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Ashique S, Kumar N, Mishra N, Muthu S, Rajendran RL, Chandrasekaran B, Obeng BF, Hong CM, Krishnan A, Ahn BC, Gangadaran P. Unveiling the role of exosomes as cellular messengers in neurodegenerative diseases and their potential therapeutic implications. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 260:155451. [PMID: 39002435 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Exosomes are a subgroup of extracellular vesicles that function as transmitters, allowing cells to communicate more effectively with each other. However, exosomes may have both beneficial and harmful impacts on central nervous system disorders. Hence, the fundamental molecular mechanisms of the origin of illness and its progression are currently being investigated. The involvement of exosomes in the origin and propagation of neurodegenerative illness has been demonstrated recently. Exosomes provide a representation of the intracellular environment since they include various essential bioactive chemicals. The latest studies have demonstrated that exosomes transport several proteins. Additionally, these physiological vesicles are important in the regeneration of nervous tissue and the healing of neuronal lesions. They also offer a microenvironment to stimulate the conformational variation of concerning proteins for aggregation, resulting in neurodegenerative diseases. The biosynthesis, composition, and significance of exosomes as extracellular biomarkers in neurodegenerative disorders are discussed in this article, with a particular emphasis on their neuroprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumel Ashique
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Bengal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research, Durgapur, West Bengal 713212, India; Research Scholar, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Nitish Kumar
- SRM Modinagar College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University), Delhi-NCR Campus, Modinagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201204, India
| | - Neeraj Mishra
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Madhya Pradesh (AUMP), Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474005, India
| | - Sathish Muthu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Research Group, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641045, India; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641021, India
| | - Ramya Lakshmi Rajendran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, the Republic of Korea
| | | | - Brenya Francis Obeng
- Faculty of Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, PMB, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Chae Moon Hong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, the Republic of Korea; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, the Republic of Korea
| | - Anand Krishnan
- Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa.
| | - Byeong-Cheol Ahn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, the Republic of Korea; BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future Talents, Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, the Republic of Korea; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41944, the Republic of Korea.
| | - Prakash Gangadaran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, the Republic of Korea; BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future Talents, Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, the Republic of Korea.
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Mattson MP, Leak RK. The hormesis principle of neuroplasticity and neuroprotection. Cell Metab 2024; 36:315-337. [PMID: 38211591 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Animals live in habitats fraught with a range of environmental challenges to their bodies and brains. Accordingly, cells and organ systems have evolved stress-responsive signaling pathways that enable them to not only withstand environmental challenges but also to prepare for future challenges and function more efficiently. These phylogenetically conserved processes are the foundation of the hormesis principle, in which single or repeated exposures to low levels of environmental challenges improve cellular and organismal fitness and raise the probability of survival. Hormetic principles have been most intensively studied in physical exercise but apply to numerous other challenges known to improve human health (e.g., intermittent fasting, cognitive stimulation, and dietary phytochemicals). Here we review the physiological mechanisms underlying hormesis-based neuroplasticity and neuroprotection. Approaching natural resilience from the lens of hormesis may reveal novel methods for optimizing brain function and lowering the burden of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Mattson
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Rehana K Leak
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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3
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Leite ADOF, Bento Torres Neto J, dos Reis RR, Sobral LL, de Souza ACP, Trévia N, de Oliveira RB, Lins NADA, Diniz DG, Diniz JAP, Vasconcelos PFDC, Anthony DC, Brites D, Picanço Diniz CW. Unwanted Exacerbation of the Immune Response in Neurodegenerative Disease: A Time to Review the Impact. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:749595. [PMID: 34744633 PMCID: PMC8570167 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.749595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic imposed a series of behavioral changes that resulted in increased social isolation and a more sedentary life for many across all age groups, but, above all, for the elderly population who are the most vulnerable to infections and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Systemic inflammatory responses are known to accelerate neurodegenerative disease progression, which leads to permanent damage, loss of brain function, and the loss of autonomy for many aged people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a spectrum of inflammatory responses was generated in affected individuals, and it is expected that the elderly patients with chronic neurodegenerative diseases who survived SARSCoV-2 infection, it will be found, sooner or later, that there is a worsening of their neurodegenerative conditions. Using mouse prion disease as a model for chronic neurodegeneration, we review the effects of social isolation, sedentary living, and viral infection on the disease progression with a focus on sickness behavior and on the responses of microglia and astrocytes. Focusing on aging, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms related to immunosenescence in chronic neurodegenerative diseases and how infections may accelerate their progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda de Oliveira Ferreira Leite
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - João Bento Torres Neto
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Renata Rodrigues dos Reis
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Luciane Lobato Sobral
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Aline Cristine Passos de Souza
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Nonata Trévia
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Roseane Borner de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Nara Alves de Almeida Lins
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Daniel Guerreiro Diniz
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Dora Brites
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristovam Wanderley Picanço Diniz
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
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Tau-driven degeneration of sleep- and wake-regulating neurons in Alzheimer's disease. Sleep Med Rev 2021; 60:101541. [PMID: 34500400 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Disturbances of the sleep/wake cycle in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are common, frequently precede cognitive decline, and tend to worsen with disease progression. Sleep is critical to the maintenance of homeostatic and circadian function, and chronic sleep disturbances have significant cognitive and physical health consequences that likely exacerbate disease severity. Sleep-wake cycles are regulated by neuromodulatory centers located in the brainstem, the hypothalamus, and the basal forebrain, many of which are vulnerable to the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits associated with neurodegenerative conditions. In AD, while sleep disturbances are commonly attributed to the accumulation of amyloid beta, patients often first experience sleep issues prior to the appearance of amyloid beta plaques, on a timeline that more closely corresponds to the first appearance of abnormal tau neurofibrillary tangles in sleep/wake regulating areas of the brainstem. Sleep disturbances also occur in pure tauopathies, providing further support that tau is a major contributor. Here, we provide an overview of the neuroanatomy of sleep/wake centers discovered in animal models, and review the evidence that tau-driven neuropathology is a primary driver of sleep disturbance in AD.
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Interhemispheric co-alteration of brain homotopic regions. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:2181-2204. [PMID: 34170391 PMCID: PMC8354999 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02318-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Asymmetries in gray matter alterations raise important issues regarding the pathological co-alteration between hemispheres. Since homotopic areas are the most functionally connected sites between hemispheres and gray matter co-alterations depend on connectivity patterns, it is likely that this relationship might be mirrored in homologous interhemispheric co-altered areas. To explore this issue, we analyzed data of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depressive disorder from the BrainMap voxel-based morphometry database. We calculated a map showing the pathological homotopic anatomical co-alteration between homologous brain areas. This map was compared with the meta-analytic homotopic connectivity map obtained from the BrainMap functional database, so as to have a meta-analytic connectivity modeling map between homologous areas. We applied an empirical Bayesian technique so as to determine a directional pathological co-alteration on the basis of the possible tendencies in the conditional probability of being co-altered of homologous brain areas. Our analysis provides evidence that: the hemispheric homologous areas appear to be anatomically co-altered; this pathological co-alteration is similar to the pattern of connectivity exhibited by the couples of homologues; the probability to find alterations in the areas of the left hemisphere seems to be greater when their right homologues are also altered than vice versa, an intriguing asymmetry that deserves to be further investigated and explained.
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Savarraj JPJ, Kitagawa R, Kim DH, Choi HA. White matter connectivity for early prediction of Alzheimer's disease. Technol Health Care 2021; 30:17-28. [PMID: 33998562 DOI: 10.3233/thc-192012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains challenging. It is speculated that structural atrophy in white matter tracts commences prior to the onset of AD symptoms. OBJECTIVE We hypothesize that disruptions in white matter tract connectivity precedes the onset of AD symptoms and these disruptions could be leveraged for early prediction of AD. METHODS Diffusion tensor images (DTI) from 52 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were selected. Subjects were dichotomized into two age and gender matched groups; the MCI-AD group (22 subjects who progressed to develop AD) and the MCI-control group (who did not develop AD). DTI images were anatomically parcellated into 90 distinct regions ROIs followed by tractography methods to obtain different biophysical networks. Features extracted from these networks were used to train predictive algorithms with the objective of discriminating the MCI-AD and MCI-control groups. Model performance and best features are reported. RESULTS Up to 80% prediction accuracy was achieved using a combination of features from the 'right anterior cingulum' and 'right frontal superior medial'. Additionally, local network features were more useful than global in improving the model's performance. CONCLUSION Connectivity-based characterization of white matter tracts offers potential for early detection of MCI-AD and in the discovery of novel imaging biomarkers.
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Cauda F, Mancuso L, Nani A, Ficco L, Premi E, Manuello J, Liloia D, Gelmini G, Duca S, Costa T. Hubs of long-distance co-alteration characterize brain pathology. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 41:3878-3899. [PMID: 32562581 PMCID: PMC7469792 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is becoming clearer that the impact of brain diseases is more convincingly represented in terms of co-alterations rather than in terms of localization of alterations. In this context, areas characterized by a long mean distance of co-alteration may be considered as hubs with a crucial role in the pathology. We calculated meta-analytic transdiagnostic networks of co-alteration for the gray matter decreases and increases, and we evaluated the mean Euclidean, fiber-length, and topological distance of its nodes. We also examined the proportion of co-alterations between canonical networks, and the transdiagnostic variance of the Euclidean distance. Furthermore, disease-specific analyses were conducted on schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The anterodorsal prefrontal cortices appeared to be a transdiagnostic hub of long-distance co-alterations. Also, the disease-specific analyses showed that long-distance co-alterations are more able than classic meta-analyses to identify areas involved in pathology and symptomatology. Moreover, the distance maps were correlated with the normative connectivity. Our findings substantiate the network degeneration hypothesis in brain pathology. At the same time, they suggest that the concept of co-alteration might be a useful tool for clinical neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Cauda
- GCS‐fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
- FOCUS Lab, Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Lorenzo Mancuso
- GCS‐fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
- FOCUS Lab, Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Andrea Nani
- GCS‐fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
- FOCUS Lab, Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Linda Ficco
- GCS‐fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
- FOCUS Lab, Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Enrico Premi
- Stroke Unit, Azienda Socio‐Sanitaria Territoriale Spedali CiviliSpedali Civili HospitalBresciaItaly
- Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of BresciaBresciaItaly
| | - Jordi Manuello
- GCS‐fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
- FOCUS Lab, Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Donato Liloia
- GCS‐fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
- FOCUS Lab, Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Gabriele Gelmini
- FOCUS Lab, Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Sergio Duca
- GCS‐fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Tommaso Costa
- GCS‐fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
- FOCUS Lab, Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
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Leak RK, Frosch MP, Beach TG, Halliday GM. Alpha-synuclein: prion or prion-like? Acta Neuropathol 2019; 138:509-514. [PMID: 31407028 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-019-02057-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rehana K Leak
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 407 Mellon Hall, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA.
| | - Matthew P Frosch
- C.S. Kubik Laboratory for Neuropathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Thomas G Beach
- Civin Laboratory for Neuropathology, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, 10515, USA
| | - Glenda M Halliday
- Brain and Mind Centre and Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
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Zhao B, Marciniuk K, Gibbs E, Yousefi M, Napper S, Cashman NR. Therapeutic vaccines for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis directed against disease specific epitopes of superoxide dismutase 1. Vaccine 2019; 37:4920-4927. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Cauda F, Nani A, Manuello J, Premi E, Palermo S, Tatu K, Duca S, Fox PT, Costa T. Brain structural alterations are distributed following functional, anatomic and genetic connectivity. Brain 2019; 141:3211-3232. [PMID: 30346490 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awy252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathological brain is characterized by distributed morphological or structural alterations in the grey matter, which tend to follow identifiable network-like patterns. We analysed the patterns formed by these alterations (increased and decreased grey matter values detected with the voxel-based morphometry technique) conducting an extensive transdiagnostic search of voxel-based morphometry studies in a large variety of brain disorders. We devised an innovative method to construct the networks formed by the structurally co-altered brain areas, which can be considered as pathological structural co-alteration patterns, and to compare these patterns with three associated types of connectivity profiles (functional, anatomical, and genetic). Our study provides transdiagnostical evidence that structural co-alterations are influenced by connectivity constraints rather than being randomly distributed. Analyses show that although all the three types of connectivity taken together can account for and predict with good statistical accuracy, the shape and temporal development of the co-alteration patterns, functional connectivity offers the better account of the structural co-alteration, followed by anatomic and genetic connectivity. These results shed new light on the possible mechanisms at the root of neuropathological processes and open exciting prospects in the quest for a better understanding of brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Cauda
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,FOCUS Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Nani
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,FOCUS Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Jordi Manuello
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,FOCUS Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Premi
- Stroke Unit, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Spedali Civili, Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy.,Centre for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Palermo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Karina Tatu
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,FOCUS Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sergio Duca
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Peter T Fox
- Research Imaging Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas, USA.,South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Tommaso Costa
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,FOCUS Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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da S. Hage-Melim LI, Ferreira JV, de Oliveira NK, Correia LC, Almeida MR, Poiani JG, Taft CA, de Paula da Silva CH. The Impact of Natural Compounds on the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases. CURR ORG CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1385272823666190327100418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are characterized by a progressive deterioration of the motor and/or cognitive function, that are often accompanied by psychiatric disorders, caused by a selective loss of neurons in the central nervous system. Among the NDDs we can mention Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinocerebellar ataxia 3 (SCA3), spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). AD and HD are characterized mainly by massive neuronal loss. PD, ALS, SCA3 and SBMA are agerelated diseases which have characteristic motor symptoms. CJD is an NDD caused by prion proteins. With increasing life expectancy, elderly populations tend to have more health problems, such as chronic diseases related to age and disability. Therefore, the development of therapeutic strategies to treat or prevent multiple pathophysiological conditions in the elderly can improve the expectation and quality of life. The attention of researchers has been focused on bioactive natural compounds that represent important resources in the discovery and development of drug candidates against NDDs. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis, symptoms, potential targets, treatment and natural compounds effective in the treatment of AD, PD, HD, ALS, SCA3, SBMA and CJD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorane I. da S. Hage-Melim
- Laboratorio de Quimica Farmaceutica e Medicinal (PharMedChem), Universidade Federal do Amapa, Macapa, Brazil
| | - Jaderson V. Ferreira
- Laboratorio de Quimica Farmaceutica e Medicinal (PharMedChem), Universidade Federal do Amapa, Macapa, Brazil
| | - Nayana K.S. de Oliveira
- Laboratorio de Quimica Farmaceutica e Medicinal (PharMedChem), Universidade Federal do Amapa, Macapa, Brazil
| | - Lenir C. Correia
- Laboratorio de Quimica Farmaceutica e Medicinal (PharMedChem), Universidade Federal do Amapa, Macapa, Brazil
| | - Marcos R.S. Almeida
- Laboratorio de Quimica Farmaceutica e Medicinal (PharMedChem), Universidade Federal do Amapa, Macapa, Brazil
| | - João G.C. Poiani
- Laboratorio Computacional de Química Farmaceutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Faculdade de Ciencias Farmaceuticas de Ribeirao Preto, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlton A. Taft
- Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Fisicas, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos H.T. de Paula da Silva
- Laboratorio Computacional de Química Farmaceutica, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Faculdade de Ciencias Farmaceuticas de Ribeirao Preto, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Cauda F, Nani A, Costa T, Palermo S, Tatu K, Manuello J, Duca S, Fox PT, Keller R. The morphometric co-atrophy networking of schizophrenia, autistic and obsessive spectrum disorders. Hum Brain Mapp 2018; 39:1898-1928. [PMID: 29349864 PMCID: PMC5895505 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
By means of a novel methodology that can statistically derive patterns of co-alterations distribution from voxel-based morphological data, this study analyzes the patterns of brain alterations of three important psychiatric spectra-that is, schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SCZD), autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder (OCSD). Our analysis provides five important results. First, in SCZD, ASD, and OCSD brain alterations do not distribute randomly but, rather, follow network-like patterns of co-alteration. Second, the clusters of co-altered areas form a net of alterations that can be defined as morphometric co-alteration network or co-atrophy network (in the case of gray matter decreases). Third, within this network certain cerebral areas can be identified as pathoconnectivity hubs, the alteration of which is supposed to enhance the development of neuronal abnormalities. Fourth, within the morphometric co-atrophy network of SCZD, ASD, and OCSD, a subnetwork composed of eleven highly connected nodes can be distinguished. This subnetwork encompasses the anterior insulae, inferior frontal areas, left superior temporal areas, left parahippocampal regions, left thalamus and right precentral gyri. Fifth, the co-altered areas also exhibit a normal structural covariance pattern which overlaps, for some of these areas (like the insulae), the co-alteration pattern. These findings reveal that, similarly to neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders are characterized by anatomical alterations that distribute according to connectivity constraints so as to form identifiable morphometric co-atrophy patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Cauda
- GCS‐FMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
- Focus Lab, Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Andrea Nani
- GCS‐FMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
- Focus Lab, Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
- Michael Trimble Neuropsychiatry Research Group, University of Birmingham and BSMHFTBirminghamUK
| | - Tommaso Costa
- GCS‐FMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
- Focus Lab, Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Sara Palermo
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Karina Tatu
- GCS‐FMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
- Focus Lab, Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Jordi Manuello
- GCS‐FMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
- Focus Lab, Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Sergio Duca
- GCS‐FMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of PsychologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Peter T. Fox
- Research Imaging Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center At San AntonioSan AntonioTexas
- South Texas Veterans Health Care SystemSan AntonioTexas
| | - Roberto Keller
- Adult Autism Center, DSM Local Health Unit ASL Citta’ Di TorinoTurinItaly
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13
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Manuello J, Nani A, Premi E, Borroni B, Costa T, Tatu K, Liloia D, Duca S, Cauda F. The Pathoconnectivity Profile of Alzheimer's Disease: A Morphometric Coalteration Network Analysis. Front Neurol 2018; 8:739. [PMID: 29472885 PMCID: PMC5810291 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gray matter alterations are typical features of brain disorders. However, they do not impact on the brain randomly. Indeed, it has been suggested that neuropathological processes can selectively affect certain assemblies of neurons, which typically are at the center of crucial functional networks. Because of their topological centrality, these areas form a core set that is more likely to be affected by neuropathological processes. In order to identify and study the pattern formed by brain alterations in patients’ with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we devised an innovative meta-analytic method for analyzing voxel-based morphometry data. This methodology enabled us to discover that in AD gray matter alterations do not occur randomly across the brain but, on the contrary, follow identifiable patterns of distribution. This alteration pattern exhibits a network-like structure composed of coaltered areas that can be defined as coatrophy network. Within the coatrophy network of AD, we were able to further identify a core subnetwork of coaltered areas that includes the left hippocampus, left and right amygdalae, right parahippocampal gyrus, and right temporal inferior gyrus. In virtue of their network centrality, these brain areas can be thought of as pathoconnectivity hubs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Manuello
- GCS-fMRI, Department of Psychology, Koelliker Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,FOCUS Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Nani
- GCS-fMRI, Department of Psychology, Koelliker Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,FOCUS Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Michael Trimble Neuropsychiatry Research Group, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico Premi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Costa
- GCS-fMRI, Department of Psychology, Koelliker Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,FOCUS Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Karina Tatu
- GCS-fMRI, Department of Psychology, Koelliker Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,FOCUS Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Donato Liloia
- FOCUS Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sergio Duca
- GCS-fMRI, Department of Psychology, Koelliker Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Franco Cauda
- GCS-fMRI, Department of Psychology, Koelliker Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,FOCUS Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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14
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Allison WT, DuVal MG, Nguyen-Phuoc K, Leighton PLA. Reduced Abundance and Subverted Functions of Proteins in Prion-Like Diseases: Gained Functions Fascinate but Lost Functions Affect Aetiology. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E2223. [PMID: 29064456 PMCID: PMC5666902 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prions have served as pathfinders that reveal many aspects of proteostasis in neurons. The recent realization that several prominent neurodegenerative diseases spread via a prion-like mechanism illuminates new possibilities for diagnostics and therapeutics. Thus, key proteins in Alzheimer Disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including amyloid-β precursor protein, Tau and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), spread to adjacent cells in their misfolded aggregated forms and exhibit template-directed misfolding to induce further misfolding, disruptions to proteostasis and toxicity. Here we invert this comparison to ask what these prion-like diseases can teach us about the broad prion disease class, especially regarding the loss of these key proteins' function(s) as they misfold and aggregate. We also consider whether functional amyloids might reveal a role for subverted protein function in neurodegenerative disease. Our synthesis identifies SOD1 as an exemplar of protein functions being lost during prion-like protein misfolding, because SOD1 is inherently unstable and loses function in its misfolded disease-associated form. This has under-appreciated parallels amongst the canonical prion diseases, wherein the normally folded prion protein, PrPC, is reduced in abundance in fatal familial insomnia patients and during the preclinical phase in animal models, apparently via proteostatic mechanisms. Thus while template-directed misfolding and infectious properties represent gain-of-function that fascinates proteostasis researchers and defines (is required for) the prion(-like) diseases, loss and subversion of the functions attributed to hallmark proteins in neurodegenerative disease needs to be integrated into design towards effective therapeutics. We propose experiments to uniquely test these ideas.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Ted Allison
- Centre for Prions & Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M8, Canada.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M8, Canada.
| | - Michèle G DuVal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Kim Nguyen-Phuoc
- Centre for Prions & Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M8, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M8, Canada.
| | - Patricia L A Leighton
- Centre for Prions & Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M8, Canada.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada.
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15
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Mukherjee A, Morales-Scheihing D, Salvadores N, Moreno-Gonzalez I, Gonzalez C, Taylor-Presse K, Mendez N, Shahnawaz M, Gaber AO, Sabek OM, Fraga DW, Soto C. Induction of IAPP amyloid deposition and associated diabetic abnormalities by a prion-like mechanism. J Exp Med 2017; 214:2591-2610. [PMID: 28765400 PMCID: PMC5584114 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20161134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article, Mukherjee et al. show that the pathologic and clinical alterations of type 2 diabetes can be induced in vitro and in vivo by prion-like transmission of IAPP misfolded aggregates, supporting an important role for IAPP aggregation in the disease. Although a large proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) accumulate misfolded aggregates composed of the islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), its role in the disease is unknown. Here, we show that pancreatic IAPP aggregates can promote the misfolding and aggregation of endogenous IAPP in islet cultures obtained from transgenic mouse or healthy human pancreas. Islet homogenates immunodepleted with anti-IAPP–specific antibodies were not able to induce IAPP aggregation. Importantly, intraperitoneal inoculation of pancreatic homogenates containing IAPP aggregates into transgenic mice expressing human IAPP dramatically accelerates IAPP amyloid deposition, which was accompanied by clinical abnormalities typical of T2D, including hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and a substantial reduction on β cell number and mass. Finally, induction of IAPP deposition and diabetic abnormalities were also induced in vivo by administration of IAPP aggregates prepared in vitro using pure, synthetic IAPP. Our findings suggest that some of the pathologic and clinical alterations of T2D might be transmissible through a similar mechanism by which prions propagate in prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhisek Mukherjee
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Neurology, John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Diego Morales-Scheihing
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Neurology, John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX.,Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
| | - Natalia Salvadores
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Neurology, John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX.,Center for Integrative Biology, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ines Moreno-Gonzalez
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Neurology, John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Cesar Gonzalez
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Neurology, John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Kathleen Taylor-Presse
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Neurology, John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Nicolas Mendez
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Neurology, John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Mohammad Shahnawaz
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Neurology, John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - A Osama Gaber
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Omaima M Sabek
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Daniel W Fraga
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Claudio Soto
- Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Neurology, John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX .,Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
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16
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Grad LI, Rouleau GA, Ravits J, Cashman NR. Clinical Spectrum of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2017; 7:cshperspect.a024117. [PMID: 28003278 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a024117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is primarily characterized by progressive loss of motor neurons, although there is marked phenotypic heterogeneity between cases. Typical, or "classical," ALS is associated with simultaneous upper motor neuron (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN) involvement at disease onset, whereas atypical forms, such as primary lateral sclerosis and progressive muscular atrophy, have early and predominant involvement in the UMN and LMN, respectively. The varying phenotypes can be so distinctive that they would seem to have differing biology. Because the same phenotypes can have multiple causes, including different gene mutations, there may be multiple molecular mechanisms causing ALS, implying that the disease is a syndrome. Conversely, multiple phenotypes can be caused by a single gene mutation; thus, a single molecular mechanism could be compatible with clinical heterogeneity. The pathogenic mechanism(s) in ALS remain unknown, but active propagation of the pathology neuroanatomically is likely a primary component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie I Grad
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Guy A Rouleau
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montréal H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - John Ravits
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Neil R Cashman
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 2B5, Canada
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17
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Giffin JC, Richards RC, Craft C, Jahan N, Leggiadro C, Chopin T, Szemerda M, MacKinnon SL, Ewart KV. An extract of the marine alga Alaria esculenta modulates α-synuclein folding and amyloid formation. Neurosci Lett 2017; 644:87-93. [PMID: 28237800 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.02.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The conversion of α-synuclein from its natively unfolded and α-helical tetrameric forms to an amyloid conformation is central to the emergence of Parkinson's disease. Therefore, prevention of this conversion may offer an effective way of avoiding the onset of this disease or delaying its progress. At different concentrations, an aqueous extract from the edible winged kelp (Alaria esculenta), was shown to lower and to raise the melting point of α-synuclein. Size fractionation of the extract resulted in the separation of these distinct activities. The fraction below 5kDa decreased the melting point of α-synuclein, whereas the fraction above 10kDa raised the melting point. Both of these fractions were found to inhibit the formation of amyloid aggregates by α-synuclein, measured by thioflavin T dye-binding assays; this effect was further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy showing the inhibition of fibril formation. Circular dichroism analysis suggested that the incubation of α-synuclein under fibrillation conditions resulted in the loss of substantial native helical structure in the presence and absence of the fractions. It is therefore likely that the fractions inhibit fibrillation by interacting with the unfolded form of α-synuclein.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Giffin
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Robert C Richards
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council,Sandy Cove Road, Ketch Harbour, NS B3 V 1K9, Canada
| | - Cheryl Craft
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council,1411 Oxford St., Halifax, NS B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Nusrat Jahan
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council,1411 Oxford St., Halifax, NS B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - Cindy Leggiadro
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council,Sandy Cove Road, Ketch Harbour, NS B3 V 1K9, Canada
| | - Thierry Chopin
- Canadian Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Network, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada
| | - Michael Szemerda
- Cooke Aquaculture Inc., 874 Main St, Blacks Harbour, NB E5H 1E6, Canada
| | - Shawna L MacKinnon
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development, National Research Council,1411 Oxford St., Halifax, NS B3H 3Z1, Canada
| | - K Vanya Ewart
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
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18
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Braak H, Del Tredici K. Potential Pathways of Abnormal Tau and α-Synuclein Dissemination in Sporadic Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2016; 8:a023630. [PMID: 27580631 PMCID: PMC5088528 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a023630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Experimental data indicate that transneuronal propagation of abnormal protein aggregates in neurodegenerative proteinopathies, such as sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), is capable of a self-propagating process that leads to a progression of neurodegeneration and accumulation of prion-like particles. The mechanisms by which misfolded tau and α-synuclein possibly spread from one involved nerve cell to the next in the neuronal chain to induce abnormal aggregation are still unknown. Based on findings from studies of human autopsy cases, we review potential pathways and mechanisms related to axonal and transneuronal dissemination of tau (sporadic AD) and α-synuclein (sporadic PD) aggregates between anatomically interconnected regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Braak
- Clinical Neuroanatomy Section/Department of Neurology, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Kelly Del Tredici
- Clinical Neuroanatomy Section/Department of Neurology, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Ulm, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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19
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Balusu S, Van Wonterghem E, De Rycke R, Raemdonck K, Stremersch S, Gevaert K, Brkic M, Demeestere D, Vanhooren V, Hendrix A, Libert C, Vandenbroucke RE. Identification of a novel mechanism of blood-brain communication during peripheral inflammation via choroid plexus-derived extracellular vesicles. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 8:1162-1183. [PMID: 27596437 PMCID: PMC5048366 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201606271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we identified release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) by the choroid plexus epithelium (CPE) as a new mechanism of blood–brain communication. Systemic inflammation induced an increase in EVs and associated pro‐inflammatory miRNAs, including miR‐146a and miR‐155, in the CSF. Interestingly, this was associated with an increase in amount of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and exosomes per MVB in the CPE cells. Additionally, we could mimic this using LPS‐stimulated primary CPE cells and choroid plexus explants. These choroid plexus‐derived EVs can enter the brain parenchyma and are taken up by astrocytes and microglia, inducing miRNA target repression and inflammatory gene up‐regulation. Interestingly, this could be blocked in vivo by intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of an inhibitor of exosome production. Our data show that CPE cells sense and transmit information about the peripheral inflammatory status to the central nervous system (CNS) via the release of EVs into the CSF, which transfer this pro‐inflammatory message to recipient brain cells. Additionally, we revealed that blockage of EV secretion decreases brain inflammation, which opens up new avenues to treat systemic inflammatory diseases such as sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Balusu
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Ghent, Belgium Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium Department of Medical Protein Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium Department of Biochemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elien Van Wonterghem
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Ghent, Belgium Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Riet De Rycke
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Ghent, Belgium Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stephan Stremersch
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- Department of Medical Protein Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium Department of Biochemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marjana Brkic
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Ghent, Belgium Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
| | - Delphine Demeestere
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Ghent, Belgium Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Valerie Vanhooren
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Ghent, Belgium Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - An Hendrix
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Radiation Oncology and Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claude Libert
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Ghent, Belgium Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roosmarijn E Vandenbroucke
- Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Ghent, Belgium Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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20
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Walsh DM, Selkoe DJ. A critical appraisal of the pathogenic protein spread hypothesis of neurodegeneration. Nat Rev Neurosci 2016; 17:251-60. [PMID: 26988744 DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2016.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There has been an explosion in the number of papers discussing the hypothesis of 'pathogenic spread' in neurodegenerative disease - the idea that abnormal forms of disease-associated proteins, such as tau or α-synuclein, physically move from neuron to neuron to induce disease progression. However, whether inter-neuronal spread of protein aggregates actually occurs in humans and, if so, whether it causes symptom onset remain uncertain. Even if pathogenic spread is proven in humans, it is unclear how much this would alter the specific therapeutic approaches that are in development. A critical appraisal of this increasingly popular hypothesis thus seems both important and timely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic M Walsh
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Dennis J Selkoe
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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21
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Yerbury JJ, Ooi L, Dillin A, Saunders DN, Hatters DM, Beart PM, Cashman NR, Wilson MR, Ecroyd H. Walking the tightrope: proteostasis and neurodegenerative disease. J Neurochem 2016; 137:489-505. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin J. Yerbury
- Proteostasis and Disease Research Centre; School of Biological Sciences; Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health; University of Wollongong; Wollongong New South Wales Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute; Wollongong; New South Wales Australia
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- Proteostasis and Disease Research Centre; School of Biological Sciences; Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health; University of Wollongong; Wollongong New South Wales Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute; Wollongong; New South Wales Australia
| | - Andrew Dillin
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology; Li Ka Shing Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences; The University of California; California USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute; The University of California; Berkeley California USA
| | - Darren N. Saunders
- School of Medical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; University of New South Wales; Randwick New South Wales Australia
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre; Garvan Institute of Medical Research; Darlinghurst New South Wales Australia
| | - Danny M. Hatters
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Philip M. Beart
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Neil R. Cashman
- Department of Medicine (Neurology); University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute; Brain Research Centre; University of British Columbia; Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Mark R. Wilson
- Proteostasis and Disease Research Centre; School of Biological Sciences; Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health; University of Wollongong; Wollongong New South Wales Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute; Wollongong; New South Wales Australia
| | - Heath Ecroyd
- Proteostasis and Disease Research Centre; School of Biological Sciences; Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health; University of Wollongong; Wollongong New South Wales Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute; Wollongong; New South Wales Australia
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22
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TDP-43 or FUS-induced misfolded human wild-type SOD1 can propagate intercellularly in a prion-like fashion. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22155. [PMID: 26926802 PMCID: PMC4772009 DOI: 10.1038/srep22155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which appears to spread through the neuroaxis in a spatiotemporally restricted manner, is linked to heritable mutations in genes encoding SOD1, TDP-43, FUS, C9ORF72, or can occur sporadically without recognized genetic mutations. Misfolded human wild-type (HuWt) SOD1 has been detected in both familial and sporadic ALS patients, despite mutations in SOD1 accounting for only 2% of total cases. We previously showed that accumulation of pathological TDP-43 or FUS coexist with misfolded HuWtSOD1 in patient motor neurons, and can trigger its misfolding in cultured cells. Here, we used immunocytochemistry and immunoprecipitation to demonstrate that TDP-43 or FUS-induced misfolded HuWtSOD1 can propagate from cell-to-cell via conditioned media, and seed cytotoxic misfolding of endogenous HuWtSOD1 in the recipient cells in a prion-like fashion. Knockdown of SOD1 using siRNA in recipient cells, or incubation of conditioned media with misfolded SOD1-specific antibodies, inhibits intercellular transmission, indicating that HuWtSOD1 is an obligate seed and substrate of propagated misfolding. In this system, intercellular spread of SOD1 misfolding is not accompanied by transmission of TDP-43 or FUS pathology. Our findings argue that pathological TDP-43 and FUS may exert motor neuron pathology in ALS through the initiation of propagated misfolding of SOD1.
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23
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Grad LI, Pokrishevsky E, Silverman JM, Cashman NR. Exosome-dependent and independent mechanisms are involved in prion-like transmission of propagated Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase misfolding. Prion 2015; 8:331-5. [PMID: 25551548 PMCID: PMC4601269 DOI: 10.4161/19336896.2014.983398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal adult-onset degenerative neuromuscular disorder with a poorly defined etiology, progresses in an orderly spatiotemporal manner from one or more foci within the nervous system, reminiscent of prion disease pathology. We have previously shown that misfolded mutant Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), mutation of which is associated with a subset of ALS cases, can induce endogenous wild-type SOD1 misfolding in the intracellular environment in a templating fashion similar to that of misfolded prion protein. Our recent observations further extend the prion paradigm of pathological SOD1 to help explain the intercellular transmission of disease along the neuroaxis. It has been shown that both mutant and misfolded wild-type SOD1 can traverse cell-to-cell either as protein aggregates that are released from dying cells and taken up by neighboring cells via macropinocytosis, or released to the extracellular environment on the surface of exosomes secreted from living cells. Furthermore, once propagation of misfolded wild-type SOD1 has been initiated in human cell culture, it continues over multiple passages of transfer and cell growth. Propagation and transmission of misfolded wild-type SOD1 is therefore a potential mechanism in the systematic progression of ALS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie I Grad
- a Department of Medicine (Neurology), Brain Research Center ; University of British Columbia ; Vancouver , BC Canada
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24
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Propagated protein misfolding: New opportunities for therapeutics, new public health risk. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 41:196-199. [PMID: 29769952 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v41i08a03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is now good consensus that propagated protein misfolding is the underlying mechanism for the infectious prion diseases (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans, scrapie in sheep and goats, bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle, and chronic wasting disease in deer and elk). Over the past decade it has become increasingly clear that other diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may progress via the same mechanism, involving a disease-specific polypeptide rather than the prion protein. Recent literature in these non-prion neurodegenerative diseases also points to the existence of multiple "strains" that express themselves differently in different contexts, resulting in different disease phenotypes. The probable cause of these neurodegenerative diseases is now referred to collectively as "propagated protein misfolding." Propagated protein misfolding raises many opportunities for new therapeutics and diagnostics. However, it also raises the theoretical risk of iatrogenic transmission, although experimental support for this notion is limited at present.
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Is Parkinson's disease truly a prion-like disorder? An appraisal of current evidence. Neurol Res Int 2015; 2015:345285. [PMID: 25653875 PMCID: PMC4310229 DOI: 10.1155/2015/345285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the world's second most common neurodegenerative disease and most common movement disorder. Characterised by a loss of dopaminergic neurons and the development of intraneuronal inclusions known as Lewy bodies, it has classically been thought of as a cell-autonomous disease. However, in 2008, two groups reported the startling observation of Lewy bodies within embryonic neuronal grafts transplanted into PD patients little more than a decade previously, suggesting that PD pathology can be propagated to neighbouring cells and calling basic assumptions of our understanding of the disease into question. Subsequent research has largely served to confirm this interpretation, pointing towards a prion-like intercellular transfer of misfolded α-synuclein, the main component of Lewy bodies, as central to PD. This shift in thinking offers a revolutionary approach to PD treatment, potentially enabling a transition from purely symptomatic therapy to direct targeting of the pathology that drives disease progression. In this short review, we appraise current experimental support for PD as a prion-like disease, whilst highlighting areas of controversy or inconsistency which must be resolved. We also offer a brief discussion of the therapeutic implications of these discoveries.
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Is there a risk of prion-like disease transmission by Alzheimer- or Parkinson-associated protein particles? Acta Neuropathol 2014; 128:463-76. [PMID: 25073522 PMCID: PMC4159603 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-014-1324-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The misfolding and aggregation of endogenous proteins in the central nervous system is a neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as prion diseases. A molecular mechanism referred to as "nucleation-dependent aggregation" is thought to underlie this neuropathological phenomenon. According to this concept, disease-associated protein particles act as nuclei, or seeds, that recruit cellular proteins and incorporate them, in a misfolded form, into their growing aggregate structure. Experimental studies have shown that the aggregation of the AD-associated proteins amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau, and of the PD-associated protein α-synuclein, can be stimulated in laboratory animal models by intracerebral (i.c.) injection of inocula containing aggregated species of the respective proteins. This has raised the question of whether AD or PD can be transmitted, like certain human prion diseases, between individuals by self-propagating protein particles potentially present on medical instruments or in blood or blood products. While the i.c. injection of inocula containing AD- or PD-associated protein aggregates was found to cause neuronal damage and clinical abnormalities (e.g., motor impairments) in some animal models, none of the studies published so far provided evidence for a transmission of severe or even fatal disease. In addition, available epidemiological data do not indicate a transmissibility of AD or PD between humans. The findings published so far on the effects of experimentally transmitted AD- or PD-associated protein seeds do not suggest specific precautionary measures in the context of hemotherapy, but call for vigilance in transfusion medicine and other medical areas.
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Willhite CC, Karyakina NA, Yokel RA, Yenugadhati N, Wisniewski TM, Arnold IMF, Momoli F, Krewski D. Systematic review of potential health risks posed by pharmaceutical, occupational and consumer exposures to metallic and nanoscale aluminum, aluminum oxides, aluminum hydroxide and its soluble salts. Crit Rev Toxicol 2014; 44 Suppl 4:1-80. [PMID: 25233067 PMCID: PMC4997813 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2014.934439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Aluminum (Al) is a ubiquitous substance encountered both naturally (as the third most abundant element) and intentionally (used in water, foods, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines); it is also present in ambient and occupational airborne particulates. Existing data underscore the importance of Al physical and chemical forms in relation to its uptake, accumulation, and systemic bioavailability. The present review represents a systematic examination of the peer-reviewed literature on the adverse health effects of Al materials published since a previous critical evaluation compiled by Krewski et al. (2007) . Challenges encountered in carrying out the present review reflected the experimental use of different physical and chemical Al forms, different routes of administration, and different target organs in relation to the magnitude, frequency, and duration of exposure. Wide variations in diet can result in Al intakes that are often higher than the World Health Organization provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), which is based on studies with Al citrate. Comparing daily dietary Al exposures on the basis of "total Al"assumes that gastrointestinal bioavailability for all dietary Al forms is equivalent to that for Al citrate, an approach that requires validation. Current occupational exposure limits (OELs) for identical Al substances vary as much as 15-fold. The toxicity of different Al forms depends in large measure on their physical behavior and relative solubility in water. The toxicity of soluble Al forms depends upon the delivered dose of Al(+3) to target tissues. Trivalent Al reacts with water to produce bidentate superoxide coordination spheres [Al(O2)(H2O4)(+2) and Al(H2O)6 (+3)] that after complexation with O2(•-), generate Al superoxides [Al(O2(•))](H2O5)](+2). Semireduced AlO2(•) radicals deplete mitochondrial Fe and promote generation of H2O2, O2 (•-) and OH(•). Thus, it is the Al(+3)-induced formation of oxygen radicals that accounts for the oxidative damage that leads to intrinsic apoptosis. In contrast, the toxicity of the insoluble Al oxides depends primarily on their behavior as particulates. Aluminum has been held responsible for human morbidity and mortality, but there is no consistent and convincing evidence to associate the Al found in food and drinking water at the doses and chemical forms presently consumed by people living in North America and Western Europe with increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neither is there clear evidence to show use of Al-containing underarm antiperspirants or cosmetics increases the risk of AD or breast cancer. Metallic Al, its oxides, and common Al salts have not been shown to be either genotoxic or carcinogenic. Aluminum exposures during neonatal and pediatric parenteral nutrition (PN) can impair bone mineralization and delay neurological development. Adverse effects to vaccines with Al adjuvants have occurred; however, recent controlled trials found that the immunologic response to certain vaccines with Al adjuvants was no greater, and in some cases less than, that after identical vaccination without Al adjuvants. The scientific literature on the adverse health effects of Al is extensive. Health risk assessments for Al must take into account individual co-factors (e.g., age, renal function, diet, gastric pH). Conclusions from the current review point to the need for refinement of the PTWI, reduction of Al contamination in PN solutions, justification for routine addition of Al to vaccines, and harmonization of OELs for Al substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin C. Willhite
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Robert A. Yokel
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | | | - Thomas M. Wisniewski
- Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Ian M. F. Arnold
- Occupational Health Program, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Franco Momoli
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Krewski
- Risk Sciences International, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Jackson WS. Selective vulnerability to neurodegenerative disease: the curious case of Prion Protein. Dis Model Mech 2014; 7:21-9. [PMID: 24396151 PMCID: PMC3882045 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.012146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the selective targeting of specific brain regions by different neurodegenerative diseases is one of the most intriguing mysteries in medicine. For example, it is known that Alzheimer’s disease primarily affects parts of the brain that play a role in memory, whereas Parkinson’s disease predominantly affects parts of the brain that are involved in body movement. However, the reasons that other brain regions remain unaffected in these diseases are unknown. A better understanding of the phenomenon of selective vulnerability is required for the development of targeted therapeutic approaches that specifically protect affected neurons, thereby altering the disease course and preventing its progression. Prion diseases are a fascinating group of neurodegenerative diseases because they exhibit a wide phenotypic spectrum caused by different sequence perturbations in a single protein. The possible ways that mutations affecting this protein can cause several distinct neurodegenerative diseases are explored in this Review to highlight the complexity underlying selective vulnerability. The premise of this article is that selective vulnerability is determined by the interaction of specific protein conformers and region-specific microenvironments harboring unique combinations of subcellular components such as metals, chaperones and protein translation machinery. Given the abundance of potential contributory factors in the neurodegenerative process, a better understanding of how these factors interact will provide invaluable insight into disease mechanisms to guide therapeutic discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walker S Jackson
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127-Bonn, Germany
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Steinacker P, Berner C, Thal DR, Attems J, Ludolph AC, Otto M. Protease-resistant SOD1 aggregates in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis demonstrated by paraffin-embedded tissue (PET) blot. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2014; 2:130. [PMID: 25159221 PMCID: PMC4156642 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-014-0130-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The paraffin-embedded tissue (PET) blot technique followed by limited protease digestion has been established to detect protein aggregates in prion diseases, alpha-synucleopathies, and tauopathies. We analyzed whether the scope of the method can be extended to analyze aggregates in mouse and human tissue with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) associated with superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutation. Methods Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded brain and spinal cord tissue from SOD1G93A mice was first analyzed for the expression of SOD1, aggregated SOD1, ubiquitin, and p62 by convential immunohistochemistry and then used to establish the PET blot technique, limited protease digest, and immunodetection of SOD1 aggregates. The method was then transferred to spinal cord from an ALS patient with SOD1E100G mutation. Results Mouse and human paraffin-embedded brain and spinal cord tissue can be blotted to membranes and stained with anti-SOD1 antibodies. The SOD1 labelling is abolished after limited proteolytic digest in controls, whereas under identical conditions SOD1 aggregates are detected the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS and in human familial ALS. The most prominent areas where aggregates could be detected are the brainstem and the anterior horn of the spinal cord. Discussion Applicability of the PET blot technique to demonstrate SOD1 aggregates in ALS tissue associated with mutations in the SOD1 gene offers a new approach to examine potential spreading of aggregates in the course of ALS.
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Tsilioni I, Panagiotidou S, Theoharides TC. Exosomes in Neurologic and Psychiatric Disorders. Clin Ther 2014; 36:882-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2014.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Intercellular propagated misfolding of wild-type Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase occurs via exosome-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:3620-5. [PMID: 24550511 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1312245111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is predominantly sporadic, but associated with heritable genetic mutations in 5-10% of cases, including those in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1). We previously showed that misfolding of SOD1 can be transmitted to endogenous human wild-type SOD1 (HuWtSOD1) in an intracellular compartment. Using NSC-34 motor neuron-like cells, we now demonstrate that misfolded mutant and HuWtSOD1 can traverse between cells via two nonexclusive mechanisms: protein aggregates released from dying cells and taken up by macropinocytosis, and exosomes secreted from living cells. Furthermore, once HuWtSOD1 propagation has been established, misfolding of HuWtSOD1 can be efficiently and repeatedly propagated between HEK293 cell cultures via conditioned media over multiple passages, and to cultured mouse primary spinal cord cells transgenically expressing HuWtSOD1, but not to cells derived from nontransgenic littermates. Conditioned media transmission of HuWtSOD1 misfolding in HEK293 cells is blocked by HuWtSOD1 siRNA knockdown, consistent with human SOD1 being a substrate for conversion, and attenuated by ultracentrifugation or incubation with SOD1 misfolding-specific antibodies, indicating a relatively massive transmission particle which possesses antibody-accessible SOD1. Finally, misfolded and protease-sensitive HuWtSOD1 comprises up to 4% of total SOD1 in spinal cords of patients with sporadic ALS (SALS). Propagation of HuWtSOD1 misfolding, and its subsequent cell-to-cell transmission, is thus a candidate process for the molecular pathogenesis of SALS, which may provide novel treatment and biomarker targets for this devastating disease.
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Halliday G, McCann H, Shepherd C. Evaluation of the Braak hypothesis: how far can it explain the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease? Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 12:673-86. [DOI: 10.1586/ern.12.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Sandri M, Robbins J. Proteotoxicity: an underappreciated pathology in cardiac disease. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2013; 71:3-10. [PMID: 24380730 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2013.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2013] [Revised: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In general, in most organ systems, intracellular protein homeostasis is the sum of many factors, including chromosomal state, protein synthesis, post-translational processing and transport, folding, assembly and disassembly into macromolecular complexes, protein stability and clearance. In the heart, there has been a focus on the gene programs that are activated during pathogenic processes, but the removal of damaged proteins and organelles has been underappreciated as playing an important role in the pathogenesis of heart disease. Proteotoxicity refers to the adverse effects of damaged or misfolded proteins and even organelles on the cell. At the cellular level, the ultimate outcome of uncontrolled or severe proteotoxicity is cell death; hence, the pathogenic impact of proteotoxicity is maximally manifested in organs with no or very poor regenerative capability such as the brain and the heart. Evidence for increased cardiac proteotoxicity is rapidly mounting for a large subset of congenital and acquired human heart disease. Studies carried out in animal models and in cell culture have begun to establish both sufficiency and, in some cases, the necessity of proteotoxicity as a major pathogenic factor in the heart. This dictates rigorous testing for the efficacy of proteotoxic attenuation as a new strategy to treat heart disease. This review article highlights some recent advances in our understanding of how misfolded proteins can injure and are handled in the cell, examining the emerging evidence for targeting proteotoxicity as a new therapeutic strategy for heart disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Protein Quality Control, the Ubiquitin Proteasome System, and Autophagy."
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Sandri
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Institute of Neuroscience, Padova, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Jeffrey Robbins
- The Heart Institute, Department of Pediatrics, The Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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Rotunno MS, Bosco DA. An emerging role for misfolded wild-type SOD1 in sporadic ALS pathogenesis. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:253. [PMID: 24379756 PMCID: PMC3863749 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that targets motor neurons, leading to paralysis and death within a few years of disease onset. While several genes have been linked to the inheritable, or familial, form of ALS, much less is known about the cause(s) of sporadic ALS, which accounts for ~90% of ALS cases. Due to the clinical similarities between familial and sporadic ALS, it is plausible that both forms of the disease converge on a common pathway and, therefore, involve common factors. Recent evidence suggests the Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) protein to be one such factor that is common to both sporadic and familial ALS. In 1993, mutations were uncovered in SOD1 that represent the first known genetic cause of familial ALS. While the exact mechanism of mutant-SOD1 toxicity is still not known today, most evidence points to a gain of toxic function that stems, at least in part, from the propensity of this protein to misfold. In the wild-type SOD1 protein, non-genetic perturbations such as metal depletion, disruption of the quaternary structure, and oxidation, can also induce SOD1 to misfold. In fact, these aforementioned post-translational modifications cause wild-type SOD1 to adopt a “toxic conformation” that is similar to familial ALS-linked SOD1 variants. These observations, together with the detection of misfolded wild-type SOD1 within human post-mortem sporadic ALS samples, have been used to support the controversial hypothesis that misfolded forms of wild-type SOD1 contribute to sporadic ALS pathogenesis. In this review, we present data from the literature that both support and contradict this hypothesis. We also discuss SOD1 as a potential therapeutic target for both familial and sporadic ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S Rotunno
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical Center Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Daryl A Bosco
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical Center Worcester, MA, USA
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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Degeneration. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2013. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2013.838413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Kalani A, Tyagi A, Tyagi N. Exosomes: mediators of neurodegeneration, neuroprotection and therapeutics. Mol Neurobiol 2013; 49:590-600. [PMID: 23999871 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8544-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes have emerged as prominent mediators of neurodegenerative diseases where they have been shown to carry disease particles such as beta amyloid and prions from their cells of origin to other cells. Their simple structure and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier allow great opportunity to design a "makeup" with drugs and genetic elements, such as siRNA or miRNA, and use them as delivery vehicles for neurotherapeutics. Their role in neuroprotection is evident by the fact that they are involved in the regeneration of peripheral nerves and repair of neuronal injuries. This review is focused on the role of exosomes in mediating neurodegeneration and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Kalani
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, A-1201, University of Louisville, 500 South Preston Street, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
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Warren JD, Rohrer JD, Schott JM, Fox NC, Hardy J, Rossor MN. Molecular nexopathies: a new paradigm of neurodegenerative disease. Trends Neurosci 2013; 36:561-9. [PMID: 23876425 PMCID: PMC3794159 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2013.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neural networks provide candidate substrates for the spread of proteinopathies causing neurodegeneration, and emerging data suggest that macroscopic signatures of network disintegration differentiate diseases. However, how do protein abnormalities produce network signatures? The answer may lie with 'molecular nexopathies': specific, coherent conjunctions of pathogenic protein and intrinsic network characteristics that define network signatures of neurodegenerative pathologies. Key features of the paradigm that we propose here include differential intrinsic network vulnerability to propagating protein abnormalities, in part reflecting developmental structural and functional factors; differential vulnerability of neural connection types (e.g., clustered versus distributed connections) to particular pathogenic proteins; and differential impact of molecular effects (e.g., toxic-gain-of-function versus loss-of-function) on gradients of network damage. The paradigm has implications for understanding and predicting neurodegenerative disease biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason D Warren
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
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Forget KJ, Tremblay G, Roucou X. p53 Aggregates penetrate cells and induce the co-aggregation of intracellular p53. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69242. [PMID: 23844254 PMCID: PMC3700952 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are unique pathologies in which the infectious particles are prions, a protein aggregate. The prion protein has many particular features, such as spontaneous aggregation, conformation transmission to other native PrP proteins and transmission from an individual to another. Protein aggregation is now frequently associated to many human diseases, for example Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or type 2 diabetes. A few proteins associated to these conformational diseases are part of a new category of proteins, called prionoids: proteins that share some, but not all, of the characteristics associated with prions. The p53 protein, a transcription factor that plays a major role in cancer, has recently been suggested to be a possible prionoid. The protein has been shown to accumulate in multiple cancer cell types, and its aggregation has also been reproduced in vitro by many independent groups. These observations suggest a role for p53 aggregates in cancer development. This study aims to test the «prion-like» features of p53. Our results show in vitro aggregation of the full length and N-terminally truncated protein (p53C), and penetration of these aggregates into cells. According to our findings, the aggregates enter cells using macropinocytosis, a non-specific pathway of entry. Lastly, we also show that once internalized by the cell, p53C aggregates can co-aggregate with endogenous p53 protein. Together, these findings suggest prion-like characteristics for p53 protein, based on the fact that p53 can spontaneously aggregate, these aggregates can penetrate cells and co-aggregate with cellular p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolyn J. Forget
- Département de Biochimie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Guillaume Tremblay
- Département de Biochimie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Xavier Roucou
- Département de Biochimie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Mulligan VK, Chakrabartty A. Protein misfolding in the late-onset neurodegenerative diseases: Common themes and the unique case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Proteins 2013; 81:1285-303. [DOI: 10.1002/prot.24285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Avijit Chakrabartty
- Department of Biochemistry; Toronto Ontario M5G 1L7 Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario M5G 1L7 Canada
- Campbell Family Institute for Cancer Research, Ontario Cancer Institute/University Health Network; Toronto Ontario M5G 1L7 Canada
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Visanji NP, Brooks PL, Hazrati LN, Lang AE. The prion hypothesis in Parkinson's disease: Braak to the future. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2013; 1:2. [PMID: 24252164 PMCID: PMC3776210 DOI: 10.1186/2051-5960-1-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder typified by the presence of intraneuronal inclusions containing aggregated alpha synuclein (αsyn). The progression of parkinsonian pathology and clinical phenotype has been broadly demonstrated to follow a specific pattern, most notably described by Braak and colleagues. In more recent times it has been hypothesized that αsyn itself may be a critical factor in mediating transmission of disease pathology from one brain area to another. Here we investigate the growing body of evidence demonstrating the ability of αsyn to spread transcellularly and induce pathological aggregation affecting neurons by permissive templating and provide a critical analysis of some irregularities in the hypothesis that the progression of PD pathology may be mediated by such a prion-like process. Finally we discuss some key questions that remain unanswered which are vital to determining the potential contribution of a prion-like process to the pathogenesis of PD.
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The cell biology of prion-like spread of protein aggregates: mechanisms and implication in neurodegeneration. Biochem J 2013; 452:1-17. [DOI: 10.1042/bj20121898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The misfolding and aggregation of specific proteins is a common hallmark of many neurodegenerative disorders, including highly prevalent illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, as well as rarer disorders such as Huntington's and prion diseases. Among these, only prion diseases are ‘infectious’. By seeding misfolding of the PrPC (normal conformer prion protein) into PrPSc (abnormal disease-specific conformation of prion protein), prions spread from the periphery of the body to the central nervous system and can also be transmitted between individuals of the same or different species. However, recent exciting data suggest that the transmissibility of misfolded proteins within the brain is a property that goes way beyond the rare prion diseases. Evidence indicates that non-prion aggregates [tau, α-syn (α-synuclein), Aβ (amyloid-β) and Htt (huntingtin) aggregates] can also move between cells and seed the misfolding of their normal conformers. These findings have enormous implications. On the one hand they question the therapeutical use of transplants, and on the other they indicate that it may be possible to bring these diseases to an early arrest by preventing cell-to-cell transmission. To better understand the prion-like spread of these protein aggregates it is essential to identify the underlying cellular and molecular factors. In the present review we analyse and discuss the evidence supporting prion-like spreading of amyloidogenic proteins, especially focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms and their significance.
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Basu U, Guan LL, Moore SS. Functional genomics approach for identification of molecular processes underlying neurodegenerative disorders in prion diseases. Curr Genomics 2013; 13:369-78. [PMID: 23372423 PMCID: PMC3401894 DOI: 10.2174/138920212801619223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Revised: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are infectious neurodegenerative disorders leading to death. These include Cresutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), familial, sporadic and variant CJD and kuru in humans; and animal TSEs include scrapie in sheep, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle, chronic wasting disease (CWD) of mule deer and elk, and transmissible mink encephalopathy. All these TSEs share common pathological features such as accumulation of mis-folded prion proteins in the central nervous system leading to cellular dysfunction and cell death. It is important to characterize the molecular pathways and events leading to prion induced neurodegeneration. Here we discuss the impact of the functional genomics approaches including microarrays, subtractive hybridization and microRNA profiling in elucidating transcriptional cascades at different stages of disease. Many of these transcriptional changes have been observed in multiple neurodegenerative diseases which may aid in identification of biomarkers for disease. A comprehensive characterization of expression profiles implicated in neurodegenerative disorders will undoubtedly advance our understanding on neuropathology and dysfunction during prion disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. We also present an outlook on the future work which may focus on analysis of structural genetic variation, genome and transcriptome sequencing using next generation sequencing with an integrated approach on animal and human TSE related studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmila Basu
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2P5
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Peskind ER, Brody D, Cernak I, McKee A, Ruff RL. Military- and sports-related mild traumatic brain injury: clinical presentation, management, and long-term consequences. J Clin Psychiatry 2013; 74:180-8; quiz 188. [PMID: 23473351 PMCID: PMC5904388 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.12011co1c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CME Background Articles are selected for credit designation based on an assessment of the educational needs of CME participants, with the purpose of providing readers with a curriculum of CME articles on a variety of topics throughout each volume. Activities are planned using a process that links identified needs with desired results. Participants may receive credit by reading the article, correctly answering at least 70% of the questions in the Posttest, and completing the Evaluation. The Posttest and Evaluation are now available online only at PSYCHIATRIST.COM (Keyword: February). CME Objective After studying the Commentary by Peskind et al, you should be able to: Accreditation Statement The CME Institute of Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc., is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Credit Designation The CME Institute of Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc., designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Note The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician assistants may receive a maximum of 1 hour of Category I credit for completing this program. Date of Original Release/Review This educational activity is eligible for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ through February 29, 2016. The latest review of this material was January 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine R Peskind
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Bioinformatics aggregation predictors in the study of protein conformational diseases of the human nervous system. Electrophoresis 2012; 33:3669-79. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201200290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Revised: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Sica RE. Is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis a primary astrocytic disease? Med Hypotheses 2012; 79:819-22. [PMID: 23026704 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2012.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Revised: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is thought to be due to primary involvement of motor neurons. Pathogenic mechanisms underlying its appearance are relatively well known and include inflammation, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, protein damage, genetic abnormalities and type of neuronal death. Although these processes have been investigated in detail in the past two decades none of them appear to be the cause of the illness. In addition several possible environmental agents have been investigated but the results, in every case, were conflicting and therefore inconclusive. However, since the motor neurons display the features of apoptosis in this illness, the possibility remains that the motor neurons die because of a hostile environment, one that is unable to sustain their health, rather than being directly targeted themselves. The above considerations lead to an examination of astrocytes, for these cells play a key role in controlling the environment of neurons. It is known that astrocytes are exquisitely plastic, adapting their metabolism and behaviour to the needs of the neurons they contact. Each population of astrocytes is therefore unique and, were one to be adversely affected at the start of a disease process, the consequences would extend to the neurons that it normally chaperoned. The disturbed relationship might involve inappropriate production and secretion of astrocytic neurotransmitters, defective transport of glutamate and impaired trophic and metabolic support of the motor neurons. In order to explain the spread of weakness and pyramidal signs in ALS patients, which is very often from one group of muscles to a neighbouring one, it is postulated that, within the spinal cord, the brainstem and the motor cortex, the disease-causing process is also spreading-in this case, from one group of astrocytes to its neighbours. A misfolded protein, possibly a prion-like protein, would be a candidate for this type of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto E Sica
- Department of Neurology, Buenos Aires University, Argentina.
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Lai CPK, Breakefield XO. Role of exosomes/microvesicles in the nervous system and use in emerging therapies. Front Physiol 2012; 3:228. [PMID: 22754538 PMCID: PMC3384085 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular membrane vesicles (EMVs) are nanometer sized vesicles, including exosomes and microvesicles capable of transferring DNAs, mRNAs, microRNAs, non-coding RNAs, proteins, and lipids among cells without direct cell-to-cell contact, thereby representing a novel form of intercellular communication. Many cells in the nervous system have been shown to release EMVs, implicating their active roles in development, function, and pathologies of this system. While substantial progress has been made in understanding the biogenesis, biophysical properties, and involvement of EMVs in diseases, relatively less information is known about their biological function in the normal nervous system. In addition, since EMVs are endogenous vehicles with low immunogenicity, they have also been actively investigated for the delivery of therapeutic genes/molecules in treatment of cancer and neurological diseases. The present review summarizes current knowledge about EMV functions in the nervous system under both physiological and pathological conditions, as well as emerging EMV-based therapies that could be applied to the nervous system in the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Pin-Kuang Lai
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
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Meng SR, Zhu YZ, Guo T, Liu XL, Chen J, Liang Y. Fibril-forming motifs are essential and sufficient for the fibrillization of human Tau. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38903. [PMID: 22701727 PMCID: PMC3372541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The misfolding of amyloidogenic proteins including human Tau protein, human prion protein, and human α-synuclein is involved in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease, prion disease, and Parkinson disease. Although a lot of research on such amyloidogenic proteins has been done, we do not know the determinants that drive these proteins to form fibrils and thereby induce neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we want to know the role of fibril-forming motifs from such amyloidogenic proteins in the fibrillization of human Tau protein. Methodology/Principal Findings As evidenced by thioflavin T binding and turbidity assays, transmission electron microscopy, and circular dichroism, fibril-forming motifs are essential and sufficient for the fibrillization of microtubule-associated protein Tau: only when both of its fibril-forming motifs, PHF6 and PHF6*, are deleted can recombinant human Tau fragment Tau244–372 lose its ability to form fibrils, and the insertion of unrelated fibril-forming motifs from other amyloidogenic proteins, such as human prion protein, yeast prion protein, human α-synuclein, and human amyloid β, into the disabled Tau protein can retrieve its ability to form fibrils. Furthermore, this retrieval is independent of the insertion location on Tau244–372. Conclusions/Significance We demonstrate for the first time that insertion of fibril-forming motifs can replace PHF6/PHF6* motifs, driving human Tau protein to form fibrils with different morphologies and different kinetic parameters. Our results suggest that fibril-forming motifs play a key role in the fibrillization of human Tau protein and could be the determinants of amyloidogenic proteins tending to misfold, thereby causing the initiation and development of neurodegenerative diseases. Our study also touches on the importance of amyloid “strains”: changes to the amyloidgenic driver region results in altered structural morphologies at the macromolecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Rong Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying-Zhu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail:
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Willhite CC, Ball GL, McLellan CJ. Total allowable concentrations of monomeric inorganic aluminum and hydrated aluminum silicates in drinking water. Crit Rev Toxicol 2012; 42:358-442. [DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2012.674101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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