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Magrì A, Tomasello B, Naletova I, Tabbì G, Cairns WRL, Greco V, Sciuto S, La Mendola D, Rizzarelli E. New BDNF and NT-3 Cyclic Mimetics Concur with Copper to Activate Trophic Signaling Pathways as Potential Molecular Entities to Protect Old Brains from Neurodegeneration. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1104. [PMID: 39334869 PMCID: PMC11430436 DOI: 10.3390/biom14091104] [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: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
A low level of Neurotrophins (NTs), their Tyrosine Kinase Receptors (Trks), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGFs) and their receptors, mainly VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, characterizes AD brains. The use of NTs and VEGFs as drugs presents different issues due to their low permeability of the blood-brain barrier, the poor pharmacokinetic profile, and the relevant side effects. To overcome these issues, different functional and structural NT mimics have been employed. Being aware that the N-terminus domain as the key domain of NTs for the binding selectivity and activation of Trks and the need to avoid or delay proteolysis, we herein report on the mimicking ability of two cyclic peptide encompassing the N-terminus of Brain Derived Growth Factor (BDNF), (c-[HSDPARRGELSV-]), cBDNF(1-12) and of Neurotrophin3 (NT3), (c-[YAEHKSHRGEYSV-]), cNT3(1-13). The two cyclic peptide features were characterized by a combined thermodynamic and spectroscopic approach (potentiometry, NMR, UV-vis and CD) that was extended to their copper(II) ion complexes. SH-SY5Y cell assays show that the Cu2+ present at the sub-micromolar level in the complete culture media affects the treatments with the two peptides. cBDNF(1-12) and cNT3(1-13) act as ionophores, induce neuronal differentiation and promote Trks and CREB phosphorylation in a copper dependent manner. Consistently, both peptide and Cu2+ stimulate BDNF and VEGF expression as well as VEGF release; cBDNF(1-12) and cNT3(1-13) induce the expression of Trks and VEGFRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Magrì
- Institute of Crystallography, National Council of Research (CNR), P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy; (A.M.); (I.N.); (G.T.)
| | - Barbara Tomasello
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Irina Naletova
- Institute of Crystallography, National Council of Research (CNR), P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy; (A.M.); (I.N.); (G.T.)
| | - Giovanni Tabbì
- Institute of Crystallography, National Council of Research (CNR), P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy; (A.M.); (I.N.); (G.T.)
| | - Warren R. L. Cairns
- CNR-Institute of Polar Sciences (CNR-ISP), 155 Via Torino, 30172 Venice, Italy;
| | - Valentina Greco
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Sebastiano Sciuto
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Diego La Mendola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Enrico Rizzarelli
- Institute of Crystallography, National Council of Research (CNR), P. Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy; (A.M.); (I.N.); (G.T.)
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (V.G.); (S.S.)
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Panwar A, Rentsendorj A, Jhun M, Cohen RM, Cordner R, Gull N, Pechnick RN, Duvall G, Mardiros A, Golchian D, Schubloom H, Jin LW, Van Dam D, Vermeiren Y, De Reu H, De Deyn PP, Raskatov JA, Black KL, Irvin DK, Williams BA, Wheeler CJ. Antigen-specific age-related memory CD8 T cells induce and track Alzheimer's-like neurodegeneration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2401420121. [PMID: 38995966 PMCID: PMC11260139 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2401420121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebral (Aβ) plaque and (pTau) tangle deposition are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet are insufficient to confer complete AD-like neurodegeneration experimentally. Factors acting upstream of Aβ/pTau in AD remain unknown, but their identification could enable earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments. T cell abnormalities are emerging AD hallmarks, and CD8 T cells were recently found to mediate neurodegeneration downstream of tangle deposition in hereditary neurodegeneration models. The precise impact of T cells downstream of Aβ/pTau, however, appears to vary depending on the animal model. Our prior work suggested that antigen-specific memory CD8 T ("hiT") cells act upstream of Aβ/pTau after brain injury. Here, we examine whether hiT cells influence sporadic AD-like pathophysiology upstream of Aβ/pTau. Examining neuropathology, gene expression, and behavior in our hiT mouse model we show that CD8 T cells induce plaque and tangle-like deposition, modulate AD-related genes, and ultimately result in progressive neurodegeneration with both gross and fine features of sporadic human AD. T cells required Perforin to initiate this pathophysiology, and IFNγ for most gene expression changes and progression to more widespread neurodegenerative disease. Analogous antigen-specific memory CD8 T cells were significantly elevated in the brains of human AD patients, and their loss from blood corresponded to sporadic AD and related cognitive decline better than plasma pTau-217, a promising AD biomarker candidate. We identify an age-related factor acting upstream of Aβ/pTau to initiate AD-like pathophysiology, the mechanisms promoting its pathogenicity, and its relevance to human sporadic AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Panwar
- Department Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
| | - Altan Rentsendorj
- Department Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
| | - Michelle Jhun
- Department Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
| | - Robert M. Cohen
- Department Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Neuroscience Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (GDBBS), Emory University, Atlanta, GA30322
| | - Ryan Cordner
- Department Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
- Department Biomedical & Translational Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
| | - Nicole Gull
- Department Biomedical & Translational Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
| | - Robert N. Pechnick
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA91766
| | - Gretchen Duvall
- Department Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
| | - Armen Mardiros
- Department Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
| | - David Golchian
- Department Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
| | - Hannah Schubloom
- Department Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
| | - Lee-Way Jin
- Department Medical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory Medicine, Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (M.I.N.D.) Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA95817
| | - Debby Van Dam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute Born-Bunge, Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, University of Antwerp, Antwerp2610, Belgium
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Research Center, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen AB9700, Netherlands
| | - Yannick Vermeiren
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute Born-Bunge, Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, University of Antwerp, Antwerp2610, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Department of Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp2610, Belgium
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Chair Group of Nutritional Biology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen AA6700, The Netherlands
| | - Hans De Reu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp2610, Belgium
| | - Peter Paul De Deyn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute Born-Bunge, Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, University of Antwerp, Antwerp2610, Belgium
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Research Center, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen AB9700, Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Memory Clinic of Hospital Network Antwerp, Middelheim and Hoge Beuken, Antwerp BE-2660, Belgium
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA95064
| | - Jevgenij A. Raskatov
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA95064
| | - Keith L. Black
- Department Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
| | - Dwain K. Irvin
- Department Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
- NovAccess Global and StemVax LLC, Cleveland, OH44023
| | - Brian A. Williams
- Transcriptome Function and Technology Program, Department of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA91125
| | - Christopher J. Wheeler
- Department Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA90048
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA95064
- NovAccess Global and StemVax LLC, Cleveland, OH44023
- Society for Brain Mapping & Therapeutics, World Brain Mapping Foundation, Pacific Palisades, CA90272
- T-Neuro Pharma, Inc., Albuquerque, NM87123
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McArdle CJ, Arnone AA, Heaney CF, Raab-Graham KF. A paradoxical switch: the implications of excitatory GABAergic signaling in neurological disorders. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1296527. [PMID: 38268565 PMCID: PMC10805837 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1296527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. In the mature brain, inhibitory GABAergic signaling is critical in maintaining neuronal homeostasis and vital human behaviors such as cognition, emotion, and motivation. While classically known to inhibit neuronal function under physiological conditions, previous research indicates a paradoxical switch from inhibitory to excitatory GABAergic signaling that is implicated in several neurological disorders. Various mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to the excitatory switch such as chloride ion dyshomeostasis, alterations in inhibitory receptor expression, and modifications in GABAergic synaptic plasticity. Of note, the hypothesized mechanisms underlying excitatory GABAergic signaling are highlighted in a number of neurodevelopmental, substance use, stress, and neurodegenerative disorders. Herein, we present an updated review discussing the presence of excitatory GABAergic signaling in various neurological disorders, and their potential contributions towards disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J. McArdle
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Alana A. Arnone
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Chelcie F. Heaney
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Kimberly F. Raab-Graham
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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Tiberi A, Borgonovo G, Testa G, Pacifico P, Jacob A, Di Caprio M, Totaro V, Calvello M, Cattaneo A, Capsoni S. Reversal of neurological deficits by painless nerve growth factor in a mouse model of Rett syndrome. Brain 2024; 147:122-134. [PMID: 37633263 PMCID: PMC10766238 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad282] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disease, affecting 1 in over 10 000 females born worldwide, caused by de novo mutations in the X-chromosome-located methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene. Despite the great effort put forth by the scientific community, a therapy for this devastating disease is still needed. Here, we tested the therapeutic effects of a painless mutein of the nerve growth factor (NGF), called human NGF painless (hNGFp), via a non-invasive intranasal delivery in female MeCP2+/- mice. Of note, previous work had demonstrated a broad biodistribution of hNGFp in the mouse brain by the nasal delivery route. We report that (i) the long-term lifelong treatment of MeCP2+/- mice with hNGFp, starting at 2 months of age, increased the chance of survival while also greatly improving behavioural parameters. Furthermore, when we assessed the phenotypic changes brought forth by (ii) a short-term 1-month-long hNGFp-treatment, starting at 3 months of age (right after the initial presentation of symptoms), we observed the rescue of a well known neuronal target population of NGF, cholinergic neurons in the medial septum. Moreover, we reveal a deficit in microglial morphology in MeCP2+/- mice, completely reversed in treated animals. This effect on microglia is in line with reports showing microglia to be a TrkA-dependent non-neuronal target cell population of NGF in the brain. To understand the immunomodulatory activity of hNGFp, we analysed the cytokine profile after hNGFp treatment in MeCP2+/- mice, to discover that the treatment recovered the altered expression of key neuroimmune-communication molecules, such as fractalkine. The overall conclusion is that hNGFp delivered intranasally can ameliorate symptoms in the MeCP2+/- model of Rett syndrome, by exerting strong neuroprotection with a dual mechanism of action: directly on target neurons and indirectly via microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Tiberi
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Borgonovo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Testa
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Pacifico
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ajesh Jacob
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Valentino Totaro
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Rita Levi-Montalcini European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Simona Capsoni
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Section of Human Physiology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Berry AS, Harrison TM. New perspectives on the basal forebrain cholinergic system in Alzheimer's disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 150:105192. [PMID: 37086935 PMCID: PMC10249144 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
The basal forebrain cholinergic system (BFCS) has long been implicated in age-related cognitive changes and the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Limitations of cholinergic interventions helped to inspire a shift away from BFCS in AD research. A resurgence in interest in the BFCS following methodological and analytical advances has resulted in a call for the BFCS to be examined in novel frameworks. We outline the basic structure and function of the BFCS, its role in supporting cognitive and affective function, and its vulnerability to aging and AD. We consider the BFCS in the context of the amyloid hypothesis and evolving concepts in AD research: resilience and resistance to pathology, selective neuronal vulnerability, trans-synaptic pathology spread and sleep health. We highlight 1) the potential role of the BFCS in cognitive resilience, 2) recent work refining understanding about the selective vulnerability of BFCS to AD, 3) BFCS connectivity that suggests it is related to tau spreading and neurodegeneration and 4) the gap between BFCS involvement in AD and sleep-wake cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Theresa M Harrison
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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Kumro J, Tripathi A, Lei Y, Sword J, Callahan P, Terry A, Lu XY, Kirov SA, Pillai A, Blake DT. Chronic basal forebrain activation improves spatial memory, boosts neurotrophin receptor expression, and lowers BACE1 and Aβ42 levels in the cerebral cortex in mice. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:7627-7641. [PMID: 36939283 PMCID: PMC10267632 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of Alzheimer's dementia has been hypothesized in terms of basal forebrain cholinergic decline, and in terms of reflecting beta-amyloid neuropathology. To study these different biological elements, we activated the basal forebrain in 5xFAD Alzheimer's model mice and littermates. Mice received 5 months of 1 h per day intermittent stimulation of the basal forebrain, which includes cholinergic projections to the cortical mantle. Then, mice were behaviorally tested followed by tissue analysis. The 5xFAD mice performed worse in water-maze testing than littermates. Stimulated groups learned the water maze better than unstimulated groups. Stimulated groups had 2-3-fold increases in frontal cortex immunoblot measures of the neurotrophin receptors for nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and a more than 50% decrease in the expression of amyloid cleavage enzyme BACE1. Stimulation also led to lower Aβ42 in 5xFAD mice. These data support a causal relationship between basal forebrain activation and both neurotrophin activation and reduced Aβ42 generation and accumulation. The observation that basal forebrain activation suppresses Aβ42 accumulation, combined with the known high-affinity antagonism of nicotinic receptors by Aβ42, documents bidirectional antagonism between acetylcholine and Aβ42.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Kumro
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Ashutosh Tripathi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, United States
| | - Yun Lei
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Jeremy Sword
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Patrick Callahan
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Alvin Terry
- Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Xin-yun Lu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Sergei A Kirov
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - Anilkumar Pillai
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
- Research and Development, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30904, United States
| | - David T Blake
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
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Pramanik SK, Sanphui P, Das AK, Banerji B, Biswas SC. Small-Molecule Cdc25A Inhibitors Protect Neuronal Cells from Death Evoked by NGF Deprivation and 6-Hydroxydopamine. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:1226-1237. [PMID: 36942687 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the two most common neurodegenerative diseases that are presently incurable. There have been reports of aberrant activation of cell cycle pathways in neurodegenerative diseases. Previously, we have found that Cdc25A is activated in models of neurodegenerative diseases, including AD and PD. In the present study, we have synthesized a small library of molecules targeting Cdc25A and tested their neuroprotective potential in cellular models of neurodegeneration. The Buchwald reaction and amide coupling were crucial steps in synthesizing the Cdc25A-targeting molecules. Several of these small-molecule inhibitors significantly prevented neuronal cell death induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) deprivation as well as 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) treatment. Lack of NGF signaling leads to neuron death during development and has been associated with AD pathogenesis. The NGF receptor TrkA has been reported to be downregulated at the early stages of AD, and its reduction is linked to cognitive failure. 6-OHDA, a PD mimic, is a highly oxidizable dopamine analogue that can be taken up by the dopamine transporters in catecholaminergic neurons and can induce cell death by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Some of our newly synthesized molecules inhibit Cdc25A phosphatase activity, block loss of mitochondrial activity, and inhibit caspase-3 activation caused by NGF deprivation and 6-OHDA. Hence, it may be proposed that Cdc25A inhibition could be a therapeutic possibility for neurodegenerative diseases and these Cdc25A inhibitors could be effective treatments for AD and PD.
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Tiberi A, Carucci NM, Testa G, Rizzi C, Pacifico P, Borgonovo G, Arisi I, D’Onofrio M, Brandi R, Gan WB, Capsoni S, Cattaneo A. Reduced levels of NGF shift astrocytes toward a neurotoxic phenotype. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1165125. [PMID: 37143894 PMCID: PMC10151754 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1165125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is critical for neuronal physiology during development and adulthood. Despite the well-recognized effect of NGF on neurons, less is known about whether NGF can actually affect other cell types in the central nervous system (CNS). In this work, we show that astrocytes are susceptible to changes in ambient levels of NGF. First, we observe that interfering with NGF signaling in vivo via the constitutive expression of an antiNGF antibody induces astrocytic atrophy. A similar asthenic phenotype is encountered in an uncleavable proNGF transgenic mouse model (TgproNGF#72), effectively increasing the brain proNGF levels. To examine whether this effect on astrocytes is cell-autonomous, we cultured wild-type primary astrocytes in the presence of antiNGF antibodies, uncovering that a short incubation period is sufficient to potently and rapidly trigger calcium oscillations. Acute induction of calcium oscillations by antiNGF antibodies is followed by progressive morphological changes similar to those observed in antiNGF AD11 mice. Conversely, incubation with mature NGF has no effect on either calcium activity nor on astrocytic morphology. At longer timescales, transcriptomic analysis revealed that NGF-deprived astrocytes acquire a proinflammatory profile. In particular, antiNGF-treated astrocytes show upregulation of neurotoxic transcripts and downregulation of neuroprotective mRNAs. Consistent with that data, culturing wild-type neurons in the presence of NGF-deprived astrocytes leads to neuronal cell death. Finally, we report that in both awake and anesthetized mice, astrocytes in layer I of the motor cortex respond with an increase in calcium activity to acute NGF inhibition using either NGF-neutralizing antibodies or a TrkA-Fc NGF scavenger. Moreover, in vivo calcium imaging in the cortex of the 5xFAD neurodegeneration mouse model shows an increased level of spontaneous calcium activity in astrocytes, which is significantly reduced after acute administration of NGF. In conclusion, we unveil a novel neurotoxic mechanism driven by astrocytes, triggered by their sensing and reacting to changes in the levels of ambient NGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Tiberi
- BIO@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Langone Medical Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ivan Arisi
- European Brain Research Institute - Fondazione Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara D’Onofrio
- European Brain Research Institute - Fondazione Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Brandi
- European Brain Research Institute - Fondazione Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
| | - Wen-Biao Gan
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Langone Medical Center, New York University, New York, NY, United States
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Simona Capsoni
- BIO@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- BIO@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute - Fondazione Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Antonino Cattaneo,
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Azevedo CV, Hashiguchi D, Campos HC, Figueiredo EV, Otaviano SFSD, Penitente AR, Arida RM, Longo BM. The effects of resistance exercise on cognitive function, amyloidogenesis, and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1131214. [PMID: 36937673 PMCID: PMC10017453 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1131214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and difficulties in finding effective treatments, it is essential to discover alternative therapies through new approaches. In this regard, non-pharmacological therapies, such as physical exercise, have been proposed and explored for the treatment of AD. Recent studies have suggested that resistance exercise (RE) is an effective strategy for promoting benefits in memory and cognitive function, producing neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, and reducing amyloid load and plaques, thereby reducing the risk, and alleviating the neurodegeneration process of AD and other types of dementia in the elderly. In addition, RE is the exercise recommended by the World Health Organization for the elderly due to its benefits in improving muscle strength and balance, and increasing autonomy and functional capacity, favoring improvements in the quality of life of the elderly population, who is more likely to develop AD and other types of dementia. In this mini-review, we discuss the impact of RE on humans affected by MCI and AD, and animal models of AD, and summarize the main findings regarding the effects of RE program on memory and cognitive functions, neurotrophic factors, Aβ deposition and plaque formation, as well as on neuroinflammation. Overall, the present review provides clinical and preclinical evidence that RE plays a role in alleviating AD symptoms and may help to understand the therapeutic potential of RE, thereby continuing the advances in AD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Debora Hashiguchi
- Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto do Cérebro, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Arlete Rita Penitente
- Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Escola de Medicina, Departamento de Ginecologia Obstetrícia e Propedêutica da, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP), Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Mario Arida
- Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Monteiro Longo
- Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Beatriz Monteiro Longo,
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Amyloidogenesis and Neurotrophic Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease: Do They have a Common Regulating Pathway? Cells 2022; 11:cells11203201. [PMID: 36291068 PMCID: PMC9600014 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The amyloid cascade hypothesis has predominately been used to describe the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) for decades, as Aβ oligomers are thought to be the prime cause of AD. Meanwhile, the neurotrophic factor hypothesis has also been proposed for decades. Accumulating evidence states that the amyloidogenic process and neurotrophic dysfunction are mutually influenced and may coincidently cause the onset and progress of AD. Meanwhile, there are intracellular regulators participating both in the amyloidogenic process and neurotrophic pathways, which might be the common original causes of amyloidogenesis and neurotrophic dysfunction. In this review, the current understanding regarding the role of neurotrophic dysfunction and the amyloidogenic process in AD pathology is briefly summarized. The mutual influence of these two pathogenesis pathways and their potential common causal pathway are further discussed. Therapeutic strategies targeting the common pathways to simultaneously prevent amyloidogenesis and neurotrophic dysfunction might be anticipated for the disease-modifying treatment of AD.
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11
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Capsoni S, Arisi I, Malerba F, D’Onofrio M, Cattaneo A, Cherubini E. Targeting the Cation-Chloride Co-Transporter NKCC1 to Re-Establish GABAergic Inhibition and an Appropriate Excitatory/Inhibitory Balance in Selective Neuronal Circuits: A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Sci 2022; 12:783. [PMID: 35741668 PMCID: PMC9221351 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain, depolarizes and excites immature neurons because of an initially higher intracellular chloride concentration [Cl-]i due to the delayed expression of the chloride exporter KCC2 at birth. Depolarization-induced calcium rise via NMDA receptors and voltage-dependent calcium channels is instrumental in shaping neuronal circuits and in controlling the excitatory (E)/inhibitory (I) balance in selective brain areas. An E/I imbalance accounts for cognitive impairment observed in several neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of this review is to summarize recent data on the mechanisms by which alterations of GABAergic signaling alter the E/I balance in cortical and hippocampal neurons in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the role of cation-chloride co-transporters in this process. In particular, we discuss the NGF and AD relationship and how mice engineered to express recombinant neutralizing anti-NGF antibodies (AD11 mice), which develop a neurodegenerative pathology reminiscent of that observed in AD patients, exhibit a depolarizing action of GABA due to KCC2 impairment. Treating AD and other forms of dementia with bumetanide, a selective KCC2 antagonist, contributes to re-establishing a proper E/I balance in selective brain areas, leading to amelioration of AD symptoms and the slowing down of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Capsoni
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Section of Physiology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ivan Arisi
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Francesca Malerba
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Mara D’Onofrio
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Enrico Cherubini
- Fondazione European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rita Levi-Montalcini, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.A.); (F.M.); (M.D.)
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12
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A Microglial Function for the Nerve Growth Factor: Predictions of the Unpredictable. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111835. [PMID: 35681529 PMCID: PMC9180430 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the only immune cell population present in the brain parenchyma. Their vantage position in the central nervous system (CNS) enables these myeloid cells to perform the most disparate of tasks: from the classical immune functions of fighting infections and surveilling the extracellular space for pathogens and damage, to sculpting the neuronal circuitry by pruning unnecessary synapses and assisting neurons in spine formation, aiding in the maintenance of brain homeostasis. The neurotrophin field has always been dominated by the neurocentric view that the primary target of these molecules must be neurons: this holds true even for the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which owes its popularity in the neuroscience community to its trophic and tropic activity towards sensory and sympathetic neurons in the peripheral nervous system, and cholinergic neurons in the CNS. The increasing evidence that microglia are an integral part of neuronal computation calls for a closer look as to whether these glial cells are capable of responding directly to NGF. In this review, we will first outline evidence in support of a role for NGF as a molecule mediating neuroimmune communication. Then, we will illustrate some of those non-immune features that have made microglial cells one of the hottest topics of this last decade. In conclusion, we will discuss evidence in support of a microglial function for NGF.
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13
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Rogdakis T, Charou D, Latorrata A, Papadimitriou E, Tsengenes A, Athanasiou C, Papadopoulou M, Chalikiopoulou C, Katsila T, Ramos I, Prousis KC, Wade RC, Sidiropoulou K, Calogeropoulou T, Gravanis A, Charalampopoulos I. Development and Biological Characterization of a Novel Selective TrkA Agonist with Neuroprotective Properties against Amyloid Toxicity. Biomedicines 2022; 10:614. [PMID: 35327415 PMCID: PMC8945229 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins are growth factors that exert important neuroprotective effects by preventing neuronal death and synaptic loss. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) acts through the activation of its high-affinity, pro-survival TrkA and low-affinity, pro-apoptotic p75NTR receptors. NGF has been shown to slow or prevent neurodegenerative signals in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) progression. However, its low bioavailability and its blood-brain-barrier impermeability limit the use of NGF as a potential therapeutic agent against AD. Based on our previous findings on synthetic dehydroepiandrosterone derivatives, we identified a novel NGF mimetic, named ENT-A013, which selectively activates TrkA and exerts neuroprotective, anti-amyloid-β actions. We now report the chemical synthesis, in silico modelling, metabolic stability, CYP-mediated reaction phenotyping and biological characterization of ENT-A013 under physiological and neurodegenerative conditions. We show that ENT-A013 selectively activates the TrkA receptor and its downstream kinases Akt and Erk1/2 in PC12 cells, protecting these cells from serum deprivation-induced cell death. Moreover, ENT-A013 promotes survival of primary Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) neurons upon NGF withdrawal and protects hippocampal neurons against Amyloid β-induced apoptosis and synaptic loss. Furthermore, this neurotrophin mimetic partially restores LTP impairment. In conclusion, ENT-A013 represents a promising new lead molecule for developing therapeutics against neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disease, selectively targeting TrkA-mediated pro-survival signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanasis Rogdakis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (T.R.); (D.C.); (E.P.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
- Foundation for Research & Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Despoina Charou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (T.R.); (D.C.); (E.P.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
- Foundation for Research & Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Alessia Latorrata
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Chemical Biology, 11635 Athens, Greece; (A.L.); (C.C.); (T.K.); (K.C.P.); (T.C.)
| | - Eleni Papadimitriou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (T.R.); (D.C.); (E.P.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
- Foundation for Research & Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Alexandros Tsengenes
- Molecular and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), 69118 Heidelberg, Germany; (A.T.); (C.A.); (R.C.W.)
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christina Athanasiou
- Molecular and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), 69118 Heidelberg, Germany; (A.T.); (C.A.); (R.C.W.)
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marianna Papadopoulou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (T.R.); (D.C.); (E.P.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
- Foundation for Research & Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Constantina Chalikiopoulou
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Chemical Biology, 11635 Athens, Greece; (A.L.); (C.C.); (T.K.); (K.C.P.); (T.C.)
| | - Theodora Katsila
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Chemical Biology, 11635 Athens, Greece; (A.L.); (C.C.); (T.K.); (K.C.P.); (T.C.)
| | - Isbaal Ramos
- Innovative Technologies in Biological Systems SL (INNOPROT), 48160 Bizkaia, Spain;
| | - Kyriakos C. Prousis
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Chemical Biology, 11635 Athens, Greece; (A.L.); (C.C.); (T.K.); (K.C.P.); (T.C.)
| | - Rebecca C. Wade
- Molecular and Cellular Modeling Group, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), 69118 Heidelberg, Germany; (A.T.); (C.A.); (R.C.W.)
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kyriaki Sidiropoulou
- Foundation for Research & Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 71113 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Theodora Calogeropoulou
- National Hellenic Research Foundation, Institute of Chemical Biology, 11635 Athens, Greece; (A.L.); (C.C.); (T.K.); (K.C.P.); (T.C.)
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (T.R.); (D.C.); (E.P.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
- Foundation for Research & Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (T.R.); (D.C.); (E.P.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
- Foundation for Research & Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, 70013 Heraklion, Greece;
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14
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Malerba F. Why Are We Scientists? Drawing Inspiration From Rita Levi-Montalcini. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:741984. [PMID: 35126056 PMCID: PMC8814914 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.741984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2007, drawing inspiration from her previous experiments on chick embryos, Rita Levi-Montalcini, at the age of 98, proposed a new project, and a research group, in which I was included, was formed at the European Brain Research Institute (EBRI). Looking back on this experience, I can say that Professor Levi-Montalcini’s approach and the relationships she formed with my colleagues and me, contributed to my growth as a researcher. With her welcoming and warm-hearted disposition, she taught me how to consider other people’s ideas without prejudice, to reason and not to exclude any hypothesis. I also learned from her how to overcome those difficulties that are so frequent in the research field, always keeping in mind the starting point and looking toward the objective, with a factual optimism. I was just a young researcher and deeply flattered that a Nobel Laureate, with an incredible career and extraordinary life, treated me as her equal. My experience with Professor Levi-Montalcini has also provided me with a reliable path to follow, and when I encounter difficulties and challenges, I ask myself what would she have done. This approach has always helped me to move forward. Indeed, I believe the best way to celebrate Rita Levi-Montalcini as a woman in neuroscience is to recount how her exceptional example is a constant reminder as to why I have chosen to be a scientist. I hope she will always continue to be a source of inspiration for scientists in the future.
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15
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Klonarakis M, De Vos M, Woo E, Ralph L, Thacker JS, Gil-Mohapel J. The three sisters of fate: Genetics, pathophysiology and outcomes of animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104541. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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16
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Manni L, Conti G, Chiaretti A, Soligo M. Intranasal Delivery of Nerve Growth Factor in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Neurotrauma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:754502. [PMID: 34867367 PMCID: PMC8635100 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.754502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the 1980s, the development of a pharmacology based on nerve growth factor (NGF) has been postulated for the therapy of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This hypothesis was based on the rescuing effect of the neurotrophin on the cholinergic phenotype of the basal forebrain neurons, primarily compromised during the development of AD. Subsequently, the use of NGF was put forward to treat a broader spectrum of neurological conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, degenerative retinopathies, severe brain traumas and neurodevelopmental dysfunctions. While supported by solid rational assumptions, the progress of a pharmacology founded on these hypotheses has been hampered by the difficulty of conveying NGF towards the brain parenchyma without resorting to invasive and risky delivery methods. At the end of the last century, it was shown that NGF administered intranasally to the olfactory epithelium was able to spread into the brain parenchyma. Notably, after such delivery, pharmacologically relevant concentration of exogenous NGF was found in brain areas located at considerable distances from the injection site along the rostral-caudal axis. These observations paved the way for preclinical characterization and clinical trials on the efficacy of intranasal NGF for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and of the consequences of brain trauma. In this review, a summary of the preclinical and clinical studies published to date will be attempted, as well as a discussion about the mechanisms underlying the efficacy and the possible development of the pharmacology based on intranasal conveyance of NGF to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Manni
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Conti
- Department of Emergency, Intensive Pediatric Therapy and Pediatric Trauma Center, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Chiaretti
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Institute of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Soligo
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Rome, Italy
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17
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Malerba F, Arisi I, Florio R, Zecca C, Dell'Abate MT, Bruni Ercole B, Camerini S, Casella M, Logroscino G, Cattaneo A. proNGF Measurement in Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples of a Large Cohort of Living Patients With Alzheimer's Disease by a New Automated Immunoassay. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:741414. [PMID: 34776928 PMCID: PMC8579109 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.741414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of new biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is essential for an accurate diagnosis, to conceive new strategies of treatments, and for monitoring the efficacy of potential disease-modifying therapies in clinical trials. proNGF levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) represent a promising diagnostic biomarker for AD, but its validation was hampered by the absence of a reliable immunoassay. In the literature, proNGF is currently measured in postmortem brain tissue by semiquantitative immunoblot. Here we describe the development and validation of a new method to measure proNGF in the CSF of living patients. This method, based on molecular size separation by capillary electrophoresis, is automated and shows a 40-fold increase in sensitivity with respect to the proNGF immunoblot, largely used in literature, and is robust, specific, and scalable to high-throughput. We have measured proNGF in the cerebrospinal fluid of 84 living patients with AD, 13 controls, and 15 subjective memory complaints (SMC) subjects. By comparing the proNGF levels in the three groups, we found a very significant difference between proNGF levels in AD samples compared with both controls and SMC subjects, while no significant difference was found between SMC and controls. Because of the development of this new immunoassay, we are ready to explore the potentiality of proNGF as a new biomarker for AD or subgroups thereof, as well as for other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Malerba
- Fondazione EBRI (European Brain Research Institute) Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivan Arisi
- Fondazione EBRI (European Brain Research Institute) Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Translational Pharmacology - National Research Council (IFT-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Florio
- Fondazione EBRI (European Brain Research Institute) Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Zecca
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology of the University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at "Pia Fondazione Card. G. Panico" Hospital Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Dell'Abate
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology of the University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at "Pia Fondazione Card. G. Panico" Hospital Tricase, Lecce, Italy
| | - Bruno Bruni Ercole
- Fondazione EBRI (European Brain Research Institute) Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology of the University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at "Pia Fondazione Card. G. Panico" Hospital Tricase, Lecce, Italy.,Department of Basic Medicine Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Fondazione EBRI (European Brain Research Institute) Rita Levi-Montalcini, Rome, Italy.,BIO@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
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18
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Lennon MJ, Rigney G, Raymont V, Sachdev P. Genetic Therapies for Alzheimer's Disease: A Scoping Review. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 84:491-504. [PMID: 34569966 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Effective, disease modifying therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain a quandary, following a panoply of expensive failures in human clinical trials. Given the stagnation in therapeutics, alternative approaches are needed. Recent successes of genetic therapies in other neurodegenerative diseases may highlight the way forward. This scoping review explores suggested targets of genetic therapy in AD, with a focus on vector-based approaches in pre-clinical and clinical trials. Putative targets of genetic therapies tested in pre-clinical trials include amyloid pathway intermediates and enzymes modulation, tau protein downregulation, APOE4 downregulation and APOE2 upregulation, neurotrophin expression (nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor), and inflammatory cytokine alteration, among several other approaches. There have been three completed human clinical trials for genetic therapy in AD patients, all of which upregulated NGF in AD patients, showing some mixed evidence of benefit. Several impediments remain to be surpassed before genetic therapies can be successfully applied to AD, including the challenge of delivering monogenic genetic therapies for complex polygenic disorders, risks in the dominant delivery method (intracranial injection), stability of genetic therapies in vivo, poor translatability of pre-clinical AD models, and the expense of genetic therapy production. Genetic therapies represent an exciting opportunity within the world of AD therapeutics, but clinical applications likely remain a long term, rather than short term, possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Lennon
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Sherrington Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Grant Rigney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Perminder Sachdev
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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19
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Cantero JL, Atienza M, Lage C, Zaborszky L, Vilaplana E, Lopez-Garcia S, Pozueta A, Rodriguez-Rodriguez E, Blesa R, Alcolea D, Lleo A, Sanchez-Juan P, Fortea J. Atrophy of Basal Forebrain Initiates with Tau Pathology in Individuals at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:2083-2098. [PMID: 31799623 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that the basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic system degenerates early in the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD), likely due to the vulnerability of BF cholinergic neurons to tau pathology. However, it remains unclear whether the presence of tauopathy is the only requirement for initiating the BF degeneration in asymptomatic subjects at risk for AD (AR-AD), and how BF structural deficits evolve from normal aging to preclinical and prodromal AD. Here, we provide human in vivo magnetic resonance imaging evidence supporting that abnormal cerebrospinal fluid levels of phosphorylated tau (T+) are selectively associated with bilateral volume loss of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM, Ch4) in AR-AD individuals. Spreading of atrophy to medial septum and vertical limb of diagonal band Broca (Ch1-Ch2) occurred in both preclinical and prodromal AD. With the exception of A+, all groups revealed significant correlations between volume reduction of BF cholinergic compartments and atrophy of their innervated regions. Overall, these results support the central role played by tauopathy in instigating the nbM degeneration in AR-AD individuals and the necessary coexistence of both AD proteinopathies for spreading damage to larger BF territories, thus affecting the core of the BF cholinergic projection system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Cantero
- Laboratory of Functional Neuroscience, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Atienza
- Laboratory of Functional Neuroscience, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Lage
- CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Service of Neurology, IDIVAL, University Hospital Marques de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Laszlo Zaborszky
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, 07102 NJ, USA
| | - Eduard Vilaplana
- CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques Sant Pau-Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Lopez-Garcia
- CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Service of Neurology, IDIVAL, University Hospital Marques de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Ana Pozueta
- CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Service of Neurology, IDIVAL, University Hospital Marques de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Eloy Rodriguez-Rodriguez
- CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Service of Neurology, IDIVAL, University Hospital Marques de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Rafael Blesa
- CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques Sant Pau-Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Alcolea
- CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques Sant Pau-Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Lleo
- CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques Sant Pau-Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pascual Sanchez-Juan
- CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Service of Neurology, IDIVAL, University Hospital Marques de Valdecilla, University of Cantabria, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Juan Fortea
- CIBERNED, Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques Sant Pau-Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
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20
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The effect of nerve growth factor on supporting spatial memory depends upon hippocampal cholinergic innervation. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:162. [PMID: 33723225 PMCID: PMC7961060 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01280-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) gene therapy has been used in clinical trials of Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of how NGF influences memory may help develop new strategies for treatment. Both NGF and the cholinergic system play important roles in learning and memory. NGF is essential for maintaining cholinergic innervation of the hippocampus, but it is unclear whether the supportive effect of NGF on learning and memory is specifically dependent upon intact hippocampal cholinergic innervation. Here we characterize the behavior and hippocampal measurements of volume, neurogenesis, long-term potentiation, and cholinergic innervation, in brain-specific Ngf-deficient mice. Our results show that knockout mice exhibit increased anxiety, impaired spatial learning and memory, decreased adult hippocampal volume, neurogenesis, short-term potentiation, and cholinergic innervation. Overexpression of Ngf in the hippocampus of Ngf gene knockout mice rescued spatial memory and partially restored cholinergic innervations, but not anxiety. Selective depletion of hippocampal cholinergic innervation resulted in impaired spatial memory. However, Ngf overexpression in the hippocampus failed to rescue spatial memory in mice with hippocampal-selective cholinergic fiber depletion. In conclusion, we demonstrate the impact of Ngf deficiency in the brain and provide evidence that the effect of NGF on spatial memory is reliant on intact cholinergic innervations in the hippocampus. These results suggest that adequate cholinergic targeting may be a critical requirement for successful use of NGF gene therapy of Alzheimer's disease.
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21
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Brandi R, Fabiano M, Giorgi C, Arisi I, La Regina F, Malerba F, Turturro S, Storti AE, Ricevuti F, Amadio S, Volontè C, Capsoni S, Scardigli R, D’Onofrio M, Cattaneo A. Nerve Growth Factor Neutralization Promotes Oligodendrogenesis by Increasing miR-219a-5p Levels. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020405. [PMID: 33669304 PMCID: PMC7920049 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the brain, the neurotrophin Nerve growth factor (NGF) regulates not only neuronal survival and differentiation, but also glial and microglial functions and neuroinflammation. NGF is known to regulate oligodendrogenesis, reducing myelination in the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, we found that NGF controls oligodendrogenesis by modulating the levels of miR-219a-5p, a well-known positive regulator of oligodendrocyte differentiation. We exploited an NGF-deprivation mouse model, the AD11 mice, in which the postnatal expression of an anti-NGF antibody leads to NGF neutralization and progressive neurodegeneration. Notably, we found that these mice also display increased myelination. A microRNA profiling of AD11 brain samples and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that NGF deprivation leads to an increase of miR-219a-5p levels in hippocampus and cortex and a corresponding down-regulation of its predicted targets. Neurospheres isolated from the hippocampus of AD11 mice give rise to more oligodendrocytes and this process is dependent on miR-219a-5p, as shown by decoy-mediated inhibition of this microRNA. Moreover, treatment of AD11 neurospheres with NGF inhibits miR-219a-5p up-regulation and, consequently, oligodendrocyte differentiation, while anti-NGF treatment of wild type (WT) oligodendrocyte progenitors increases miR-219a-5p expression and the number of mature cells. Overall, this study indicates that NGF inhibits oligodendrogenesis and myelination by down-regulating miR-219a-5p levels, suggesting a novel molecular circuitry that can be exploited for the discovery of new effectors for remyelination in human demyelinating diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Brandi
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) “Rita Levi-Montalcini”, Viale Regina Elena, 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (M.F.); (C.G.); (I.A.); (F.L.R.); (F.M.); (S.T.); (A.E.S.); (F.R.)
| | - Marietta Fabiano
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) “Rita Levi-Montalcini”, Viale Regina Elena, 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (M.F.); (C.G.); (I.A.); (F.L.R.); (F.M.); (S.T.); (A.E.S.); (F.R.)
| | - Corinna Giorgi
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) “Rita Levi-Montalcini”, Viale Regina Elena, 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (M.F.); (C.G.); (I.A.); (F.L.R.); (F.M.); (S.T.); (A.E.S.); (F.R.)
- CNR, Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Ivan Arisi
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) “Rita Levi-Montalcini”, Viale Regina Elena, 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (M.F.); (C.G.); (I.A.); (F.L.R.); (F.M.); (S.T.); (A.E.S.); (F.R.)
- CNR, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Via del Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico La Regina
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) “Rita Levi-Montalcini”, Viale Regina Elena, 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (M.F.); (C.G.); (I.A.); (F.L.R.); (F.M.); (S.T.); (A.E.S.); (F.R.)
| | - Francesca Malerba
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) “Rita Levi-Montalcini”, Viale Regina Elena, 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (M.F.); (C.G.); (I.A.); (F.L.R.); (F.M.); (S.T.); (A.E.S.); (F.R.)
| | - Sabrina Turturro
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) “Rita Levi-Montalcini”, Viale Regina Elena, 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (M.F.); (C.G.); (I.A.); (F.L.R.); (F.M.); (S.T.); (A.E.S.); (F.R.)
| | - Andrea Ennio Storti
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) “Rita Levi-Montalcini”, Viale Regina Elena, 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (M.F.); (C.G.); (I.A.); (F.L.R.); (F.M.); (S.T.); (A.E.S.); (F.R.)
| | - Flavia Ricevuti
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) “Rita Levi-Montalcini”, Viale Regina Elena, 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (M.F.); (C.G.); (I.A.); (F.L.R.); (F.M.); (S.T.); (A.E.S.); (F.R.)
| | - Susanna Amadio
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Preclinical Neuroscience, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.A.); (C.V.)
| | - Cinzia Volontè
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Preclinical Neuroscience, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy; (S.A.); (C.V.)
- CNR, Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science, Via Dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Capsoni
- Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Scardigli
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) “Rita Levi-Montalcini”, Viale Regina Elena, 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (M.F.); (C.G.); (I.A.); (F.L.R.); (F.M.); (S.T.); (A.E.S.); (F.R.)
- CNR, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Via del Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00131 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (M.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Mara D’Onofrio
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) “Rita Levi-Montalcini”, Viale Regina Elena, 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (M.F.); (C.G.); (I.A.); (F.L.R.); (F.M.); (S.T.); (A.E.S.); (F.R.)
- CNR, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), Via del Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00131 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (M.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (M.D.); (A.C.)
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22
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Triaca V, Ruberti F, Canu N. NGF and the Amyloid Precursor Protein in Alzheimer's Disease: From Molecular Players to Neuronal Circuits. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1331:145-165. [PMID: 34453297 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74046-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the most common causes of dementia in elderly people, is characterized by progressive impairment in cognitive function, early degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs), abnormal metabolism of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), amyloid beta-peptide (Aβ) depositions, and neurofibrillary tangles. According to the cholinergic hypothesis, dysfunction of acetylcholine-containing neurons in the basal forebrain contributes markedly to the cognitive decline observed in AD. In addition, the neurotrophic factor hypothesis posits that the loss nerve growth factor (NGF) signalling in AD may account for the vulnerability to atrophy of BFCNs and consequent impairment of cholinergic functions. Though acetylcholinesterase inhibitors provide only partial and symptomatic relief to AD patients, emerging data from in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) studies in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD patients highlight the early involvement of BFCNs in MCI and the early phase of AD. These data support the cholinergic and neurotrophic hypotheses of AD and suggest new targets for AD therapy.Different mechanisms account for selective vulnerability of BFCNs to AD pathology, with regard to altered metabolism of APP and tau. In this review, we provide a general overview of the current knowledge of NGF and APP interplay, focusing on the role of APP in regulating NGF receptors trafficking/signalling and on the involvement of NGF in modulating phosphorylation of APP, which in turn controls APP intracellular trafficking and processing. Moreover, we highlight the consequences of APP interaction with p75NTR and TrkA receptor, which share the same binding site within the APP juxta-membrane domain. We underline the importance of insulin dysmetabolism in AD pathology, in the light of our recent data showing that overlapping intracellular signalling pathways stimulated by NGF or insulin can be compensatory. In particular, NGF-based signalling is able to ameliorates deficiencies in insulin signalling in the medial septum of 3×Tg-AD mice. Finally, we present an overview of NGF-regulated microRNAs (miRNAs). These small non-coding RNAs are involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression , and we focus on a subset that are specifically deregulated in AD and thus potentially contribute to its pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Triaca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo, RM, Italy
| | - Francesca Ruberti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo, RM, Italy
| | - Nadia Canu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Campus A. Buzzati-Traverso, Monterotondo, RM, Italy. .,Department of System Medicine, Section of Physiology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
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23
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Amadoro G, Latina V, Corsetti V, Calissano P. N-terminal tau truncation in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD): Developing a novel diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165584. [PMID: 31676377 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Tau truncation occurs at early stages during the development of human Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathy dementias. Tau cleavage, particularly in its N-terminal projection domain, is able to drive per se neurodegeneration, regardless of its pro-aggregative pathway(s) and in fragment(s)-dependent way. In this short review, we highlight the pathological relevance of the 20-22 kDa NH2-truncated tau fragment which is endowed with potent neurotoxic "gain-of-function" action(s), both in vitro and in vivo. An extensive comment on its clinical value as novel progression/diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in the context of tau-mediated neurodegeneration is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Amadoro
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy; Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT)-CNR, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - V Latina
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - V Corsetti
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - P Calissano
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Rome, Italy
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24
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N M, C F, I V, Ca M, Rc K, Ai B, A R, Ma P, DI F, Pa A. The Down Syndrome-Associated Protein, Regulator of Calcineurin-1, is Altered in Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE & PARKINSONISM 2019; 9. [PMID: 31263630 PMCID: PMC6602587 DOI: 10.4172/2161-0460.1000462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
There is a known relationship between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Down syndrome (DS), with the latter typically developing AD-like neuropathology in mid-life. In order to further understand this relationship we examined intersectin-1 (ITSN1) and the regulator of calcineurin-1 (RCAN1), proteins involved in endosomal and lysosomal trafficking that are over-expressed in DS. We examined RCAN1 and ITSN1 levels (both long (-L) and short (-S) isoforms) and the level of endogenous metals in White Blood Cells (WBCs) collected from AD patients who were enrolled in the Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle Study on Ageing (AIBL). We also examined RCAN1 and ITSN1-S and -L in post-mortem brain tissue in a separate cohort of patients with AD or other types of dementia including Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) and non-Alzheimer’s disease dementia. We found that RCAN1 was significantly elevated in AD and DLB brain compared with controls, but there was no difference in the level of RCAN1 in WBCs of AD patients. There were no differences in the levels of ITSN1-L and −S between AD and the control, nor between other types of dementia and the control. We found that there were no differences in the levels of metals between AD and the control WBCs. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that RCAN1 is differentially regulated between the peripheral and central compartments in AD and should be further investigated to understand its potential role in dementia of AD and DLB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malakooti N
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Fowler C
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Volitakis I
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - McLean Ca
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kim Rc
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Bush Ai
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rembach A
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pritchard Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
| | - Finkelstein DI
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adlard Pa
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Victoria, Australia
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25
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Mufson EJ, Counts SE, Ginsberg SD, Mahady L, Perez SE, Massa SM, Longo FM, Ikonomovic MD. Nerve Growth Factor Pathobiology During the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:533. [PMID: 31312116 PMCID: PMC6613497 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The current review summarizes the pathobiology of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its cognate receptors during the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both transcript and protein data indicate that cholinotrophic neuronal dysfunction is related to an imbalance between TrkA-mediated survival signaling and the NGF precursor (proNGF)/p75NTR-mediated pro-apoptotic signaling, which may be related to alteration in the metabolism of NGF. Data indicate a spatiotemporal pattern of degeneration related to the evolution of tau pathology within cholinotrophic neuronal subgroups located within the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM). Despite these degenerative events the cholinotrophic system is capable of cellular resilience and/or plasticity during the prodromal and later stages of the disease. In addition to neurotrophin dysfunction, studies indicate alterations in epigenetically regulated proteins occur within cholinotrophic nbM neurons during the progression of AD, suggesting a mechanism that may underlie changes in transcript expression. Findings that increased cerebrospinal fluid levels of proNGF mark the onset of MCI and the transition to AD suggests that this proneurotrophin is a potential disease biomarker. Novel therapeutics to treat NGF dysfunction include NGF gene therapy and the development of small molecule agonists for the cognate prosurvival NGF receptor TrkA and antagonists against the pan-neurotrophin p75NTR death receptor for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott J. Mufson
- Department of Neurobiology and Neurology, Department of Neurobiology, and Department of Neurological Sciences, Alzheimer’s Disease Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Scott E. Counts
- Translational Science and Molecular Medicine Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Stephen D. Ginsberg
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, and Physiology and NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Laura Mahady
- Department of Neurobiology and Neurology, Department of Neurobiology, and Department of Neurological Sciences, Alzheimer’s Disease Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Sylvia E. Perez
- Department of Neurobiology and Neurology, Department of Neurobiology, and Department of Neurological Sciences, Alzheimer’s Disease Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Stephen M. Massa
- Department of Neurology, San Francisco VA Health Care System, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Frank M. Longo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Milos D. Ikonomovic
- Department of Neurology and Department of Psychiatry, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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26
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Corvaglia V, Cilli D, Scopa C, Brandi R, Arisi I, Malerba F, La Regina F, Scardigli R, Cattaneo A. ProNGF Is a Cell-Type-Specific Mitogen for Adult Hippocampal and for Induced Neural Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2019; 37:1223-1237. [PMID: 31132299 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The role of proNGF, the precursor of nerve growth factor (NGF), in the biology of adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) is still unclear. Here, we analyzed adult hippocampal neurogenesis in AD11 transgenic mice, in which the constitutive expression of anti-NGF antibody leads to an imbalance of proNGF over mature NGF. We found increased proliferation of progenitors but a reduced neurogenesis in the AD11 dentate gyrus (DG)-hippocampus (HP). Also in vitro, AD11 hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferated more, but were unable to differentiate into morphologically mature neurons. By treating wild-type hippocampal progenitors with the uncleavable form of proNGF (proNGF-KR), we demonstrated that proNGF acts as mitogen on aNSCs at low concentration. The mitogenic effect of proNGF was specifically addressed to the radial glia-like (RGL) stem cells through the induction of cyclin D1 expression. These cells express high levels of p75NTR , as demonstrated by immunofluorescence analyses performed ex vivo on RGL cells isolated from freshly dissociated HP-DG or selected in vitro from NSCs by leukemia inhibitory factor. Clonogenic assay performed in the absence of mitogens showed that RGLs respond to proNGF-KR by reactivating their proliferation and thus leading to neurospheres formation. The mitogenic effect of proNGF was further exploited in the expansion of mouse-induced neural stem cells (iNSCs). Chronic exposure of iNSCs to proNGF-KR increased their proliferation. Altogether, we demonstrated that proNGF acts as mitogen on hippocampal and iNSCs. Stem Cells 2019;37:1223-1237.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Corvaglia
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Italy.,European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy
| | - Domenica Cilli
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Italy
| | - Chiara Scopa
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy.,Department of Biology, University "Roma Tre", Italy
| | | | - Ivan Arisi
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy
| | - Francesca Malerba
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Italy.,European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Scardigli
- European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy.,Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Italy.,European Brain Research Institute (EBRI), Italy
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27
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Vojdani A, Vojdani E, Saidara E, Kharrazian D. Reaction of Amyloid-β Peptide Antibody with Different Infectious Agents Involved in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 63:847-860. [PMID: 29689721 DOI: 10.3233/jad-170961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As early as the 1980s, molecular virologist Ruth Itzhaki began to investigate if there was a causal connection between infections and neurodegenerative disorder. Although the theory has yet to be universally embraced, in 2016 Itzhaki and 33 other scientists from all over the world published a review article in this very journal presenting evidence for the causal role of pathogens in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Exactly how and in what way pathogens affect the induction of AD has yet to be determined, but one possible answer may involve the cross-reactivity of different pathogens with amyloid-β (Aβ). Aβ autoantibodies have been detected in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of AD patients and in some healthy individuals. In the present study our major goal was to investigate whether antibodies made against Aβ would react both with other brain proteins as well as pathogens associated with AD as a result of molecular mimicry or the binding of bacterial toxins to Aβ42. Our study used a specific monoclonal antibody made against Aβ42, which not only reacted strongly with Aβ42, tau protein, and α-synuclein, but also had from weak to strong reactions with 25 different pathogens or their molecules, some of which have been associated with AD. The homology between peptide stretches of microbial origin and proteins involved in AD could be a mechanism by which antibodies to homologous peptides mount attacks against autoantigens in AD. We concluded that bacterial molecules bind to Aβ protein, forming small oligomers, then encasing pathogens and their molecules to form amyloid plaques, the tell-tale markers of AD. Conversely, these same Aβ peptides induce the production of antibodies to both Aβ42 and bacterial molecules, which may inhibit bacterial pathogenesis, but in the process may promote amyloid plaque formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristo Vojdani
- Immunosciences Lab., Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | | | - Evan Saidara
- University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Datis Kharrazian
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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28
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Microglia-neuron crosstalk: Signaling mechanism and control of synaptic transmission. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 94:138-151. [PMID: 31112798 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The continuous crosstalk between microglia and neurons is required for microglia housekeeping functions and contributes to brain homeostasis. Through these exchanges, microglia take part in crucial brain functions, including development and plasticity. The alteration of neuron-microglia communication contributes to brain disease states with consequences, ranging from synaptic function to neuronal survival. This review focuses on the signaling pathways responsible for neuron-microglia crosstalk, highlighting their physiological roles and their alteration or specific involvement in disease. In particular, we discuss studies, establishing how these signaling allow microglial cells to control relevant physiological functions during brain development, including synaptic formation and circuit refinement. In addition, we highlight how microglia and neurons interact functionally to regulate highly dynamical synaptic functions. Microglia are able to release several signaling molecules involved in the regulation of synaptic activity and plasticity. On the other side, molecules of neuronal origin control microglial processes motility in an activity-dependent manner. Indeed, the continuous crosstalk between microglia and neurons is required for the sensing and housekeeping functions of microglia and contributes to the maintenance of brain homeostasis and, particularly, to the sculpting of neuronal connections during development. These interactions lay on the delicate edge between physiological processes and homeostasis alteration in pathology and are themselves altered during neuroinflammation. The full description of these processes could be fundamental for understanding brain functioning in health and disease.
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29
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Downregulation of SNX27 expression does not exacerbate amyloidogenesis in the APP/PS1 Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 77:144-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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30
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Pöyhönen S, Er S, Domanskyi A, Airavaara M. Effects of Neurotrophic Factors in Glial Cells in the Central Nervous System: Expression and Properties in Neurodegeneration and Injury. Front Physiol 2019; 10:486. [PMID: 31105589 PMCID: PMC6499070 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia are abundant cell types found in the central nervous system and have been shown to play crucial roles in regulating both normal and disease states. An increasing amount of evidence points to the critical importance of glia in mediating neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (AD, PD), and in ischemic stroke, where microglia are involved in initial tissue clearance, and astrocytes in the subsequent formation of a glial scar. The importance of these cells for neuronal survival has previously been studied in co-culture experiments and the search for neurotrophic factors (NTFs) initiated after finding that the addition of conditioned media from astrocyte cultures could support the survival of primary neurons in vitro. This led to the discovery of the potent dopamine neurotrophic factor, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). In this review, we focus on the relationship between glia and NTFs including neurotrophins, GDNF-family ligands, CNTF family, and CDNF/MANF-family proteins. We describe their expression in astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and their precursors (NG2-positive cells, OPCs), and microglia during development and in the adult brain. Furthermore, we review existing data on the glial phenotypes of NTF knockout mice and follow NTF expression patterns and their effects on glia in disease models such as AD, PD, stroke, and retinal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvi Pöyhönen
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Safak Er
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andrii Domanskyi
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Airavaara
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Neuroscience Center, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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31
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Cattaneo A, Chirichella M. Targeting the Post-translational Proteome with Intrabodies. Trends Biotechnol 2018; 37:578-591. [PMID: 30577991 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of the proteome exceeds that of the genome. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) and conformational changes of proteins trigger new molecular interactions whose systematic elucidation is hampered by the lack of specific tools. PTMs are particularly relevant for epigenetic regulation of gene expression; a field of translational interest. However, state-of-the-art inhibitors used in epigenetic studies and therapies target modifier enzymes such as acetylases and deacetylases, rather than a single PTM protein per se. The systematic development of anti-PTM intrabodies, which allow targeting of intracellular proteins in the context of living cells, will help reaching a new level of precision and specificity in the description of epigenetics, paving the way to new therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri, 7 - 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Michele Chirichella
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri, 7 - 56126 Pisa, Italy; Current address: Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Via Vincenzo Vela 6, CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
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32
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Lin TW, Tsai SF, Kuo YM. Physical Exercise Enhances Neuroplasticity and Delays Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Plast 2018; 4:95-110. [PMID: 30564549 PMCID: PMC6296269 DOI: 10.3233/bpl-180073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that exercise can improve learning and memory as well as attenuate neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition to improving neuroplasticity by altering the synaptic structure and function in various brain regions, exercise also modulates systems like angiogenesis and glial activation that are known to support neuroplasticity. Moreover, exercise helps to maintain a cerebral microenvironment that facilitates synaptic plasticity by enhancing the clearance of Aβ, one of the main culprits of AD pathogenesis. The purpose of this review is to highlight the positive impacts of exercise on promoting neuroplasticity. Possible mechanisms involved in exercise-modulated neuroplasticity are also discussed. Undoubtedly, more studies are needed to design an optimal personalized exercise protocol for enhancing brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Wei Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sheng-Feng Tsai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Min Kuo
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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33
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Xiong L, Duan L, Xu W, Wang Z. Nerve growth factor metabolic dysfunction contributes to sevoflurane-induced cholinergic degeneration and cognitive impairments. Brain Res 2018; 1707:107-116. [PMID: 30481505 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
General anesthesia with sevoflurane is associated with an increased incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Previous studies have shown that sevoflurane anesthesia can affect the integrity and function of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) which are essential for learning and memory. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated that exposure to 2.5% sevoflurane induced significant loss of BFCNs and caused impairments of the spatial and the fear memory. Further, sevoflurane exposure significantly reduced the level of nerve growth factor (NGF), an important factor for the survival and phenotype maintenance of BFCNs, by disrupting its synthesis pathways in the brain. More importantly, NGF administration not only prevented the loss of BFCNs but also ameliorated the cognitive impairments in sevoflurane-treated mice. Our findings indicate that NGF metabolic dysfunction contributes to sevoflurane-associated BFCNs degeneration and subsequent cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tinglin Hospital of Jinshan Disctrict, Shanghai 201505, China
| | - Lijie Duan
- Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Wenqing Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tinglin Hospital of Jinshan Disctrict, Shanghai 201505, China
| | - Zigao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
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The ProNGF/p75NTR pathway induces tau pathology and is a therapeutic target for FTLD-tau. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:1813-1824. [PMID: 29867188 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0071-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Tau pathology is characterized as a form of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) known as FTLD-tau. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms are not known and no therapeutic interventions are currently available. Here, we report that the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of FTLD-tau. The expression of p75NTR and the precursor of nerve growth factor (proNGF) were increased in the brains of FTLD-tau patients and mice (P301L transgenic). ProNGF-induced tau phosphorylation via p75NTR in vitro, which was associated with the AKT/glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β pathway. Genetic reduction of p75NTR in P301L mice rescued the memory deficits, alleviated tau hyperphosphorylation and restored the activity of the AKT/GSK3β pathway. Treatment of the P301L mice with the soluble p75NTR extracellular domain (p75ECD-Fc), which can antagonize neurotoxic ligands of p75NTR, effectively improved memory behavior and suppressed tau pathology. This suggests that p75NTR plays a crucial role in tau paGSKthology and represents a potential druggable target for FTLD-tau and related tauopathies.
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35
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Rizzi C, Tiberi A, Giustizieri M, Marrone MC, Gobbo F, Carucci NM, Meli G, Arisi I, D'Onofrio M, Marinelli S, Capsoni S, Cattaneo A. NGF steers microglia toward a neuroprotective phenotype. Glia 2018; 66:1395-1416. [PMID: 29473218 PMCID: PMC6001573 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are the sentinels of the brain but a clear understanding of the factors that modulate their activation in physiological and pathological conditions is still lacking. Here we demonstrate that Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) acts on microglia by steering them toward a neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory phenotype. We show that microglial cells express functional NGF receptors in vitro and ex vivo. Our transcriptomic analysis reveals how, in primary microglia, NGF treatment leads to a modulation of motility, phagocytosis and degradation pathways. At the functional level, NGF induces an increase in membrane dynamics and macropinocytosis and, in vivo, it activates an outward rectifying current that appears to modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission in nearby neurons. Since microglia are supposed to be a major player in Aβ peptide clearance in the brain, we tested the effects of NGF on its phagocytosis. NGF was shown to promote TrkA-mediated engulfment of Aβ by microglia, and to enhance its degradation. Additionally, the proinflammatory activation induced by Aβ treatment is counteracted by the concomitant administration of NGF. Moreover, by acting specifically on microglia, NGF protects neurons from the Aβ-induced loss of dendritic spines and inhibition of long term potentiation. Finally, in an ex-vivo setup of acute brain slices, we observed a similar increase in Aβ engulfment by microglial cells under the influence of NGF. Our work substantiates a role for NGF in the regulation of microglial homeostatic activities and points toward this neurotrophin as a neuroprotective agent in Aβ accumulation pathologies, via its anti-inflammatory activity on microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Rizzi
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7Pisa56126Italy
| | - Alexia Tiberi
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7Pisa56126Italy
| | - Michela Giustizieri
- European Brain Research Institute‐Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Viale Regina Elena 295Roma00161, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Marrone
- European Brain Research Institute‐Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Viale Regina Elena 295Roma00161, Italy
| | - Francesco Gobbo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7Pisa56126Italy
| | - Nicola Maria Carucci
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7Pisa56126Italy
| | - Giovanni Meli
- European Brain Research Institute‐Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Viale Regina Elena 295Roma00161, Italy
| | - Ivan Arisi
- European Brain Research Institute‐Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Viale Regina Elena 295Roma00161, Italy
| | - Mara D'Onofrio
- European Brain Research Institute‐Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Viale Regina Elena 295Roma00161, Italy
| | - Silvia Marinelli
- European Brain Research Institute‐Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Viale Regina Elena 295Roma00161, Italy
| | - Simona Capsoni
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7Pisa56126Italy
- Section of Human Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical SciencesUniversity of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17‐19Ferrara44121Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7Pisa56126Italy
- European Brain Research Institute‐Fondazione Rita Levi Montalcini, Viale Regina Elena 295Roma00161, Italy
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36
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Loera-Valencia R, Piras A, Ismail MAM, Manchanda S, Eyjolfsdottir H, Saido TC, Johansson J, Eriksdotter M, Winblad B, Nilsson P. Targeting Alzheimer's disease with gene and cell therapies. J Intern Med 2018; 284:2-36. [PMID: 29582495 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes dementia in both young and old people affecting more than 40 million people worldwide. The two neuropathological hallmarks of the disease, amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles consisting of protein tau are considered the major contributors to the disease. However, a more complete picture reveals significant neurodegeneration and decreased cell survival, neuroinflammation, changes in protein and energy homeostasis and alterations in lipid and cholesterol metabolism. In addition, gene and cell therapies for severe neurodegenerative disorders have recently improved technically in terms of safety and efficiency and have translated to the clinic showing encouraging results. Here, we review broadly current data within the field for potential targets that could modify AD through gene and cell therapy strategies. We envision that not only Aβ will be targeted in a disease-modifying treatment strategy but rather that a combination of treatments, possibly at different intervention times may prove beneficial in curing this devastating disease. These include decreased tau pathology, neuronal growth factors to support neurons and modulation of neuroinflammation for an appropriate immune response. Furthermore, cell based therapies may represent potential strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Loera-Valencia
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - A Piras
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - M A M Ismail
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Theme Neuro, Diseases of the Nervous System Patient Flow, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - S Manchanda
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - H Eyjolfsdottir
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - T C Saido
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - J Johansson
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - M Eriksdotter
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - B Winblad
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - P Nilsson
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Center for Alzheimer Research, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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Vojdani A, Vojdani E. Amyloid-Beta 1-42 Cross-Reactive Antibody Prevalent in Human Sera May Contribute to Intraneuronal Deposition of A-Beta-P-42. Int J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 2018:1672568. [PMID: 30034864 PMCID: PMC6032666 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1672568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies against many neural antigens are detected in the sera of both patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and some healthy individuals. Blood-brain barrier dysfunction could make it possible for brain-reactive autoantibodies to reach the brain, where they can react with amyloid ß peptide (AßP). The origin of these autoreactive antibodies in the blood is unclear. The goals of this study were as follows: (1) to examine the immune reactivity of anti-AßP-42 with 22 neuronal and other associated antigens, some of which are involved in the pathophysiology of AD; (2) to classify antibodies to these 22 different antigens into those that cross-react with AßP-42 and those that do not; (3) to determine whether these antibodies react with BBB proteins, nerve growth factors, and enteric neuronal antigens. Using monoclonal AßP-42 antibody and ELISA methodology, we found that the antibody was highly reactive with Aß protein, tau protein, presenilin, rabaptin-5, β-NGF, BDNF, mTG, and enteric nerve. The same antibody produced equivocal to moderate reactions with glutamate-R, S100B, AQP4, GFAP, MBP, α-synuclein, tTG-2, and tTG-3, and not with the rest. These antibodies were also measured in blood samples from 47 AD patients and 47 controls. IgG antibodies were found to be elevated against AßP-42 and many other antigens in a significant percentage of controls. Overall, the mean OD values were significantly higher against 9/23 tested antigens (p <0.001) in the samples with AD. We were indeed able to classify the detected neuronal antibodies into those that cross-react with AßP-42 and those that do not. Our main finding is that although these antibodies may be harmless in a subgroup of controls, in individuals with compromised BBBs these antibodies that cross-react with AßP-42 can reach the brain, where their cross-reactivity with AßP-42 may contribute to the onset and progression of AD, and perhaps other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristo Vojdani
- Immunosciences Lab., Inc., 822 S. Robertson Blvd., Ste. 312, Los Angeles, CA 90035, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 24785 Stewart St., Evans Hall, Ste. 111, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Elroy Vojdani
- Regenera Medical, 11860 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 301, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
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Xu W, Fang F, Ding J, Wu C. Dysregulation of Rab5-mediated endocytic pathways in Alzheimer's disease. Traffic 2018; 19:253-262. [PMID: 29314494 PMCID: PMC5869093 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has pointed to that dysregulation of the endo-lysosomal system is an early cellular phenotype of pathogenesis for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Rab5, a small GTPase, plays a critical role in mediating these processes. Abnormal overactivation of Rab5 has been observed in post-mortem brain samples of Alzheimer's patients as well as brain samples of mouse models of AD. Recent genome-wide association studies of AD have identified RIN3 (Ras and Rab interactor 3) as a novel risk factor for the disease. RIN3 that functions as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rab5 may serve as an important activator for Rab5 in AD pathogenesis. In this review, we present recent research highlights on the possible roles of dysregulation of Rab5-mediated endocytic pathways in contributing to early pathogenesis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xu
- Institute of Neurology and Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Neurology and Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jianqing Ding
- Institute of Neurology and Department of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengbiao Wu
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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39
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Shohayeb B, Diab M, Ahmed M, Ng DCH. Factors that influence adult neurogenesis as potential therapy. Transl Neurodegener 2018; 7:4. [PMID: 29484176 PMCID: PMC5822640 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-018-0109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis involves persistent proliferative neuroprogenitor populations that reside within distinct regions of the brain. This phenomenon was first described over 50 years ago and it is now firmly established that new neurons are continually generated in distinct regions of the adult brain. The potential of enhancing the neurogenic process lies in improved brain cognition and neuronal plasticity particularly in the context of neuronal injury and neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, adult neurogenesis might also play a role in mood and affective disorders. The factors that regulate adult neurogenesis have been broadly studied. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of regulating neurogenesis are still not fully defined. In this review, we will provide critical analysis of our current understanding of the factors and molecular mechanisms that determine neurogenesis. We will further discuss pre-clinical and clinical studies that have investigated the potential of modulating neurogenesis as therapeutic intervention in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belal Shohayeb
- 1School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4067 Australia
| | - Mohamed Diab
- 2Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, P.O. Box Sidi Gaber, Alexandria, 21311 Egypt
| | - Mazen Ahmed
- 2Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, P.O. Box Sidi Gaber, Alexandria, 21311 Egypt
| | - Dominic Chi Hiung Ng
- 1School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4067 Australia
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40
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Schiel KA. A new etiologic model for Alzheimers Disease. Med Hypotheses 2018; 111:27-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Revised: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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41
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Xiong C, Luo Q, Huang WL, Li Q, Chen C, Chen ZQ, Yang ZR. The potential neuritogenic activity of aqueous extracts from Morchella importuna in rat pheochromocytoma cells. Food Sci Biotechnol 2017; 26:1685-1692. [PMID: 30263706 PMCID: PMC6049703 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-017-0224-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the neuritogenic effects of aqueous extracts from the fruiting bodies of Morchella importuna (MEA). 3-(4, 5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was carried out to assess the cytotoxicity of MEA. Neurite outgrowth stimulation assay was used to evaluate the potentiation of neuritogenic activity induced by MEA. The specific inhibitors for TrkA, MEK/ERK and PI3K signaling pathway were served to clarify the mechanism of MEA's neuritogenic effects. It was shown that MEA could mimic neuritogenic activity of NGF, a kind of representative neurotrophic factors with no significant cytotoxicity, and stimulate neurite outgrowth in a dose-dependent manner of PC12 cells. The neuritogenic activity induced by MEA required activity of PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways, as well as parts of TrkA receptor. Accordingly, MEA could be used as a promising neuritogenic-stimulation compound for nervous diseases treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Xiong
- Biotechnology and Nuclear Technology Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610061 China
| | - Qiang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010 China
| | - Wen-Li Huang
- Biotechnology and Nuclear Technology Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610061 China
| | - Qiang Li
- Biotechnology and Nuclear Technology Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610061 China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610066 China
| | - Zu-Qin Chen
- Biotechnology and Nuclear Technology Research Institute, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 610061 China
| | - Zhi-Rong Yang
- School of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan China
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42
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Kumar A, Pareek V, Faiq MA, Kumar P, Raza K, Prasoon P, Dantham S, Mochan S. Regulatory role of NGFs in neurocognitive functions. Rev Neurosci 2017; 28:649-673. [DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2016-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AbstractNerve growth factors (NGFs), especially the prototype NGF and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), have a diverse array of functions in the central nervous system through their peculiar set of receptors and intricate signaling. They are implicated not only in the development of the nervous system but also in regulation of neurocognitive functions like learning, memory, synaptic transmission, and plasticity. Evidence even suggests their role in continued neurogenesis and experience-dependent neural network remodeling in adult brain. They have also been associated extensively with brain disorders characterized by neurocognitive dysfunction. In the present article, we aimed to make an exhaustive review of literature to get a comprehensive view on the role of NGFs in neurocognitive functions in health and disease. Starting with historical perspective, distribution in adult brain, implied molecular mechanisms, and developmental basis, this article further provides a detailed account of NGFs’ role in specified neurocognitive functions. Furthermore, it discusses plausible NGF-based homeostatic and adaptation mechanisms operating in the pathogenesis of neurocognitive disorders and has presents a survey of such disorders. Finally, it elaborates on current evidence and future possibilities in therapeutic applications of NGFs with an emphasis on recent research updates in drug delivery mechanisms. Conclusive remarks of the article make a strong case for plausible role of NGFs in comprehensive regulation of the neurocognitive functions and pathogenesis of related disorders and advocate that future research should be directed to explore use of NGF-based mechanisms in the prevention of implicated diseases as well as to target these molecules pharmacologically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Kumar
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
- Department of Anatomy, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Karaikal, Puducherry 609602, India
| | - Vikas Pareek
- Computational Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Division, National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), Manesar, Haryana 122051, India
| | - Muneeb A. Faiq
- Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Pavan Kumar
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Khursheed Raza
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Pranav Prasoon
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Subrahamanyam Dantham
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Sankat Mochan
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
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Seow SLS, Hong SL, Lee GS, Malek SNA, Sabaratnam V. 6-shogaol, a neuroactive compound of ginger (jahe gajah) induced neuritogenic activity via NGF responsive pathways in PC-12 cells. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:334. [PMID: 28646880 PMCID: PMC5483314 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1837-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ginger is a popular spice and food preservative. The rhizomes of the common ginger have been used as traditional medicine to treat various ailments. 6-Shogaol, a pungent compound isolated from the rhizomes of jahe gajah (Zingiber officinale var officinale) has shown numerous pharmacological activities, including neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of 6-shogaol to mimic the neuritogenic activity of nerve growth factor (NGF) in rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells. METHODS The cytotoxic effect of 6-shogaol was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The neuritogenic activity was assessed by neurite outgrowth stimulation assay while the concentration of extracellular NGF in cell culture supernatant was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Involvement of cellular signaling pathways, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (MEK/ERK1/2) and phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) in 6-shogaol-stimulated neuritogenesis were examined by using specific pharmacological inhibitors. RESULTS 6-Shogaol (500 ng/ml) induced neuritogenesis that was comparable to NGF (50 ng/ml) and was not cytotoxic towards PC-12 cells. 6-Shogaol induced low level of NGF biosynthesis in PC-12 cells, showing that 6-shogaol stimulated neuritogenesis possibly by inducing NGF biosynthesis, and also acting as a substitute for NGF (NGF mimic) in PC-12 cells. The inhibitors of Trk receptor (K252a), MEK/ERK1/2 (U0126 and PD98059) and PI3K/AKT (LY294002) attenuated the neuritogenic activity of both NGF and 6-shogaol, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The present findings demonstrated that 6-shogaol induced neuritogenic activity in PC-12 cells via the activation MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. This study suggests that 6-shogaol could act as an NGF mimic, which may be beneficial for preventive and therapeutic uses in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syntyche Ling Sing Seow
- Mushroom Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sok Lai Hong
- Mushroom Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Guan Serm Lee
- Mushroom Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sri Nurestri Abd Malek
- Mushroom Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vikineswary Sabaratnam
- Mushroom Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Capsoni S, Malerba F, Carucci NM, Rizzi C, Criscuolo C, Origlia N, Calvello M, Viegi A, Meli G, Cattaneo A. The chemokine CXCL12 mediates the anti-amyloidogenic action of painless human nerve growth factor. Brain 2017; 140:201-217. [PMID: 28031222 PMCID: PMC5379860 DOI: 10.1093/brain/aww271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor is a therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer’s disease. Due to its pain-inducing activity, in current clinical trials nerve growth factor is delivered locally into the brain by neurosurgery, but data on the efficacy of local nerve growth factor delivery in decreasing amyloid-β deposition are not available. To reduce the nerve growth factor pain-inducing side effects, thus avoiding the need for local brain injection, we developed human painless nerve growth factor (hNGFp), inspired by the human genetic disease hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type V. hNGFp has identical neurotrophic potency as wild-type human nerve growth factor, but a 10-fold lower pain sensitizing activity. In this study we first mimicked, in the 5xFAD mouse model, the intraparenchymal delivery of hNGFp used in clinical trials and found it to be ineffective in decreasing amyloid-β plaque load. On the contrary, the same dose of hNGFp delivered intranasally, which was widely biodistributed in the brain and did not induce pain, showed a potent anti-amyloidogenic action and rescued synaptic plasticity and memory deficits. We found that hNGFp acts on glial cells, modulating inflammatory proteins such as the soluble TNFα receptor II and the chemokine CXCL12. We further established that the rescuing effect by hNGFp is mediated by CXCL12, as pharmacological inhibition of CXCL12 receptor CXCR4 occludes most of hNGFp effects. These findings have significant therapeutic implications: (i) we established that a widespread exposure of the brain is required for nerve growth factor to fully exert its neuroprotective actions; and (ii) we have identified a new anti-neurodegenerative pathway as a broad target for new therapeutic opportunities for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Capsoni
- 1 Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy.,2 Institute of Neuroscience, National Council for Research, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Malerba
- 1 Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy.,3 Neurotrophins and Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Rita Levi-Montalcini European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Caterina Rizzi
- 1 Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Criscuolo
- 2 Institute of Neuroscience, National Council for Research, Pisa, Italy.,4 Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Nicola Origlia
- 2 Institute of Neuroscience, National Council for Research, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Viegi
- 1 Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Meli
- 3 Neurotrophins and Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Rita Levi-Montalcini European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- 1 Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy .,3 Neurotrophins and Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Rita Levi-Montalcini European Brain Research Institute, Rome, Italy
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Nanotechnological strategies for nerve growth factor delivery: Therapeutic implications in Alzheimer’s disease. Pharmacol Res 2017; 120:68-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Li BY, Wang Y, Tang HD, Chen SD. The role of cognitive activity in cognition protection: from Bedside to Bench. Transl Neurodegener 2017; 6:7. [PMID: 28360996 PMCID: PMC5371186 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-017-0078-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive decline poses a great concern to elderly people and their families. In addition to pharmacological therapies, several varieties of nonpharmacological intervention have been developed. Most training trials proved that a well-organized task is clinically effective in cognition improvement. MAIN BODY We will first review clinical trials of cognitive training for healthy elders, MCI and AD patients, respectively. Besides, potential neuroprotective and compensatory mechanisms in animal models of AD are discussed. Despite controversy, cognitive training has promising effect on cognitive ability. In animal model of AD, environmental enrichment showed beneficial effect for cognitive ability, as well as neuronal plasticity. Neurotrophin, neurotransmitter and neuromodulator signaling pathway were also involved in the process. Well-designed cognitive activity could benefit cognitive function, and thus life quality of patients and their families. CONCLUSION The positive effects of cognitive activity is closely related with neural plasticity, neurotrophin, neurotransmitter and neuromodulator signaling pathway changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Yin Li
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Rui Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Rui Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Hui-Dong Tang
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Rui Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Sheng-Di Chen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurology and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Rui Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
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Latina V, Caioli S, Zona C, Ciotti MT, Amadoro G, Calissano P. Impaired NGF/TrkA Signaling Causes Early AD-Linked Presynaptic Dysfunction in Cholinergic Primary Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:68. [PMID: 28360840 PMCID: PMC5350152 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in NGF/TrkA signaling have been suggested to underlie the selective degeneration of the cholinergic basal forebrain neurons occurring in vivo in AD (Counts and Mufson, 2005; Mufson et al., 2008; Niewiadomska et al., 2011) and significant reduction of cognitive decline along with an improvement of cholinergic hypofunction have been found in phase I clinical trial in humans affected from mild AD following therapeutic NGF gene therapy (Tuszynski et al., 2005, 2015). Here, we show that the chronic (10–12 D.I.V.) in vitro treatment with NGF (100 ng/ml) under conditions of low supplementation (0.2%) with the culturing serum-substitute B27 selectively enriches the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (+36.36%) at the expense of other non-cholinergic, mainly GABAergic (−38.45%) and glutamatergic (−56.25%), populations. By taking advantage of this newly-developed septo-hippocampal neuronal cultures, our biochemical and electrophysiological investigations demonstrate that the early failure in excitatory neurotransmission following NGF withdrawal is paralleled by concomitant and progressive loss in selected presynaptic and vesicles trafficking proteins including synapsin I, SNAP-25 and α-synuclein. This rapid presynaptic dysfunction: (i) precedes the commitment to cell death and is reversible in a time-dependent manner, being suppressed by de novo external administration of NGF within 6 hr from its initial withdrawal; (ii) is specific because it is not accompanied by contextual changes in expression levels of non-synaptic proteins from other subcellular compartments; (ii) is not secondary to axonal degeneration because it is insensible to pharmacological treatment with known microtubule-stabilizing drug such paclitaxel; (iv) involves TrkA-dependent mechanisms because the effects of NGF reapplication are blocked by acute exposure to specific and cell-permeable inhibitor of its high-affinity receptor. Taken together, this study may have important clinical implications in the field of AD neurodegeneration because it: (i) provides new insights on the earliest molecular mechanisms underlying the loss of synaptic/trafficking proteins and, then, of synapes integrity which occurs in vulnerable basal forebrain population at preclinical stages of neuropathology; (ii) offers prime presynaptic-based molecular target to extend the therapeutic time-window of NGF action in the strategy of improving its neuroprotective in vivo intervention in affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Latina
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council (CNR) Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Zona
- IRCCS Santa Lucia FoundationRome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor VergataRome, Italy
| | - Maria T Ciotti
- NGF and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Amadoro
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council (CNR)Rome, Italy; NGF and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, European Brain Research Institute (EBRI)Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Calissano
- NGF and Molecular Mechanisms of Neurodegenerative Diseases, European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) Rome, Italy
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Fasulo L, Brandi R, Arisi I, La Regina F, Berretta N, Capsoni S, D'Onofrio M, Cattaneo A. ProNGF Drives Localized and Cell Selective Parvalbumin Interneuron and Perineuronal Net Depletion in the Dentate Gyrus of Transgenic Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:20. [PMID: 28232789 PMCID: PMC5299926 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
ProNGF, the precursor of mature Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), is the most abundant NGF form in the brain and increases markedly in the cortex in Alzheimer's Disease (AD), relative to mature NGF. A large body of evidence shows that the actions of ProNGF and mature NGF are often conflicting, depending on the receptors expressed in target cells. TgproNGF#3 mice, expressing furin-cleavage resistant proNGF in CNS neurons, directly reveal consequences of increased proNGF levels on brain homeostasis. Their phenotype clearly indicates that proNGF can be a driver of neurodegeneration, including severe learning and memory behavioral deficits, cholinergic deficits, and diffuse immunoreactivity for A-beta and A-beta-oligomers. In aged TgproNGF#3 mice spontaneous epileptic-like events are detected in entorhinal cortex-hippocampal slices, suggesting occurrence of excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalance. In this paper, we investigate the molecular events linking increased proNGF levels to the epileptiform activity detected in hippocampal slices. The occurrence of spontaneous epileptiform discharges in the hippocampal network in TgproNGF#3 mice suggests an impaired inhibitory interneuron homeostasis. In the present study, we detect the onset of hippocampal epileptiform events at 1-month of age. Later, we observe a regional- and cellular-selective Parvalbumin interneuron and perineuronal net (PNN) depletion in the dentate gyrus (DG), but not in other hippocampal regions of TgproNGF#3 mice. These results demonstrate that, in the hippocampus, the DG is selectively vulnerable to altered proNGF/NGF signaling. Parvalbumin interneuron depletion is also observed in the amygdala, a region strongly connected to the hippocampus and likewise receiving cholinergic afferences. Transcriptome analysis of TgproNGF#3 hippocampus reveals a proNGF signature with broad down-regulation of transcription. The most affected mRNAs modulated at early times belong to synaptic transmission and plasticity and extracellular matrix (ECM) gene families. Moreover, alterations in the expression of selected BDNF splice variants were observed. Our results provide further mechanistic insights into the vicious negative cycle linking proNGF and neurodegeneration, confirming the regulation of E/I homeostasis as a crucial mediating mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Fasulo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy; European Brain Research Institute Rita Levi-MontalciniRome, Italy
| | - Rossella Brandi
- European Brain Research Institute Rita Levi-Montalcini Rome, Italy
| | - Ivan Arisi
- European Brain Research Institute Rita Levi-Montalcini Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Berretta
- Department of Experimental Neurology, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Capsoni
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, Italy
| | - Mara D'Onofrio
- European Brain Research Institute Rita Levi-Montalcini Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Bio@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy; European Brain Research Institute Rita Levi-MontalciniRome, Italy
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Malerba F, Paoletti F, Cattaneo A. NGF and proNGF Reciprocal Interference in Immunoassays: Open Questions, Criticalities, and Ways Forward. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:63. [PMID: 27536217 PMCID: PMC4971159 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The homeostasis between mature neurotrophin NGF and its precursor proNGF is thought to be crucial in physiology and in pathological states. Therefore, the measurement of the relative amounts of NGF and proNGF could serve as a footprint for the identification of disease states, for diagnostic purposes. Since NGF is part of proNGF, their selective identification with anti-NGF antibodies is not straightforward. Currently, many immunoassays for NGF measurement are available, while the proNGF assays are few and not validated by published information. The question arises, as to whether the commercially available assays are able to distinguish between the two forms. Also, since in biological samples the two forms coexist, are the measurements of one species affected by the presence of the other? We describe experiments addressing these questions. For the first time, NGF and proNGF were measured together and tested in different immunoassays. Unexpectedly, NGF and proNGF were found to reciprocally interfere with the experimental outcome. The interference also calls into question the widely used NGF ELISA methods, applied to biological samples where NGF and proNGF coexist. Therefore, an immunoassay, able to distinguish between the two forms is needed. We propose possible ways forward, toward the development of a selective assay. In particular, the use of the well validated anti-NGF αD11 antibody in an alphaLISA assay with optimized incubation times would be a solution to avoid the interference in the measurement of a mixed sample containing NGF and proNGF. Furthermore, we explored the possibility of measuring proNGF in a biological sample. But the available commercial kit for the detection of proNGF does not allow the measurement of proNGF in mouse brain tissues. Therefore, we validated an SPR approach for the measurement of proNGF in a biological sample. Our experiments help in understanding the technical limits in the measurement of the NGF/proNGF ratio in biological samples, and propose concrete solutions toward the solution of this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Malerba
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, European Brain Research Institute, "Rita Levi-Montalcini" FoundationRome, Italy; BioSNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Paoletti
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, European Brain Research Institute, "Rita Levi-Montalcini" FoundationRome, Italy; BioSNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
| | - Antonino Cattaneo
- Neurotrophic Factors and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, European Brain Research Institute, "Rita Levi-Montalcini" FoundationRome, Italy; BioSNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale SuperiorePisa, Italy
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Lignosus rhinocerotis (Cooke) Ryvarden mimics the neuritogenic activity of nerve growth factor via MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in PC-12 cells. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16349. [PMID: 26542212 PMCID: PMC4635385 DOI: 10.1038/srep16349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The traditional application of the sclerotium of Lignosus rhinocerotis (tiger’s milk mushroom) by the indigenous folks as tonic and remedy to treat a variety of ailments has been documented in Malaysia. Indigenous communities claimed to have consumed the decoction to boost their alertness during hunting. Mental alertness is believed to be related to neuronal health and neuroactivity. In the present study, the cell viability and neuritogenic effects of L. rhinocerotis sclerotium hot aqueous and ethanolic extracts, and crude polysaccharides on rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells were studied. Interestingly, the hot aqueous extract exhibited neuritogenic activity comparable to NGF in PC-12 cells. However, the extracts and crude polysaccharides stimulated neuritogenesis without stimulating the production of NGF in PC-12 cells. The involvements of the TrkA receptor and MEK/ERK1/2 pathway in hot aqueous extract-stimulated neuritogenesis were examined by Trk (K252a) and MEK/ERK1/2 (U0126 and PD98059) inhibitors. There was no significant difference in protein expression in NGF- and hot aqueous extract-treated cells for both total and phosphorylated p44/42 MAPK. The neuritogenic activity in PC-12 cells stimulated by hot aqueous and ethanolic extracts, and crude polysaccharides of L. rhinocerotis sclerotium mimicking NGF activity via the MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway is reported for the first time.
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