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Lozupone M, Dibello V, Daniele A, Solfrizzi V, Resta E, Panza F. How can we manage progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome with pharmacotherapy? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:571-584. [PMID: 38653731 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2345734] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tauopathies are a spectrum of clinicopathological neurodegenerative disorders with increased aggregates included in glia and/or neurons of hyperphosphorylated insoluble tau protein, a microtubule-associated protein. Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is an atypical dopaminergic-resistant parkinsonian syndrome, considered as a primary tauopathy with possible alteration of tau isoform ratio, and tau accumulations characterized by 4 R tau species as the main neuropathological lesions. AREAS COVERED In the present review article, we analyzed and discussed viable disease-modifying and some symptomatic pharmacological therapeutics for PSP syndrome (PSPS). EXPERT OPINION Pharmacological therapy for PSPS may interfere with the aggregation process or promote the clearance of abnormal tau aggregates. A variety of past and ongoing disease-modifying therapies targeting tau in PSPS included genetic, microtubule-stabilizing compounds, anti-phosphorylation, and acetylation agents, antiaggregant, protein removal, antioxidant neuronal and synaptic growth promotion therapies. New pharmacological gene-based approaches may open alternative prevention pathways for the deposition of abnormal tau in PSPS such as antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based drugs. Moreover, kinases and ubiquitin-proteasome systems could also be viable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madia Lozupone
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience "DiBraiN", University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Vittorio Dibello
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, "Cesare Frugoni" Internal and Geriatric Medicine and Memory Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Antonio Daniele
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, "Cesare Frugoni" Internal and Geriatric Medicine and Memory Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Emanuela Resta
- Translational Medicine and Health System Management, Department of Economy, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco Panza
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, "Cesare Frugoni" Internal and Geriatric Medicine and Memory Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Panza F, Dibello V, Sardone R, Castellana F, Zupo R, Lampignano L, Bortone I, Stallone R, Cirillo N, Damiani C, Altamura M, Bellomo A, Daniele A, Solfrizzi V, Lozupone M. Clinical development of passive tau-based immunotherapeutics for treating primary and secondary tauopathies. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:625-634. [PMID: 37405389 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2233892] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tauopathies are clinicopathological entities with increased and pathological deposition in glia and/or neurons of hyperphosphorylated aggregates of the microtubule-binding protein tau. In secondary tauopathies, i.e. Alzheimer's disease (AD), tau deposition can be observed, but tau coexists with another protein (amyloid-β). In the last 20 years, little progress has been made in developing disease-modifying drugs for primary and secondary tauopathies and available symptomatic drugs have limited efficacy. AREAS COVERED The present review summarized recent advances about the development and challenges in treatments for primary and secondary tauopathies, with a focus on passive tau-based immunotherapy. EXPERT OPINION Several tau-targeted passive immunotherapeutics are in development for treating tauopathies. At present, 14 anti-tau antibodies have entered clinical trials, and 9 of them are still in clinical testing for progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome and AD (semorinemab, bepranemab, E2814, JNJ-63733657, Lu AF87908, APNmAb005, MK-2214, PNT00, and PRX005). However, none of these nine agents have reached Phase III. The most advanced anti-tau monoclonal antibody for treating AD is semorinemab, while bepranemab is the only anti-tau monoclonal antibody still in clinical testing for treating progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome. Further evidence on passive immunotherapeutics for treating primary and secondary tauopathies will come from ongoing Phase I/II trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Panza
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Clinica Medica E Geriatria "Cesare Frugoni", University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Vittorio Dibello
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Bari, Italy
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rodolfo Sardone
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Bari, Italy
- Local Healthcare Authority of Taranto, Taranto, Italy
| | - Fabio Castellana
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Zupo
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Clinica Medica E Geriatria "Cesare Frugoni", University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Luisa Lampignano
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bortone
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis" Research Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Stallone
- Neuroscience and Education, Human Resources Excellence in Research, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Cirillo
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Clinica Medica E Geriatria "Cesare Frugoni", University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Christian Damiani
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Clinica Medica E Geriatria "Cesare Frugoni", University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Altamura
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonello Bellomo
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Daniele
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- Dipartimento Interdisciplinare di Medicina, Clinica Medica E Geriatria "Cesare Frugoni", University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Madia Lozupone
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience "DiBrain", University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Panza F, Solfrizzi V, Daniele A, Lozupone M. Passive tau-based immunotherapy for tauopathies. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 196:611-619. [PMID: 37620094 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-98817-9.00029-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Tauopathies are heterogeneous clinicopathological entities characterized by abnormal neuronal and/or glial inclusions of the microtubule-binding protein tau. In secondary tauopathies, i.e., Alzheimer's disease (AD), tau deposition can be observed, but tau may coexist with another protein, i.e., amyloid-β. In the last 20 years, little progress has been made in developing disease-modifying drugs for primary and secondary tauopathies and available symptomatic drugs have limited efficacy. Treatments are being developed to interfere with the aggregation process or to promote the clearance of tau protein. Several tau-targeted passive immunotherapy approaches are in development for treating tauopathies. At present, 12 anti-tau antibodies have entered clinical trials, and 7 of them are still in clinical testing for primary tauopathies and AD (semorinemab, bepranemab, E2814, JNJ-63733657, Lu AF87908, PNT00, and APNmAb005). However, none of these seven agents have reached Phase III. The most advanced anti-tau monoclonal antibody for treating AD is semorinemab, while bepranemab is the only anti-tau monoclonal antibody still in clinical testing for treating progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome. Two other anti-tau monoclonal antibodies have been discontinued for the treatment of primary tauopathies, i.e., gosuranemab and tilavonemab. Further evidence will come from ongoing Phase I/II trials on passive immunotherapeutics for treating primary and secondary tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Panza
- Unit of Research Methodology and Data Sciences for Population Health, National Institute of Gastroenterology "Saverio de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- "Cesare Frugoni" Internal and Geriatric Medicine and Memory Unit, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Daniele
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy; Neurology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Madia Lozupone
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBrain), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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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] [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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6
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Abstract
Preserving the integrity of neuronal microtubules (MTs) has emerged as a promising strategy to inhibit the progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Such a goal could be achieved by peptides that mimic the functional role of Tau, an MT-associated protein that stabilizes MTs by dynamically binding to their outer surface. This work examines the binding properties and MT-stabilizing potential of a 27-amino acid Tau oligopeptide from 300 ns Gaussian-accelerated molecular dynamics simulations and Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) calculations on octameric MT models bound to two equivalent and independent Tau peptides. Bound peptides adopted extended conformations that are highly consistent with cryo-electron microscopy reports for full-length Tau bound to MTs. Anchoring points in three consecutive tubulin subunits were identified, with a relevant contribution of the Ser419-Val435 region to α-tubulin. Tau peptides strengthen the longitudinal protein-protein contacts within the MT lattice and exert a cooperative MT-stabilizing effect in MT complexes simultaneously bonded to taxol or peloruside A. Ser phosphorylation results in a larger peptide mobility, altered interaction profiles, and MT destabilization, which are in line with the loss of MT integrity resulting from the post-translational hyperphosphorylation of Tau. Our results shed light on the MT-stabilizing potential of Tau-mimetic peptides to act as novel neuroprotective agents targeting MTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica A Jiménez
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello, Sede Concepción, Autopista Concepción-Talcahuano, Talcahuano 7100, Chile
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Imbimbo BP, Ippati S, Watling M, Balducci C. A critical appraisal of tau-targeting therapies for primary and secondary tauopathies. Alzheimers Dement 2021; 18:1008-1037. [PMID: 34533272 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary tauopathies are neurological disorders in which tau protein deposition is the predominant pathological feature. Alzheimer's disease is a secondary tauopathy with tau forming hyperphosphorylated insoluble aggregates. Tau pathology can propagate from region to region in the brain, while alterations in tau processing may impair tau physiological functions. METHODS We reviewed literature on tau biology and anti-tau drugs using PubMed, meeting abstracts, and ClnicalTrials.gov. RESULTS The past 15 years have seen >30 drugs interfering with tau aggregation, processing, and accumulation reaching the clinic. Initial results with tau aggregation inhibitors and anti-tau monoclonal antibodies have not shown clinical efficacy. DISCUSSION The reasons for these clinical failures are unclear but could be linked to the clearing of physiological forms of tau by non-specific drugs. Research is now concentrating efforts on developing reliable translational animal models and selective compounds targeting specific tau epitopes, neurotoxic tau aggregates, and post-translational tau modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno P Imbimbo
- Department of Research & Development, Chiesi Farmaceutici, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Ippati
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Mark Watling
- CNS & Pain Department, TranScrip Ltd, Reading, UK
| | - Claudia Balducci
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri" IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Medina L, González-Lizárraga F, Dominguez-Meijide A, Ploper D, Parrales V, Sequeira S, Cima-Omori MS, Zweckstetter M, Del Bel E, Michel PP, Outeiro TF, Raisman-Vozari R, Chehín R, Socias SB. Doxycycline Interferes With Tau Aggregation and Reduces Its Neuronal Toxicity. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:635760. [PMID: 33828477 PMCID: PMC8020845 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.635760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are neurodegenerative disorders with increasing incidence and still without cure. The extensive time required for development and approval of novel therapeutics highlights the need for testing and repurposing known safe molecules. Since doxycycline impacts α-synuclein aggregation and toxicity, herein we tested its effect on tau. We found that doxycycline reduces amyloid aggregation of the 2N4R and K18 isoforms of tau protein in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, in a cell free system doxycycline also prevents tau seeding and in cell culture reduces toxicity of tau aggregates. Overall, our results expand the spectrum of action of doxycycline against aggregation-prone proteins, opening novel perspectives for its repurposing as a disease-modifying drug for tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Medina
- Instituto de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada (IMMCA) (UNT-CONICET-SIPROSA), Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Florencia González-Lizárraga
- Instituto de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada (IMMCA) (UNT-CONICET-SIPROSA), Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Antonio Dominguez-Meijide
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Experimental Neurology, Department of Morphological Sciences, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Ploper
- Instituto de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada (IMMCA) (UNT-CONICET-SIPROSA), Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Valeria Parrales
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute -ICM, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Sabrina Sequeira
- Instituto de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada (IMMCA) (UNT-CONICET-SIPROSA), Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Maria-Sol Cima-Omori
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Department for NMR-based Structural Biology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elaine Del Bel
- Physiology- Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrick P Michel
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute -ICM, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Tiago Fleming Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Goettingen, Germany.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Rita Raisman-Vozari
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute -ICM, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Rosana Chehín
- Instituto de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada (IMMCA) (UNT-CONICET-SIPROSA), Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Sergio B Socias
- Instituto de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada (IMMCA) (UNT-CONICET-SIPROSA), Tucumán, Argentina
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Soeda Y, Takashima A. New Insights Into Drug Discovery Targeting Tau Protein. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:590896. [PMID: 33343298 PMCID: PMC7744460 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.590896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated protein tau is characterized by the fact that it is an intrinsically disordered protein due to its lack of a stable conformation and high flexibility. Intracellular inclusions of fibrillar forms of tau with a β-sheet structure accumulate in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. Accordingly, detachment of tau from microtubules and transition of tau from a disordered state to an abnormally aggregated state are essential events preceding the onset of tau-related diseases. Many reports have shown that this transition is caused by post-translational modifications, including hyperphosphorylation and acetylation. The misfolded tau is self-assembled and forms a tau oligomer before the appearance of tau inclusions. Animal and pathological studies using human samples have demonstrated that tau oligomer formation contributes to neuronal loss. During the progression of tauopathies, tau seeds are released from cells and incorporated into other cells, leading to the propagation of pathological tau aggregation. Accumulating evidence suggests several potential approaches for blocking tau-mediated toxicity: (1) direct inhibition of pathological tau aggregation and (2) inhibition of tau post-translational modifications that occur prior to pathological tau aggregation, (3) inhibition of tau propagation and (4) stabilization of microtubules. In addition to traditional low-molecular-weight compounds, newer drug discovery approaches such as the development of medium-molecular-weight drugs (peptide- or oligonucleotide-based drugs) and high-molecular-weight drugs (antibody-based drugs) provide alternative pathways to preventing the formation of abnormal tau. Of particular interest are recent studies suggesting that tau droplet formation by liquid-liquid phase separation may be the initial step in aberrant tau aggregation, as well results that implicate roles for tau in dendritic and nuclear functions. Here, we review the mechanisms through which drugs can target tau and consider recent clinical trials for the treatment of tauopathies. In addition, we discuss the utility of these newer strategies and propose future directions for research on tau-targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Soeda
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Takashima
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan
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10
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Ettcheto M, Busquets O, Espinosa-Jiménez T, Verdaguer E, Auladell C, Camins A. A Chronological Review of Potential Disease-Modifying Therapeutic Strategies for Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1286-1299. [PMID: 32066356 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200211121416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that has become a worldwide health problem. This pathology has been classically characterized for its affectation on cognitive function and the presence of depositions of extracellular amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) composed of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein. To this day, no effective treatment has been developed. Multiple strategies have been proposed over the years with the aim of finding new therapeutic approaches, such as the sequestration of Aβ in plasma or the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs. Also, given the significant role of the insulin receptor in the brain in the proper maintenance of cognitive function, drugs focused on the amelioration of insulin resistance have been proposed as potentially useful and effective in the treatment of AD. In the present review, taking into account the molecular complexity of the disease, it has been proposed that the most appropriate therapeutic strategy is a combinatory treatment of several drugs that will regulate a wide spectrum of the described altered pathological pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miren Ettcheto
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oriol Busquets
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Triana Espinosa-Jiménez
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Verdaguer
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Auladell
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Camins
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Yadikar H, Torres I, Aiello G, Kurup M, Yang Z, Lin F, Kobeissy F, Yost R, Wang KK. Screening of tau protein kinase inhibitors in a tauopathy-relevant cell-based model of tau hyperphosphorylation and oligomerization. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0224952. [PMID: 32692785 PMCID: PMC7373298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tauopathies are a class of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by abnormal deposition of post-translationally modified tau protein in the human brain. Tauopathies are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and other diseases. Hyperphosphorylation increases tau tendency to aggregate and form neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), a pathological hallmark of AD. In this study, okadaic acid (OA, 100 nM), a protein phosphatase 1/2A inhibitor, was treated for 24h in mouse neuroblastoma (N2a) and differentiated rat primary neuronal cortical cell cultures (CTX) to induce tau-hyperphosphorylation and oligomerization as a cell-based tauopathy model. Following the treatments, the effectiveness of different kinase inhibitors was assessed using the tauopathy-relevant tau antibodies through tau-immunoblotting, including the sites: pSer202/pThr205 (AT8), pThr181 (AT270), pSer202 (CP13), pSer396/pSer404 (PHF-1), and pThr231 (RZ3). OA-treated samples induced tau phosphorylation and oligomerization at all tested epitopes, forming a monomeric band (46-67 kDa) and oligomeric bands (170 kDa and 240 kDa). We found that TBB (a casein kinase II inhibitor), AR and LiCl (GSK-3 inhibitors), cyclosporin A (calcineurin inhibitor), and Saracatinib (Fyn kinase inhibitor) caused robust inhibition of OA-induced monomeric and oligomeric p-tau in both N2a and CTX culture. Additionally, a cyclin-dependent kinase 5 inhibitor (Roscovitine) and a calcium chelator (EGTA) showed contrasting results between the two neuronal cultures. This study provides a comprehensive view of potential drug candidates (TBB, CsA, AR, and Saracatinib), and their efficacy against tau hyperphosphorylation and oligomerization processes. These findings warrant further experimentation, possibly including animal models of tauopathies, which may provide a putative Neurotherapy for AD, CTE, and other forms of tauopathy-induced neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamad Yadikar
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Laboratory Building, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Isabel Torres
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Gabrielle Aiello
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Milin Kurup
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Zhihui Yang
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Fan Lin
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Richard Yost
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Laboratory Building, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Kevin K. Wang
- Program for Neurotrauma, Neuroproteomics & Biomarkers Research, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
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Development of disease-modifying drugs for frontotemporal dementia spectrum disorders. Nat Rev Neurol 2020; 16:213-228. [PMID: 32203398 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-0330-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) encompasses a spectrum of clinical syndromes characterized by progressive executive, behavioural and language dysfunction. The various FTD spectrum disorders are associated with brain accumulation of different proteins: tau, the transactive response DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP43), or fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein, Ewing sarcoma protein and TATA-binding protein-associated factor 15 (TAF15) (collectively known as FET proteins). Approximately 60% of patients with FTD have autosomal dominant mutations in C9orf72, GRN or MAPT genes. Currently available treatments are symptomatic and provide limited benefit. However, the increased understanding of FTD pathogenesis is driving the development of potential disease-modifying therapies. Most of these drugs target pathological tau - this category includes tau phosphorylation inhibitors, tau aggregation inhibitors, active and passive anti-tau immunotherapies, and MAPT-targeted antisense oligonucleotides. Some of these therapeutic approaches are being tested in phase II clinical trials. Pharmacological approaches that target the effects of GRN and C9orf72 mutations are also in development. Key results of large clinical trials will be available in a few years. However, clinical trials in FTD pose several challenges, and the development of specific brain imaging and molecular biomarkers could facilitate the recruitment of clinically homogenous groups to improve the chances of positive clinical trial results.
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Duggal P, Mehan S. Neuroprotective Approach of Anti-Cancer Microtubule Stabilizers Against Tauopathy Associated Dementia: Current Status of Clinical and Preclinical Findings. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2019; 3:179-218. [PMID: 31435618 PMCID: PMC6700530 DOI: 10.3233/adr-190125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal microtubule (MT) tau protein provides cytoskeleton to neuronal cells and plays a vital role including maintenance of cell shape, intracellular transport, and cell division. Tau hyperphosphorylation mediates MT destabilization resulting in axonopathy and neurotransmitter deficit, and ultimately causing Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a dementing disorder affecting vast geriatric populations worldwide, characterized by the existence of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles in a hyperphosphorylated state. Pre-clinically, streptozotocin stereotaxically mimics the behavioral and biochemical alterations similar to AD associated with tau pathology resulting in MT assembly defects, which proceed neuropathological cascades. Accessible interventions like cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA antagonist clinically provides only symptomatic relief. Involvement of microtubule stabilizers (MTS) prevents tauopathy particularly by targeting MT oriented cytoskeleton and promotes polymerization of tubulin protein. Multiple in vitro and in vivo research studies have shown that MTS can hold substantial potential for the treatment of AD-related tauopathy dementias through restoration of tau function and axonal transport. Moreover, anti-cancer taxane derivatives and epothiolones may have potential to ameliorate MT destabilization and prevent the neuronal structural and functional alterations associated with tauopathies. Therefore, this current review strictly focuses on exploration of various clinical and pre-clinical features available for AD to understand the neuropathological mechanisms as well as introduce pharmacological interventions associated with MT stabilization. MTS from diverse natural sources continue to be of value in the treatment of cancer, suggesting that these agents have potential to be of interest in the treatment of AD-related tauopathy dementia in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Duggal
- Neuropharmacology Division, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Neuropharmacology Division, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
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