1
|
Purro SA, Farmer M, Noble E, Sarell CJ, Powell M, Yip D, Giggins L, Zakka L, Thomas DX, Farrow M, Nicoll AJ, Walsh D, Collinge J. Two mouse models of Alzheimer's disease accumulate amyloid at different rates and have distinct Aβ oligomer profiles unaltered by ablation of cellular prion protein. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294465. [PMID: 37976283 PMCID: PMC10655998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294465] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligomers formed from monomers of the amyloid β-protein (Aβ) are thought to be central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Unsurprisingly for a complex disease, current mouse models of AD fail to fully mimic the clinical disease in humans. Moreover, results obtained in a given mouse model are not always reproduced in a different model. Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is now an established receptor for Aβ oligomers. However, studies of the Aβ-PrPC interaction in different mouse models have yielded contradictory results. Here we performed a longitudinal study assessing a range of biochemical and histological features in the commonly used J20 and APP-PS1 mouse models. Our analysis demonstrated that PrPC ablation had no effect on amyloid accumulation or oligomer production. However, we found that APP-PS1 mice had higher levels of oligomers, that these could bind to recombinant PrPC, and were recognised by the OC antibody which distinguishes parallel, in register fibrils. On the other hand, J20 mice had a lower level of Aβ oligomers, which did not interact with PrPC when tested in vitro and were OC-negative. These results suggest the two mouse models produce diverse Aβ assemblies that could interact with different targets, highlighting the necessity to characterise the conformation of the Aβ oligomers concomitantly with the toxic cascade elicited by them. Our results provide an explanation for the apparent contradictory results found in APP-PS1 mice and the J20 mouse line in regards to Aβ toxicity mediated by PrPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia A. Purro
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Farmer
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Noble
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire J. Sarell
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Powell
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Yip
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Giggins
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leila Zakka
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David X. Thomas
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Farrow
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. Nicoll
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic Walsh
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Research, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John Collinge
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion diseases, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Min JO, Strohäker T, Jeong BC, Zweckstetter M, Lee SJ. Chicago sky blue 6B inhibits α-synuclein aggregation and propagation. Mol Brain 2022; 15:27. [PMID: 35346306 PMCID: PMC8962151 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00913-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal deposition of α-synuclein aggregates in Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites is the hallmark lesion in Parkinson’s disease (PD). These aggregates, thought to be the culprit of disease pathogenesis, spread throughout the brain as the disease progresses. Agents that inhibit α-synuclein aggregation and/or spread of aggregates would thus be candidate disease-modifying drugs. Here, we found that Chicago sky blue 6B (CSB) may be such a drug, showing that it inhibits α-synuclein aggregation and cell-to-cell propagation in both in vitro and in vivo models of synucleinopathy. CSB inhibited the fibrillation of α-synuclein in a concentration-dependent manner through direct binding to the N-terminus of α-synuclein. Furthermore, both seeded polymerization and cell-to-cell propagation of α-synuclein were inhibited by CSB treatment. Notably, CSB alleviated behavioral deficits and neuropathological features, such as phospho-α-synuclein and astrogliosis, in A53T α-synuclein transgenic mice. These results indicate that CSB directly binds α-synuclein and inhibits its aggregation, thereby blocking α-synuclein cell-to-cell propagation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Ok Min
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongro-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Timo Strohäker
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Byung-Chul Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongro-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.,Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology Department, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, USA
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.,Department for NMR-Based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Faßberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Seung-Jae Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongro-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dias YJ, Sinha-Ray S, Pourdeyhimi B, Yarin AL. Chicago Sky Blue diazo-dye release from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) electrospun nanofibers. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.117771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
4
|
Crestini A, Santilli F, Martellucci S, Carbone E, Sorice M, Piscopo P, Mattei V. Prions and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Focus on Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 85:503-518. [PMID: 34864675 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Specific protein misfolding and aggregation are mechanisms underlying various neurodegenerative diseases such as prion disease and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The misfolded proteins are involved in prions, amyloid-β (Aβ), tau, and α-synuclein disorders; they share common structural, biological, and biochemical characteristics, as well as similar mechanisms of aggregation and self-propagation. Pathological features of AD include the appearance of plaques consisting of deposition of protein Aβ and neurofibrillary tangles formed by the hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Although it is not clear how protein aggregation leads to AD, we are learning that the cellular prion protein (PrPC) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. Herein, we first examined the pathogenesis of prion and AD with a focus on the contribution of PrPC to the development of AD. We analyzed the mechanisms that lead to the formation of a high affinity bond between Aβ oligomers (AβOs) and PrPC. Also, we studied the role of PrPC as an AβO receptor that initiates an AβO-induced signal cascade involving mGluR5, Fyn, Pyk2, and eEF2K linking Aβ and tau pathologies, resulting in the death of neurons in the central nervous system. Finally, we have described how the PrPC-AβOs interaction can be used as a new potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PrPC-dependent AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Crestini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Santilli
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, "Sabina Universitas", Rieti, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Martellucci
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, "Sabina Universitas", Rieti, Italy
| | - Elena Carbone
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sorice
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Piscopo
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mattei
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center, "Sabina Universitas", Rieti, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mustazza C, Sbriccoli M, Minosi P, Raggi C. Small Molecules with Anti-Prion Activity. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:5446-5479. [PMID: 31560283 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190927121744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Prion pathologies are fatal neurodegenerative diseases caused by the misfolding of the physiological Prion Protein (PrPC) into a β-structure-rich isoform called PrPSc. To date, there is no available cure for prion diseases and just a few clinical trials have been carried out. The initial approach in the search of anti-prion agents had PrPSc as a target, but the existence of different prion strains arising from alternative conformations of PrPSc, limited the efficacy of the ligands to a straindependent ability. That has shifted research to PrPC ligands, which either act as chaperones, by stabilizing the native conformation, or inhibit its interaction with PrPSc. The role of transition-metal mediated oxidation processes in prion misfolding has also been investigated. Another promising approach is the indirect action via other cellular targets, like membrane domains or the Protein- Folding Activity of Ribosomes (PFAR). Also, new prion-specific high throughput screening techniques have been developed. However, so far no substance has been found to be able to extend satisfactorily survival time in animal models of prion diseases. This review describes the main features of the Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) of the various chemical classes of anti-prion agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Mustazza
- National Centre for Control and Evaluation of Medicines, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Sbriccoli
- Department of Neurosciences, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Minosi
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Raggi
- National Centre for Control and Evaluation of Medicines, Italian National Institute of Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Özcan GG, Lim S, Leighton PLA, Allison WT, Rihel J. Sleep is bi-directionally modified by amyloid beta oligomers. eLife 2020; 9:53995. [PMID: 32660691 PMCID: PMC7360368 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disrupted sleep is a major feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), often arising years before symptoms of cognitive decline. Prolonged wakefulness exacerbates the production of amyloid-beta (Aβ) species, a major driver of AD progression, suggesting that sleep loss further accelerates AD through a vicious cycle. However, the mechanisms by which Aβ affects sleep are unknown. We demonstrate in zebrafish that Aβ acutely and reversibly enhances or suppresses sleep as a function of oligomer length. Genetic disruptions revealed that short Aβ oligomers induce acute wakefulness through Adrenergic receptor b2 (Adrb2) and Progesterone membrane receptor component 1 (Pgrmc1), while longer Aβ forms induce sleep through a pharmacologically tractable Prion Protein (PrP) signaling cascade. Our data indicate that Aβ can trigger a bi-directional sleep/wake switch. Alterations to the brain’s Aβ oligomeric milieu, such as during the progression of AD, may therefore disrupt sleep via changes in acute signaling events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Güliz Gürel Özcan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sumi Lim
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia LA Leighton
- Centre for Prions & Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - W Ted Allison
- Centre for Prions & Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Jason Rihel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Development and structural determination of an anti-PrP C aptamer that blocks pathological conformational conversion of prion protein. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4934. [PMID: 32188933 PMCID: PMC7080826 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61966-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases comprise a fatal neuropathy caused by the conversion of prion protein from a cellular (PrPC) to a pathological (PrPSc) isoform. Previously, we obtained an RNA aptamer, r(GGAGGAGGAGGA) (R12), that folds into a unique G-quadruplex. The R12 homodimer binds to a PrPC molecule, inhibiting PrPC-to-PrPSc conversion. Here, we developed a new RNA aptamer, r(GGAGGAGGAGGAGGAGGAGGAGGA) (R24), where two R12s are tandemly connected. The 50% inhibitory concentration for the formation of PrPSc (IC50) of R24 in scrapie-infected cell lines was ca. 100 nM, i.e., much lower than that of R12 by two orders. Except for some antibodies, R24 exhibited the lowest recorded IC50 and the highest anti-prion activity. We also developed a related aptamer, r(GGAGGAGGAGGA-A-GGAGGAGGAGGA) (R12-A-R12), IC50 being ca. 500 nM. The structure of a single R12-A-R12 molecule determined by NMR resembled that of the R12 homodimer. The quadruplex structure of either R24 or R12-A-R12 is unimolecular, and therefore the structure could be stably formed when they are administered to a prion-infected cell culture. This may be the reason they can exert high anti-prion activity.
Collapse
|
8
|
Schein CH. Repurposing approved drugs on the pathway to novel therapies. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:586-605. [PMID: 31432544 PMCID: PMC7018532 DOI: 10.1002/med.21627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The time and cost of developing new drugs have led many groups to limit their search for therapeutics to compounds that have previously been approved for human use. Many "repurposed" drugs, such as derivatives of thalidomide, antibiotics, and antivirals have had clinical success in treatment areas well beyond their original approved use. These include applications in treating antibiotic-resistant organisms, viruses, cancers and to prevent burn scarring. The major theoretical justification for reusing approved drugs is that they have known modes of action and controllable side effects. Coadministering antibiotics with inhibitors of bacterial toxins or enzymes that mediate multidrug resistance can greatly enhance their activity. Drugs that control host cell pathways, including inflammation, tumor necrosis factor, interferons, and autophagy, can reduce the "cytokine storm" response to injury, control infection, and aid in cancer therapy. An active compound, even if previously approved for human use, will be a poor clinical candidate if it lacks specificity for the new target, has poor solubility or can cause serious side effects. Synergistic combinations can reduce the dosages of the individual components to lower reactivity. Preclinical analysis should take into account that severely ill patients with comorbidities will be more sensitive to side effects than healthy trial subjects. Once an active, approved drug has been identified, collaboration with medicinal chemists can aid in finding derivatives with better physicochemical properties, specificity, and efficacy, to provide novel therapies for cancers, emerging and rare diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine H Schein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Human Infection and Immunity (IHII), University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Madhu P, Mukhopadhyay S. Preferential Recruitment of Conformationally Distinct Amyloid-β Oligomers by the Intrinsically Disordered Region of the Human Prion Protein. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:86-98. [PMID: 31808343 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Soluble oligomeric species of the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide exhibit pronounced neurotoxic effects in Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies have indicated that the prion protein (PrP) is one of the cell-surface receptors, so-called a bad receptor, of Aβ oligomers that mediates downstream cellular toxicity. A rational classification of Aβ oligomers on the basis of conformation indicates that there are two distinct types of oligomers, namely, prefibrillar and fibrillar oligomers that are positive to A11 and OC conformation-dependent antibodies, respectively. The mechanism of heterotypic assembly of conformationally distinct oligomers and PrP is poorly understood. In this work, using an array of biophysical and biochemical tools, we dissect the molecular mechanism of the interaction of A11- and OC-positive Aβ42 oligomers with human PrP. Using site-specific binding titrations, we show that the recruitment of Aβ oligomers primarily occurs via the electrostatic interaction between the N-terminal intrinsically disordered region of PrP and Aβ oligomers. Our results demonstrate that OC-positive fibrillar oligomers possessing in-register parallel β-sheet packing displayed ∼30 times stronger binding with PrP compared to A11-positive oligomers. We also show that these OC-positive oligomers exacerbate their toxic effects on mammalian cells upon binding to PrP. On the contrary, the addition of PrP does not alter the toxicity exhibited by A11-positive oligomers. Our findings suggest that strategies targeting the interaction between PrP and OC-positive oligomers, which have been shown to be highly concentrated in the vicinity of amyloid plaques, may have therapeutic potential against Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
|
10
|
De Simone A, Naldi M, Tedesco D, Bartolini M, Davani L, Andrisano V. Advanced analytical methodologies in Alzheimer’s disease drug discovery. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 178:112899. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2019.112899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
11
|
Yifa O, Weisinger K, Bassat E, Li H, Kain D, Barr H, Kozer N, Genzelinakh A, Rajchman D, Eigler T, Umansky KB, Lendengolts D, Brener O, Bursac N, Tzahor E. The small molecule Chicago Sky Blue promotes heart repair following myocardial infarction in mice. JCI Insight 2019; 4:128025. [PMID: 31723055 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.128025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The adult mammalian heart regenerates poorly after injury and, as a result, ischemic heart diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide. The recovery of the injured heart is dependent on orchestrated repair processes including inflammation, fibrosis, cardiomyocyte survival, proliferation, and contraction properties that could be modulated in patients. In this work we designed an automated high-throughput screening system for small molecules that induce cardiomyocyte proliferation in vitro and identified the small molecule Chicago Sky Blue 6B (CSB). Following induced myocardial infarction, CSB treatment reduced scar size and improved heart function of adult mice. Mechanistically, we show that although initially identified using in vitro screening for cardiomyocyte proliferation, in the adult mouse CSB promotes heart repair through (i) inhibition of CaMKII signaling, which improves cardiomyocyte contractility; and (ii) inhibition of neutrophil and macrophage activation, which attenuates the acute inflammatory response, thereby contributing to reduced scarring. In summary, we identified CSB as a potential therapeutic agent that enhances cardiac repair and function by suppressing postinjury detrimental processes, with no evidence for cardiomyocyte renewal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oren Yifa
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Karen Weisinger
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Elad Bassat
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hanjun Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - David Kain
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Haim Barr
- HTS unit, The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine (G-INCPM), and
| | - Noga Kozer
- HTS unit, The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine (G-INCPM), and
| | - Alexander Genzelinakh
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dana Rajchman
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tamar Eigler
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Kfir Baruch Umansky
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Daria Lendengolts
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ori Brener
- Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nenad Bursac
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eldad Tzahor
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kim DH, Ren C, Ryou C, Li J. Direct interaction of DNMT inhibitors to PrP C suppresses pathogenic process of prion. Acta Pharm Sin B 2019; 9:952-959. [PMID: 31649845 PMCID: PMC6804459 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The conversion of the normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) to the misfolded pathogenic scrapie prion protein (PrPSc) is the biochemical hallmark of prion replication. So far, various chemical compounds that inhibit this conformational conversion have been identified. Here, we report the novel anti-prion activity of SGI-1027 and its meta/meta analogue (M/M), previously known only as potent inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). These compounds effectively decreased the level of PrPSc in cultured cells with permanent prion infection, without affecting PrPC at the transcriptional or translational levels. Furthermore, SGI-1027 prevented effective prion infection of the cells. In a PrP aggregation assay, both SGI-1027 and M/M blocked the formation of misfolded PrP aggregates, implying that binding of these compounds hinders the PrP conversion process. A series of binding and docking analyses demonstrated that both SGI-1027 and M/M directly interacted with the C-terminal globular domain of PrPC, but only SGI-1027 bound to a specific region of PrPC with high affinity, which correlates with its potent anti-prion efficacy. Therefore, we report SGI-1027 and related compounds as a novel class of potential anti-prion agents that preferentially function through direct interaction with PrPC.
Collapse
|
13
|
Matos AM, Man T, Idrissi I, Souza CC, Mead E, Dunbar C, Wolak J, Oliveira MC, Evans D, Grayson J, Partridge B, Garwood C, Ning K, Sharman G, Chen B, Rauter AP. Discovery of N-methylpiperazinyl flavones as a novel class of compounds with therapeutic potential against Alzheimer’s disease: synthesis, binding affinity towards amyloid β oligomers (Aβo) and ability to disrupt Aβo-PrPC interactions. PURE APPL CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1515/pac-2019-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
With no currently available disease-modifying drugs, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia affecting over 47 million people worldwide. In light of the most recent discoveries placing the cellular prion protein (PrPC) as a key player in amyloid β oligomer (Aβo)-induced neurodegeneration, we investigated whether the neuroprotective potential of nature-inspired flavonoids against Aβ-promoted toxicity would translate into the ability to disrupt PrPC-Aβo interactions. Hence, we synthesized a small library of flavones and studied their binding affinity towards Aβo by STD-NMR. C-glucosyl flavones exhibited improved binding affinity with morpholine, thiomorpholine or N-methylpiperazine rings attached to the flavone skeleton in ring B para position. Moreover, a N-methylpiperazinyl flavone displayed suitable physicochemical properties and optimal water solubility even without the sugar moiety, and a high interaction with Aβo involving the whole flavone core. Its C-glucosyl derivative, was, however, the best compound to inhibit PrPC-Aβo interactions in a dose-dependent manner, with 41 % of inhibition capacity at 10 μM. The potential of C-glucosyl flavones and their aglycones as protein-protein interaction inhibitors able to tackle PrPC-Aβo interactions is here presented for the first time, and supports this class of compounds as new prototypes for further development in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Matos
- Centro de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa , Ed. C8, Campo Grande , 1749-016 Lisboa , Portugal
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa , Ed. C8, Campo Grande , 1749-016 Lisboa , Portugal
| | - Teresa Man
- Department of Chemistry , Erl Wood Manor, Eli Lilly , Windlesham , UK
| | - Imane Idrissi
- Biofordrug, Via Edoardo Orabona , 4 , 70125 – Bari BA , Italy
| | - Cleide C. Souza
- Department of Chemistry , The University of Sheffield , Dainton Building, Brook Hill , S3 7HF Sheffield , UK
| | - Emma Mead
- Department of Biology , Erl Wood Manor, Eli Lilly , Windlesham , UK
| | - Charlotte Dunbar
- Department of Biology , Erl Wood Manor, Eli Lilly , Windlesham , UK
| | - Joanna Wolak
- Department of Chemistry , Erl Wood Manor, Eli Lilly , Windlesham , UK
- Department of Chemistry , The University of Sheffield , Dainton Building, Brook Hill , S3 7HF Sheffield , UK
| | - Maria C. Oliveira
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico , Av. Rovisco Pais , 1049-001 Lisboa , Portugal
| | - David Evans
- Department of Chemistry , Erl Wood Manor, Eli Lilly , Windlesham , UK
| | - James Grayson
- Department of Chemistry , The University of Sheffield , Dainton Building, Brook Hill , S3 7HF Sheffield , UK
| | - Benjamin Partridge
- Department of Chemistry , The University of Sheffield , Dainton Building, Brook Hill , S3 7HF Sheffield , UK
| | - Claire Garwood
- Department of Chemistry , The University of Sheffield , Dainton Building, Brook Hill , S3 7HF Sheffield , UK
| | - Ke Ning
- Department of Chemistry , The University of Sheffield , Dainton Building, Brook Hill , S3 7HF Sheffield , UK
| | - Gary Sharman
- Department of Chemistry , Erl Wood Manor, Eli Lilly , Windlesham , UK
| | - Beining Chen
- Department of Chemistry , The University of Sheffield , Dainton Building, Brook Hill , S3 7HF Sheffield , UK
| | - Amélia P. Rauter
- Centro de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa , Ed. C8, Campo Grande , 1749-016 Lisboa , Portugal
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa , Ed. C8, Campo Grande , 1749-016 Lisboa , Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Iida M, Mashima T, Yamaoki Y, So M, Nagata T, Katahira M. The anti-prion RNA aptamer R12 disrupts the Alzheimer's disease-related complex between prion and amyloid β. FEBS J 2019; 286:2355-2365. [PMID: 30916478 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The neurodegenerative disorder Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with the accumulation of misfolded proteins. Some recent studies suggested that amyloid beta (Aβ) forms soluble oligomers, protofibrils, and fibrils; the Aβ oligomers being more toxic than the fibrils. Surprisingly, these Aβ oligomers reportedly bind to prion protein (PrP), which acts as a receptor on the cell membrane, possibly resulting in AD. Thus, it is thought that compounds that can disrupt the formation of the prion-Aβ oligomer complex may prevent AD. Here, we demonstrate that an anti-prion RNA aptamer, R12, inhibits the interaction of PrP with Aβ. Fluorescence assaying involving thioflavin S showed that wild-type PrP, a mutant of the N-terminal half of PrP, and even fragment peptides of PrP effectively inhibit Aβ fibrillization. Fluorescence anisotropy revealed that R12 is capable of binding to PrP, resulting in dissociation of PrP with Aβ. Consequently, the Aβ that dissociated from PrP was shown to polymerize into fibrils. These spectroscopic observations were visualized by transmission electron microscopy. This is the first demonstration of the PrP-Aβ interaction being disrupted by a nucleic acid. This ability of R12 highlights its therapeutic potential for treating AD pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamiko Iida
- Institute of Advanced Energy, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, Japan.,Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Mashima
- Institute of Advanced Energy, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, Japan.,Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yudai Yamaoki
- Institute of Advanced Energy, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masatomo So
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Nagata
- Institute of Advanced Energy, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, Japan.,Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masato Katahira
- Institute of Advanced Energy, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, Japan.,Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jarosz-Griffiths HH, Corbett NJ, Rowland HA, Fisher K, Jones AC, Baron J, Howell GJ, Cowley SA, Chintawar S, Cader MZ, Kellett KAB, Hooper NM. Proteolytic shedding of the prion protein via activation of metallopeptidase ADAM10 reduces cellular binding and toxicity of amyloid-β oligomers. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:7085-7097. [PMID: 30872401 PMCID: PMC6497954 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a key neuronal receptor for β-amyloid oligomers (AβO), mediating their neurotoxicity, which contributes to the neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Similarly to the amyloid precursor protein (APP), PrPC is proteolytically cleaved from the cell surface by a disintegrin and metalloprotease, ADAM10. We hypothesized that ADAM10-modulated PrPC shedding would alter the cellular binding and cytotoxicity of AβO. Here, we found that in human neuroblastoma cells, activation of ADAM10 with the muscarinic agonist carbachol promotes PrPC shedding and reduces the binding of AβO to the cell surface, which could be blocked with an ADAM10 inhibitor. Conversely, siRNA-mediated ADAM10 knockdown reduced PrPC shedding and increased AβO binding, which was blocked by the PrPC-specific antibody 6D11. The retinoic acid receptor analog acitretin, which up-regulates ADAM10, also promoted PrPC shedding and decreased AβO binding in the neuroblastoma cells and in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cortical neurons. Pretreatment with acitretin abolished activation of Fyn kinase and prevented an increase in reactive oxygen species caused by AβO binding to PrPC Besides blocking AβO binding and toxicity, acitretin also increased the nonamyloidogenic processing of APP. However, in the iPSC-derived neurons, Aβ and other amyloidogenic processing products did not exhibit a reciprocal decrease upon acitretin treatment. These results indicate that by promoting the shedding of PrPC in human neurons, ADAM10 activation prevents the binding and cytotoxicity of AβO, revealing a potential therapeutic benefit of ADAM10 activation in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heledd H Jarosz-Griffiths
- From the Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, AV Hill Building, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Nicola J Corbett
- From the Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, AV Hill Building, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Helen A Rowland
- From the Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, AV Hill Building, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Kate Fisher
- From the Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, AV Hill Building, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Alys C Jones
- From the Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, AV Hill Building, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Jennifer Baron
- the Flow Cytometry Facility Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, CTF Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Gareth J Howell
- the Flow Cytometry Facility Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, CTF Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Sally A Cowley
- the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE.,the Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX
| | - Satyan Chintawar
- the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, and.,the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX1 3QX, United Kingdom
| | - M Zameel Cader
- the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, and.,the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX1 3QX, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine A B Kellett
- From the Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, AV Hill Building, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT
| | - Nigel M Hooper
- From the Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, AV Hill Building, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
|
17
|
Rösener NS, Gremer L, Reinartz E, König A, Brener O, Heise H, Hoyer W, Neudecker P, Willbold D. A d-enantiomeric peptide interferes with heteroassociation of amyloid-β oligomers and prion protein. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:15748-15764. [PMID: 30131337 PMCID: PMC6187637 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.003116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. One AD hallmark is the aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ) into soluble oligomers and insoluble fibrils. Several studies have reported that oligomers rather than fibrils are the most toxic species in AD progression. Aβ oligomers bind with high affinity to membrane-associated prion protein (PrP), leading to toxic signaling across the cell membrane, which makes the Aβ-PrP interaction an attractive therapeutic target. Here, probing this interaction in more detail, we found that both full-length, soluble human (hu) PrP(23-230) and huPrP(23-144), lacking the globular C-terminal domain, bind to Aβ oligomers to form large complexes above the megadalton size range. Following purification by sucrose density-gradient ultracentrifugation, the Aβ and huPrP contents in these heteroassemblies were quantified by reversed-phase HPLC. The Aβ:PrP molar ratio in these assemblies exhibited some limited variation depending on the molar ratio of the initial mixture. Specifically, a molar ratio of about four Aβ to one huPrP in the presence of an excess of huPrP(23-230) or huPrP(23-144) suggested that four Aβ units are required to form one huPrP-binding site. Of note, an Aβ-binding all-d-enantiomeric peptide, RD2D3, competed with huPrP for Aβ oligomers and interfered with Aβ-PrP heteroassembly in a concentration-dependent manner. Our results highlight the importance of multivalent epitopes on Aβ oligomers for Aβ-PrP interactions and have yielded an all-d-peptide-based, therapeutically promising agent that competes with PrP for these interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine S Rösener
- From the Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany and
- Institute of Complex Systems, Structural Biochemistry (ICS-6), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Lothar Gremer
- From the Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany and
- Institute of Complex Systems, Structural Biochemistry (ICS-6), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Elke Reinartz
- From the Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany and
| | - Anna König
- From the Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany and
- Institute of Complex Systems, Structural Biochemistry (ICS-6), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Oleksandr Brener
- From the Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany and
- Institute of Complex Systems, Structural Biochemistry (ICS-6), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Henrike Heise
- From the Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany and
- Institute of Complex Systems, Structural Biochemistry (ICS-6), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hoyer
- From the Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany and
- Institute of Complex Systems, Structural Biochemistry (ICS-6), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Philipp Neudecker
- From the Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany and
- Institute of Complex Systems, Structural Biochemistry (ICS-6), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Dieter Willbold
- From the Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany and
- Institute of Complex Systems, Structural Biochemistry (ICS-6), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Birchall K, Merritt A, Sattikar A, Kettleborough C, Saxty B. Design of the LifeArc Index Set and Retrospective Review of Its Performance: A Collection for Sharing. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2018; 24:332-345. [PMID: 30290126 DOI: 10.1177/2472555218803696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Building, curating, and maintaining a compound collection is an expensive operation, beyond the scope of most academic organizations. Here we describe the selection criteria used to compile the LifeArc diversity set from commercial suppliers and the process we undertook to generate our representative LifeArc index set. The aim was to avoid a "junk in, junk out" screen collection to increase chemical tractability going forward, while maximizing diversity. Using historical LifeArc screening data, we demonstrate that the index set was predictive of ligandability and that progressable hits could be identified by mining associated clusters within our larger diversity set. Indeed, a higher percentage of index-derived hit clusters were found to have been progressed into hit-to-lead programs, reflecting better drug-likeness. In practice, the library has been shared widely with academic groups and used routinely within LifeArc to assess the ligandability of novel targets. Its small size is well suited to meet the needs of medium-throughput screening in labs with either limited automation, limited precious or expensive reagents, or complex cellular assays. The strategy of screening a small set in combination with rapid hit analog follow-up has demonstrated the utility of finding active clusters for potential development against challenging targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andy Merritt
- 1 LifeArc, Centre for Therapeutic Discovery, Stevenage, UK
| | - Afrah Sattikar
- 1 LifeArc, Centre for Therapeutic Discovery, Stevenage, UK
| | | | - Barbara Saxty
- 1 LifeArc, Centre for Therapeutic Discovery, Stevenage, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sarell CJ, Quarterman E, Yip DCM, Terry C, Nicoll AJ, Wadsworth JDF, Farrow MA, Walsh DM, Collinge J. Soluble Aβ aggregates can inhibit prion propagation. Open Biol 2018; 7:rsob.170158. [PMID: 29142106 PMCID: PMC5717343 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.170158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian prions cause lethal neurodegenerative diseases such as Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) and consist of multi-chain assemblies of misfolded cellular prion protein (PrPC). Ligands that bind to PrPC can inhibit prion propagation and neurotoxicity. Extensive prior work established that certain soluble assemblies of the Alzheimer's disease (AD)-associated amyloid β-protein (Aβ) can tightly bind to PrPC, and that this interaction may be relevant to their toxicity in AD. Here, we investigated whether such soluble Aβ assemblies might, conversely, have an inhibitory effect on prion propagation. Using cellular models of prion infection and propagation and distinct Aβ preparations, we found that the form of Aβ assemblies which most avidly bound to PrP in vitro also inhibited prion infection and propagation. By contrast, forms of Aβ which exhibit little or no binding to PrP were unable to attenuate prion propagation. These data suggest that soluble aggregates of Aβ can compete with prions for binding to PrPC and emphasize the bidirectional nature of the interplay between Aβ and PrPC in Alzheimer's and prion diseases. Such inhibitory effects of Aβ on prion propagation may contribute to the apparent fall-off in the incidence of sporadic CJD at advanced age where cerebral Aβ deposition is common.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire J Sarell
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Emma Quarterman
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Daniel C-M Yip
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Cassandra Terry
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Andrew J Nicoll
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jonathan D F Wadsworth
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Mark A Farrow
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Dominic M Walsh
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK .,Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Research, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - John Collinge
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Jakobson CM, Jarosz DF. Organizing biochemistry in space and time using prion-like self-assembly. CURRENT OPINION IN SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2018; 8:16-24. [PMID: 29725624 PMCID: PMC5926789 DOI: 10.1016/j.coisb.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Prion-like proteins have the capacity to adopt multiple stable conformations, at least one of which can recruit proteins from the native conformation into the alternative fold. Although classically associated with disease, prion-like assembly has recently been proposed to organize a range of normal biochemical processes in space and time. Organisms from bacteria to mammals use prion-like mechanisms to (re)organize their proteome in response to intracellular and extracellular stimuli. Prion-like behavior is an economical means to control biochemistry and gene regulation at the systems level, and prions can act as protein-based genes to facilitate quasi-Lamarckian inheritance of induced traits. These mechanisms allow individual cells to express distinct heritable traits using the same complement of polypeptides. Understanding and controlling prion-like behavior is therefore a promising strategy to combat diverse pathologies and organize engineered biological systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Jakobson
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Daniel F. Jarosz
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Prion diseases are associated with the conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrPC), a glycoprotein expressed at the surface of a wide variety of cell types, into a misfolded conformer (the scrapie form of PrP, or PrPSc) that accumulates in brain tissues of affected individuals. PrPSc is a self-catalytic protein assembly capable of recruiting native conformers of PrPC, and causing their rearrangement into new PrPSc molecules. Several previous attempts to identify therapeutic agents against prion diseases have targeted PrPSc, and a number of compounds have shown potent anti-prion effects in experimental models. Unfortunately, so far, none of these molecules has successfully been translated into effective therapies for prion diseases. Moreover, mounting evidence suggests that PrPSc might be a difficult pharmacological target because of its poorly defined structure, heterogeneous composition, and ability to generate different structural conformers (known as prion strains) that can elude pharmacological intervention. In the last decade, a less intuitive strategy to overcome all these problems has emerged: targeting PrPC, the common substrate of any prion strain replication. This alternative approach possesses several technical and theoretical advantages, including the possibility of providing therapeutic effects also for other neurodegenerative disorders, based on recent observations indicating a role for PrPC in delivering neurotoxic signals of different misfolded proteins. Here, we provide an overview of compounds claimed to exert anti-prion effects by directly binding to PrPC, discussing pharmacological properties and therapeutic potentials of each chemical class.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Silvia Biggi
- Dulbecco Telethon Laboratory of Prions and Amyloids, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Violetta Cecchetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Emiliano Biasini
- Dulbecco Telethon Laboratory of Prions and Amyloids, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 20156 Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Purro SA, Nicoll AJ, Collinge J. Prion Protein as a Toxic Acceptor of Amyloid-β Oligomers. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:358-368. [PMID: 29331212 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The initial report that cellular prion protein (PrPC) mediates toxicity of amyloid-β species linked to Alzheimer's disease was initially treated with scepticism, but growing evidence supports this claim. That there is a high-affinity interaction is now clear, and its molecular basis is being unraveled, while recent studies have identified possible downstream toxic mechanisms. Determination of the clinical significance of such interactions between PrPC and disease-associated amyloid-β species will require experimental medicine studies in humans. Trials of compounds that inhibit PrP-dependent amyloid-β toxicity are commencing in humans, and although it is clear that only a fraction of Alzheimer's disease toxicity could be governed by PrPC, a partial, but still therapeutically useful, role in human disease may soon be testable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia A Purro
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Nicoll
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom; Elkington and Fife LLP, Kent, United Kingdom.
| | - John Collinge
- Medical Research Council Prion Unit, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sebastián M, Anoz-Carbonell E, Gracia B, Cossio P, Aínsa JA, Lans I, Medina M. Discovery of antimicrobial compounds targeting bacterial type FAD synthetases. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2017; 33:241-254. [PMID: 29258359 PMCID: PMC7012052 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2017.1411910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase of bacterial strains resistant to most of the available antibiotics shows a need to explore novel antibacterial targets to discover antimicrobial drugs. Bifunctional bacterial FAD synthetases (FADSs) synthesise the flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). These cofactors act in vital processes as part of flavoproteins, making FADS an essential enzyme. Bacterial FADSs are potential antibacterial targets because of differences to mammalian enzymes, particularly at the FAD producing site. We have optimised an activity-based high throughput screening assay targeting Corynebacterium ammoniagenes FADS (CaFADS) that identifies inhibitors of its different activities. We selected the three best high-performing inhibitors of the FMN:adenylyltransferase activity (FMNAT) and studied their inhibition mechanisms and binding properties. The specificity of the CaFADS hits was evaluated by studying also their effect on the Streptococcus pneumoniae FADS activities, envisaging differences that can be used to discover species-specific antibacterial drugs. The antimicrobial effect of these compounds was also evaluated on C. ammoniagenes, S. pneumoniae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis cultures, finding hits with favourable antimicrobial properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Sebastián
- a Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias , Universidad de Zaragoza , Zaragoza , Spain.,b Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI-IQFR and CBsC-CSIC Joint Units) , Universidad de Zaragoza , Zaragoza , Spain
| | - Ernesto Anoz-Carbonell
- a Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias , Universidad de Zaragoza , Zaragoza , Spain.,b Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI-IQFR and CBsC-CSIC Joint Units) , Universidad de Zaragoza , Zaragoza , Spain.,c Grupo de Genética de Micobacterias, Departamento de Microbiología, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública. Facultad de Medicina , Universidad de Zaragoza , Zaragoza , Spain
| | - Begoña Gracia
- c Grupo de Genética de Micobacterias, Departamento de Microbiología, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública. Facultad de Medicina , Universidad de Zaragoza , Zaragoza , Spain.,d CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES) , Instituto de Salud Carlos III , Madrid , Spain
| | - Pilar Cossio
- e Department of Theoretical Biophysics , Max Planck Institute of Biophysics , Frankfurt , Germany.,f Biophysics of Tropical Diseases, Max Planck Tandem Group , University of Antioquia , Medellín , Colombia
| | - José Antonio Aínsa
- b Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI-IQFR and CBsC-CSIC Joint Units) , Universidad de Zaragoza , Zaragoza , Spain.,c Grupo de Genética de Micobacterias, Departamento de Microbiología, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública. Facultad de Medicina , Universidad de Zaragoza , Zaragoza , Spain.,d CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES) , Instituto de Salud Carlos III , Madrid , Spain
| | - Isaías Lans
- f Biophysics of Tropical Diseases, Max Planck Tandem Group , University of Antioquia , Medellín , Colombia
| | - Milagros Medina
- a Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias , Universidad de Zaragoza , Zaragoza , Spain.,b Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI-IQFR and CBsC-CSIC Joint Units) , Universidad de Zaragoza , Zaragoza , Spain
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Charco JM, Eraña H, Venegas V, García-Martínez S, López-Moreno R, González-Miranda E, Pérez-Castro MÁ, Castilla J. Recombinant PrP and Its Contribution to Research on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies. Pathogens 2017; 6:E67. [PMID: 29240682 PMCID: PMC5750591 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens6040067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The misfolding of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into the disease-associated isoform (PrPSc) and its accumulation as amyloid fibrils in the central nervous system is one of the central events in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Due to the proteinaceous nature of the causal agent the molecular mechanisms of misfolding, interspecies transmission, neurotoxicity and strain phenomenon remain mostly ill-defined or unknown. Significant advances were made using in vivo and in cellula models, but the limitations of these, primarily due to their inherent complexity and the small amounts of PrPSc that can be obtained, gave rise to the necessity of new model systems. The production of recombinant PrP using E. coli and subsequent induction of misfolding to the aberrant isoform using different techniques paved the way for the development of cell-free systems that complement the previous models. The generation of the first infectious recombinant prion proteins with identical properties of brain-derived PrPSc increased the value of cell-free systems for research on TSEs. The versatility and ease of implementation of these models have made them invaluable for the study of the molecular mechanisms of prion formation and propagation, and have enabled improvements in diagnosis, high-throughput screening of putative anti-prion compounds and the design of novel therapeutic strategies. Here, we provide an overview of the resultant advances in the prion field due to the development of recombinant PrP and its use in cell-free systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge M. Charco
- CIC bioGUNE, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.M.C.); (H.E.); (V.V.); (S.G.-M.); (R.L.-M.); (E.G.-M.); (M.Á.P.-C.)
| | - Hasier Eraña
- CIC bioGUNE, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.M.C.); (H.E.); (V.V.); (S.G.-M.); (R.L.-M.); (E.G.-M.); (M.Á.P.-C.)
| | - Vanessa Venegas
- CIC bioGUNE, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.M.C.); (H.E.); (V.V.); (S.G.-M.); (R.L.-M.); (E.G.-M.); (M.Á.P.-C.)
| | - Sandra García-Martínez
- CIC bioGUNE, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.M.C.); (H.E.); (V.V.); (S.G.-M.); (R.L.-M.); (E.G.-M.); (M.Á.P.-C.)
| | - Rafael López-Moreno
- CIC bioGUNE, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.M.C.); (H.E.); (V.V.); (S.G.-M.); (R.L.-M.); (E.G.-M.); (M.Á.P.-C.)
| | - Ezequiel González-Miranda
- CIC bioGUNE, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.M.C.); (H.E.); (V.V.); (S.G.-M.); (R.L.-M.); (E.G.-M.); (M.Á.P.-C.)
| | - Miguel Ángel Pérez-Castro
- CIC bioGUNE, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.M.C.); (H.E.); (V.V.); (S.G.-M.); (R.L.-M.); (E.G.-M.); (M.Á.P.-C.)
| | - Joaquín Castilla
- CIC bioGUNE, Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 48160 Derio, Spain; (J.M.C.); (H.E.); (V.V.); (S.G.-M.); (R.L.-M.); (E.G.-M.); (M.Á.P.-C.)
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Málaga-Trillo E, Ochs K. Uncontrolled SFK-mediated protein trafficking in prion and Alzheimer's disease. Prion 2017; 10:352-361. [PMID: 27649856 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2016.1221873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prions and Amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides induce synaptic damage via complex mechanisms that include the pathological alteration of intracellular signaling cascades. The host-encoded cellular prion protein (PrPC) acts as a high-affinity cell surface receptor for both toxic species and it can modulate the endocytic trafficking of the N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and E-cadherin adhesive complexes via Src family kinases (SFKs). Interestingly, SFK-mediated control of endocytosis is a widespread mechanism used to regulate the activity of important transmembrane proteins, including neuroreceptors for major excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. Here we discuss our recent work in zebrafish and accumulating evidence suggesting that subversion of this pleiotropic regulatory mechanism by Aβ oligomers and prions explains diverse neurotransmission deficits observed in human patients and mouse models of prion and Alzheimer's neurodegeneration. While Aβ, PrPC and SFKs constitute potential therapeutic targets on their own, drug discovery efforts might benefit significantly from aiming at protein-protein interactions that modulate the endocytosis of specific SFK targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Katharina Ochs
- a Department of Biology , Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia , Lima , Perú.,b Department of Biology , University of Konstanz , Konstanz , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Elezgarai SR, Biasini E. Common therapeutic strategies for prion and Alzheimer's diseases. Biol Chem 2017; 397:1115-1124. [PMID: 27279060 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2016-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A number of unexpected pathophysiological connections linking different neurodegenerative diseases have emerged over the past decade. An example is provided by prion and Alzheimer's diseases. Despite being distinct pathologies, these disorders share several neurotoxic mechanisms, including accumulation of misfolded protein isoforms, stress of the protein synthesis machinery, and activation of a neurotoxic signaling mediated by the cellular prion protein. Here, in addition to reviewing these mechanisms, we will discuss the potential therapeutic interventions for prion and Alzheimer's diseases that are arising from the comprehension of their common neurodegenerative pathways.
Collapse
|
27
|
Urrea L, Segura-Feliu M, Masuda-Suzukake M, Hervera A, Pedraz L, García Aznar JM, Vila M, Samitier J, Torrents E, Ferrer I, Gavín R, Hagesawa M, Del Río JA. Involvement of Cellular Prion Protein in α-Synuclein Transport in Neurons. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:1847-1860. [PMID: 28229331 PMCID: PMC5840251 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0451-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The cellular prion protein, encoded by the gene Prnp, has been reported to be a receptor of β-amyloid. Their interaction is mandatory for neurotoxic effects of β-amyloid oligomers. In this study, we aimed to explore whether the cellular prion protein participates in the spreading of α-synuclein. Results demonstrate that Prnp expression is not mandatory for α-synuclein spreading. However, although the pathological spreading of α-synuclein can take place in the absence of Prnp, α-synuclein expanded faster in PrPC-overexpressing mice. In addition, α-synuclein binds strongly on PrPC-expressing cells, suggesting a role in modulating the effect of α-synuclein fibrils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Urrea
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 15-21, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Segura-Feliu
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 15-21, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Masami Masuda-Suzukake
- Department of Dementia and Higher Brain Function, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Arnau Hervera
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 15-21, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucas Pedraz
- Bacterial infections: antimicrobial therapies. Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Manuel García Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Miquel Vila
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute-Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Samitier
- Nanobioengineering Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Electronics, University of Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduard Torrents
- Bacterial infections: antimicrobial therapies. Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Neuropatologia, IDIBELL-Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Departamento de Patologia y Terapeutica Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosalina Gavín
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 15-21, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Masato Hagesawa
- Department of Dementia and Higher Brain Function, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - José Antonio Del Río
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 15-21, E-08028, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain.
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
Since its discovery the cellular prion protein (encoded by the Prnp gene) has been associated with a large number of functions. The proposed functions rank from basic cellular processes such as cell cycle and survival to neural functions such as behavior and neuroprotection, following a pattern similar to that of Moore's law for electronics. In addition, particular interest is increasing in the participation of Prnp in neurodegeneration. However, in recent years a redefinition of these functions has begun, since examples of previously attributed functions were increasingly re-associated with other proteins. Most of these functions are linked to so-called "Prnp-flanking genes" that are close to the genomic locus of Prnp and which are present in the genome of some Prnp mouse models. In addition, their role in neuroprotection against convulsive insults has been confirmed in recent studies. Lastly, in recent years a large number of models indicating the participation of different domains of the protein in apoptosis have been uncovered. However, after more than 10 years of molecular dissection our view is that the simplest mechanistic model in PrP(C)-mediated cell death should be considered, as Ockham's razor theory suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José A del Río
- a Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) , Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona , Spain.,b Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Inmunology , Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.,c Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Rosalina Gavín
- a Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) , Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona , Spain.,b Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Inmunology , Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.,c Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) , Barcelona , Spain
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mayburd A, Baranova A. Knowledge-Based Compact Disease Models: A Rapid Path from High-Throughput Data to Understanding Causative Mechanisms for a Complex Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1613:425-461. [PMID: 28849571 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7027-8_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput profiling of human tissues typically yields the gene lists composed of a variety of more or less relevant molecular entities. These lists are riddle by false positive observations that often obstruct generation of mechanistic hypothesis that may explain complex phenotype. From general probabilistic considerations, the gene lists enriched by the mechanistically relevant targets can be far more useful for subsequent experimental design or data interpretation. Using Alzheimer's disease as example, the candidate gene lists were processed into different tiers of evidence consistency established by enrichment analysis across subdatasets collected within the same experiment and across different experiments and platforms. The cutoffs were established empirically through ontological and semantic enrichment; resultant shortened gene list was reexpanded by Ingenuity Pathway Assistant tool. The resulting subnetworks provided the basis for generating mechanistic hypotheses that were partially validated by mined experimental evidence. This approach differs from previous consistency-based studies in that the cutoff on the Receiver Operating Characteristic of the true-false separation process is optimized by flexible selection of the consistency building procedure. The resultant Compact Disease Models (CDM) composed of the gene list distilled by this analytic technique and its network-based representation allowed us to highlight possible role of the protein traffic vesicles in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's. Considering the distances and complexity of protein trafficking in neurons, it is plausible to hypothesize that spontaneous protein misfolding along with a shortage of growth stimulation may provide a shortcut to neurodegeneration. Several potentially overlapping scenarios of early-stage Alzheimer pathogenesis are discussed, with an emphasis on the protective effects of Angiotensin receptor 1 (AT-1) mediated antihypertensive response on cytoskeleton remodeling, along with neuronal activation of oncogenes, luteinizing hormone signaling and insulin-related growth regulation, forming a pleiotropic model of its early stages. Compact Disease Model generation is a flexible approach for high-throughput data analysis that allows extraction of meaningful, mechanism-centered gene sets compatible with instant translation of the results into testable hypotheses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly Mayburd
- The Center of the Study of Chronic Metabolic and Rare Diseases, School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
| | - Ancha Baranova
- The Center of the Study of Chronic Metabolic and Rare Diseases, School of Systems Biology, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA.
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, RAMS, Moskvorechie 1, Moscow, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Suzuki K, Aimi T, Ishihara T, Mizushima T. Identification of approved drugs that inhibit the binding of amyloid β oligomers to ephrin type-B receptor 2. FEBS Open Bio 2016; 6:461-8. [PMID: 27419051 PMCID: PMC4856424 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ephrin type‐B receptor 2 (EphB2) is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family and plays an important role in learning and memory functions. In patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in mouse models of AD, a reduction in the hippocampal EphB2 level is observed. It was recently reported that normalization of the EphB2 level in the dentate gyrus rescues memory function in a mouse model of AD, suggesting that drugs that restore EphB2 levels may be beneficial in the treatment of AD. Amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers, which are believed to be key molecules involved in the pathogenesis of AD, induce EphB2 degradation through their direct binding to EphB2. Thus, compounds that inhibit the binding of Aβ oligomers to EphB2 may be beneficial. Here, we screened for such compounds from drugs already approved for clinical use in humans. Utilizing a cell‐free screening assay, we determined that dihydroergotamine mesilate, bromocriptine mesilate, cepharanthine, and levonorgestrel inhibited the binding of Aβ oligomers to EphB2 but not to cellular prion protein, another endogenous receptor for Aβ oligomers. Additionally, these four compounds did not affect the binding between EphB2 and ephrinB2, an endogenous ligand for EphB2, suggesting that the compounds selectively inhibited the binding of Aβ oligomers to EphB2. This is the first identification of compounds that selectively inhibit the binding of Aβ oligomers to EphB2. These results suggest that these four compounds may be safe and effective drugs for treatment of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Suzuki
- Division of Drug Discovery and Development Faculty of Pharmacy Keio University Minato-ku Tokyo Japan; Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Chiyoda-ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Takahiro Aimi
- Division of Drug Discovery and Development Faculty of Pharmacy Keio University Minato-ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Tomoaki Ishihara
- Division of Drug Discovery and Development Faculty of Pharmacy Keio University Minato-ku Tokyo Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Jarosz-Griffiths HH, Noble E, Rushworth JV, Hooper NM. Amyloid-β Receptors: The Good, the Bad, and the Prion Protein. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:3174-83. [PMID: 26719327 PMCID: PMC4751366 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r115.702704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Several different receptor proteins have been identified that bind monomeric, oligomeric, or fibrillar forms of amyloid-β (Aβ). "Good" receptors internalize Aβ or promote its transcytosis out of the brain, whereas "bad" receptors bind oligomeric forms of Aβ that are largely responsible for the synapticloss, memory impairments, and neurotoxicity that underlie Alzheimer disease. The prion protein both removes Aβ from the brain and transduces the toxic actions of Aβ. The clustering of distinct receptors in cell surface signaling platforms likely underlies the actions of distinct oligomeric species of Aβ. These Aβ receptor-signaling platforms provide opportunities for therapeutic intervention in Alzheimer disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heledd H Jarosz-Griffiths
- From the Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT and
| | - Elizabeth Noble
- From the Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT and
| | - Jo V Rushworth
- the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel M Hooper
- From the Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT and
| |
Collapse
|