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Beckman D, Diniz GB, Ott S, Hobson B, Chaudhari AJ, Muller S, Chu Y, Takano A, Schwarz AJ, Yeh C, McQuade P, Chakrabarty P, Kanaan NM, Quinton MS, Simen AA, Kordower JH, Morrison JH. Temporal progression of tau pathology and neuroinflammation in a rhesus monkey model of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:5198-5219. [PMID: 39030748 PMCID: PMC11350056 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13868] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The understanding of the pathological events in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has advanced dramatically, but the successful translation from rodent models into efficient human therapies is still problematic. METHODS To examine how tau pathology can develop in the primate brain, we injected 12 macaques with a dual tau mutation (P301L/S320F) into the entorhinal cortex (ERC). An investigation was performed using high-resolution microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and fluid biomarkers to determine the temporal progression of the pathology 3 and 6 months after the injection. RESULTS Using quantitative microscopy targeting markers for neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, as well as fluid and imaging biomarkers, we detailed the progression of misfolded tau spreading and the consequential inflammatory response induced by glial cells. DISCUSSION By combining the analysis of several in vivo biomarkers with extensive brain microscopy analysis, we described the initial steps of misfolded tau spreading and neuroinflammation in a monkey model highly translatable to AD patients. HIGHLIGHTS Dual tau mutation delivery in the entorhinal cortex induces progressive tau pathology in rhesus macaques. Exogenous human 4R-tau coaptates monkey 3R-tau during transneuronal spread, in a prion-like manner. Neuroinflammatory response is coordinated by microglia and astrocytes in response to tau pathology, with microglia targeting early tau pathology, while astrocytes engaged later in the progression, coincident with neuronal death. Monthly collection of CSF and plasma revealed a profile of changes in several AD core biomarkers, reflective of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation as early as 1 month after injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Beckman
- California National Primate Research CenterUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Giovanne B. Diniz
- California National Primate Research CenterUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sean Ott
- California National Primate Research CenterUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Brad Hobson
- California National Primate Research CenterUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Radiology, School of MedicineUniversity of California DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Abhijit J. Chaudhari
- California National Primate Research CenterUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Radiology, School of MedicineUniversity of California DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Scott Muller
- ASU‐Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research CenterArizona State UniversityTempeArizonaUSA
| | - Yaping Chu
- ASU‐Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research CenterArizona State UniversityTempeArizonaUSA
| | - Akihiro Takano
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc.LexingtonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Adam J. Schwarz
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc.LexingtonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Chien‐Lin Yeh
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc.LexingtonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Paul McQuade
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc.LexingtonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Paramita Chakrabarty
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative DiseaseUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Nicholas M. Kanaan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human MedicineMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Maria S. Quinton
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc.LexingtonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Arthur A. Simen
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc.LexingtonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jeffrey H. Kordower
- ASU‐Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research CenterArizona State UniversityTempeArizonaUSA
- Department of Neurological SciencesRush University Medical CenterChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - John H. Morrison
- California National Primate Research CenterUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
- Department of NeurologySchool of MedicineUniversity of California DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
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Soeda Y, Hayashi E, Nakatani N, Ishigaki S, Takaichi Y, Tachibana T, Riku Y, Chambers JK, Koike R, Mohammad M, Takashima A. A novel monoclonal antibody generated by immunization with granular tau oligomers binds to tau aggregates at 423-430 amino acid sequence. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16391. [PMID: 39060263 PMCID: PMC11282240 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65949-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Prior to the formation of amyloid fibrils, the pathological hallmark in tau-related neurodegenerative disease, tau monomers aggregate into a diverse range of oligomers. Granular tau oligomers, consisting of approximately 40 tau protein molecules, are present in the prefrontal cortex of patients at Braak stages I-II, preclinical stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Antibodies to granular tau oligomers as antigens have not been reported. Therefore, we generated new rat monoclonal antibodies by immunization with granular tau oligomers. Three antibodies from different hybridoma clones showed stronger immunoreactivity to granular tau oligomers and tau fibrils compared with monomeric tau. Of the three antibodies, 2D6-2C6 showed 3000-fold greater immunoreactivity in P301L-tau transgenic (rTg4510) mice than in non-transgenic mice, while MC1 antibody, which detects pathological conformations of tau, showed a 5.5-fold increase. These results suggest that 2D6-2C6 recognizes aggregates more specifically than MC1. In AD subjects, 2D6-2C6 recognized neurofibrillary tangles and pretangles, and co-localized within AT8-positive cells containing phosphorylated tau aggregates. The epitope of 2D6-2C6 is the 423-430 amino acid (AA) sequence of C-terminal regions. Taken together, a novel monoclonal antibody, 2D6-2C6, generated by immunization with granular tau oligomers binds to tau aggregates at the 423-430 AA sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Soeda
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-8588, Japan.
| | - Emi Hayashi
- Cell Engineering Corporation, 5-12-14 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, 532-0011, Japan
| | - Naoko Nakatani
- Cell Engineering Corporation, 5-12-14 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, 532-0011, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Ishigaki
- Department of Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Brain Disease, Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Yuta Takaichi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Taro Tachibana
- Cell Engineering Corporation, 5-12-14 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka, 532-0011, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering Division of Science and Engineering for Materials, Chemistry and Biology, Osaka Metropolitan University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 558-0022, Japan
| | - Yuichi Riku
- Institute for Medical Science of Aging, Aichi Medical University, 1-1 Yazakokarimata, Nagakute, Aichi, 480-1195, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai, Showa, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - James K Chambers
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Riki Koike
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-8588, Japan
| | - Moniruzzaman Mohammad
- Department of Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Brain Disease, Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Akihiko Takashima
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-8588, Japan
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Soeda Y, Yoshimura H, Bannai H, Koike R, Shiiba I, Takashima A. Intracellular tau fragment droplets serve as seeds for tau fibrils. Structure 2024:S0969-2126(24)00236-3. [PMID: 39032487 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Intracellular tau aggregation requires a local protein concentration increase, referred to as "droplets". However, the cellular mechanism for droplet formation is poorly understood. Here, we expressed OptoTau, a P301L mutant tau fused with CRY2olig, a light-sensitive protein that can form homo-oligomers. Under blue light exposure, OptoTau increased tau phosphorylation and was sequestered in aggresomes. Suppressing aggresome formation by nocodazole formed tau granular clusters in the cytoplasm. The granular clusters disappeared by discontinuing blue light exposure or 1,6-hexanediol treatment suggesting that intracellular tau droplet formation requires microtubule collapse. Expressing OptoTau-ΔN, a species of N-terminal cleaved tau observed in the Alzheimer's disease brain, formed 1,6-hexanediol and detergent-resistant tau clusters in the cytoplasm with blue light stimulation. These intracellular stable tau clusters acted as a seed for tau fibrils in vitro. These results suggest that tau droplet formation and N-terminal cleavage are necessary for neurofibrillary tangles formation in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Soeda
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan.
| | - Hideaki Yoshimura
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroko Bannai
- School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Biosciences, Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsucho, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 162-0056, Japan
| | - Riki Koike
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan
| | - Isshin Shiiba
- Laboratory of Molecular Biochemistry, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan
| | - Akihiko Takashima
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8588, Japan
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Shee Da En Z, Mhd Noor EE, Ahmed Kayani A, Hussin MH, Farrukh Baig M. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy in the Determination of the Dielectric Properties of Tau-441 Protein for Dielectrophoresis Response Prediction. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:698. [PMID: 39061780 PMCID: PMC11274257 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11070698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study employs electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to probe the behavior of Tau-441 protein, a key component implicated in Alzheimer's disease. Through meticulous experimentation and analysis, the impedance of Tau-441 protein suspension revealed a conductivity peak value of 1.02 S/m. The study demonstrates a high level of specificity and selectivity, particularly within the challenging nanomolar concentration range. Additionally, the EIS method enabled the prediction of Tau-441 protein's dielectrophoresis (DEP) response and the determination of the associated frequency range of 1 kHz to 1 MHz. These findings contribute to advancing our understanding of the molecular intricacies surrounding Tau-441 and hold promise for unraveling implications related to Alzheimer's disease. This study establishes a robust foundation for future research on neurodegenerative disease and biosciences, offering valuable insights into the electrochemical dynamics of Tau-441 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuriel Shee Da En
- Centre for Manufacturing and Environmental Sustainability (CMES), Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Multimedia University, Ayer Keroh 75450, Malaysia (M.F.B.)
| | - Ervina Efzan Mhd Noor
- Centre for Manufacturing and Environmental Sustainability (CMES), Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Multimedia University, Ayer Keroh 75450, Malaysia (M.F.B.)
| | - Aminuddin Ahmed Kayani
- Functional Materials and Microsystems Research Group, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia;
| | - Mohd Hazwan Hussin
- Materials Technology Research Group (MaTReC), School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Malaysia;
| | - Mirza Farrukh Baig
- Centre for Manufacturing and Environmental Sustainability (CMES), Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Multimedia University, Ayer Keroh 75450, Malaysia (M.F.B.)
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Islam M, Shen F, Regmi D, Petersen K, Karim MRU, Du D. Tau liquid-liquid phase separation: At the crossroads of tau physiology and tauopathy. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e30853. [PMID: 35980344 PMCID: PMC9938090 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal deposition of tau in neurons is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and several other neurodegenerative disorders. In the past decades, extensive efforts have been made to explore the mechanistic pathways underlying the development of tauopathies. Recently, the discovery of tau droplet formation by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has received a great deal of attention. It has been reported that tau condensates have a biological role in promoting and stabilizing microtubule (MT) assembly. Furthermore, it has been hypothesized that the transition of phase-separated tau droplets to a gel-like state and then to fibrils is associated with the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we outline LLPS, the structural disorder that facilitates tau droplet formation, the effects of posttranslational modification of tau on condensate formation, the physiological function of tau droplets, the pathways from droplet to toxic fibrils, and the therapeutic strategies for tauopathies that might evolve from toxic droplets. We expect a deeper understanding of tau LLPS will provide additional insights into tau physiology and tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majedul Islam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, United States
| | - Fengyun Shen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, United States
| | - Deepika Regmi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, United States
| | - Katherine Petersen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, United States
| | - Md Raza Ul Karim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, United States
| | - Deguo Du
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, United States
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6
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Anbaraki A, Dindar Z, Mousavi-Jarrahi Z, Ghasemi A, Moeini Z, Evini M, Saboury AA, Seyedarabi A. The novel anti-fibrillary effects of volatile compounds α-asarone and β-caryophyllene on tau protein: Towards promising therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132401. [PMID: 38761902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The abnormal deposition of tau protein is one of the critical causes of tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease (AD). In recent years, there has been great interest in the use of essential oils and volatile compounds in aromatherapy for treating AD, since volatile compounds can directly reach the brain through intranasal administration. The volatile compounds α-asarone (ASA) and β-caryophyllene (BCP) have revealed various important neuroprotective properties, useful in treating AD. In this study, the volatile compounds ASA and BCP were assessed for their effectiveness in preventing tau fibrillation, disassembly of pre-formed tau fibrils, and disaggregation of tau aggregates. SDS-PAGE and AFM analyses revealed that ASA and BCP inhibited tau fibrillation/aggregation and decreased the mean size of tau oligomers. Tau samples treated with ASA and BCP, showed a reduction in ThT and ANS fluorescence intensities, and a decrease in the β-sheet content. Additionally, ASA and BCP disassembled the pre-formed tau fibrils to the granular and linear oligomeric intermediates. Treatment of neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells with tau samples treated with ASA and BCP, revealed protective effects as shown by reduced toxicity of the cells, due to the inhibition of tau fibrillation/aggregation. Overall, ASA and BCP appeared to be promising therapeutic candidates for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afrooz Anbaraki
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Dindar
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Atiyeh Ghasemi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Moeini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Evini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Saboury
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arefeh Seyedarabi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Soliman AS, Umstead A, Lamp J, Vega IE. EFhd2 co-aggregates with monomeric and filamentous tau in vitro. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1373410. [PMID: 38765673 PMCID: PMC11100465 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1373410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are characterized by the abnormal buildup of tau protein, with early oligomeric forms associated with neurodegeneration and the later neurofibrillary tangles possibly conferring neuroprotection. The molecular mechanisms governing the formation of these tau species are unclear. Lately, there has been an increased focus on examining the interactions between tau and other proteins, along with their influence on the aggregation of tau. Our previous work revealed EFhd2's association with pathological tau in animal models and tauopathy brains. Herein, we examined the impact of EFhd2 on monomeric and filamentous tau in vitro. The results demonstrated that EFhd2 incubation with monomeric full length human tau (hTau40) formed amorphous aggregates, where both EFhd2 and hTau40 colocalized. Moreover, EFhd2 is entangled with arachidonic acid (ARA)-induced filamentous hTau40. Furthermore, EFhd2-induced aggregation with monomeric and filamentous hTau40 is EFhd2 concentration dependent. Using sandwich ELISA assays, we assessed the reactivity of TOC1 and Alz50-two conformation-specific tau antibodies-to EFhd2-hTau40 aggregates (in absence and presence of ARA). No TOC1 signal was detected in EFhd2 aggregates with monomeric hTau40 whereas EFhd2 aggregates with hTau in the presence of ARA showed a higher signal compared to hTau40 filaments. In contrast, EFhd2 aggregates with both monomeric and filamentous hTau40 reduced Alz50 reactivity. Taken together, our results illustrate for the first time that EFhd2, a tau-associated protein, interacts with monomeric and filamentous hTau40 to form large aggregates that are starkly different from tau oligomers and filaments. Given these findings and previous research, we hypothesize that EFhd2 may play a role in the formation of tau aggregates. Nevertheless, further in vivo studies are imperative to test this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahlam S. Soliman
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Andrew Umstead
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
- Integrated Mass Spectrometry Unit, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Jared Lamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Irving E. Vega
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Integrated Mass Spectrometry Unit, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Zheng H, Sun H, Cai Q, Tai HC. The Enigma of Tau Protein Aggregation: Mechanistic Insights and Future Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4969. [PMID: 38732197 PMCID: PMC11084794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Tau protein misfolding and aggregation are pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease and over twenty neurodegenerative disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms of tau aggregation in vivo remain incompletely understood. There are two types of tau aggregates in the brain: soluble aggregates (oligomers and protofibrils) and insoluble filaments (fibrils). Compared to filamentous aggregates, soluble aggregates are more toxic and exhibit prion-like transmission, providing seeds for templated misfolding. Curiously, in its native state, tau is a highly soluble, heat-stable protein that does not form fibrils by itself, not even when hyperphosphorylated. In vitro studies have found that negatively charged molecules such as heparin, RNA, or arachidonic acid are generally required to induce tau aggregation. Two recent breakthroughs have provided new insights into tau aggregation mechanisms. First, as an intrinsically disordered protein, tau is found to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) both in vitro and inside cells. Second, cryo-electron microscopy has revealed diverse fibrillar tau conformations associated with different neurodegenerative disorders. Nonetheless, only the fibrillar core is structurally resolved, and the remainder of the protein appears as a "fuzzy coat". From this review, it appears that further studies are required (1) to clarify the role of LLPS in tau aggregation; (2) to unveil the structural features of soluble tau aggregates; (3) to understand the involvement of fuzzy coat regions in oligomer and fibril formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hwan-Ching Tai
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
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9
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Wang B, Pan X, Teng IT, Li X, Kobeissy F, Wu ZY, Zhu J, Cai G, Yan H, Yan X, Liang M, Yu F, Lu J, Yang Z, Biondi E, Haskins W, Cao YC, Benner SA, Tan W, Wang KK. Functional Selection of Tau Oligomerization-Inhibiting Aptamers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202402007. [PMID: 38407551 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202402007] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Pathological hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of microtubule-associated Tau protein contribute to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other related tauopathies. Currently, no cure exists for Alzheimer's Disease. Aptamers offer significant potential as next-generation therapeutics in biotechnology and the treatment of neurological disorders. Traditional aptamer selection methods for Tau protein focus on binding affinity rather than interference with pathological Tau. In this study, we developed a new selection strategy to enrich DNA aptamers that bind to surviving monomeric Tau protein under conditions that would typically promote Tau aggregation. Employing this approach, we identified a set of aptamer candidates. Notably, BW1c demonstrates a high binding affinity (Kd=6.6 nM) to Tau protein and effectively inhibits arachidonic acid (AA)-induced Tau protein oligomerization and aggregation. Additionally, it inhibits GSK3β-mediated Tau hyperphosphorylation in cell-free systems and okadaic acid-mediated Tau hyperphosphorylation in cellular milieu. Lastly, retro-orbital injection of BW1c tau aptamer shows the ability to cross the blood brain barrier and gain access to neuronal cell body. Through further refinement and development, these Tau aptamers may pave the way for a first-in-class neurotherapeutic to mitigate tauopathy-associated neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, 13709 Progress Boulevard, No. 7, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Xiaoshu Pan
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - I-Ting Teng
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Center for Neurotrauma, Multiomics & Biomarkers, Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310-1458, (USA). Department of Emergency Medicine, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Zo-Yu Wu
- Center for Neurotrauma, Multiomics & Biomarkers, Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310-1458, (USA). Department of Emergency Medicine, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jiepei Zhu
- Center for Neurotrauma, Multiomics & Biomarkers, Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310-1458, (USA). Department of Emergency Medicine, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Guangzheng Cai
- Center for Neurotrauma, Multiomics & Biomarkers, Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310-1458, (USA). Department of Emergency Medicine, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - He Yan
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Xin Yan
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Mingwei Liang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UF Health Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Fahong Yu
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jianrong Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UF Health Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Zunyi Yang
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, 13709 Progress Boulevard, No. 7, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Elisa Biondi
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, 13709 Progress Boulevard, No. 7, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - William Haskins
- Gryphon Bio, Inc., 611 Gateway Blvd. Suite 120 #253, South San Francisco, CA 94080-7066, USA
| | - Y Charles Cao
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Steven A Benner
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution, Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, 13709 Progress Boulevard, No. 7, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Weihong Tan
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Center for Research at Bio/Nano Interface, Health Cancer Center, UF Genetics Institute and McKnight Brain Institute, Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| | - Kevin K Wang
- Center for Neurotrauma, Multiomics & Biomarkers, Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310-1458, (USA). Department of Emergency Medicine, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Gryphon Bio, Inc., 611 Gateway Blvd. Suite 120 #253, South San Francisco, CA 94080-7066, USA
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
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10
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Comptdaer T, Tardivel M, Schirmer C, Buée L, Galas MC. Cell redistribution of G quadruplex-structured DNA is associated with morphological changes of nuclei and nucleoli in neurons during tau pathology progression. Brain Pathol 2024:e13262. [PMID: 38649330 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13262] [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: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
While the double helical structure has long been its iconic representation, DNA is structurally dynamic and can adopt alternative secondary configurations. Specifically, guanine-rich DNA sequences can fold in guanine quadruplexes (G4) structures. These G4 play pivotal roles as regulators of gene expression and genomic stability, and influence protein homeostasis. Despite their significance, the association of G4 with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been underappreciated. Recent findings have identified DNA sequences predicted to form G4 in sarkosyl-insoluble aggregates from AD brains, questioning the involvement of G4-structured DNA (G4 DNA) in the pathology. Using immunofluorescence coupled to confocal microscopy analysis we investigated the impact of tau pathology, a hallmark of tauopathies including AD, on the distribution of G4 DNA in murine neurons and its relevance to AD brains. In healthy neurons, G4 DNA is detected in nuclei with a notable presence in nucleoli. However, in a transgenic mouse model of tau pathology (THY-Tau22), early stages of the disease exhibit an impairment in the nuclear distribution of G4 DNA. In addition, G4 DNA accumulates in the cytoplasm of neurons exhibiting oligomerized tau and oxidative DNA damage. This altered distribution persists in the later stage of the pathology when larger tau aggregates are present. Still cytoplasmic deposition of G4 DNA does not appear to be a critical factor in the tau aggregation process. Similar patterns are observed in neurons from the AD cortex. Furthermore, the disturbance in G4 DNA distribution is associated with various changes in the size of neuronal nuclei and nucleoli, indicative of responses to stress and the activation of pro-survival mechanisms. Our results shed light on a significant impact of tau pathology on the dynamics of G4 DNA and on nuclear and nucleolar mechanobiology in neurons. These findings reveal new dimensions in the etiopathogenesis of tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Comptdaer
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, CNRS, LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Lille, France
| | - Meryem Tardivel
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, US41-UAR 2014-PLBS, Lille, France
| | - Claire Schirmer
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, CNRS, LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Lille, France
| | - Luc Buée
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, CNRS, LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Lille, France
| | - Marie-Christine Galas
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, CNRS, LilNCog-Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Lille, France
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11
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Sun X, Eastman G, Shi Y, Saibaba S, Oliveira AK, Lukens JR, Norambuena A, Thompson JA, Purdy MD, Dryden K, Pardo E, Mandell JW, Bloom GS. Structural and functional damage to neuronal nuclei caused by extracellular tau oligomers. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:1656-1670. [PMID: 38069673 PMCID: PMC10947977 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuronal nuclei are normally smoothly surfaced. In Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies, though, they often develop invaginations. We investigated mechanisms and functional consequences of neuronal nuclear invagination in tauopathies. METHODS Nuclear invagination was assayed by immunofluorescence in the brain, and in cultured neurons before and after extracellular tau oligomer (xcTauO) exposure. Nucleocytoplasmic transport was assayed in cultured neurons. Gene expression was investigated using nanoString nCounter technology and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Invaginated nuclei were twice as abundant in human AD as in cognitively normal adults, and were increased in mouse neurodegeneration models. In cultured neurons, nuclear invagination was induced by xcTauOs by an intracellular tau-dependent mechanism. xcTauOs impaired nucleocytoplasmic transport, increased histone H3 trimethylation at lysine 9, and altered gene expression, especially by increasing tau mRNA. DISCUSSION xcTauOs may be a primary cause of nuclear invagination in vivo, and by extension, impair nucleocytoplasmic transport and induce pathogenic gene expression changes. HIGHLIGHTS Extracellular tau oligomers (xcTauOs) cause neuronal nuclei to invaginate. xcTauOs alter nucleocytoplasmic transport, chromatin structure, and gene expression. The most upregulated gene is MAPT, which encodes tau. xcTauOs may thus drive a positive feedback loop for production of toxic tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehan Sun
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Guillermo Eastman
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- Departamento de GenómicaInstituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente EstableMinisterio de Educación y CulturaMontevideoUruguay
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Subhi Saibaba
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Ana K. Oliveira
- Department of PathologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - John R. Lukens
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Andrés Norambuena
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Joseph A. Thompson
- Department of Materials Science & EngineeringUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Michael D. Purdy
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological PhysicsUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Kelly Dryden
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological PhysicsUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Evelyn Pardo
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - James W. Mandell
- Department of PathologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - George S. Bloom
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
- Department of Cell BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
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12
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Lin H, Sandkuhler S, Dunlea C, Rodwell-Bullock J, King DH, Johnson GVW. BAG3 regulates the specificity of the recognition of specific MAPT species by NBR1 and SQSTM1. Autophagy 2024; 20:577-589. [PMID: 37899687 PMCID: PMC10936643 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2276622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy/autophagy receptors are essential for the recognition and clearance of specific cargos by selective autophagy, which is essential for maintaining MAPT proteostasis. Previous studies have implicated different autophagy receptors in directing distinct species of MAPT to autophagy, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully investigated. Here we examine how the autophagy receptors NBR1 and SQSTM1 differentially associate with specific forms of MAPT. In primary neurons depletion of NBR1, unlike depletion of SQSTM1, significantly increased phosphorylated MAPT levels. The specificity of the interactions was confirmed using in vitro binding assays with purified proteins. We provide direct evidence that the co-chaperone BAG3 promotes the preferential association of NBR1 with monomeric MAPT and SQSTM1 with oligomeric MAPT. Using an in vitro affinity-isolation assay, we show that SQSTM1 only binds to monomeric MAPT when BAG3 is absent and fails to bind when BAG3 is present. The opposite is true of NBR1; its association with monomeric MAPT was dependent on the presence of BAG3. Interestingly, in Alzheimer disease brain the association of NBR1 with BAG3 was significantly decreased. In a mouse model, ablation of BAG3 in neural cells disrupted the association of NBR1 with phosphorylated MAPT and led to increased levels of phosphorylated and oligomeric MAPT. Overall, our results uncover a novel role for BAG3 in regulating the specificity of selective autophagy receptors in targeting different species of MAPT and provide compelling evidence that BAG3 plays a key role in maintaining MAPT proteostasis.Abbreviations: AD: Alzheimer disease; BAG3: BCL2-associated athanogene 3; BSA: bovine serum albumin; CERAD: Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease; ESCRT: endosomal sorting complexes required for transport; GST: glutathione S-transferases; MAPT: microtubule-associated protein tau; NBR1: NBR1, autophagy cargo receptor; NFT: neurofibrillary tangles; PMI: postmortem interval; SQSTM1: sequestosome 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Sandkuhler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Colleen Dunlea
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Joel Rodwell-Bullock
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Darron H King
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Gail V. W. Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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13
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Alhadidy MM, Kanaan NM. Biochemical approaches to assess the impact of post-translational modifications on pathogenic tau conformations using recombinant protein. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:301-318. [PMID: 38348781 PMCID: PMC10903483 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Tau protein is associated with many neurodegenerative disorders known as tauopathies. Aggregates of tau are thought of as a main contributor to neurodegeneration in these diseases. Increasingly, evidence points to earlier, soluble conformations of abnormally modified monomers and multimeric tau as toxic forms of tau. The biological processes driving tau from physiological species to pathogenic conformations remain poorly understood, but certain avenues are currently under investigation including the functional consequences of various pathological tau changes (e.g. mutations, post-translational modifications (PTMs), and protein-protein interactions). PTMs can regulate several aspects of tau biology such as proteasomal and autophagic clearance, solubility, and aggregation. Moreover, PTMs can contribute to the transition of tau from normal to pathogenic conformations. However, our understating of how PTMs specifically regulate the transition of tau into pathogenic conformations is partly impeded by the relative lack of structured frameworks to assess and quantify these conformations. In this review, we describe a set of approaches that includes several in vitro assays to determine the contribution of PTMs to tau's transition into known pathogenic conformations. The approaches begin with different methods to create recombinant tau proteins carrying specific PTMs followed by validation of the PTMs status. Then, we describe a set of biochemical and biophysical assays that assess the contribution of a given PTM to different tau conformations, including aggregation, oligomerization, exposure of the phosphatase-activating domain, and seeding. Together, these approaches can facilitate the advancement of our understanding of the relationships between PTMs and tau conformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M. Alhadidy
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, U.S.A
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
| | - Nicholas M. Kanaan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, U.S.A
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
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14
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Pinzi L, Conze C, Bisi N, Torre GD, Soliman A, Monteiro-Abreu N, Trushina NI, Krusenbaum A, Dolouei MK, Hellwig A, Christodoulou MS, Passarella D, Bakota L, Rastelli G, Brandt R. Quantitative live cell imaging of a tauopathy model enables the identification of a polypharmacological drug candidate that restores physiological microtubule interaction. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1679. [PMID: 38396035 PMCID: PMC10891143 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45851-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies such as Alzheimer's disease are characterized by aggregation and increased phosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau. Tau's pathological changes are closely linked to neurodegeneration, making tau a prime candidate for intervention. We developed an approach to monitor pathological changes of aggregation-prone human tau in living neurons. We identified 2-phenyloxazole (PHOX) derivatives as putative polypharmacological small molecules that interact with tau and modulate tau kinases. We found that PHOX15 inhibits tau aggregation, restores tau's physiological microtubule interaction, and reduces tau phosphorylation at disease-relevant sites. Molecular dynamics simulations highlight cryptic channel-like pockets crossing tau protofilaments and suggest that PHOX15 binding reduces the protofilament's ability to adopt a PHF-like conformation by modifying a key glycine triad. Our data demonstrate that live-cell imaging of a tauopathy model enables screening of compounds that modulate tau-microtubule interaction and allows identification of a promising polypharmacological drug candidate that simultaneously inhibits tau aggregation and reduces tau phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pinzi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Christian Conze
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Nicolo Bisi
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Gabriele Dalla Torre
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Ahmed Soliman
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Nanci Monteiro-Abreu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Nataliya I Trushina
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Andrea Krusenbaum
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Maryam Khodaei Dolouei
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Andrea Hellwig
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael S Christodoulou
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Lidia Bakota
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Giulio Rastelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Roland Brandt
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany.
- Center for Cellular Nanoanalytics, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany.
- Institute of Cognitive Science, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany.
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15
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De Leiris N, Perret P, Lombardi C, Gözel B, Chierici S, Millet P, Debiossat M, Bacot S, Tournier BB, Chames P, Lenormand JL, Ghezzi C, Fagret D, Moulin M. A single-domain antibody for the detection of pathological Tau protein in the early stages of oligomerization. J Transl Med 2024; 22:163. [PMID: 38365700 PMCID: PMC10870657 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04987-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soluble oligomeric forms of Tau protein have emerged as crucial players in the propagation of Tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our objective is to introduce a single-domain antibody (sdAb) named 2C5 as a novel radiotracer for the efficient detection and longitudinal monitoring of oligomeric Tau species in the human brain. METHODS The development and production of 2C5 involved llama immunization with the largest human Tau isoform oligomers of different maturation states. Subsequently, 2C5 underwent comprehensive in vitro characterization for affinity and specificity via Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and immunohistochemistry on human brain slices. Technetium-99m was employed to radiolabel 2C5, followed by its administration to healthy mice for biodistribution analysis. RESULTS 2C5 exhibited robust binding affinity towards Tau oligomers (Kd = 6.280 nM ± 0.557) and to Tau fibers (Kd = 5.024 nM ± 0.453), with relatively weaker binding observed for native Tau protein (Kd = 1791 nM ± 8.714) and amyloid peptide (Kd > 10,000 nM). Remarkably, this SdAb facilitated immuno-histological labeling of pathological forms of Tau in neurons and neuritic plaques, yielding a high-contrast outcome in AD patients, closely mirroring the performance of reference antibodies AT8 and T22. Furthermore, 2C5 SdAb was successfully radiolabeled with 99mTc, preserving stability for up to 6 h post-radiolabeling (radiochemical purity > 93%). However, following intravenous injection into healthy mice, the predominant uptake occurred in kidneys, amounting to 115.32 ± 3.67, 97.70 ± 43.14 and 168.20 ± 34.52% of injected dose per gram (% ID/g) at 5, 10 and 45 min respectively. Conversely, brain uptake remained minimal at all measured time points, registering at 0.17 ± 0.03, 0.12 ± 0.07 and 0.02 ± 0.01% ID/g at 5, 10 and 45 min post-injection respectively. CONCLUSION 2C5 demonstrates excellent affinity and specificity for pathological Tau oligomers, particularly in their early stages of oligomerization. However, the current limitation of insufficient blood-brain barrier penetration necessitates further modifications before considering its application in nuclear medicine imaging for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas De Leiris
- University Grenoble Alpes, Clinique Universitaire de Médecine Nucléaire, INSERM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, LRB, CS 10217, 38043, Grenoble CEDEX 9, France.
| | - Pascale Perret
- University Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, LRB, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Bülent Gözel
- University Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, LRB, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Sabine Chierici
- University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, DCM, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Philippe Millet
- Division of Adult Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Sandrine Bacot
- University Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, LRB, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Benjamin B Tournier
- Division of Adult Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Chames
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Daniel Fagret
- University Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, LRB, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Marcelle Moulin
- University Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, LRB, 38000, Grenoble, France
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16
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Sahara N, Higuchi M. Diagnostic and therapeutic targeting of pathological tau proteins in neurodegenerative disorders. FEBS Open Bio 2024; 14:165-180. [PMID: 37746832 PMCID: PMC10839408 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies, characterized by fibrillar tau accumulation in neurons and glial cells, constitute a major neuropathological category of neurodegenerative diseases. Neurofibrillary tau lesions are strongly associated with cognitive deficits in these diseases, but the causal mechanisms underlying tau-induced neuronal dysfunction remain unresolved. Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy examination have revealed various core structures of tau filaments from different tauopathy patients, which can be used to classify tauopathies. In vivo visualization of tau pathology is now available using several tau positron emission tomography tracers. Among these radioprobes, PM-PBB3 allows high-contrast imaging of tau deposits in the brains of patients with diverse disorders and tauopathy mouse models. Selective degradation of pathological tau species by the ubiquitin-proteasome system or autophagy machinery is a potential therapeutic strategy. Alternatively, the non-cell-autonomous clearance of pathological tau species through neuron-glia networks could be reinforced as a disease-modifying treatment. In addition, the development of neuroinflammatory biomarkers is required for understanding the contribution of immunocompetent cells in the brain to preventing neurodegeneration. This review provides an overview of the current research and development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents targeting divergent tau pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naruhiko Sahara
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, Institute for Quantum Medical SciencesNational Institutes for Quantum Science and TechnologyChibaJapan
| | - Makoto Higuchi
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, Institute for Quantum Medical SciencesNational Institutes for Quantum Science and TechnologyChibaJapan
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17
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Tang J, Sun R, Wan J, Xu Z, Zou Y, Zhang Q. Atomic insights into the inhibition of R3 domain of tau protein by epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin and gallic acid. Biophys Chem 2024; 305:107142. [PMID: 38088006 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2023.107142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Inhibiting tau protein aggregation has become a prospective avenue for the therapeutic development of tauopathies. The third microtubule-binding repeat (R3) domain of tau is confirmed as the most aggregation-favorable fragment of the whole protein. As dimerization is the first step of the aggregation of tau into amyloid fibrils, impeding the dimerization of the R3 domain is critical to prevent the full-length tau aggregation. Natural polyphenol small molecules epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), quercetin (QE) and gallic acid (GA) are proven to inhibit the aggregation of the full-length recombinant tau (For EGCG and QE) or the R3 domain (For GA) of tau in vitro. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the inhibitive effects on the R3 domain of tau remain largely unknown. In this study, we conducted numerous all-atom molecular dynamics simulations on R3 dimers with and without EGCG, QE or GA, respectively. The results reveal that all three molecules can effectively decrease the β structure composition of the R3 dimer, induce the dimer to adopt loosely-packed conformations, and weaken interchain interactions, thus impeding the dimerization of the R3 peptide chains. The specific preferentially binding sites for the three molecules exhibit similarities and differences. Hydrophobic, π-π stacking and hydrogen-bonding interactions collectively drive EGCG, QE and GA respectively binding on the R3 dimer, while QE also binds with the dimer through cation-π interaction. Given the incurable nature of tauopathies hitherto, our research provides helpful knowledge for the development of drugs to treat tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Tang
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiqing Sun
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqian Wan
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengdong Xu
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zou
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qingwen Zhang
- School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, 399 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Tumurbaatar B, Fracassi A, Scaduto P, Guptarak J, Woltjer R, Jupiter D, Taglialatela G. Preserved autophagy in cognitively intact non-demented individuals with Alzheimer's neuropathology. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:5355-5370. [PMID: 37191183 PMCID: PMC10651802 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13074] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Growing evidence supports that dysfunctional autophagy, the major cell mechanism responsible for removing protein aggregates and a route of clearance for Tau in healthy neurons, is a major finding in demented Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. However, the association of autophagy with maintenance of cognitive integrity in resilient individuals who have AD neuropathology but remain non-demented (NDAN) has not been evaluated. METHODS Using post mortem brain samples from age-matched healthy control, AD, and NDAN subjects, we evaluated autophagy in relation to Tau pathology using Western blot, immunofluorescence and RNA-seq. RESULTS Compared to AD patients, NDAN subjects had preserved autophagy and reduced tauopathy. Furthermore, expression of autophagy genes and AD-related proteins were significantly associated in NDAN compared to AD and control subjects. DISCUSSION Our results suggest preserved autophagy is a protective mechanism that maintains cognitive integrity in NDAN individuals. This novel observation supports the potential of autophagy-inducing strategies in AD therapeutics. HIGHLIGHTS NDAN subjects have preserved autophagic protein levels comparable with control subjects. Compared to control subjects, NDAN subjects have significantly reduced Tau oligomers and PHF Tau phosphorylation at synapses that negatively correlate with autophagy markers. Transcription of autophagy genes strongly associates with AD-related proteins in NDAN donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batbayar Tumurbaatar
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), 301 University Blvd, Galveston, Texas, 77555 USA
| | - Anna Fracassi
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), 301 University Blvd, Galveston, Texas, 77555 USA
| | - Pietro Scaduto
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), 301 University Blvd, Galveston, Texas, 77555 USA
| | - Jutatip Guptarak
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), 301 University Blvd, Galveston, Texas, 77555 USA
| | - Randall Woltjer
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Daniel Jupiter
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), 301 University Blvd, Galveston, Texas, 77555 USA
| | - Giulio Taglialatela
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), 301 University Blvd, Galveston, Texas, 77555 USA
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Mahady L, Perez SE, Malek-Ahmadi M, Mufson EJ. Oligomeric, phosphorylated, and truncated tau and spliceosome pathology within the entorhinal-hippocampal connectome across stages of Alzheimer's disease. J Comp Neurol 2023; 531:2080-2108. [PMID: 36989381 PMCID: PMC10539478 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) contain abnormally phosphorylated tau proteins, which spread within components of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) memory circuit in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we used quantitative immunohistochemistry to determine the density of posttranslational oligomeric (TOC1 and TNT1), phosphorylated (AT8), and late truncated (TauC3) tau epitopes within the MTL subfields including entorhinal cortex (EC) layer II, subiculum, Cornu Ammonis (CA) subfields, and dentate gyrus (DG) in subjects who died with a clinical diagnosis of no cognitive impairment (NCI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD. We also examined whether alterations of the nuclear alternative splicing protein, SRSF2, are associated with tau pathology. Although a significant increase in TOC1, TNT1, and AT8 neuron density occurred in the EC in MCI and AD, subicular, DG granule cell, and CA1 and CA3 densities were only significantly higher in AD. TauC3 counts were not different between connectome regions and clinical groups. SRSF2 intensity in AT8-positive cells decreased significantly in all regions independent of the clinical groups examined. CA1 and subicular AT8, TauC3, and oligomeric densities correlated across clinical groups. EC AT8 counts correlated with CA subfields and subicular and DG values across clinical groups. Oligomeric and AT8 CA1, EC, and subicular density correlated with Braak stage. Decreased nuclear SRSF2 in the presence of cytoplasmic phosphorylated tau suggests a dual-hit process in NFT formation within the entorhinal hippocampal connectome during the onset of AD. Although oligomeric and phosphorylated tau follow a stereotypical pattern, clinical disease stage determined density of tau deposition and not anatomic location within the entorhinal-hippocampal connectome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mahady
- Dept. of Translational Neuroscience, Phoenix, AZ
| | | | | | - Elliott J. Mufson
- Dept. of Translational Neuroscience, Phoenix, AZ
- Dept. of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013
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20
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Taddei RN, Perbet R, Mate de Gerando A, Wiedmer AE, Sanchez-Mico M, Connors Stewart T, Gaona A, Melloni A, Amaral AC, Duff K, Frosch MP, Gómez-Isla T. Tau Oligomer-Containing Synapse Elimination by Microglia and Astrocytes in Alzheimer Disease. JAMA Neurol 2023; 80:1209-1221. [PMID: 37812432 PMCID: PMC10562992 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.3530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Importance Factors associated with synapse loss beyond amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles may more closely correlate with the emergence of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer disease (AD) and be relevant for early therapeutic intervention. Objective To investigate whether accumulation of tau oligomers in synapses is associated with excessive synapse elimination by microglia or astrocytes and with cognitive outcomes (dementia vs no dementia [hereinafter termed resilient]) of individuals with equal burdens of AD neuropathologic changes at autopsy. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional postmortem study included 40 human brains from the Massachusetts Alzheimer Disease Research Center Brain Bank with Braak III to IV stages of tau pathology but divergent antemortem cognition (dementia vs resilient) and cognitively normal controls with negligible AD neuropathologic changes. The visual cortex, a region without tau tangle deposition at Braak III to IV stages, was assessed after expansion microscopy to analyze spatial relationships of synapses with microglia and astrocytes. Participants were matched for age, sex, and apolipoprotein E status. Evidence of Lewy bodies, TDP-43 aggregates, or other lesions different from AD neuropathology were exclusion criteria. Tissue was collected from July 1998 to November 2020, and analyses were conducted from February 1, 2022, through May 31, 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures Amyloid-β plaques, tau neuropil thread burden, synapse density, tau oligomers in synapses, and internalization of tau oligomer-tagged synapses by microglia and astrocytes were quantitated. Analyses were performed using 1-way analysis of variance for parametric variables and the Kruskal-Wallis test for nonparametric variables; between-group differences were evaluated with Holm-Šídák tests. Results Of 40 included participants (mean [SD] age at death, 88 [8] years; 21 [52%] male), 19 had early-stage dementia with Braak stages III to IV, 13 had resilient brains with similar Braak stages III to IV, and 8 had no dementia (Braak stages 0-II). Brains with dementia but not resilient brains had substantial loss of presynaptic (43%), postsynaptic (33%), and colocalized mature synaptic elements (38%) compared with controls and significantly higher percentages of mature synapses internalized by IBA1-positive microglia (mean [SD], 13.3% [3.9%] in dementia vs 2.6% [1.9%] in resilient vs 0.9% [0.5%] in control; P < .001) and by GFAP-positive astrocytes (mean [SD], 17.2% [10.9%] in dementia vs 3.7% [4.0%] in resilient vs 2.7% [1.8%] in control; P = .001). In brains with dementia but not in resilient brains, tau oligomers more often colocalized with synapses, and the proportions of tau oligomer-containing synapses inside microglia (mean [SD] for presynapses, mean [SD], 7.4% [1.8%] in dementia vs 5.1% [1.9%] resilient vs 3.7% [0.8%] control; P = .006; and for postsynapses 11.6% [3.6%] dementia vs 6.8% [1.3%] resilient vs 7.4% [2.5%] control; P = .001) and astrocytes (mean [SD] for presynapses, 7.0% [2.1%] dementia vs 4.3% [2.2%] resilient vs 4.0% [0.7%] control; P = .001; and for postsynapses, 7.9% [2.2%] dementia vs 5.3% [1.8%] resilient vs 3.0% [1.5%] control; P < .001) were significantly increased compared with controls. Those changes in brains with dementia occurred in the absence of tau tangle deposition in visual cortex. Conclusion and Relevance The findings from this cross-sectional study suggest that microglia and astrocytes may excessively engulf synapses in brains of individuals with dementia and that the abnormal presence of tau oligomers in synapses may serve as signals for increased glial-mediated synapse elimination and early loss of brain function in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel N. Taddei
- Neurology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Neurology, Dementia Research Institute, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Romain Perbet
- Neurology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Anne E. Wiedmer
- Neurology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maria Sanchez-Mico
- Neurology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Theresa Connors Stewart
- C.S. Kubik Laboratory for Neuropathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Angelica Gaona
- C.S. Kubik Laboratory for Neuropathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alexandra Melloni
- C.S. Kubik Laboratory for Neuropathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ana C. Amaral
- Neurology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karen Duff
- Department of Neurology, Dementia Research Institute, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew P. Frosch
- C.S. Kubik Laboratory for Neuropathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Teresa Gómez-Isla
- Neurology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
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21
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Hu J, Sha W, Yuan S, Wu J, Huang Y. Aggregation, Transmission, and Toxicity of the Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau: A Complex Comprehension. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15023. [PMID: 37834471 PMCID: PMC10573976 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241915023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The microtubule-associated protein tau is an intrinsically disordered protein containing a few short and transient secondary structures. Tau physiologically associates with microtubules (MTs) for its stabilization and detaches from MTs to regulate its dynamics. Under pathological conditions, tau is abnormally modified, detaches from MTs, and forms protein aggregates in neuronal and glial cells. Tau protein aggregates can be found in a number of devastating neurodegenerative diseases known as "tauopathies", such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), etc. However, it is still unclear how the tau protein is compacted into ordered protein aggregates, and the toxicity of the aggregates is still debated. Fortunately, there has been considerable progress in the study of tau in recent years, particularly in the understanding of the intercellular transmission of pathological tau species, the structure of tau aggregates, and the conformational change events in the tau polymerization process. In this review, we summarize the concepts of tau protein aggregation and discuss the views on tau protein transmission and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Wenchi Sha
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Shuangshuang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yunpeng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China; (J.H.); (W.S.); (S.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
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22
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Wang Q, Sun J, Chen T, Song S, Hou Y, Feng L, Fan C, Li M. Ferroptosis, Pyroptosis, and Cuproptosis in Alzheimer's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3564-3587. [PMID: 37703318 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common type of dementia, is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive dysfunction. Epidemiological investigation has demonstrated that, after cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, tumors, and other causes, AD has become a major health issue affecting elderly individuals, with its mortality rate acutely increasing each year. Regulatory cell death is the active and orderly death of genetically determined cells, which is ubiquitous in the development of living organisms and is crucial to the regulation of life homeostasis. With extensive research on regulatory cell death in AD, increasing evidence has revealed that ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and cuproptosis are closely related to the occurrence, development, and prognosis of AD. This paper will review the molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and cuproptosis and their regulatory roles in AD to explore potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, Jilin, China
| | - Jingyi Sun
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Tian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, Jilin, China
| | - Siyu Song
- Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, Jilin, China
| | - Yajun Hou
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Lina Feng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Cundong Fan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Mingquan Li
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, Jilin, China
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Clinical Hospital of the Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, Jilin, China
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23
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Olesen MA, Quintanilla RA. Pathological Impact of Tau Proteolytical Process on Neuronal and Mitochondrial Function: a Crucial Role in Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5691-5707. [PMID: 37332018 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03434-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Tau protein plays a pivotal role in the central nervous system (CNS), participating in microtubule stability, axonal transport, and synaptic communication. Research interest has focused on studying the role of post-translational tau modifications in mitochondrial failure, oxidative damage, and synaptic impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Soluble tau forms produced by its pathological cleaved induced by caspases could lead to neuronal injury contributing to oxidative damage and cognitive decline in AD. For example, the presence of tau cleaved by caspase-3 has been suggested as a relevant factor in AD and is considered a previous event before neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formation.Interestingly, we and others have shown that caspase-cleaved tau in N- or C- terminal sites induce mitochondrial bioenergetics defects, axonal transport impairment, neuronal injury, and cognitive decline in neuronal cells and murine models. All these abnormalities are considered relevant in the early neurodegenerative manifestations such as memory and cognitive failure reported in AD. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss for the first time the importance of truncated tau by caspases activation in the pathogenesis of AD and how its negative actions could impact neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margrethe A Olesen
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, El Llano Subercaseaux 2801, 5to Piso, San Miguel, 8910060, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo A Quintanilla
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, El Llano Subercaseaux 2801, 5to Piso, San Miguel, 8910060, Santiago, Chile.
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24
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Tomé SO, Tsaka G, Ronisz A, Ospitalieri S, Gawor K, Gomes LA, Otto M, von Arnim CAF, Van Damme P, Van Den Bosch L, Ghebremedhin E, Laureyssen C, Sleegers K, Vandenberghe R, Rousseau F, Schymkowitz J, Thal DR. TDP-43 pathology is associated with increased tau burdens and seeding. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:71. [PMID: 37777806 PMCID: PMC10544192 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00653-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most Alzheimer's Disease (AD) cases also exhibit limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy neuropathological changes (LATE-NC), besides amyloid-β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) containing hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau). LATE-NC is characterized by cytoplasmic aggregates positive for pathological TDP-43 and is associated with more severe clinical outcomes in AD, compared to AD cases lacking TDP-43 pathology TDP-43: AD(LATE-NC-). Accumulating evidence suggests that TDP-43 and p-tau interact and exhibit pathological synergy during AD pathogenesis. However, it is not yet fully understood how the presence of TDP-43 affects p-tau aggregation in symptomatic AD. METHODS In this study, we investigated the impact of TDP-43 proteinopathy on p-tau pathology with different approaches: histologically, in a human post-mortem cohort (n = 98), as well as functionally using a tau biosensor cell line and TDP-43A315T transgenic mice. RESULTS We found that AD cases with comorbid LATE-NC, AD(LATE-NC+), have increased burdens of pretangles and/or NFTs as well as increased brain levels of p-tau199, compared to AD(LATE-NC-) cases and controls. The burden of TDP-43 pathology was also correlated with the Braak NFT stages. A tau biosensor cell line treated with sarkosyl-insoluble, brain-derived homogenates from AD(LATE-NC+) cases displayed exacerbated p-tau seeding, compared to control and AD(LATE-NC-)-treated cells. Consistently, TDP-43A315T mice injected with AD(LATE-NC+)-derived extracts also exhibited a more severe hippocampal seeding, compared to the remaining experimental groups, albeit no TDP-43 aggregation was observed. CONCLUSIONS Our findings extend the current knowledge by supporting a functional synergy between TDP-43 and p-tau. We further demonstrate that TDP-43 pathology worsens p-tau aggregation in an indirect manner and increases its seeding potential, probably by increasing p-tau levels. This may ultimately contribute to tau-driven neurotoxicity and cell death. Because most AD cases present with comorbid LATE-NC, this study has an impact on the understanding of TDP-43 and tau pathogenesis in AD and LATE, which account for the majority of dementia cases worldwide. Moreover, it highlights the need for the development of a biomarker that detects TDP-43 during life, in order to properly stratify AD and LATE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra O Tomé
- Laboratory of Neuropathology - Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Grigoria Tsaka
- Laboratory of Neuropathology - Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Switch Laboratory, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alicja Ronisz
- Laboratory of Neuropathology - Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Simona Ospitalieri
- Laboratory of Neuropathology - Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Klara Gawor
- Laboratory of Neuropathology - Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luis Aragão Gomes
- Laboratory of Neuropathology - Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Christine A F von Arnim
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Geriatrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Neurobiology - VIB-KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Neurobiology - VIB-KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Estifanos Ghebremedhin
- Institute for Clinical Neuroanatomy - Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Celeste Laureyssen
- Complex Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease Group, VIB-University of Antwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kristel Sleegers
- Complex Genetics of Alzheimer's Disease Group, VIB-University of Antwerp Center for Molecular Neurology, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rik Vandenberghe
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology - Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederic Rousseau
- Switch Laboratory, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joost Schymkowitz
- Switch Laboratory, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dietmar Rudolf Thal
- Laboratory of Neuropathology - Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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25
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Benskey MJ, Panoushek S, Saito T, Saido TC, Grabinski T, Kanaan NM. Behavioral and neuropathological characterization over the adult lifespan of the human tau knock-in mouse. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1265151. [PMID: 37842124 PMCID: PMC10576558 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1265151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau is a microtubule-associated protein with a diverse functional repertoire linked to neurodegenerative disease. Recently, a human tau knock-in (MAPT KI) mouse was developed that may overcome many limitations associated with current animal models used to study tau. In MAPT KI mice, the entire murine Mapt gene was replaced with the human MAPT gene under control of the endogenous Mapt promoter. This model represents an ideal in vivo platform to study the function and dysfunction of human tau protein. Accordingly, a detailed understanding of the effects MAPT KI has on structure and function of the CNS is warranted. Here, we provide a detailed behavioral and neuropathological assessment of MAPT KI mice. We compared MAPT KI to wild-type (WT) C57BL/6j mice in behavioral assessments of anxiety, attention, working memory, spatial memory, and motor performance from 6 to 24 months (m) of age. Using immunohistological and biochemical assays, we quantified markers of glia (microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes), synaptic integrity, neuronal integrity and the cytoskeleton. Finally, we quantified levels of total tau, tau isoforms, tau phosphorylation, and tau conformations. MAPT KI mice show normal cognitive and locomotor behavior at all ages, and resilience to mild age-associated locomotor deficits observed in WT mice. Markers of neuronal and synaptic integrity are unchanged in MAPT KI mice with advancing age. Glial markers are largely unchanged in MAPT KI mice, but glial fibrillary acidic protein is increased in the hippocampus of WT and MAPT KI mice at 24 m. MAPT KI mice express all 6 human tau isoforms and levels of tau remain stable throughout adulthood. Hippocampal tau in MAPT KI and WT mice is phosphorylated at serine 396/404 (PHF1) and murine tau in WT animals displays more PHF1 phosphorylation at 6 and 12 m. Lastly, we extended previous reports showing that MAPT KI mice do not display overt pathology. No evidence of other tau phosphorylation residues (AT8, pS422) or abnormal conformations (TNT2 or TOC1) associated with pathogenic tau were detected. The lack of overt pathological changes in MAPT KI mice make this an ideal platform for future investigations into the function and dysfunction of tau protein in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Benskey
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Spencer Panoushek
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Takashi Saito
- Department of Neurocognitive Science, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, Riken Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Takaomi C. Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, Riken Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Tessa Grabinski
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Nicholas M. Kanaan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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26
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Rasmussen HØ, Nielsen J, de Poli A, Otzen DE, Pedersen JS. Tau Fibrillation Induced by Heparin or a Lysophospholipid Show Different Initial Oligomer Formation. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168194. [PMID: 37437877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The protein tau is involved in several neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease, where tau content and fibrillation have been linked to disease progression. Tau colocalizes with phospholipids and glycosaminoglycans in vivo. We investigated if and how tau fibrillation can be induced by two lysophospholipids, namely the zwitterionic 1-myristoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (LPC) and the anionic 1-myristoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol) (LPG) as well as the glycosaminoglycan heparin. We used a range of biophysical techniques including small-angle X-ray scattering, Thioflavin T fluorescence, and SDS-PAGE, collecting data at various time points to obtain structural information on each phase of the fibrillation. We find that LPC does not induce fibrillation or interact with tau. Low concentrations of LPG induce fibrillation by formation of small hydrophobic clusters with monomeric tau. At higher LPG concentrations, a core-shell complex is formed where tau wraps around LPG micelles with regions extending away from the micelles. For heparin, loosely associated oligomers are formed rapidly with around ten tau molecules. Fibrils formed with either LPG or heparin show similar final cross-section dimensions. Furthermore, SDS-resistant oligomers are observed for both LPG and heparin. Our study demonstrates that tau fibrillation can be induced by two different biologically relevant cofactors leading to structurally different initial states but similar cross-sectional dimensions for the fibrils. Structural information about initial states prior to fibril formation is important both to gain a better understanding of the onset of fibrillation in vivo, and for the development of targeted drugs that can reduce or abolish tau fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Østergaard Rasmussen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Janni Nielsen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Angela de Poli
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Daniel E Otzen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Jan Skov Pedersen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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Davidowitz EJ, Lopez P, Jimenez H, Adrien L, Davies P, Moe JG. Small molecule inhibitor of tau self-association in a mouse model of tauopathy: A preventive study in P301L tau JNPL3 mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286523. [PMID: 37556474 PMCID: PMC10411817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in tau biology and the difficulties of amyloid-directed immunotherapeutics have heightened interest in tau as a target for small molecule drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we evaluated OLX-07010, a small molecule inhibitor of tau self-association, for the prevention of tau aggregation. The primary endpoint of the study was statistically significant reduction of insoluble tau aggregates in treated JNPL3 mice compared with Vehicle-control mice. Secondary endpoints were dose-dependent reduction of insoluble tau aggregates, reduction of phosphorylated tau, and reduction of soluble tau. This study was performed in JNPL3 mice, which are representative of inherited forms of 4-repeat tauopathies with the P301L tau mutation (e.g., progressive supranuclear palsy and frontotemporal dementia). The P301L mutation makes tau prone to aggregation; therefore, JNPL3 mice present a more challenging target than mouse models of human tau without mutations. JNPL3 mice were treated from 3 to 7 months of age with Vehicle, 30 mg/kg compound dose, or 40 mg/kg compound dose. Biochemical methods were used to evaluate self-associated tau, insoluble tau aggregates, total tau, and phosphorylated tau in the hindbrain, cortex, and hippocampus. The Vehicle group had higher levels of insoluble tau in the hindbrain than the Baseline group; treatment with 40 mg/kg compound dose prevented this increase. In the cortex, the levels of insoluble tau were similar in the Baseline and Vehicle groups, indicating that the pathological phenotype of these mice was beginning to emerge at the study endpoint and that there was a delay in the development of the phenotype of the model as originally characterized. No drug-related adverse effects were observed during the 4-month treatment period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliot J. Davidowitz
- Oligomerix, Inc., White Plains, NY, United States of America
- Oligomerix, Inc., Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Heidy Jimenez
- The Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Leslie Adrien
- The Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Peter Davies
- The Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - James G. Moe
- Oligomerix, Inc., White Plains, NY, United States of America
- Oligomerix, Inc., Bronx, NY, United States of America
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Mate De Gerando A, Welikovitch LA, Khasnavis A, Commins C, Glynn C, Chun JE, Perbet R, Hyman BT. Tau seeding and spreading in vivo is supported by both AD-derived fibrillar and oligomeric tau. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 146:191-210. [PMID: 37341831 PMCID: PMC10329061 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02600-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Insoluble fibrillar tau, the primary constituent of neurofibrillary tangles, has traditionally been thought to be the biologically active, toxic form of tau mediating neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. More recent studies have implicated soluble oligomeric tau species, referred to as high molecular weight (HMW), due to their properties on size-exclusion chromatography, in tau propagation across neural systems. These two forms of tau have never been directly compared. We prepared sarkosyl-insoluble and HMW tau from the frontal cortex of Alzheimer patients and compared their properties using a variety of biophysical and bioactivity assays. Sarkosyl-insoluble fibrillar tau comprises abundant paired-helical filaments (PHF) as quantified by electron microscopy (EM) and is more resistant to proteinase K, compared to HMW tau, which is mostly in an oligomeric form. Sarkosyl-insoluble and HMW tau are nearly equivalent in potency in HEK cell bioactivity assay for seeding aggregates, and their injection reveals similar local uptake into hippocampal neurons in PS19 Tau transgenic mice. However, the HMW preparation appears to be far more potent in inducing a glial response including Clec7a-positive rod microglia in the absence of neurodegeneration or synapse loss and promotes more rapid propagation of misfolded tau to distal, anatomically connected regions, such as entorhinal and perirhinal cortices. These data suggest that soluble HMW tau has similar properties to fibrillar sarkosyl-insoluble tau with regard to tau seeding potential, but may be equal or even more bioactive with respect to propagation across neural systems and activation of glial responses, both relevant to tau-related Alzheimer phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasie Mate De Gerando
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lindsay A Welikovitch
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anita Khasnavis
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin Commins
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Calina Glynn
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joshua E Chun
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Romain Perbet
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bradley T Hyman
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Mate de Gerando A, Welikovitch LA, Khasnavis A, Commins C, Glynn C, Chun JE, Perbet R, Hyman BT. Tau seeding and spreading in vivo is supported by both AD-derived fibrillar and oligomeric tau. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.28.534418. [PMID: 37034629 PMCID: PMC10081282 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.28.534418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Insoluble fibrillar tau, the primary constituent of neurofibrillary tangles, has traditionally been thought to be the biologically active, toxic form of tau mediating neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. More recent studies have implicated soluble oligomeric tau species, referred to as high molecular weight (HMW) due to its properties on size exclusion chromatography, in tau propagation across neural systems. These two forms of tau have never been directly compared. We prepared sarkosyl insoluble and HMW tau from the frontal cortex of Alzheimer patients and compared their properties using a variety of biophysical and bioactivity assays. Sarkosyl insoluble fibrillar tau is comprised of abundant paired helical filaments (PHF) as quantified by electron microscopy (EM), and is more resistant to proteinase K, compared to HMW tau which is mostly in an oligomeric form. Sarkosyl insoluble and HMW tau are nearly equivalent in potency in a HEK cell bioactivity assay for seeding aggregates and their injection reveals similar local uptake into hippocampal neurons in PS19 Tau transgenic mice. However, the HMW preparation appears to be far more potent in inducing a glial response including Clec7a-positive rod-microglia in the absence of neurodegeneration or synapse loss and promotes more rapid propagation of misfolded tau to distal, anatomically connected regions, such as entorhinal and perirhinal cortices. These data suggest that soluble HMW tau has similar properties to fibrillar sarkosyl insoluble tau with regard to tau seeding potential but may be equal or even more bioactive with respect to propagation across neural systems and activation of glial responses, both relevant tau-related Alzheimer phenotypes.
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Best MN, Lim Y, Ferenc NN, Kim N, Min L, Wang DB, Sharifi K, Wasserman AE, McTavish SA, Siller KH, Jones MK, Jenkins PM, Mandell JW, Bloom GS. Extracellular Tau Oligomers Damage the Axon Initial Segment. J Alzheimers Dis 2023:JAD221284. [PMID: 37182881 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain, neuronal polarity and synaptic connectivity are compromised. A key structure for regulating polarity and functions of neurons is the axon initial segment (AIS), which segregates somatodendritic from axonal proteins and initiates action potentials. Toxic tau species, including extracellular oligomers (xcTauOs), spread tau pathology from neuron to neuron by a prion-like process, but few other cell biological effects of xcTauOs have been described. OBJECTIVE Test the hypothesis that AIS structure is sensitive to xcTauOs. METHODS Cultured wild type (WT) and tau knockout (KO) mouse cortical neurons were exposed to xcTauOs, and quantitative western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy with anti-TRIM46 monitored effects on the AIS. The same methods were used to compare TRIM46 and two other resident AIS proteins in human hippocampal tissue obtained from AD and age-matched non-AD donors. RESULTS Without affecting total TRIM46 levels, xcTauOs reduce the concentration of TRIM46 within the AIS and cause AIS shortening in cultured WT, but not TKO neurons. Lentiviral-driven tau expression in tau KO neurons rescues AIS length sensitivity to xcTauOs. In human AD hippocampus, the overall protein levels of multiple resident AIS proteins are unchanged compared to non-AD brain, but TRIM46 concentration within the AIS and AIS length are reduced in neurons containing neurofibrillary tangles. CONCLUSION xcTauOs cause partial AIS damage in cultured neurons by a mechanism dependent on intracellular tau, thereby raising the possibility that the observed AIS reduction in AD neurons in vivo is caused by xcTauOs working in concert with endogenous neuronal tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merci N Best
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Yunu Lim
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Nina N Ferenc
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Nayoung Kim
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Lia Min
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dora Bigler Wang
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kamyar Sharifi
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Anna E Wasserman
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Sloane A McTavish
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Karsten H Siller
- Research Computing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Marieke K Jones
- Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Paul M Jenkins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - James W Mandell
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - George S Bloom
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Sun X, Eastman G, Shi Y, Saibaba S, Oliveira AK, Lukens JR, Norambuena A, Mandell JW, Bloom GS. Structural and functional damage to neuronal nuclei caused by extracellular tau oligomers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.08.539873. [PMID: 37214909 PMCID: PMC10197541 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.08.539873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuronal nuclei are normally smoothly surfaced. In Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies, though, they often develop invaginations. We investigated mechanisms and functional consequences of neuronal nuclear invagination in tauopathies. METHODS Nuclear invagination was assayed by immunofluorescence in brain, and in cultured neurons before and after extracellular tau oligomers (xcTauO) exposure. Nucleocytoplasmic transport was assayed in cultured neurons. Gene expression was investigated using nanoString nCounter technology and qRT-PCR. RESULTS Invaginated nuclei were twice as abundant in human AD as in cognitively normal adults, and were increased in mouse neurodegeneration models. In cultured neurons, nuclear invagination was induced by xcTauOs by an intracellular tau-dependent mechanism. xcTauOs impaired nucleocytoplasmic transport, increased histone H3 trimethylation at lysine 9 and altered gene expression, especially by increasing tau mRNA. DISCUSSION xcTauOs may be a primary cause of nuclear invagination in vivo, and by extension, impair nucleocytoplasmic transport and induce pathogenic gene expression changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehan Sun
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Guillermo Eastman
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Ministerio de Educación y Cultura, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Subhi Saibaba
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Ana K. Oliveira
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - John R. Lukens
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Andrés Norambuena
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - James W. Mandell
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - George S. Bloom
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Rayman JB. Focusing on oligomeric tau as a therapeutic target in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37140480 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2206561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tau has commanded much attention as a potential therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases. Tau pathology is a hallmark of primary tauopathies, such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal syndrome (CBS), and subtypes of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), as well as secondary tauopathies, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The development of tau therapeutics must reconcile with the structural complexity of the tau proteome, as well as an incomplete understanding of the role of tau in both physiology and disease. AREAS COVERED This review offers a current perspective on tau biology, discusses key barriers to the development of effective tau-based therapeutics, and promotes the idea that pathogenic (as opposed to merely pathological) tau should be at the center of drug development efforts. EXPERT OPINION An efficacious tau therapeutic will exhibit several primary features: 1) selectivity for pathogenic tau versus other tau species; 2) blood-brain barrier and cell membrane permeability, enabling access to intracellular tau in disease-relevant brain regions; and 3) minimal toxicity. Oligomeric tau is proposed as a major pathogenic form of tau and a compelling drug target in tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B Rayman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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33
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Hussong SA, Banh AQ, Van Skike CE, Dorigatti AO, Hernandez SF, Hart MJ, Ferran B, Makhlouf H, Gaczynska M, Osmulski PA, McAllen SA, Dineley KT, Ungvari Z, Perez VI, Kayed R, Galvan V. Soluble pathogenic tau enters brain vascular endothelial cells and drives cellular senescence and brain microvascular dysfunction in a mouse model of tauopathy. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2367. [PMID: 37185259 PMCID: PMC10126555 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37840-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) may constitute a therapeutically addressable biological pathway underlying dementia. We previously demonstrated that soluble pathogenic forms of tau (tau oligomers) accumulate in brain microvasculature of AD and other tauopathies, including prominently in microvascular endothelial cells. Here we show that soluble pathogenic tau accumulates in brain microvascular endothelial cells of P301S(PS19) mice modeling tauopathy and drives AD-like brain microvascular deficits. Microvascular impairments in P301S(PS19) mice were partially negated by selective removal of pathogenic soluble tau aggregates from brain. We found that similar to trans-neuronal transmission of pathogenic forms of tau, soluble tau aggregates are internalized by brain microvascular endothelial cells in a heparin-sensitive manner and induce microtubule destabilization, block endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation, and potently induce endothelial cell senescence that was recapitulated in vivo in microvasculature of P301S(PS19) mice. Our studies suggest that soluble pathogenic tau aggregates mediate AD-like brain microvascular deficits in a mouse model of tauopathy, which may arise from endothelial cell senescence and eNOS dysfunction triggered by internalization of soluble tau aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy A Hussong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
- Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
- Oklahoma City Veterans Health Care System, 921 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Andy Q Banh
- South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 4939 Charles Katz Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Candice E Van Skike
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 4939 Charles Katz Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Angela O Dorigatti
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 4939 Charles Katz Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Stephen F Hernandez
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 4939 Charles Katz Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Matthew J Hart
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
- Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
- Center for Therapeutic Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Beatriz Ferran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
- Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Haneen Makhlouf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
- Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Maria Gaczynska
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 4939 Charles Katz Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Pawel A Osmulski
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, 4939 Charles Katz Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Salome A McAllen
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Kelly T Dineley
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Zoltan Ungvari
- Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 800 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine, Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Üllői út 26, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Rakez Kayed
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Veronica Galvan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
- Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
- Oklahoma City Veterans Health Care System, 921 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
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Vourkou E, Rouiz Ortega ED, Mahajan S, Mudher A, Skoulakis EMC. Human Tau Aggregates Are Permissive to Protein Synthesis-Dependent Memory in Drosophila Tauopathy Models. J Neurosci 2023; 43:2988-3006. [PMID: 36868851 PMCID: PMC10124960 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1374-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease, are characterized by progressive cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and intraneuronal aggregates comprised largely of the axonal protein Tau. It has been unclear whether cognitive deficits are a consequence of aggregate accumulation thought to compromise neuronal health and eventually lead to neurodegeneration. We use the Drosophila tauopathy model and mixed-sex populations to reveal an adult onset pan-neuronal Tau accumulation-dependent decline in learning efficacy and a specific defect in protein synthesis-dependent memory (PSD-M), but not in its protein synthesis-independent variant. We demonstrate that these neuroplasticity defects are reversible on suppression of new transgenic human Tau expression and surprisingly correlate with an increase in Tau aggregates. Inhibition of aggregate formation via acute oral administration of methylene blue results in re-emergence of deficient memory in animals with suppressed human Tau (hTau)0N4R expression. Significantly, aggregate inhibition results in PSD-M deficits in hTau0N3R-expressing animals, which present elevated aggregates and normal memory if untreated with methylene blue. Moreover, methylene blue-dependent hTau0N4R aggregate suppression within adult mushroom body neurons also resulted in emergence of memory deficits. Therefore, deficient PSD-M on human Tau expression in the Drosophila CNS is not a consequence of toxicity and neuronal loss because it is reversible. Furthermore, PSD-M deficits do not result from aggregate accumulation, which appears permissive, if not protective of processes underlying this memory variant.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Intraneuronal Tau aggregate accumulation has been proposed to underlie the cognitive decline and eventual neurotoxicity that characterizes the neurodegenerative dementias known as tauopathies. However, we show in three experimental settings that Tau aggregates in the Drosophila CNS do not impair but rather appear to facilitate processes underlying protein synthesis-dependent memory within affected neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ergina Vourkou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre Alexander Fleming, 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Eva D Rouiz Ortega
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Sumeet Mahajan
- School of Chemistry, Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Amrit Mudher
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Efthimios M C Skoulakis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Centre Alexander Fleming, 16672 Vari, Greece
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35
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Lim S, Shin S, Sung Y, Lee HE, Kim KH, Song JY, Lee GH, Aziz H, Lukianenko N, Kang DM, Boesen N, Jeong H, Abdildinova A, Lee J, Yu BY, Lim SM, Lee JS, Ryu H, Pae AN, Kim YK. Levosimendan inhibits disulfide tau oligomerization and ameliorates tau pathology in Tau P301L-BiFC mice. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:612-627. [PMID: 36914856 PMCID: PMC10073126 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00959-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Tau oligomers play critical roles in tau pathology and are responsible for neuronal cell death and transmitting the disease in the brain. Accordingly, preventing tau oligomerization has become an important therapeutic strategy to treat tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease. However, progress has been slow because detecting tau oligomers in the cellular context is difficult. Working toward tau-targeted drug discovery, our group has developed a tau-BiFC platform to monitor and quantify tau oligomerization. By using the tau-BiFC platform, we screened libraries with FDA-approved and passed phase I drugs and identified levosimendan as a potent anti-tau agent that inhibits tau oligomerization. 14C-isotope labeling of levosimendan revealed that levosimendan covalently bound to tau cysteines, directly inhibiting disulfide-linked tau oligomerization. In addition, levosimendan disassembles tau oligomers into monomers, rescuing neurons from aggregation states. In comparison, the well-known anti-tau agents methylene blue and LMTM failed to protect neurons from tau-mediated toxicity, generating high-molecular-weight tau oligomers. Levosimendan displayed robust potency against tau oligomerization and rescued cognitive declines induced by tauopathy in the TauP301L-BiFC mouse model. Our data present the potential of levosimendan as a disease-modifying drug for tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungsu Lim
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seulgi Shin
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonsik Sung
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.,Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Eun Lee
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Hyeon Kim
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.,Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yeon Song
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwan-Ho Lee
- Advanced Analysis Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hira Aziz
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.,Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Nataliia Lukianenko
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.,Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Min Kang
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.,Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
| | - Nicolette Boesen
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.,Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeanjeong Jeong
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Aizhan Abdildinova
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghee Lee
- Boston University Alzheimer's disease Research Center and VA Boston Health care System, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Byung-Yong Yu
- Advanced Analysis Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Min Lim
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Seok Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Ryu
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.,Boston University Alzheimer's disease Research Center and Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Ae Nim Pae
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yun Kyung Kim
- Center for Brain Disorders, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea. .,Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.
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36
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Lin H, Sandkuhler S, Dunlea C, King DH, Johnson GVW. BAG3 regulates the specificity of the recognition of specific MAPT species by NBR1 and SQSTM1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.08.527546. [PMID: 36798173 PMCID: PMC9934686 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.08.527546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy receptors are essential for the recognition and clearance of specific cargos by selective autophagy, which is essential for maintaining MAPT proteostasis. Previous studies have implicated different autophagy receptors in directing distinct species of MAPT to autophagy, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully investigated. Here we examine how the autophagy receptors NBR1 and SQSTM1 differentially engage specific forms of MAPT and facilitate their clearance. In primary neurons depletion of NBR1, unlike depletion of SQSTM1, significantly increased phosphorylated MAPT levels. The specificity of the interactions were confirmed using in vitro binding assays with purified proteins. We provide direct evidence that NBR1 preferentially binds to monomeric MAPT, while SQSTM1 interacts predominantly with oligomeric MAPT, and that the co-chaperone BAG3 regulates the specificity of these interactions. Using an in vitro pulldown assay, we show that SQSTM1 only binds to monomeric MAPT when BAG3 is absent and fails to bind when BAG3 is present. The opposite is true of NBR1; its binding to monomeric MAPT was dependent on the presence of BAG3. Interestingly, in Alzheimer's disease brain the association of NBR1 with BAG3 was significantly decreased. In a mouse model, ablation of BAG3 in neural cells disrupted the association of NBR1 with phosphorylated MAPT and lead to increased levels of phosphorylated and oligomeric MAPT. Overall, our results uncover a novel role for BAG3 in regulating the specificity of selective autophagy receptors in targeting different species of MAPT and provide compelling evidence that BAG3 plays a key role in maintaining MAPT proteostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14620 USA
| | - Sarah Sandkuhler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14620 USA
| | - Colleen Dunlea
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14620 USA
| | - Darron H King
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14620 USA
| | - Gail V. W. Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14620 USA
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37
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Montgomery K, Carroll EC, Thwin AC, Quddus AY, Hodges P, Southworth DR, Gestwicki JE. Chemical Features of Polyanions Modulate Tau Aggregation and Conformational States. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:3926-3936. [PMID: 36753572 PMCID: PMC9951223 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c08004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation of tau into insoluble fibrils is a defining feature of neurodegenerative tauopathies. However, tau has a positive overall charge and is highly soluble; so, polyanions, such as heparin, are typically required to promote its aggregation in vitro. There are dozens of polyanions in living systems, and it is not clear which ones might promote this process. Here, we systematically measure the ability of 37 diverse, anionic biomolecules to initiate tau aggregation using either wild-type (WT) tau or the disease-associated P301S mutant. We find that polyanions from many different structural classes can promote fibril formation and that P301S tau is sensitive to a greater number of polyanions (28/37) than WT tau (21/37). We also find that some polyanions preferentially reduce the lag time of the aggregation reactions, while others enhance the elongation rate, suggesting that they act on partially distinct steps. From the resulting structure-activity relationships, the valency of the polyanion seems to be an important chemical feature such that anions with low valency tend to be weaker aggregation inducers, even at the same overall charge. Finally, the identity of the polyanion influences fibril morphology based on electron microscopy and limited proteolysis. These results provide insights into the crucial role of polyanion-tau interactions in modulating tau conformational dynamics with implications for understanding the tau aggregation landscape in a complex cellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly
M. Montgomery
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University
of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- The
Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Emma C. Carroll
- The
Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Aye C. Thwin
- The
Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Athena Y. Quddus
- The
Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Paige Hodges
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University
of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- The
Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Daniel R. Southworth
- The
Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University
of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Jason E. Gestwicki
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University
of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
- The
Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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38
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Levy SA, Zuniga G, Gonzalez EM, Butler D, Temple S, Frost B. Tau LUM, an in vivo Drosophila sensor of tau multimerization, identifies neuroprotective interventions in tauopathy. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100292. [PMID: 36160048 PMCID: PMC9500001 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Tau protein aggregates are a defining neuropathological feature of "tauopathies," a group of neurodegenerative disorders that include Alzheimer's disease. In the current study, we develop a Drosophila split-luciferase-based sensor of tau-tau interaction. This model, which we term "tauLUM," allows investigators to quantify tau multimerization at individual time points or longitudinally in adult, living animals housed in a 96-well plate. TauLUM causes cell death in the adult Drosophila brain and responds to both pharmacological and genetic interventions. We find that transgenic expression of an anti-tau intrabody or pharmacological inhibition of HSP90 reduces tau multimerization and cell death in tauLUM flies, establishing the suitability of this system for future drug and genetic modifier screening. Overall, our studies position tauLUM as a powerful in vivo discovery platform that leverages the advantages of the Drosophila model organism to better understand tau multimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon A. Levy
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Gabrielle Zuniga
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Elias M. Gonzalez
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - David Butler
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Sally Temple
- Neural Stem Cell Institute, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA
| | - Bess Frost
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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39
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Akbari V, Mohammadi S, Mehrabi M, Ghobadi S, Farrokhi A, Khodarahmi R. Investigation of the role of prolines 232/233 in RTPPK motif in tau protein aggregation: An in vitro study. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 219:1100-1111. [PMID: 36049563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.08.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Disease-related tau protein in Alzheimer's disease is hyperphosphorylated and aggregates into neurofibrillary tangles. The cis-proline isomer of the pSer/Thr-Pro sequence has been proposed to act as a precursor of aggregation ('Cistauosis' hypothesis), but this aggregation scheme is not yet entirely accepted. Hence to investigate isomer-specific-aggregation of tau, proline residues at the RTPPK motif were replaced by alanine residues (with permanent trans configuration) employing genetic engineering methods. RTPAK, RTAPK, and RTAAK mutant variants of tau were generated, and their in vitro aggregation propensity was investigated using multi-spectroscopic techniques. Besides, the cell toxicity of oligomers/fibrils was analyzed and compared to those of the wild-type (WT) tau. Analyses of mutant variants have shown to be in agreement (to some degree) to the theory of the 'cistauosis' hypothesis. The results showed that the trans isomer in the 232-rd residue (P232A mutant rather than P233A) had reduced aggregation propensity. However, this study did not illustrate any statistically significant difference between the wild and the mutant protein aggregations concerning cell toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vali Akbari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran; Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Soheila Mohammadi
- Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Masomeh Mehrabi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Sirous Ghobadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Alireza Farrokhi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Reza Khodarahmi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah, Iran; Department of Pharmacognosy and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah, Iran.
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40
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Fourest-Lieuvin A, Vinit A, Blot B, Perrot A, Denarier E, Saudou F, Arnal I. Controlled Tau Cleavage in Cells Reveals Abnormal Localizations of Tau Fragments. Neuroscience 2022; 518:162-177. [PMID: 35995336 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In several forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, the cytoskeleton-associated protein tau undergoes proteolysis, giving rise to fragments that have a toxic impact on neuronal homeostasis. How these fragments interact with cellular structures, in particular with the cytoskeleton, is currently incompletely understood. Here, we developed a method, derived from a Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) protease system, to induce controlled cleavage of tau at specific sites. Five tau proteins containing specific TEV recognition sites corresponding to pathological proteolytic sites were engineered, and tagged with GFP at one end and mCherry at the other. Following controlled cleavage to produce GFP-N-terminal and C-terminal-mCherry fragments, we followed the fate of tau fragments in cells. Our results showed that whole engineered tau proteins associate with the cytoskeleton similarly to the non-modified tau, whereas tau fragments adopted different localizations with respect to the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. These distinct localizations were confirmed by expressing each separate fragment in cells. Some cleavages - in particular cleavages at amino-acid positions 124 or 256 - displayed a certain level of cellular toxicity, with an unusual relocalization of the N-terminal fragments to the nucleus. Based on the data presented here, inducible cleavage of tau by the TEV protease appears to be a valuable tool to reproduce tau fragmentation in cells and study the resulting consequences on cell physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Fourest-Lieuvin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Angélique Vinit
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Béatrice Blot
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Anthime Perrot
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Eric Denarier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Frédéric Saudou
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Isabelle Arnal
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, U1216, CEA, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France.
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41
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Jackson NA, Guerrero-Muñoz MJ, Castillo-Carranza DL. The prion-like transmission of tau oligomers via exosomes. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:974414. [PMID: 36062141 PMCID: PMC9434014 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.974414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The conversion and transmission of misfolded proteins established the basis for the prion concept. Neurodegenerative diseases are considered “prion-like” disorders that lack infectivity. Among them, tauopathies are characterized by the conversion of native tau protein into an abnormally folded aggregate. During the progression of the disease, misfolded tau polymerizes into oligomers and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). While the toxicity of NFTs is an ongoing debate, the contribution of tau oligomers to early onset neurodegenerative pathogenesis is accepted. Tau oligomers are readily transferred from neuron to neuron propagating through the brain inducing neurodegeneration. Recently, transmission of tau oligomers via exosomes is now proposed. There is still too much to uncover about tau misfolding and propagation. Here we summarize novel findings of tau oligomers transmission and propagation via exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel A. Jackson
- School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Diana L. Castillo-Carranza
- School of Medicine, University of Monterrey, San Pedro Garza García, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Diana L. Castillo-Carranza,
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42
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Gutierrez BA, Limon A. Synaptic Disruption by Soluble Oligomers in Patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1743. [PMID: 35885050 PMCID: PMC9313353 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are the result of progressive dysfunction of the neuronal activity and subsequent neuronal death. Currently, the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases are by far Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) disease, affecting millions of people worldwide. Although amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are the neuropathological hallmarks for AD and Lewy bodies (LB) are the hallmark for PD, current evidence strongly suggests that oligomers seeding the neuropathological hallmarks are more toxic and disease-relevant in both pathologies. The presence of small soluble oligomers is the common bond between AD and PD: amyloid β oligomers (AβOs) and Tau oligomers (TauOs) in AD and α-synuclein oligomers (αSynOs) in PD. Such oligomers appear to be particularly increased during the early pathological stages, targeting synapses at vulnerable brain regions leading to synaptic plasticity disruption, synapse loss, inflammation, excitation to inhibition imbalance and cognitive impairment. Absence of TauOs at synapses in individuals with strong AD disease pathology but preserved cognition suggests that mechanisms of resilience may be dependent on the interactions between soluble oligomers and their synaptic targets. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge about the interactions between soluble oligomers and synaptic dysfunction in patients diagnosed with AD and PD, how it affects excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission, and the potential mechanisms of synaptic resilience in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agenor Limon
- Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
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43
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Ono M, Komatsu M, Ji B, Takado Y, Shimojo M, Minamihisamatsu T, Warabi E, Yanagawa T, Matsumoto G, Aoki I, Kanaan NM, Suhara T, Sahara N, Higuchi M. Central role for p62/SQSTM1 in the elimination of toxic tau species in a mouse model of tauopathy. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13615. [PMID: 35662390 PMCID: PMC9282839 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular accumulation of filamentous tau aggregates with progressive neuronal loss is a common characteristic of tauopathies. Although the neurodegenerative mechanism of tau-associated pathology remains unclear, molecular elements capable of degrading and/or sequestering neurotoxic tau species may suppress neurodegenerative progression. Here, we provide evidence that p62/SQSTM1, a ubiquitinated cargo receptor for selective autophagy, acts protectively against neuronal death and neuroinflammation provoked by abnormal tau accumulation. P301S mutant tau transgenic mice (line PS19) exhibited accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles with localization of p62 mostly in the brainstem, but neuronal loss with few neurofibrillary tangles in the hippocampus. In the hippocampus of PS19 mice, the p62 level was lower compared to the brainstem, and punctate accumulation of phosphorylated tau unaccompanied by co-localization of p62 was observed. In PS19 mice deficient in p62 (PS19/p62-KO), increased accumulation of phosphorylated tau, acceleration of neuronal loss, and exacerbation of neuroinflammation were observed in the hippocampus as compared with PS19 mice. In addition, increase of abnormal tau and neuroinflammation were observed in the brainstem of PS19/p62-KO. Immunostaining and dot-blot analysis with an antibody selectively recognizing tau dimers and higher-order oligomers revealed that oligomeric tau species in PS19/p62-KO mice were significantly accumulated as compared to PS19 mice, suggesting the requirement of p62 to eliminate disease-related oligomeric tau species. Our findings indicated that p62 exerts neuroprotection against tau pathologies by eliminating neurotoxic tau species, suggesting that the manipulative p62 and selective autophagy may provide an intrinsic therapy for the treatment of tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Ono
- Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masaaki Komatsu
- Department of Physiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bin Ji
- Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Radiopharmacy and Molecular Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhei Takado
- Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masafumi Shimojo
- Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takeharu Minamihisamatsu
- Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Eiji Warabi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Toru Yanagawa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Gen Matsumoto
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Ichio Aoki
- Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Nicholas M Kanaan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Tetsuya Suhara
- Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naruhiko Sahara
- Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Makoto Higuchi
- Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
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44
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Yang Y, Wang L, Zhang C, Guo Y, Li J, Wu C, Jiao J, Zheng H. Ginsenoside Rg1 improves Alzheimer's disease by regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation through Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. Chem Biol Drug Des 2022; 99:884-896. [PMID: 35313087 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that can cause cognitive impairment. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) has a significant neuroprotective effect on animals with memory impairment. However, the mechanism of how Rg1 mediates the Wnt signaling pathway and improves cognitive function by regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation is still unclear. In this study, the spatial memory ability of tree shrews was tested by Morris water maze, the expression levels of amyloid protein (Aβ1-42), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (iba-1), nitrotyrosine (NT), and 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OHG) were detected by immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, the activity of catalase (CAT) and the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was, respectively, measured by the ammonium molybdate method and the 5,5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid). Furthermore, the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was determined by the thiobarbituric acid test. Finally, the expression levels of Beta-secretase (BACE1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), BCL2-Associated X (Bax), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), caspase-anti-apoptotic factor Cleaved-caspase-3 (Caspase-3), microtubule-associated proteins 2 (MAP2), Neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), as well as the phosphorylation of GSK-3β and β-catenin were detected by Western blot. This study implied that Rg1 reduced the phosphorylation of Tau protein, the deposition of Aβ1-42, and the expression of BACE1. It also showed that Rg1 increased the antioxidant activity of SOD, CAT, GPx, and instead reduced the oxidation products of NT, 8-OHG, and MDA, as wells as the inflammatory factor interleukin-1 and iba-1. It further showed that Rg1 increased the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax and expression of neuronal markers MAP2 and NeuN, but instead reduced the expression of Caspase-3, GSK-3β, and β-catenin. In conclusion, by regulating the Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway, Rg1 of moderate and high dose could alleviate oxidative stress damage, improve neuroinflammation, protect neurons, finally improve the cognitive impairment of the AD tree shrew. This study provides theoretical basis for the Rg1 clinical application in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Limei Wang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.,State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Caijun Zhang
- Experiment Center of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yuqian Guo
- Affiliated Hospital of Medical Sergeant School, Army Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jintao Li
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hefei Ion Medical Center, Hefei, China
| | - Jianlin Jiao
- Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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45
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Moeini Z, Seraj Z, Zohoorian Abootorabi T, Ashrafi-Kooshk M, Riazi G, Saboury AA, Seyedarabi A. Unravelling the Novel Effects of Three Volatile Compounds in Preventing Fibril Formation of Disease Related Tau and α-Synuclein Proteins- Towards Identifying Candidate Aromatic Substances for Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:793727. [PMID: 35392564 PMCID: PMC8980687 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.793727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The aggregation of tau and α-synuclein into fibrillary assemblies in nerve cells is the molecular hallmark of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, respectively. In our previous studies, we investigated the anti-amyloidogenic effects of three different aroma-producing (volatile) compounds including cinnamaldehyde, phenyl ethyl alcohol, and TEMED on the fibrillation process of HEWL, as a model protein. Our previous results showed that while TEMED was able to completely stop the process of fibril formation, cinnamaldehyde and phenyl ethyl alcohol gave rise to oligomeric/protofibrillar forms and were involved in the entrapment of intermediate species of HEWL. In this study, we investigated the anti-amyloidogenic effect of the same three volatile compounds on recombinantly produced tau and α-synuclein proteins. Methods: The thioflavin T fluorescence assay, circular dichroism, SDS-PAGE/native-PAGE, dynamic light scattering, and atomic force microscopy were used, where necessary, to further our understanding of the inhibitory effects of the three volatile compounds on the fibril formation of tau and α-synuclein proteins and allow for a comparison with previous data obtained for HEWL. Results: Our results revealed that contrary to the results obtained for HEWL (a globular protein), the volatile compound TEMED was no longer able to prevent fibril formation in either of the natively unstructured tau or α-synuclein proteins, and instead, cinnamaldehye and phenyl ethyl alcohol, in particular, had the role of preventing fibril formation of tau or α-synuclein. Conclusion: The results of this study further emphasized the exclusion of HEWL as a model protein for fibrillation studies and highlighted the importance of studying brain-related proteins such as tau or α-synuclein and the need to assess the effects of volatile compounds such as cinnamaldehye and phenyl ethyl alcohol as potential substances in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Moeini
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Seraj
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Gholamhossein Riazi
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Saboury
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arefeh Seyedarabi
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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46
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Molecular interaction of stress granules with Tau and autophagy in Alzheimer's disease. Neurochem Int 2022; 157:105342. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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47
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Islam M, Shen F, Regmi D, Du D. Therapeutic strategies for tauopathies and drug repurposing as a potential approach. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 198:114979. [PMID: 35219701 PMCID: PMC9159505 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Tauopathies are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the deposition of abnormal tau in the brain. To date, there are no disease-modifying therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for the treatment of tauopathies. In the past decades, extensive efforts have been provided to develop disease-modifying therapies to treat tauopathies. Specifically, exploring existing drugs with the intent of repurposing for the treatment of tauopathies affords a reasonable alternative to discover potent drugs for treating these formidable diseases. Drug repurposing will not only reduce formulation and development stage effort and cost but will also take a key advantage of the established toxicological studies, which is one of the main causes of clinical trial failure of new molecules. In this review, we provide an overview of the current treatment strategies for tauopathies and the recent progress in drug repurposing as an alternative approach to treat tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majedul Islam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, United States.
| | - Fengyun Shen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, United States
| | - Deepika Regmi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, United States
| | - Deguo Du
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, United States.
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48
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Ye H, Han Y, Li P, Su Z, Huang Y. The Role of Post-Translational Modifications on the Structure and Function of Tau Protein. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:1557-1571. [PMID: 35325356 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Involving addition of chemical groups or protein units to specific residues of the target protein, post-translational modifications (PTMs) alter the charge, hydrophobicity, and conformation of a protein, which in tune influences protein function, protein - protein interaction, and protein aggregation. While the occurrence of PTMs is dynamic and subject to regulations, conformational disorder of the target protein facilitates PTMs. The microtubule-associated protein tau is a typical intrinsically disordered protein that undergoes a variety of PTMs including phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, methylation, and oxidation. Accumulated evidence shows that these PTMs play a critical role in regulating tau-microtubule interaction, tau localization, tau degradation and aggregation, and reinforces the correlation between tau PTMs and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease. Here, we review tau PTMs with an emphasis on their influence on tau structure. With available biophysical characterization results, we describe how PTMs induce conformational changes in tau monomer and regulate tau aggregation. Compared to functional analysis of tau PTMs, biophysical characterization of tau PTMs is lagging. While it is challenging, characterizing the specific effects of PTMs on tau conformation and interaction is indispensable to unravel the tau PTM code.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqiong Ye
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China.,Department of Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Yue Han
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China.,Department of Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Ping Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China.,Department of Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Zhengding Su
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China.,Department of Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China
| | - Yongqi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China. .,Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China. .,Department of Biological Engineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China.
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49
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De Luigi A, Colombo L, Russo L, Ricci C, Bastone A, Cimini S, Tagliavini F, Rossi G, Cantù L, Del Favero E, Salmona M. Biochemical and biophysical features of disease-associated tau mutants V363A and V363I. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2022; 1870:140755. [PMID: 34999006 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2022.140755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The comprehension of pathogenetic mechanisms in tauopathy-associated neurodegenerative diseases can be improved by the knowledge of the biochemical and biophysical features of mutated tau proteins. Here, we used the full-length, wild-type tau, the V363A and V363I mutated species, associated with pathology, and the P301L mutated tau as a benchmark. Using several techniques, including small-angle X-ray scattering, atomic force microscopy, thioflavin T binding, and electrophoretic separation, we compared their course from intrinsically disordered monomers in solution to early-stage recruitment in complexes and then aggregates of increasing size over long periods up to the asymptotic aggregative behavior of full-length tau proteins. We showed that diversity in the kinetics of recruitment and aggregate structure occurs from the beginning and spreads all over their pathway to very large objects. The different extents of conformational changes and types of molecular assemblies among the proteins were also reflected in their in vitro toxicity; this variation could correlate with physiopathology in humans, considering that the P301L mutation is more aggressive than V363A, especially V363I. This study identified the presence of aggregation intermediates and corroborated the oligomeric hypothesis of tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada De Luigi
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Mario Negri Institute of Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Colombo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Mario Negri Institute of Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Russo
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Mario Negri Institute of Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Caterina Ricci
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Antonio Bastone
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Mario Negri Institute of Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Cimini
- Unit of Neurology V and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Tagliavini
- Unit of Neurology V and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Giacomina Rossi
- Unit of Neurology V and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Cantù
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Del Favero
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milano, Italy.
| | - Mario Salmona
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Mario Negri Institute of Pharmacological Research IRCCS, Milano, Italy.
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50
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Shahpasand‐Kroner H, Portillo J, Lantz C, Seidler PM, Sarafian N, Loo JA, Bitan G. Three-repeat and four-repeat tau isoforms form different oligomers. Protein Sci 2022; 31:613-627. [PMID: 34902187 PMCID: PMC8862439 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Different tauopathies are characterized by the isoform-specific composition of the aggregates found in the brain and by structurally distinct tau strains. Although tau oligomers have been implicated as important neurotoxic species, little is known about how the primary structures of the six human tau isoforms affect tau oligomerization because the oligomers are metastable and difficult to analyze. To address this knowledge gap, here, we analyzed the initial oligomers formed by the six tau isoforms in the absence of posttranslational modifications or other manipulations using dot blots probed by an oligomer-specific antibody, native-PAGE/western blots, photo-induced cross-linking of unmodified proteins, mass-spectrometry, and ion-mobility spectroscopy. We found that under these conditions, three-repeat (3R) isoforms are more prone than four-repeat (4R) isoforms to form oligomers. We also tested whether known inhibitors of tau aggregation affect its oligomerization using three small molecules representing different classes of tau aggregation inhibitors, Methylene Blue (MB), the molecular tweezer CLR01, and the all-D peptide TLKIVW, for their ability to inhibit or modulate the oligomerization of the six tau isoforms. Unlike their reported inhibitory effect on tau fibrillation, the inhibitors had little or no effect on the initial oligomerization. Our study provides novel insight into the primary-quaternary structure relationship of human tau and suggests that 3R-tau oligomers may be an important target for future development of compounds targeting pathological tau assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedieh Shahpasand‐Kroner
- Department of NeurologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jennifer Portillo
- Department of NeurologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Carter Lantz
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Paul M. Seidler
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Southern California School of PharmacyLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Natalie Sarafian
- Department of NeurologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Joseph A. Loo
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA,Molecular Biology InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA,Department of Biological ChemistryUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Gal Bitan
- Department of NeurologyDavid Geffen School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA,Molecular Biology InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA,Brain Research InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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