest, France
- Univ Brest, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, UMR-S613, Brest, France
- Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne, Brest, France
- CHU Brest, Hop Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Brest, France
| | - Peter D. Nagy
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
The presenilin-dependent gamma-secretase processing of the beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP) conditions the length of the amyloid beta peptides (Abeta) that accumulate in the senile plaques of Alzheimer's disease-affected brains. This, together with an additional presenilin-mediated epsilon-secretase cleavage, generates intracellular betaAPP-derived fragments named amyloid intracellular domains (AICDs) that regulate the transcription of several genes. We establish that presenilins control the transcription of cellular prion protein (PrP(c)) by a gamma-secretase inhibitor-sensitive and AICD-mediated process. We demonstrate that AICD-dependent control of PrP(c) involves the tumor suppressor p53. Thus, p53-deficiency abolishes the AICD-mediated control of PrP(c) transcription. Furthermore, we show that p53 directly binds to the PrP(c) promoter and increases its transactivation. Overall, our study unravels a transcriptional regulation of PrP(c) by the oncogene p53 that is directly driven by presenilin-dependent formation of AICD. Furthermore, it adds support to previous reports linking secretase activities involved in betaAPP metabolism to the physiology of PrP(c).
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