1
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Zhang J, Zhang Y, Wang J, Xia Y, Zhang J, Chen L. Recent advances in Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms, clinical trials and new drug development strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:211. [PMID: 39174535 PMCID: PMC11344989 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01911-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as the predominant form of dementia, presenting significant and escalating global challenges. Its etiology is intricate and diverse, stemming from a combination of factors such as aging, genetics, and environment. Our current understanding of AD pathologies involves various hypotheses, such as the cholinergic, amyloid, tau protein, inflammatory, oxidative stress, metal ion, glutamate excitotoxicity, microbiota-gut-brain axis, and abnormal autophagy. Nonetheless, unraveling the interplay among these pathological aspects and pinpointing the primary initiators of AD require further elucidation and validation. In the past decades, most clinical drugs have been discontinued due to limited effectiveness or adverse effects. Presently, available drugs primarily offer symptomatic relief and often accompanied by undesirable side effects. However, recent approvals of aducanumab (1) and lecanemab (2) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) present the potential in disrease-modifying effects. Nevertheless, the long-term efficacy and safety of these drugs need further validation. Consequently, the quest for safer and more effective AD drugs persists as a formidable and pressing task. This review discusses the current understanding of AD pathogenesis, advances in diagnostic biomarkers, the latest updates of clinical trials, and emerging technologies for AD drug development. We highlight recent progress in the discovery of selective inhibitors, dual-target inhibitors, allosteric modulators, covalent inhibitors, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) modulators. Our goal is to provide insights into the prospective development and clinical application of novel AD drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifa Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yinglu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, 38163, TN, USA
| | - Yilin Xia
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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2
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Liu N, Haziyihan A, Zhao W, Chen Y, Chao H. Trajectory of brain-derived amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease: where is it coming from and where is it going? Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:42. [PMID: 39160618 PMCID: PMC11331646 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00434-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily impacts cognitive function. Currently there are no disease-modifying treatments to stop or slow its progression. Recent studies have found that several peripheral and systemic abnormalities are associated with AD, and our understanding of how these alterations contribute to AD is becoming more apparent. In this review, we focuse on amyloid‑beta (Aβ), a major hallmark of AD, summarizing recent findings on the source of brain-derived Aβ and discussing where and how the brain-derived Aβ is cleared in vivo. Based on these findings, we propose future strategies for AD prevention and treatment, from a novel perspective on Aβ metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Liu
- Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | | | - Wei Zhao
- Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Hongbo Chao
- Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China.
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3
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Ma H, Zhu M, Chen M, Li X, Feng X. The role of macrophage plasticity in neurodegenerative diseases. Biomark Res 2024; 12:81. [PMID: 39135084 PMCID: PMC11321226 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00624-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Tissue-resident macrophages and recruited macrophages play pivotal roles in innate immunity and the maintenance of brain homeostasis. Investigating the involvement of these macrophage populations in eliciting pathological changes associated with neurodegenerative diseases has been a focal point of research. Dysregulated states of macrophages can compromise clearance mechanisms for pathological proteins such as amyloid-β (Aβ) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and TDP-43 in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Additionally, recent evidence suggests that abnormalities in the peripheral clearance of pathological proteins are implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, numerous genome-wide association studies have linked genetic risk factors, which alter the functionality of various immune cells, to the accumulation of pathological proteins. This review aims to unravel the intricacies of macrophage biology in both homeostatic conditions and neurodegenerative disorders. To this end, we initially provide an overview of the modifications in receptor and gene expression observed in diverse macrophage subsets throughout development. Subsequently, we outlined the roles of resident macrophages and recruited macrophages in neurodegenerative diseases and the progress of targeted therapy. Finally, we describe the latest advances in macrophage imaging methods and measurement of inflammation, which may provide information and related treatment strategies that hold promise for informing the design of future investigations and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyue Ma
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Mingxia Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Mengjie Chen
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Xiuli Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Xinhong Feng
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, China.
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4
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Cui A, Patel R, Bosco P, Akcan U, Richters E, Delgado PB, Agalliu D, Sproul AA. Generation of hiPSC-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells using a combination of directed differentiation and transcriptional reprogramming strategies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.03.588012. [PMID: 38903080 PMCID: PMC11188081 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.03.588012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB), formed by specialized brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), regulates brain function in health and disease. In vitro modeling of the human BBB is limited by the lack of robust hiPSC protocols to generate BMECs. Here, we report generation, transcriptomic and functional characterization of reprogrammed BMECs (rBMECs) by combining hiPSC differentiation into BBB-primed endothelial cells and reprogramming with two BBB transcription factors FOXF2 and ZIC3. rBMECs express a subset of the BBB gene repertoire including tight junctions and transporters, exhibit stronger paracellular barrier properties, lower caveolar-mediated transcytosis, and similar p-Glycoprotein activity compared to primary HBMECs. They can acquire an inflammatory phenotype when treated with oligomeric Aβ42. rBMECs integrate with hiPSC-derived pericytes and astrocytes to form a 3D neurovascular system using the MIMETAS microfluidics platform. This novel 3D system resembles the in vivo BBB at structural and functional levels to enable investigation of pathogenic mechanisms of neurological diseases.
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Liu R, Collier JM, Abdul-Rahman NH, Capuk O, Zhang Z, Begum G. Dysregulation of Ion Channels and Transporters and Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1748-1770. [PMID: 38300642 PMCID: PMC11272208 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.1201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a critical role in maintaining ion and fluid homeostasis, essential for brain metabolism and neuronal function. Regulation of nutrient, water, and ion transport across the BBB is tightly controlled by specialized ion transporters and channels located within its unique cellular components. These dynamic transport processes not only influence the BBB's structure but also impact vital signaling mechanisms, essential for its optimal function. Disruption in ion, pH, and fluid balance at the BBB is associated with brain pathology and has been implicated in various neurological conditions, including stroke, epilepsy, trauma, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, knowledge gaps exist regarding the impact of ion transport dysregulation on BBB function in neurodegenerative dementias. Several factors contribute to this gap: the complex nature of these conditions, historical research focus on neuronal mechanisms and technical challenges in studying the ion transport mechanisms in in vivo models and the lack of efficient in vitro BBB dementia models. This review provides an overview of current research on the roles of ion transporters and channels at the BBB and poses specific research questions: 1) How are the expression and activity of key ion transporters altered in AD and vascular dementia (VaD); 2) Do these changes contribute to BBB dysfunction and disease progression; and 3) Can restoring ion transport function mitigate BBB dysfunction and improve clinical outcomes. Addressing these gaps will provide a greater insight into the vascular pathology of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijia Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
- Department of Neurology, The Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Jenelle M Collier
- Department of Neurology, The Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | | | - Okan Capuk
- Department of Neurology, The Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Zhongling Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Gulnaz Begum
- Department of Neurology, The Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Chen T, Dai Y, Hu C, Lin Z, Wang S, Yang J, Zeng L, Li S, Li W. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of the blood-brain barrier dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. Fluids Barriers CNS 2024; 21:60. [PMID: 39030617 PMCID: PMC11264766 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00557-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is vital for neuronal equilibrium and optimal brain function. Disruptions to BBB performance are implicated in the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. MAIN BODY Early indicators of multiple neurodegenerative disorders in humans and animal models include impaired BBB stability, regional cerebral blood flow shortfalls, and vascular inflammation associated with BBB dysfunction. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of BBB dysfunction in brain disorders is crucial for elucidating the sustenance of neural computations under pathological conditions and for developing treatments for these diseases. This paper initially explores the cellular and molecular definition of the BBB, along with the signaling pathways regulating BBB stability, cerebral blood flow, and vascular inflammation. Subsequently, we review current insights into BBB dynamics in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. The paper concludes by proposing a unified mechanism whereby BBB dysfunction contributes to neurodegenerative disorders, highlights potential BBB-focused therapeutic strategies and targets, and outlines lessons learned and future research directions. CONCLUSIONS BBB breakdown significantly impacts the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, and unraveling the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying BBB dysfunction is vital to elucidate how neural computations are sustained under pathological conditions and to devise therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongli Chen
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Dai
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenghao Hu
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zihao Lin
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengzhe Wang
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Linghui Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shanshan Li
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Weiyun Li
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, China.
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7
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Petralla S, Panayotova M, Franchina E, Fricker G, Puris E. Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 1 as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:948. [PMID: 39065645 PMCID: PMC11279518 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease impacting the lives of millions of people worldwide. The formation of amyloid β (Aβ) plagues in the brain is the main pathological hallmark of AD. The Aβ deposits are formed due to the imbalance between the production and Aβ clearance in the brain and across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this respect, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) plays a significant role by mediating both brain Aβ production and clearance. Due to its important role in AD pathogenesis, LRP1 is considered an attractive drug target for AD therapies. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge about the role of LRP1 in AD pathogenesis as well as recent findings on changes in LRP1 expression and function in AD. Finally, we discuss the advances in utilizing LRP1 as a drug target for AD treatments as well as future perspectives on LRP1 research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Elena Puris
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 329, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.P.); (M.P.); (E.F.); (G.F.)
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8
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Urrestizala-Arenaza N, Cerchio S, Cavaliere F, Magliaro C. Limitations of human brain organoids to study neurodegenerative diseases: a manual to survive. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1419526. [PMID: 39049825 PMCID: PMC11267621 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1419526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2013, M. Lancaster described the first protocol to obtain human brain organoids. These organoids, usually generated from human-induced pluripotent stem cells, can mimic the three-dimensional structure of the human brain. While they recapitulate the salient developmental stages of the human brain, their use to investigate the onset and mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases still faces crucial limitations. In this review, we aim to highlight these limitations, which hinder brain organoids from becoming reliable models to study neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Specifically, we will describe structural and biological impediments, including the lack of an aging footprint, angiogenesis, myelination, and the inclusion of functional and immunocompetent microglia—all important factors in the onset of neurodegeneration in AD, PD, and ALS. Additionally, we will discuss technical limitations for monitoring the microanatomy and electrophysiology of these organoids. In parallel, we will propose solutions to overcome the current limitations, thereby making human brain organoids a more reliable tool to model neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerea Urrestizala-Arenaza
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, The Basque Biomodels Platform for Human Research (BBioH), Leioa, Spain
| | - Sonia Cerchio
- Centro di Ricerca “E. Piaggio” – University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Cavaliere
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, The Basque Biomodels Platform for Human Research (BBioH), Leioa, Spain
- Fundación Biofisica Bizkaia, Leioa, Spain
| | - Chiara Magliaro
- Centro di Ricerca “E. Piaggio” – University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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9
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Gaire BP, Koronyo Y, Fuchs DT, Shi H, Rentsendorj A, Danziger R, Vit JP, Mirzaei N, Doustar J, Sheyn J, Hampel H, Vergallo A, Davis MR, Jallow O, Baldacci F, Verdooner SR, Barron E, Mirzaei M, Gupta VK, Graham SL, Tayebi M, Carare RO, Sadun AA, Miller CA, Dumitrascu OM, Lahiri S, Gao L, Black KL, Koronyo-Hamaoui M. Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology in the Retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 101:101273. [PMID: 38759947 PMCID: PMC11285518 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The retina is an emerging CNS target for potential noninvasive diagnosis and tracking of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Studies have identified the pathological hallmarks of AD, including amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposits and abnormal tau protein isoforms, in the retinas of AD patients and animal models. Moreover, structural and functional vascular abnormalities such as reduced blood flow, vascular Aβ deposition, and blood-retinal barrier damage, along with inflammation and neurodegeneration, have been described in retinas of patients with mild cognitive impairment and AD dementia. Histological, biochemical, and clinical studies have demonstrated that the nature and severity of AD pathologies in the retina and brain correspond. Proteomics analysis revealed a similar pattern of dysregulated proteins and biological pathways in the retina and brain of AD patients, with enhanced inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes, impaired oxidative-phosphorylation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Notably, investigational imaging technologies can now detect AD-specific amyloid deposits, as well as vasculopathy and neurodegeneration in the retina of living AD patients, suggesting alterations at different disease stages and links to brain pathology. Current and exploratory ophthalmic imaging modalities, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, and hyperspectral imaging, may offer promise in the clinical assessment of AD. However, further research is needed to deepen our understanding of AD's impact on the retina and its progression. To advance this field, future studies require replication in larger and diverse cohorts with confirmed AD biomarkers and standardized retinal imaging techniques. This will validate potential retinal biomarkers for AD, aiding in early screening and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhakta Prasad Gaire
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yosef Koronyo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dieu-Trang Fuchs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Haoshen Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Altan Rentsendorj
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ron Danziger
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Vit
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nazanin Mirzaei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonah Doustar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julia Sheyn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Harald Hampel
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Andrea Vergallo
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Miyah R Davis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ousman Jallow
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Filippo Baldacci
- Sorbonne University, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Ernesto Barron
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vivek K Gupta
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart L Graham
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Clinical Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mourad Tayebi
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Roxana O Carare
- Department of Clinical Neuroanatomy, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Alfredo A Sadun
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carol A Miller
- Department of Pathology Program in Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Shouri Lahiri
- Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Liang Gao
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keith L Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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10
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Liu Y, Xia X, Zheng M, Shi B. Bio-Nano Toolbox for Precision Alzheimer's Disease Gene Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2314354. [PMID: 38778446 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most burdensome aging-associated neurodegenerative disorder, and its treatment encounters numerous failures during drug development. Although there are newly approved in-market β-amyloid targeting antibody solutions, pathological heterogeneity among patient populations still challenges the treatment outcome. Emerging advances in gene therapies offer opportunities for more precise personalized medicine; while, major obstacles including the pathological heterogeneity among patient populations, the puzzled mechanism for druggable target development, and the precision delivery of functional therapeutic elements across the blood-brain barrier remain and limit the use of gene therapy for central neuronal diseases. Aiming for "precision delivery" challenges, nanomedicine provides versatile platforms that may overcome the targeted delivery challenges for AD gene therapy. In this perspective, to picture a toolbox for AD gene therapy strategy development, the most recent advances from benchtop to clinics are highlighted, possibly available gene therapy targets, tools, and delivery platforms are outlined, their challenges as well as rational design elements are addressed, and perspectives in this promising research field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy and Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475000, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Xue Xia
- Department of Radiotherapy and Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475000, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
| | - Meng Zheng
- Department of Radiotherapy and Translational Medicine Center, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475000, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Bingyang Shi
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia
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11
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Hayden MR. Cerebral Microbleeds Associate with Brain Endothelial Cell Activation-Dysfunction and Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction/Disruption with Increased Risk of Hemorrhagic and Ischemic Stroke. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1463. [PMID: 39062035 PMCID: PMC11274519 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are increasingly being viewed not only as a marker for cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) but also as having an increased risk for the development of stroke (hemorrhagic/ischemic) and aging-related dementia. Recently, brain endothelial cell activation and dysfunction and blood-brain barrier dysfunction and/or disruption have been shown to be associated with SVD, enlarged perivascular spaces, and the development and evolution of CMBs. CMBs are a known disorder of cerebral microvessels that are visualized as 3-5 mm, smooth, round, or oval, and hypointense (black) lesions seen only on T2*-weighted gradient recall echo or susceptibility-weighted sequences MRI images. CMBs are known to occur with high prevalence in community-dwelling older individuals. Since our current global population is the oldest recorded in history and is only expected to continue to grow, we can expect the healthcare burdens associated with CMBs to also grow. Increased numbers (≥10) of CMBs should raise a red flag regarding the increased risk of large symptomatic neurologic intracerebral hemorrhages. Importantly, CMBs are also currently regarded as markers of diffuse vascular and neurodegenerative brain damage. Herein author highlights that it is essential to learn as much as we can about CMB development, evolution, and their relation to impaired cognition, dementia, and the exacerbation of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin R Hayden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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12
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İş Ö, Wang X, Reddy JS, Min Y, Yilmaz E, Bhattarai P, Patel T, Bergman J, Quicksall Z, Heckman MG, Tutor-New FQ, Can Demirdogen B, White L, Koga S, Krause V, Inoue Y, Kanekiyo T, Cosacak MI, Nelson N, Lee AJ, Vardarajan B, Mayeux R, Kouri N, Deniz K, Carnwath T, Oatman SR, Lewis-Tuffin LJ, Nguyen T, Carrasquillo MM, Graff-Radford J, Petersen RC, Jr Jack CR, Kantarci K, Murray ME, Nho K, Saykin AJ, Dickson DW, Kizil C, Allen M, Ertekin-Taner N. Gliovascular transcriptional perturbations in Alzheimer's disease reveal molecular mechanisms of blood brain barrier dysfunction. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4758. [PMID: 38902234 PMCID: PMC11190273 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48926-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
To uncover molecular changes underlying blood-brain-barrier dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, we performed single nucleus RNA sequencing in 24 Alzheimer's disease and control brains and focused on vascular and astrocyte clusters as main cell types of blood-brain-barrier gliovascular-unit. The majority of the vascular transcriptional changes were in pericytes. Of the vascular molecular targets predicted to interact with astrocytic ligands, SMAD3, upregulated in Alzheimer's disease pericytes, has the highest number of ligands including VEGFA, downregulated in Alzheimer's disease astrocytes. We validated these findings with external datasets comprising 4,730 pericyte and 150,664 astrocyte nuclei. Blood SMAD3 levels are associated with Alzheimer's disease-related neuroimaging outcomes. We determined inverse relationships between pericytic SMAD3 and astrocytic VEGFA in human iPSC and zebrafish models. Here, we detect vast transcriptome changes in Alzheimer's disease at the gliovascular-unit, prioritize perturbed pericytic SMAD3-astrocytic VEGFA interactions, and validate these in cross-species models to provide a molecular mechanism of blood-brain-barrier disintegrity in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özkan İş
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Joseph S Reddy
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Yuhao Min
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Elanur Yilmaz
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Prabesh Bhattarai
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tulsi Patel
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Zachary Quicksall
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Michael G Heckman
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Birsen Can Demirdogen
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Launia White
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Shunsuke Koga
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Vincent Krause
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Yasuteru Inoue
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Mehmet Ilyas Cosacak
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) within Helmholtz Association, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nastasia Nelson
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Annie J Lee
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Badri Vardarajan
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard Mayeux
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Naomi Kouri
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Kaancan Deniz
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Troy Carnwath
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Laura J Lewis-Tuffin
- Mayo Clinic Florida Cytometry and Cell Imaging Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Thuy Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Ronald C Petersen
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Kejal Kantarci
- Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Kwangsik Nho
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Andrew J Saykin
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Caghan Kizil
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mariet Allen
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Nilüfer Ertekin-Taner
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
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13
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Lee S, Kim SE, Jang H, Kim JP, Sohn G, Park YH, Ham H, Gu Y, Park CJ, Kim HJ, Na DL, Kim K, Seo SW. Distinct effects of blood pressure parameters on Alzheimer's and vascular markers in 1,952 Asian individuals without dementia. Alzheimers Res Ther 2024; 16:125. [PMID: 38863019 PMCID: PMC11167921 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01483-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including elevated blood pressure, are known to increase risk of Alzheimer's disease. There has been increasing awareness of the relationship between long-term blood pressure (BP) patterns and their effects on the brain. We aimed to investigate the association of repeated BP measurements with Alzheimer's and vascular disease markers. METHODS We recruited 1,952 participants without dementia between August 2015 and February 2022. During serial clinic visits, we assessed both systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), and visit-to-visit BP variability (BPV) was quantified from repeated measurements. In order to investigate the relationship of mean SBP (or DBP) with Alzheimer's and vascular markers and cognition, we performed multiple linear and logistic regression analyses after controlling for potential confounders (Model 1). Next, we investigated the relationship of with variation of SBP (or DBP) with the aforementioned variables by adding it into Model 1 (Model 2). In addition, mediation analyses were conducted to determine mediation effects of Alzheimer's and vascular makers on the relationship between BP parameters and cognitive impairment. RESULTS High Aβ uptake was associated with greater mean SBP (β = 1.049, 95% confidence interval 1.016-1.083). High vascular burden was positively associated with mean SBP (odds ratio = 1.293, 95% CI 1.015-1.647) and mean DBP (1.390, 1.098-1.757). High tau uptake was related to greater systolic BPV (0.094, 0.001-0.187) and diastolic BPV (0.096, 0.007-0.184). High Aβ uptake partially mediated the relationship between mean SBP and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. Hippocampal atrophy mediated the relationship between diastolic BPV and MMSE scores. CONCLUSIONS Each BP parameter affects Alzheimer's and vascular disease markers differently, which in turn leads to cognitive impairment. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately control specific BP parameters to prevent the development of dementia. Furthermore, a better understanding of pathways from specific BP parameters to cognitive impairments might enable us to select the managements targeting the specific BP parameters to prevent dementia effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjoo Lee
- Department of Digital Health, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Eun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurology, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, 48108, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyemin Jang
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Pyo Kim
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
- Alzheimer's Disease Convergence Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeongmo Sohn
- Department of Neurology, Inje University College of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, 48108, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Hyun Park
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
- Alzheimer's Disease Convergence Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongki Ham
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
- Alzheimer's Disease Convergence Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuna Gu
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
- Alzheimer's Disease Convergence Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Jung Park
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
- Alzheimer's Disease Convergence Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Duk L Na
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
- Alzheimer's Disease Convergence Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunga Kim
- Department of Digital Health, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Statistics Center, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Data Convergence & Future Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang Won Seo
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea.
- Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea.
- Alzheimer's Disease Convergence Research Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea.
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea.
- Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Shao X, Shou Q, Felix K, Ojogho B, Jiang X, Gold BT, Herting MM, Goldwaser EL, Kochunov P, Hong LE, Pappas I, Braskie M, Kim H, Cen S, Jann K, Wang DJJ. Age-Related Decline in Blood-Brain Barrier Function is More Pronounced in Males than Females in Parietal and Temporal Regions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.12.575463. [PMID: 38293052 PMCID: PMC10827081 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.12.575463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a pivotal role in protecting the central nervous system (CNS), shielding it from potential harmful entities. A natural decline of BBB function with aging has been reported in both animal and human studies, which may contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. Limited data also suggest that being female may be associated with protective effects on BBB function. Here we investigated age and sex-dependent trajectories of perfusion and BBB water exchange rate (kw) across the lifespan in 186 cognitively normal participants spanning the ages of 8 to 92 years old, using a non-invasive diffusion prepared pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (DP-pCASL) MRI technique. We found that the pattern of BBB kw decline with aging varies across brain regions. Moreover, results from our DP-pCASL technique revealed a remarkable decline in BBB kw beginning in the early 60s, which was more pronounced in males. In addition, we observed sex differences in parietal and temporal regions. Our findings provide in vivo results demonstrating sex differences in the decline of BBB function with aging, which may serve as a foundation for future investigations into perfusion and BBB function in neurodegenerative and other brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingfeng Shao
- USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
| | - Qinyang Shou
- USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
| | - Kimberly Felix
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
| | - Brandon Ojogho
- USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
| | - Xuejuan Jiang
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
| | - Brian T. Gold
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky
| | - Megan M Herting
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
| | - Eric L Goldwaser
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Interventional Psychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine
| | - Peter Kochunov
- Louis A. Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - L. Elliot Hong
- Louis A. Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Ioannis Pappas
- USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
| | - Meredith Braskie
- USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
| | - Hosung Kim
- USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
| | - Steven Cen
- Department of Radiology and Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
| | - Kay Jann
- USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
| | - Danny JJ Wang
- USC Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
- Department of Radiology and Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
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15
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Denkinger M, Baker S, Inglis B, Kobayashi S, Juarez A, Mason S, Jagust W. Associations between regional blood-brain barrier permeability, aging, and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in cognitively normal older adults. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299764. [PMID: 38837947 PMCID: PMC11152304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased blood-brain barrier permeability (BBBp) has been hypothesized as a feature of aging that may lead to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We sought to identify the brain regions most vulnerable to greater BBBp during aging and examine their regional relationship with neuroimaging biomarkers of AD. METHODS We studied 31 cognitively normal older adults (OA) and 10 young adults (YA) from the Berkeley Aging Cohort Study (BACS). Both OA and YA received dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) to quantify Ktrans values, as a measure of BBBp, in 37 brain regions across the cortex. The OA also received Pittsburgh compound B (PiB)-PET to create distribution volume ratios (DVR) images and flortaucipir (FTP)- PET to create partial volume corrected standardized uptake volume ratios (SUVR) images. Repeated measures ANOVA assessed the brain regions where OA showed greater BBBp than YA. In OA, Ktrans values were compared based on sex, Aβ positivity status, and APOE4 carrier status within a composite region across the areas susceptible to aging. We used linear models and sparse canonical correlation analysis (SCCA) to examine the relationship between Ktrans and AD biomarkers. RESULTS OA showed greater BBBp than YA predominately in the temporal lobe, with some involvement of parietal, occipital and frontal lobes. Within an averaged ROI of affected regions, there was no difference in Ktrans values based on sex or Aβ positivity, but OA who were APOE4 carriers had significantly higher Ktrans values. There was no direct relationship between averaged Ktrans and global Aβ pathology, but there was a trend for an Ab status by tau interaction on Ktrans in this region. SCCA showed increased Ktrans was associated with increased PiB DVR, mainly in temporal and parietal brain regions. There was not a significant relationship between Ktrans and FTP SUVR. DISCUSSION Our findings indicate that the BBB shows regional vulnerability during normal aging that overlaps considerably with the pattern of AD pathology. Greater BBBp in brain regions affected in aging is related to APOE genotype and may also be related to the pathological accumulation of Aβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Denkinger
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Suzanne Baker
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Ben Inglis
- Henry H. Wheeler Jr. Brain Imaging Center, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Sarah Kobayashi
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Alexis Juarez
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Suzanne Mason
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - William Jagust
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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16
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Yin P, Wang X. Progresses in the establishment, evaluation, and application of in vitro blood-brain barrier models. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25359. [PMID: 38859680 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a barrier between the circulatory system and the central nervous system (CNS), contributing to CNS protection and maintaining the brain homeostasis. Establishment of in vitro BBB models that are closer to the microenvironment of the human brain is helpful for evaluating the potential and efficiency of a drug penetrating BBB and thus the clinical application value of the drug. The in vitro BBB models not only provide great convenience for screening new drugs that can access to CNS but also help people to have a deeper study on the mechanism of substances entering and leaving the brain, which makes people have greater opportunities in the treatment of CNS diseases. Up to now, although much effort has been paid to the researches on the in vitro BBB models and many progresses have been achieved, no unified method has been described for establishing a BBB model and there is much work to do and many challenges to be faced with in the future. This review summarizes the research progresses in the establishment, evaluation, and application of in vitro BBB models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panfeng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Protein Chemistry Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xianchun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Protein Chemistry Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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17
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Kim HW, Wu KLK, Tam KW, Chan YS, Shum DKY. Pericyte derivation and transplantation for blood-CNS barrier reconstitution in CNS disorders. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:147-154. [PMID: 39007089 PMCID: PMC11240299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the blood-central nervous system barrier (BCB) is increasingly recognized as a pathological factor in diseases and trauma of the central nervous system. Despite the neuropathological impact, current treatment modalities do not target the BCB; strategies to reconstitute the impaired BCB have been restricted to nutritional and dietary remedies. As an integral cell type in the neurovascular unit, pericytes are crucial to the development, maintenance, and repair of the BCB. As such, pericytes are well poised as cellular agents for reconstitution of the impaired BCB. Here, we summarize recent revelations regarding the role of BCB disruption in diseases and trauma of the central nervous system and highlight how pericytes are harnessed to provide targeted therapeutic effect in each case. This review will also address how recent advances in pericyte derivation strategies can serve to overcome practical hurdles in the clinical use of pericytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Woo Kim
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kenneth Lap Kei Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kin-Wai Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying-Shing Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Daisy Kwok-Yan Shum
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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18
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White ZB, Nair S, Bredel M. The role of annexins in central nervous system development and disease. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:751-760. [PMID: 38639785 PMCID: PMC11106189 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02443-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Annexins, a group of Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins, exert diverse roles in neuronal development, normal central nervous system (CNS) functioning, neurological disorders, and CNS tumors. This paper reviews the roles of individual annexins (A1-A13) in these contexts. Annexins possess unique structural and functional features, such as Ca2+-dependent binding to phospholipids, participating in membrane organization, and modulating cell signaling. They are implicated in various CNS processes, including endocytosis, exocytosis, and stabilization of plasma membranes. Annexins exhibit dynamic roles in neuronal development, influencing differentiation, proliferation, and synaptic formation in CNS tissues. Notably, annexins such as ANXA1 and ANXA2 play roles in apoptosis and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and depression, involve annexin dysregulation, influencing neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier integrity, and stress responses. Moreover, annexins contribute to the pathogenesis of CNS tumors, either promoting or suppressing tumor growth, angiogenesis, and invasion. Annexin expression patterns vary across different CNS tumor types, providing potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. This review underscores the multifaceted roles of annexins in the CNS, highlighting their importance in normal functioning, disease progression, and potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary B White
- Department of Radiation Oncology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sindhu Nair
- Department of Radiation Oncology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Markus Bredel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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19
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Glaesser D, Iwig M. Increased molar ratio of free fatty acids to albumin in blood as cause and early biomarker for the development of cataracts and Alzheimer's disease. Exp Eye Res 2024; 243:109888. [PMID: 38583754 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Cataracts and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are closely linked and are associated with aging and with systemic diseases that increase the molar ratio of free fatty acids to albumin (mFAR) in the blood. From the results of our earlier studies on the development of senile cataracts and from results recently published in the literature on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, we suggest that there is a common lipotoxic cascade for both diseases, explaining the strong connection between aging, an elevated mFAR in the blood, cataract formation, and AD. Long-chain free fatty acids (FFA) are transported in the blood as FFA/albumin complexes. In young people, vascular albumin barriers in the eyes and brain, very similar in their structure and effect, reduce the FFA/albumin complex concentration from around 650 μmol/l in the blood to 1-3 μmol/l in the aqueous humour of the eyes as well as in the cerebrospinal fluid of the brain. At such low concentrations the fatty acid uptake of the target cells - lens epithelial and brain cells - rises with increasing FFA/albumin complex concentrations, especially when the fatty acid load of albumin molecules is mFAR>1. At higher albumin concentrations, for instance in blood plasma or the interstitial tissue spaces, the fatty acid uptake of the target cells becomes increasingly independent of the FFA/albumin complex concentration and is mainly a function of the mFAR (Richieri et al., 1993). In the blood plasma of young people, the mFAR is normally below 1.0. In people over 40 years old, aging increases the mFAR by decreasing the plasma concentration of albumin and enhancing the plasma concentrations of FFA. The increase in the mFAR in association with C6-unsaturated FFA are risk factors for the vascular albumin barriers (Hennig et al., 1984). Damage to the vascular albumin barrier in the eyes and brain increases the concentration of FFA/albumin complex in the aqueous humour as well as in the cerebrospinal fluid, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and the death of lens epithelial and brain cells, the development of cataracts, and AD. An age-dependent increase in the concentration of FFA/albumin complex has been found in the aqueous humour of 177 cataract patients, correlating with the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic death of lens epithelial cells, lens opacification and cataracts (Iwig et al., 2004). Mitochondrial dysfunction is also an early crucial event in Alzheimer's pathology, closely connected with the generation of amyloid beta peptides (Leuner et al., 2012). Very recently, amyloid beta production has also been confirmed in the lenses of Alzheimer's patients, causing cataracts (Moncaster et al., 2022). In view of this, we propose that there is a common lipotoxic cascade for senile cataract formation and senile AD, initiated by aging and/or systemic diseases, leading to an mFAR>1 in the blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dietmar Glaesser
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, D-06097, Halle, Germany.
| | - Martin Iwig
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, D-06097, Halle, Germany
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20
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Dithmer S, Blasig IE, Fraser PA, Qin Z, Haseloff RF. The Basic Requirement of Tight Junction Proteins in Blood-Brain Barrier Function and Their Role in Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5601. [PMID: 38891789 PMCID: PMC11172262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This review addresses the role of tight junction proteins at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Their expression is described, and their role in physiological and pathological processes at the BBB is discussed. Based on this, new approaches are depicted for paracellular drug delivery and diagnostics in the treatment of cerebral diseases. Recent data provide convincing evidence that, in addition to its impairment in the course of diseases, the BBB could be involved in the aetiology of CNS disorders. Further progress will be expected based on new insights in tight junction protein structure and in their involvement in signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Dithmer
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (I.E.B.)
| | - Ingolf E. Blasig
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (I.E.B.)
| | | | - Zhihai Qin
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Reiner F. Haseloff
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany (I.E.B.)
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21
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Zhang H, Shang J, Li W, Gao D, Zhang J. Increased Expression of VCAM1 on Brain Endothelial Cells Drives Blood-Brain Barrier Impairment Following Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:2028-2041. [PMID: 38710594 PMCID: PMC11099957 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH)-triggered blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is a core pathological change occurring in vascular dementia (VD). Despite the recent advances in the exploration of the structural basis of BBB impairment and the routes of entry of harmful compounds after a BBB leakage, the molecular mechanisms inducing BBB impairment remain largely unknown in terms of VD. Here, we employed a CCH-induced VD model and discovered increased vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) expression on the brain endothelial cells (ECs). The expression of VCAM1 was directly correlated with the severity of BBB impairment. Moreover, the VCAM1 expression was associated with different regional white matter lesions. Furthermore, a compound that could block VCAM1 activation, K-7174, was also found to alleviate BBB leakage and protect the white matter integrity, whereas pharmacological manipulation of the BBB leakage did not affect the VCAM1 expression. Thus, our results demonstrated that VCAM1 is an important regulator that leads to BBB dysfunction following CCH. Blocking VCAM1-mediated BBB impairment may thus offer a new strategy to treat CCH-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Zhang
- Department
of Neurology, Zhengzhou University People’s
Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Junkui Shang
- Department
of Neurology, Zhengzhou University People’s
Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department
of Neurology, Zhengzhou University People’s
Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Dandan Gao
- Department
of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Jiewen Zhang
- Department
of Neurology, Zhengzhou University People’s
Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
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22
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Tessier AJ, Cortese M, Yuan C, Bjornevik K, Ascherio A, Wang DD, Chavarro JE, Stampfer MJ, Hu FB, Willett WC, Guasch-Ferré M. Consumption of Olive Oil and Diet Quality and Risk of Dementia-Related Death. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2410021. [PMID: 38709531 PMCID: PMC11074805 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.10021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Age-standardized dementia mortality rates are on the rise. Whether long-term consumption of olive oil and diet quality are associated with dementia-related death is unknown. Objective To examine the association of olive oil intake with the subsequent risk of dementia-related death and assess the joint association with diet quality and substitution for other fats. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective cohort study examined data from the Nurses' Health Study (NHS; 1990-2018) and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS; 1990-2018). The population included women from the NHS and men from the HPFS who were free of cardiovascular disease and cancer at baseline. Data were analyzed from May 2022 to July 2023. Exposures Olive oil intake was assessed every 4 years using a food frequency questionnaire and categorized as (1) never or less than once per month, (2) greater than 0 to less than or equal to 4.5 g/d, (3) greater than 4.5 g/d to less than or equal to 7 g/d, and (4) greater than 7 g/d. Diet quality was based on the Alternative Healthy Eating Index and Mediterranean Diet score. Main Outcome and Measure Dementia death was ascertained from death records. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs adjusted for confounders including genetic, sociodemographic, and lifestyle factors. Results Of 92 383 participants, 60 582 (65.6%) were women and the mean (SD) age was 56.4 (8.0) years. During 28 years of follow-up (2 183 095 person-years), 4751 dementia-related deaths occurred. Individuals who were homozygous for the apolipoprotein ε4 (APOE ε4) allele were 5 to 9 times more likely to die with dementia. Consuming at least 7 g/d of olive oil was associated with a 28% lower risk of dementia-related death (adjusted pooled HR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.64-0.81]) compared with never or rarely consuming olive oil (P for trend < .001); results were consistent after further adjustment for APOE ε4. No interaction by diet quality scores was found. In modeled substitution analyses, replacing 5 g/d of margarine and mayonnaise with the equivalent amount of olive oil was associated with an 8% (95% CI, 4%-12%) to 14% (95% CI, 7%-20%) lower risk of dementia mortality. Substitutions for other vegetable oils or butter were not significant. Conclusions and Relevance In US adults, higher olive oil intake was associated with a lower risk of dementia-related mortality, irrespective of diet quality. Beyond heart health, the findings extend the current dietary recommendations of choosing olive oil and other vegetable oils for cognitive-related health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Julie Tessier
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marianna Cortese
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Changzheng Yuan
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- School of Public Health, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kjetil Bjornevik
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alberto Ascherio
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel D. Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jorge E. Chavarro
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Meir J. Stampfer
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Frank B. Hu
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Walter C. Willett
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marta Guasch-Ferré
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Public Health and Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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23
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Hou SJ, Huang YR, Zhu J, Jia YB, Niu XY, Yang JJ, Yu XL, Du XY, Liang SY, Cui F, Li LJ, Tian C, Liu RT. Mouse serum albumin induces neuronal apoptosis and tauopathies. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:66. [PMID: 38654316 PMCID: PMC11040793 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01771-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The elderly frequently present impaired blood-brain barrier which is closely associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. However, how the albumin, the most abundant protein in the plasma, leaking through the disrupted BBB, contributes to the neuropathology remains poorly understood. We here demonstrated that mouse serum albumin-activated microglia induced astrocytes to A1 phenotype to remarkably increase levels of Elovl1, an astrocytic synthase for very long-chain saturated fatty acids, significantly promoting VLSFAs secretion and causing neuronal lippoapoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress response pathway. Moreover, MSA-activated microglia triggered remarkable tau phosphorylation at multiple sites through NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Intracerebroventricular injection of MSA into the brains of C57BL/6J mice to a similar concentration as in patient brains induced neuronal apoptosis, neuroinflammation, increased tau phosphorylation, and decreased the spatial learning and memory abilities, while Elovl1 knockdown significantly prevented the deleterious effect of MSA. Overall, our study here revealed that MSA induced tau phosphorylation and neuron apoptosis based on MSA-activated microglia and astrocytes, respectively, showing the critical roles of MSA in initiating the occurrence of tauopathies and cognitive decline, and providing potential therapeutic targets for MSA-induced neuropathology in multiple neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Jie Hou
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ya-Ru Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ying-Bo Jia
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Niu
- Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, Ningxia, China
| | - Jin-Ju Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Du
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shi-Yu Liang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fang Cui
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ling-Jie Li
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chen Tian
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Rui-Tian Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China.
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24
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Dean T, Mendiola AS, Yan Z, Meza-Acevedo R, Cabriga B, Akassoglou K, Ryu JK. Fibrin promotes oxidative stress and neuronal loss in traumatic brain injury via innate immune activation. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:94. [PMID: 38622640 PMCID: PMC11017541 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03092-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes significant blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, resulting in the extravasation of blood proteins into the brain. The impact of blood proteins, especially fibrinogen, on inflammation and neurodegeneration post-TBI is not fully understood, highlighting a critical gap in our comprehension of TBI pathology and its connection to innate immune activation. METHODS We combined vascular casting with 3D imaging of solvent-cleared organs (uDISCO) to study the spatial distribution of the blood coagulation protein fibrinogen in large, intact brain volumes and assessed the temporal regulation of the fibrin(ogen) deposition by immunohistochemistry in a murine model of TBI. Fibrin(ogen) deposition and innate immune cell markers were co-localized by immunohistochemistry in mouse and human brains after TBI. We assessed the role of fibrinogen in TBI using unbiased transcriptomics, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry for innate immune and neuronal markers in Fggγ390-396A knock-in mice, which express a mutant fibrinogen that retains normal clotting function, but lacks the γ390-396 binding motif to CD11b/CD18 integrin receptor. RESULTS We show that cerebral fibrinogen deposits were associated with activated innate immune cells in both human and murine TBI. Genetic elimination of fibrin-CD11b interaction reduced peripheral monocyte recruitment and the activation of inflammatory and reactive oxygen species (ROS) gene pathways in microglia and macrophages after TBI. Blockade of the fibrin-CD11b interaction was also protective from oxidative stress damage and cortical loss after TBI. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that fibrinogen is a regulator of innate immune activation and neurodegeneration in TBI. Abrogating post-injury neuroinflammation by selective blockade of fibrin's inflammatory functions may have implications for long-term neurologic recovery following brain trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry Dean
- Gladstone Institute for Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andrew S Mendiola
- Gladstone Institute for Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zhaoqi Yan
- Gladstone Institute for Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rosa Meza-Acevedo
- Gladstone Institute for Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Belinda Cabriga
- Gladstone Institute for Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katerina Akassoglou
- Gladstone Institute for Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jae Kyu Ryu
- Gladstone Institute for Neurological Disease, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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25
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Jiang L, Wang Q, Jiang Y, Peng D, Zong K, Li S, Xie W, Zhang C, Li K, Wu Z, Huang Z. Identification of diagnostic gene signatures and molecular mechanisms for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and Alzheimer's disease through machine learning algorithms. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 557:117892. [PMID: 38537674 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.117892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pose significant global health challenges. Recent studies have suggested a link between these diseases; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to decode the shared molecular landscapes of NAFLD and AD using bioinformatic approaches. METHODS We analyzed three datasets for NAFLD and AD from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). This study involved identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs), using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and using machine learning for biomarker discovery. The diagnostic biomarkers were validated using expression analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and nomogram models. Furthermore, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and CIBERSORT were used to investigate molecular pathways and immune cell distributions related to GADD45G and NUPR1. RESULTS This study identified 14 genes that are common to NAFLD and AD. Machine learning identified six biomarkers for NAFLD, four for AD, and two crucial shared biomarkers: GADD45G and NUPR1. Validation confirmed their expression patterns and robust predictive abilities. GSEA revealed the intricate roles of these biomarkers in disease-associated pathways. Immune cell profiling highlighted the importance of macrophages under these conditions. CONCLUSION This study highlights GADD45G and NUPR1 as key biomarkers for NAFLD and AD, and provides novel insights into their molecular connections. These findings revealed potential therapeutic targets, particularly in macrophage-mediated pathways, thus enriching our understanding of these complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqing Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of General Practice, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingsong Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dadi Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kezhen Zong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Tumor Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenyuan Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Tumor Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Tumor Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Kaili Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Tumor Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhongjun Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Tumor Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China.
| | - Zuotian Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Tumor Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China.
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26
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Naranjo O, Osborne OM, Torices S, Schmidlin S, Tiburcio D, Park M, Toborek M. RNA Profiling of Brain Microvessels Reveals Altered Morphology and Signaling in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4178404. [PMID: 38659765 PMCID: PMC11042442 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4178404/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Disruptions in pericyte and endothelial cell expression can compromise the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), leading to neurovascular dysfunction and the development of neurological disorders. However, the study of microvessel RNAs has been limited to tissue homogenates, with spatial visualization only available for protein targets. We introduce an innovative microvessel isolation technique that is RNA-friendly for the purpose of coupling with RNAscope analysis. RNA-friendly microvessel isolation combined with RNAscope analysis enables the visualization of cell-specific RNA within the spatial and histological context of the BBB. Using this approach, we have gained valuable insights into the structural and functional differences associated with the microvessels of 5XFAD mice, a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). RNAscope analysis revealed a decrease in pericytes from microvessels isolated from 5XFAD mice in comparison to wild-type mice. Additionally, the microvessels of 5XFAD mice exhibited an increase in TYROBP mRNA expression. These findings significantly advance our understanding of neurovascular interactions and hold great promise for guiding the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. This innovative approach enables visualization of cell RNA while preserving the spatial and histological context of the BBB, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying neurovascular unit communication.
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27
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Tamberi L, Belloni A, Pugnaloni A, Rippo MR, Olivieri F, Procopio AD, Bronte G. The Influence of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Expansion in Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Cells 2024; 13:643. [PMID: 38607083 PMCID: PMC11011419 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The neuro-immune axis has a crucial function both during physiological and pathological conditions. Among the immune cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) exert a pivotal role in regulating the immune response in many pathological conditions, influencing neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disease progression. In chronic neuroinflammation, MDSCs could lead to exacerbation of the inflammatory state and eventually participate in the impairment of cognitive functions. To have a complete overview of the role of MDSCs in neurodegenerative diseases, research on PubMed for articles using a combination of terms made with Boolean operators was performed. According to the search strategy, 80 papers were retrieved. Among these, 44 papers met the eligibility criteria. The two subtypes of MDSCs, monocytic and polymorphonuclear MDSCs, behave differently in these diseases. The initial MDSC proliferation is fundamental for attenuating inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS), but not in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where MDSC expansion leads to exacerbation of the disease. Moreover, the accumulation of MDSC subtypes in distinct organs changes during the disease. The proliferation of MDSC subtypes occurs at different disease stages and can influence the progression of each neurodegenerative disorder differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Tamberi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (L.T.); (A.P.); (M.R.R.); (F.O.); (A.D.P.); (G.B.)
| | - Alessia Belloni
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (L.T.); (A.P.); (M.R.R.); (F.O.); (A.D.P.); (G.B.)
| | - Armanda Pugnaloni
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (L.T.); (A.P.); (M.R.R.); (F.O.); (A.D.P.); (G.B.)
| | - Maria Rita Rippo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (L.T.); (A.P.); (M.R.R.); (F.O.); (A.D.P.); (G.B.)
| | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (L.T.); (A.P.); (M.R.R.); (F.O.); (A.D.P.); (G.B.)
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, National Institute of Health and Sciences on Ageing (IRCCS INRCA), 60124 Ancona, Italy
| | - Antonio Domenico Procopio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (L.T.); (A.P.); (M.R.R.); (F.O.); (A.D.P.); (G.B.)
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, National Institute of Health and Sciences on Ageing (IRCCS INRCA), 60124 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bronte
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO), Polytechnic University of Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (L.T.); (A.P.); (M.R.R.); (F.O.); (A.D.P.); (G.B.)
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, National Institute of Health and Sciences on Ageing (IRCCS INRCA), 60124 Ancona, Italy
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Hossen F, Geng X, Sun GY, Yao X, Lee JC. Oligomeric Amyloid-β and Tau Alter Cell Adhesion Properties and Induce Inflammatory Responses in Cerebral Endothelial Cells Through the RhoA/ROCK Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04138-z. [PMID: 38561558 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04138-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Dysfunction of cerebral endothelial cells (CECs) has been implicated in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite evidence showing cytotoxic effects of oligomeric amyloid-β (oAβ) and Tau (oTau) in the central nervous system, their direct effects on CECs have not been fully investigated. In this study, we examined the direct effects of oAβ, oTau, and their combination on cell adhesion properties and inflammatory responses in CECs. We found that both oAβ and oTau increased cell stiffness, as well as the p-selectin/Sialyl-LewisX (sLeX) bonding-mediated membrane tether force and probability of adhesion in CECs. Consistent with these biomechanical alterations, treatments with oAβ or oTau also increased actin polymerization and the expression of p-selectin at the cell surface. These toxic oligomeric peptides also triggered inflammatory responses, including upregulations of p-NF-kB p65, IL-1β, and TNF-α. In addition, they rapidly activated the RhoA/ROCK pathway. These biochemical and biomechanical changes were further enhanced by the treatment with the combination of oAβ and oTau, which were significantly suppressed by Fasudil, a specific inhibitor for the RhoA/ROCK pathway. In conclusion, our data suggest that oAβ, oTau, and their combination triggered subcellular mechanical alterations and inflammatory responses in CECs through the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Hossen
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Xue Geng
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Grace Y Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Xincheng Yao
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - James C Lee
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
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29
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Wen Q, Wang H, Haacke EM, Jiang Q, Hu J. Contribution of Direct Cerebral Vascular Transport in Brain Substance Clearance. Aging Dis 2024; 15:584-600. [PMID: 37611901 PMCID: PMC10917538 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of harmful substances has long been recognized as a likely cause of many neurodegenerative diseases. The two classic brain clearance pathways are cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and vascular circulation systems. Since the discovery of the glymphatic system, research on the CSF pathway has gained momentum, and impaired CSF clearance has been implicated in virtually all neurodegenerative animal models. However, the contribution of the direct participation of vascular transport across the blood-brain barrier in clearing substances is often ignored in glymphatic papers. Supportive evidence for the direct involvement of parenchymal vasculature in substance clearance is accumulated. First, multiple mechanisms have been proposed for the vascular drainage of exogenous and endogenous substances across the blood-brain barriers. Second, the "traditional" role of arachnoid villi and granulations as the main site for CSF draining into the vasculature system has been questioned. Third, MRI studies using different CSF tracers indicate that parenchymal vasculature directly participates in tracer efflux, consistent with immunohistochemical findings. Here we will review evidence in the literature that supports the direct participation of the parenchymal vascular system in substance clearance, in addition to the CSF clearance pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuting Wen
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Haoyu Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - E. Mark Haacke
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201 USA.
| | - Quan Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202 USA.
| | - Jiani Hu
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201 USA.
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30
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Balczon R, Lin MT, Voth S, Nelson AR, Schupp JC, Wagener BM, Pittet JF, Stevens T. Lung endothelium, tau, and amyloids in health and disease. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:533-587. [PMID: 37561137 PMCID: PMC11281824 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00006.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung endothelia in the arteries, capillaries, and veins are heterogeneous in structure and function. Lung capillaries in particular represent a unique vascular niche, with a thin yet highly restrictive alveolar-capillary barrier that optimizes gas exchange. Capillary endothelium surveys the blood while simultaneously interpreting cues initiated within the alveolus and communicated via immediately adjacent type I and type II epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and pericytes. This cell-cell communication is necessary to coordinate the immune response to lower respiratory tract infection. Recent discoveries identify an important role for the microtubule-associated protein tau that is expressed in lung capillary endothelia in the host-pathogen interaction. This endothelial tau stabilizes microtubules necessary for barrier integrity, yet infection drives production of cytotoxic tau variants that are released into the airways and circulation, where they contribute to end-organ dysfunction. Similarly, beta-amyloid is produced during infection. Beta-amyloid has antimicrobial activity, but during infection it can acquire cytotoxic activity that is deleterious to the host. The production and function of these cytotoxic tau and amyloid variants are the subject of this review. Lung-derived cytotoxic tau and amyloid variants are a recently discovered mechanism of end-organ dysfunction, including neurocognitive dysfunction, during and in the aftermath of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Balczon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, United States
- Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, United States
| | - Mike T Lin
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, United States
- Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, United States
| | - Sarah Voth
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Monroe, Louisiana, United States
| | - Amy R Nelson
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, United States
- Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, United States
| | - Jonas C Schupp
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
| | - Brant M Wagener
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Jean-Francois Pittet
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Troy Stevens
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, United States
- Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, United States
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31
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Zeng J, Liao Z, Yang H, Wang Q, Wu Z, Hua F, Zhou Z. T cell infiltration mediates neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 193:106461. [PMID: 38437992 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder with pathological features of β-amyloid (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau protein accumulation in the brain, often accompanied by cognitive decline. So far, our understanding of the extent and role of adaptive immune responses in AD has been quite limited. T cells, as essential members of the adaptive immune system, exhibit quantitative and functional abnormalities in the brains of AD patients. Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in AD is considered one of the factors leading to T cell infiltration. Moreover, the degree of neuronal loss in AD is correlated with the quantity of T cells. We first describe the differentiation and subset functions of peripheral T cells in AD patients and provide an overview of the key findings related to BBB dysfunction and how T cells infiltrate the brain parenchyma through the BBB. Furthermore, we emphasize the risk factors associated with AD, including Aβ, Tau protein, microglial cells, apolipoprotein E (ApoE), and neuroinflammation. We discuss their regulation of T cell activation and proliferation, as well as the connection between T cells, neurodegeneration, and cognitive decline. Understanding the innate immune response is crucial for providing comprehensive personalized therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjian Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, 1# Minde Road, 330006 Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, 1# Minde Road, 330006 Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hanqin Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, 1# Minde Road, 330006 Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, 1# Minde Road, 330006 Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhiyong Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, 1# Minde Road, 330006 Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Fuzhou Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, 1# Minde Road, 330006 Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Zhidong Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, Jiangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Jiangxi Province, 1# Minde Road, 330006 Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, China.
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32
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Carvalho TP, Toledo FAO, Bautista DFA, Silva MF, Oliveira JBS, Lima PA, Costa FB, Ribeiro NQ, Lee JY, Birbrair A, Paixão TA, Tsolis RM, Santos RL. Pericytes modulate endothelial inflammatory response during bacterial infection. mBio 2024; 15:e0325223. [PMID: 38289074 PMCID: PMC10936204 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03252-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are located around blood vessels, in close contact with endothelial cells. We discovered that pericytes dampen pro-inflammatory endothelial cell responses. Endothelial cells co-cultured with pericytes had markedly reduced expression of adhesion molecules (PECAM-1 and ICAM-1) and proinflammatory cytokines (CCL-2 and IL-6) in response to bacterial stimuli (Brucella ovis, Listeria monocytogenes, or Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide). Pericyte-depleted mice intraperitoneally inoculated with either B. ovis, a stealthy pathogen that does not trigger detectable inflammation, or Listeria monocytogenes, developed peritonitis. Further, during Citrobacter rodentium infection, pericyte-depleted mice developed severe intestinal inflammation, which was not evident in control mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of pericytes required connexin 43, as either chemical inhibition or silencing of connexin 43 abrogated pericyte-mediated suppression of endothelial inflammatory responses. Our results define a mechanism by which pericytes modulate inflammation during infection, which shifts our understanding of pericyte biology: from a structural cell to a pro-active player in modulating inflammation. IMPORTANCE A previously unknown mechanism by which pericytes modulate inflammation was discovered. The absence of pericytes or blocking interaction between pericytes and endothelium through connexin 43 results in stronger inflammation, which shifts our understanding of pericyte biology, from a structural cell to a player in controlling inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaynara P. Carvalho
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Frank A. O. Toledo
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Diego F. A. Bautista
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Monique F. Silva
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jefferson B. S. Oliveira
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pâmela A. Lima
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabíola B. Costa
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Noelly Q. Ribeiro
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jee-Yon Lee
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Alexander Birbrair
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Tatiane A. Paixão
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Reneé M. Tsolis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Renato L. Santos
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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33
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Amartumur S, Nguyen H, Huynh T, Kim TS, Woo RS, Oh E, Kim KK, Lee LP, Heo C. Neuropathogenesis-on-chips for neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2219. [PMID: 38472255 PMCID: PMC10933492 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46554-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing diagnostics and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) is challenging due to multifactorial pathogenesis that progresses gradually. Advanced in vitro systems that recapitulate patient-like pathophysiology are emerging as alternatives to conventional animal-based models. In this review, we explore the interconnected pathogenic features of different types of ND, discuss the general strategy to modelling NDs using a microfluidic chip, and introduce the organoid-on-a-chip as the next advanced relevant model. Lastly, we overview how these models are being applied in academic and industrial drug development. The integration of microfluidic chips, stem cells, and biotechnological devices promises to provide valuable insights for biomedical research and developing diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarnai Amartumur
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Huong Nguyen
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Thuy Huynh
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Testaverde S Kim
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics (CINAP), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Ran-Sook Woo
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon, 34824, Korea
| | - Eungseok Oh
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, 35015, Korea
| | - Kyeong Kyu Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Graduate School of Basic Medical Science (GSBMS), Institute for Anti-microbial Resistance Research and Therapeutics, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Luke P Lee
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea.
- Harvard Medical School, Division of Engineering in Medicine and Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
| | - Chaejeong Heo
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Quantum Biophysics, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea.
- Center for Integrated Nanostructure Physics (CINAP), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Korea.
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34
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Rippee-Brooks MD, Wu W, Dong J, Pappolla M, Fang X, Bao X. Viral Infections, Are They a Trigger and Risk Factor of Alzheimer's Disease? Pathogens 2024; 13:240. [PMID: 38535583 PMCID: PMC10974111 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13030240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a progressive and debilitating condition, is reported to be the most common type of dementia, with at least 55 million people believed to be currently affected. Many causation hypotheses of AD exist, yet the intriguing link between viral infection and its possible contribution to the known etiology of AD has become an attractive focal point of research for the field and a challenging study task. In this review, we will explore the historical perspective and milestones that led the field to investigate the viral connection to AD. Specifically, several viruses such as Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1), Zika virus (ZIKV), and severe cute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), along with several others mentioned, include the various viruses presently considered within the field. We delve into the strong evidence implicating these viruses in the development of AD such as the lytic replication and axonal transport of HSV-1, the various mechanisms of ZIKV neurotropism through the human protein Musashi-1 (MSI1), and the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through the transfer of the virus through the BBB endothelial cells to glial cells and then to neurons via transsynaptic transfer. We will also explore beyond these mere associations by carefully analyzing the potential mechanisms by which these viruses may contribute to AD pathology. This includes but is not limited to direct neuronal infections, the dysregulation of immune responses, and the impact on protein processing (Aβ42 and hyperphosphorylated tau). Controversies and challenges of the virus-AD relationship emerge as we tease out these potential mechanisms. Looking forward, we emphasize future directions, such as distinct questions and proposed experimentations to explore, that the field should take to tackle the remaining unanswered questions and the glaring research gaps that persist. Overall, this review aims to provide a comprehensive survey of the past, present, and future of the potential link between viral infections and their association with AD development while encouraging further discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan D. Rippee-Brooks
- Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Wenzhe Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Jianli Dong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Miguel Pappolla
- Department of Neurology and Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Xiang Fang
- Department of Neurology and Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Xiaoyong Bao
- Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
- The Institute of Translational Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
- The Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
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35
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Nouraeinejad A. The bidirectional links between coronavirus disease 2019 and Alzheimer's disease. Int J Neurosci 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38451045 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2024.2327403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be a critical disease, particularly in the elderly and those with comorbidities. Patients with Alzheimer's disease are more vulnerable to COVID-19 consequences. The latest results have indicated some common risk factors for both diseases. An understanding of the pathological link between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease will help develop timely strategies to treat both diseases. This review explores the bidirectional links between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Nouraeinejad
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
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36
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Lin W, Qin Y, Ren Y. Flunitrazepam and its metabolites induced brain toxicity: Insights from molecular dynamics simulation and transcriptomic analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133113. [PMID: 38043427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Psychoactive drugs frequently contaminate aquatic environments after human consumption, raising concerns about their residues and ecological harm. This study investigates the effects of flunitrazepam (FLZ) and its metabolite 7-aminoflunitrazepam (7-FLZ), benzodiazepine-class psychoactive drugs, on brain accumulation, blood-brain barrier (BBB), and neuroinflammation of the model organism zebrafish. Molecular dynamics simulation and transcriptome sequencing were used to uncover their toxic mechanisms. Results demonstrate that both FLZ and 7-FLZ can accumulate in the brain, increasing Evans blue levels by 3.4 and 0.8 times, respectively. This increase results from abnormal expression of tight junction proteins, particularly ZO-1 and Occludin, leading to elevated BBB permeability. Furthermore, FLZ and 7-FLZ can also induce neuroinflammation, upregulating TNFα by 91% and 39%, respectively, leading to pathological changes and disrupted intracellular ion balance. Molecular dynamics simulation reveals conformational changes in ZO-1 and Occludin proteins, with FLZ exhibiting stronger binding forces and greater toxicity. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identifies four modules correlated with BBB permeability and neuroinflammation. KEGG enrichment analysis of genes within these modules reveals pathways like protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, and arginine and proline metabolism. This study enhances understanding of FLZ and 7-FLZ neurotoxicity and assesses environmental risks of psychoactive substances. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: With the increasing prevalence of mental disorders and the discharge of psychoactive drugs into water, even low drug concentrations (ng/L-μg/L) can pose neurological risks. This study, utilizing molecular dynamic (MD) simulations and transcriptome sequencing, investigate the neurotoxicity and mechanisms of flunitrazepam and 7-aminoflunitrazepam. It reveals that they disrupt the blood-brain barrier in zebrafish and induce neuroinflammation primarily by inducing conformational changes in tight junction proteins. MD simulations are valuable for understanding pollutant-protein interactions. This research offers invaluable insights for the environmental risk assessment of psychoactive drugs and informs the development of strategies aimed at prevention and mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Lin
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Yingjun Qin
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Yuan Ren
- School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; The Key Lab of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Eco-Remediation of Guangdong Regular Higher Education Institutions, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
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37
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Ceci C, Lacal PM, Barbaccia ML, Mercuri NB, Graziani G, Ledonne A. The VEGFs/VEGFRs system in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases: Pathophysiological roles and therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Res 2024; 201:107101. [PMID: 38336311 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their cognate receptors (VEGFRs), besides their well-known involvement in physiological angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis and in diseases associated to pathological vessel formation, play multifaceted functions in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition to shaping brain development, by controlling cerebral vasculogenesis and regulating neurogenesis as well as astrocyte differentiation, the VEGFs/VEGFRs axis exerts essential functions in the adult brain both in physiological and pathological contexts. In this article, after describing the physiological VEGFs/VEGFRs functions in the CNS, we focus on the VEGFs/VEGFRs involvement in neurodegenerative diseases by reviewing the current literature on the rather complex VEGFs/VEGFRs contribution to the pathogenic mechanisms of Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases. Thereafter, based on the outcome of VEGFs/VEGFRs targeting in animal models of AD and PD, we discuss the factual relevance of pharmacological VEGFs/VEGFRs modulation as a novel and potential disease-modifying approach for these neurodegenerative pathologies. Specific VEGFRs targeting, aimed at selective VEGFR-1 inhibition, while preserving VEGFR-2 signal transduction, appears as a promising strategy to hit the molecular mechanisms underlying AD pathology. Moreover, therapeutic VEGFs-based approaches can be proposed for PD treatment, with the aim of fine-tuning their brain levels to amplify neurotrophic/neuroprotective effects while limiting an excessive impact on vascular permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ceci
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Luisa Barbaccia
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Neurology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Rome, Italy; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ada Ledonne
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Rome, Italy; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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Oladapo A, Jackson T, Menolascino J, Periyasamy P. Role of pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 117:428-446. [PMID: 38336022 PMCID: PMC10911058 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pyroptosis, an inflammatory programmed cell death process, has recently garnered significant attention due to its pivotal role in various neurological diseases. This review delves into the intricate molecular signaling pathways governing pyroptosis, encompassing both caspase-1 dependent and caspase-1 independent routes, while emphasizing the critical role played by the inflammasome machinery in initiating cell death. Notably, we explore the Nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat (NLR) containing protein family, the Absent in melanoma 2-like receptor family, and the Pyrin receptor family as essential activators of pyroptosis. Additionally, we comprehensively examine the Gasdermin family, renowned for their role as executioner proteins in pyroptosis. Central to our review is the interplay between pyroptosis and various central nervous system (CNS) cell types, including astrocytes, microglia, neurons, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Pyroptosis emerges as a significant factor in the pathophysiology of each cell type, highlighting its far-reaching impact on neurological diseases. This review also thoroughly addresses the involvement of pyroptosis in specific neurological conditions, such as HIV infection, drug abuse-mediated pathologies, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. These discussions illuminate the intricate connections between pyroptosis, chronic inflammation, and cell death in the development of these disorders. We also conducted a comparative analysis, contrasting pyroptosis with other cell death mechanisms, thereby shedding light on their unique aspects. This approach helps clarify the distinct contributions of pyroptosis to neuroinflammatory processes. In conclusion, this review offers a comprehensive exploration of the role of pyroptosis in various neurological diseases, emphasizing its multifaceted molecular mechanisms within various CNS cell types. By elucidating the link between pyroptosis and chronic inflammation in the context of neurodegenerative disorders and infections, it provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for mitigating these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiola Oladapo
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA
| | - Thomas Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA
| | - Jueliet Menolascino
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA
| | - Palsamy Periyasamy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5880, USA.
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Cooper CG, Kafetzis KN, Patabendige A, Tagalakis AD. Blood-brain barrier disruption in dementia: Nano-solutions as new treatment options. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:1359-1385. [PMID: 38154805 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Candidate drugs targeting the central nervous system (CNS) demonstrate extremely low clinical success rates, with more than 98% of potential treatments being discontinued due to poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Neurological conditions were shown to be the second leading cause of death globally in 2016, with the number of people currently affected by neurological disorders increasing rapidly. This increasing trend, along with an inability to develop BBB permeating drugs, is presenting a major hurdle in the treatment of CNS-related disorders, like dementia. To overcome this, it is necessary to understand the structure and function of the BBB, including the transport of molecules across its interface in both healthy and pathological conditions. The use of CNS drug carriers is rapidly gaining popularity in CNS research due to their ability to target BBB transport systems. Further research and development of drug delivery vehicles could provide essential information that can be used to develop novel treatments for neurological conditions. This review discusses the BBB and its transport systems and evaluates the potential of using nanoparticle-based delivery systems as drug carriers for CNS disease with a focus on dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adjanie Patabendige
- Department of Biology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Aristides D Tagalakis
- Department of Biology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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40
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Zhang L, Zhu B, Zhou X, Ning H, Zhang F, Yan B, Chen J, Ma T. ZNF787 and HDAC1 Mediate Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability in an In Vitro Model of Alzheimer's Disease Microenvironment. Neurotox Res 2024; 42:12. [PMID: 38329647 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-024-00693-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is increased in Alzheimer's disease (AD). This plays a key role in the instigation and maintenance of chronic inflammation during AD. Experiments using AD models showed that the increased permeability of the BBB was mainly caused by the decreased expression of tight junction-related proteins occludin and claudin-5. In this study, we found that ZNF787 and HDAC1 were upregulated in β-amyloid (Aβ)1-42-incubated endothelial cells, resulting in increased BBB permeability. Conversely, the silencing of ZNF787 and HDAC1 by RNAi led to reduced BBB permeability. The silencing of ZNF787 and HDAC1 enhanced the expression of occludin and claudin-5. Mechanistically, ZNF787 binds to promoter regions for occludin and claudin-5 and functions as a transcriptional regulator. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ZNF787 interacts with HDAC1, and this resulted in the downregulation of the expression of genes encoding tight junction-related proteins to increase in BBB permeability. Taken together, our study identifies critical roles for the interaction between ZNF787 and HDAC1 in regulating BBB permeability and the pathogenesis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Baicheng Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Xinxin Zhou
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, 110034, China
| | - Hao Ning
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Fengying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Bingju Yan
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Teng Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
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41
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Davidson TL, Stevenson RJ. Vulnerability of the Hippocampus to Insults: Links to Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1991. [PMID: 38396670 PMCID: PMC10888241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is a critical brain substrate for learning and memory; events that harm the hippocampus can seriously impair mental and behavioral functioning. Hippocampal pathophysiologies have been identified as potential causes and effects of a remarkably diverse array of medical diseases, psychological disorders, and environmental sources of damage. It may be that the hippocampus is more vulnerable than other brain areas to insults that are related to these conditions. One purpose of this review is to assess the vulnerability of the hippocampus to the most prevalent types of insults in multiple biomedical domains (i.e., neuroactive pathogens, neurotoxins, neurological conditions, trauma, aging, neurodegenerative disease, acquired brain injury, mental health conditions, endocrine disorders, developmental disabilities, nutrition) and to evaluate whether these insults affect the hippocampus first and more prominently compared to other brain loci. A second purpose is to consider the role of hippocampal blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown in either causing or worsening the harmful effects of each insult. Recent research suggests that the hippocampal BBB is more fragile compared to other brain areas and may also be more prone to the disruption of the transport mechanisms that act to maintain the internal milieu. Moreover, a compromised BBB could be a factor that is common to many different types of insults. Our analysis indicates that the hippocampus is more vulnerable to insults compared to other parts of the brain, and that developing interventions that protect the hippocampal BBB may help to prevent or ameliorate the harmful effects of many insults on memory and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry L. Davidson
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
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42
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Zhao R. Exercise mimetics: a novel strategy to combat neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:40. [PMID: 38308368 PMCID: PMC10837901 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03031-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by the stimulation of resident immune cells of the brain and the penetration of peripheral immune cells. These inflammatory processes facilitate the deposition of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and the abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. Managing neuroinflammation to restore immune homeostasis and decrease neuronal damage is a therapeutic approach for AD. One way to achieve this is through exercise, which can improve brain function and protect against neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and synaptic dysfunction in AD models. The neuroprotective impact of exercise is regulated by various molecular factors that can be activated in the same way as exercise by the administration of their mimetics. Recent evidence has proven some exercise mimetics effective in alleviating neuroinflammation and AD, and, additionally, they are a helpful alternative option for patients who are unable to perform regular physical exercise to manage neurodegenerative disorders. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge on exercise mimetics, including their efficacy, regulatory mechanisms, progress, challenges, limitations, and future guidance for their application in AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renqing Zhao
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
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43
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Sun Y, Islam S, Michikawa M, Zou K. Presenilin: A Multi-Functional Molecule in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1757. [PMID: 38339035 PMCID: PMC10855926 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Presenilin, a transmembrane protein primarily known for its role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) as part of the γ-secretase complex, has garnered increased attention due to its multifaceted functions in various cellular processes. Recent investigations have unveiled a plethora of functions beyond its amyloidogenic role. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of presenilin's diverse roles in AD and other neurodegenerative disorders. It includes a summary of well-known substrates of presenilin, such as its involvement in amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and Notch signaling, along with other functions. Additionally, it highlights newly discovered functions, such as trafficking function, regulation of ferritin expression, apolipoprotein E (ApoE) secretion, the interaction of ApoE and presenilin, and the Aβ42-to-Aβ40-converting activity of ACE. This updated perspective underscores the evolving landscape of presenilin research, emphasizing its broader impact beyond established pathways. The incorporation of these novel findings accentuates the dynamic nature of presenilin's involvement in cellular processes, further advancing our comprehension of its multifaceted roles in neurodegenerative disorders. By synthesizing evidence from a range of studies, this review sheds light on the intricate web of presenilin functions and their implications in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Sun
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan; (Y.S.); (S.I.)
| | - Sadequl Islam
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan; (Y.S.); (S.I.)
| | - Makoto Michikawa
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, School of Life Dentistry at Niigata, The Nippon Dental University, Niigata 951-8580, Japan;
| | - Kun Zou
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan; (Y.S.); (S.I.)
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Asghari K, Niknam Z, Mohammadpour-Asl S, Chodari L. Cellular junction dynamics and Alzheimer's disease: a comprehensive review. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:273. [PMID: 38302794 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09242-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive neuronal damage and cognitive decline. Recent studies have shed light on the involvement of not only the blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction but also significant alterations in cellular junctions in AD pathogenesis. In this review article, we explore the role of the BBB and cellular junctions in AD pathology, with a specific focus on the hippocampus. The BBB acts as a crucial protective barrier between the bloodstream and the brain, maintaining brain homeostasis and regulating molecular transport. Preservation of BBB integrity relies on various junctions, including gap junctions formed by connexins, tight junctions composed of proteins such as claudins, occludin, and ZO-1, as well as adherence junctions involving molecules like vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin, Nectins, and Nectin-like molecules (Necls). Abnormalities in these junctions and junctional components contribute to impaired neuronal signaling and increased cerebrovascular permeability, which are closely associated with AD advancement. By elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms governing BBB and cellular junction dysfunctions within the context of AD, this review offers valuable insights into the pathogenesis of AD and identifies potential therapeutic targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyvan Asghari
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Zahra Niknam
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shadi Mohammadpour-Asl
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Leila Chodari
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Chaves JCS, Wasielewska JM, Cuní-López C, Rantanen LM, Lee S, Koistinaho J, White AR, Oikari LE. Alzheimer's disease brain endothelial-like cells reveal differential drug transporter expression and modulation by potentially therapeutic focused ultrasound. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00299. [PMID: 38241156 PMCID: PMC10903103 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) has a key function in maintaining homeostasis in the brain, partly modulated by transporters, which are highly expressed in brain endothelial cells (BECs). Transporters mediate the uptake or efflux of compounds to and from the brain and they can also challenge the delivery of drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently there is a limited understanding of changes in BBB transporters in AD. To investigate this, we generated brain endothelial-like cells (iBECs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with familial AD (FAD) Presenilin 1 (PSEN1) mutation and identified AD-specific differences in transporter expression compared to control (ctrl) iBECs. We first characterized the expression levels of 12 BBB transporters in AD-, Ctrl-, and isogenic (PSEN1 corrected) iBECs to identify any AD specific differences. We then exposed the cells to focused ultrasound (FUS) in the absence (FUSonly) or presence of microbubbles (MB) (FUS+MB), which is a novel therapeutic method that can be used to transiently open the BBB to increase drug delivery into the brain, however its effects on BBB transporter expression are largely unknown. Following FUSonly and FUS+MB, we investigated whether the expression or activity of key transporters could be modulated. Our findings demonstrate that PSEN1 mutant FAD (PSEN1AD) possess phenotypical differences compared to control iBECs in BBB transporter expression and function. Additionally, we show that FUSonly and FUS+MB can modulate BBB transporter expression and functional activity in iBECs, having potential implications on drug penetration and amyloid clearance. These findings highlight the differential responses of patient cells to FUS treatment, with patient-derived models likely providing an important tool for modelling therapeutic effects of FUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana C S Chaves
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Joanna M Wasielewska
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Carla Cuní-López
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Laura M Rantanen
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Serine Lee
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Neuroscience Center, Kuopio, Finland; Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anthony R White
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, QUT, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lotta E Oikari
- Mental Health and Neuroscience, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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Wheeler KV, Irimia A, Braskie MN. Using Neuroimaging to Study Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy and Its Relationship to Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:1479-1502. [PMID: 38306032 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is characterized by amyloid-β aggregation in the media and adventitia of the leptomeningeal and cortical blood vessels. CAA is one of the strongest vascular contributors to Alzheimer's disease (AD). It frequently co-occurs in AD patients, but the relationship between CAA and AD is incompletely understood. CAA may drive AD risk through damage to the neurovascular unit and accelerate parenchymal amyloid and tau deposition. Conversely, early AD may also drive CAA through cerebrovascular remodeling that impairs blood vessels from clearing amyloid-β. Sole reliance on autopsy examination to study CAA limits researchers' ability to investigate CAA's natural disease course and the effect of CAA on cognitive decline. Neuroimaging allows for in vivo assessment of brain function and structure and can be leveraged to investigate CAA staging and explore its associations with AD. In this review, we will discuss neuroimaging modalities that can be used to investigate markers associated with CAA that may impact AD vulnerability including hemorrhages and microbleeds, blood-brain barrier permeability disruption, reduced cerebral blood flow, amyloid and tau accumulation, white matter tract disruption, reduced cerebrovascular reactivity, and lowered brain glucose metabolism. We present possible areas for research inquiry to advance biomarker discovery and improve diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koral V Wheeler
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina Del Rey, CA, USA
| | - Andrei Irimia
- Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Corwin D. Denney Research Center, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Meredith N Braskie
- Imaging Genetics Center, Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina Del Rey, CA, USA
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Fang X, Fan F, Border JJ, Roman RJ. Cerebrovascular Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease and Transgenic Rodent Models. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 5:42-64. [PMID: 38434588 PMCID: PMC10906803 DOI: 10.33696/neurol.5.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementia (ADRD) are the primary causes of dementia that has a devastating effect on the quality of life and is a tremendous economic burden on the healthcare system. The accumulation of extracellular beta-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain are the hallmarks of AD. They are also thought to be the underlying cause of inflammation, neurodegeneration, brain atrophy, and cognitive impairments that accompany AD. The discovery of APP, PS1, and PS2 mutations that increase Aβ production in families with early onset familial AD led to the development of numerous transgenic rodent models of AD. These models have provided new insight into the role of Aβ in AD; however, they do not fully replicate AD pathology in patients. Familial AD patients with mutations that elevate the production of Aβ represent only a small fraction of dementia patients. In contrast, those with late-onset sporadic AD constitute the majority of cases. This observation, along with the failure of previous clinical trials targeting Aβ or Tau and the modest success of recent trials using Aβ monoclonal antibodies, has led to a reappraisal of the view that Aβ accumulation is the sole factor in the pathogenesis of AD. More recent studies have established that cerebral vascular dysfunction is one of the earliest changes seen in AD, and 67% of the candidate genes linked to AD are expressed in the cerebral vasculature. Thus, there is an increasing appreciation of the vascular contribution to AD, and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Alzheimer's Disease Foundation recently prioritized it as a focused research area. This review summarizes the strengths and limitations of the most commonly used transgenic AD animal models and current views about the contribution of Aβ accumulation versus cerebrovascular dysfunction in the pathogenesis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Fang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Fan Fan
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Jane J. Border
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Richard J. Roman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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Paradela RS, Justo AFO, Paes VR, Leite REP, Pasqualucci CA, Grinberg LT, Naslavsky MS, Zatz M, Nitrini R, Jacob-Filho W, Suemoto CK. Association between APOE-ε4 allele and cognitive function is mediated by Alzheimer's disease pathology: a population-based autopsy study in an admixed sample. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:205. [PMID: 38115150 PMCID: PMC10731799 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01681-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOE-ε4) is the main genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may impact cognitive function also via other neuropathological lesions. However, there is limited evidence available from diverse populations, as APOE associations with dementia seem to differ by race. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the pathways linking APOE-ε4 to cognitive abilities through AD and non-AD neuropathology in an autopsy study with an admixed sample. METHODS Neuropathological lesions were evaluated following international criteria using immunohistochemistry. Participants were classified into APOE-ε4 carriers (at least one ε4 allele) and non-carriers. Cognitive abilities were evaluated by the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale sum of boxes. Mediation analyses were conducted to assess the indirect association of APOE-ε4 with cognition through AD-pathology, lacunar infarcts, hyaline arteriosclerosis, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), Lewy body disease (LBD), and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). RESULTS We included 648 participants (mean age 75 ± 12 years old, mean education 4.4 ± 3.7 years, 52% women, 69% White, and 28% APOE-ε4 carriers). The association between APOE-ε4 and cognitive abilities was mediated by neurofibrillary tangles (β = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.45; 1.38, p < 0.001) and neuritic plaques (β = 1.36, 95% CI = 0.86; 1.96, p < 0.001). Lacunar infarcts, hyaline arteriosclerosis, CAA, LBD, and TDP-43 were not mediators in the pathway from APOE-ε4 to cognition. CONCLUSION The association between APOE-ε4 and cognitive abilities was partially mediated by AD-pathology. On the other hand, cerebrovascular lesions and other neurodegenerative diseases did not mediate the association between APOE-ε4 and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Silva Paradela
- Division of Geriatrics, University of São Paulo Medical School, 455 Doutor Arnaldo Avenue, room 1355, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Vítor Ribeiro Paes
- Department of Pathology, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata E P Leite
- Department of Pathology, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Pasqualucci
- Department of Pathology, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lea T Grinberg
- Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Michel Satya Naslavsky
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Center, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayana Zatz
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Center, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Nitrini
- Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wilson Jacob-Filho
- Division of Geriatrics, University of São Paulo Medical School, 455 Doutor Arnaldo Avenue, room 1355, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia Kimie Suemoto
- Division of Geriatrics, University of São Paulo Medical School, 455 Doutor Arnaldo Avenue, room 1355, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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49
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Cisterna-García A, Beric A, Ali M, Pardo JA, Chen HH, Fernandez MV, Norton J, Gentsch J, Bergmann K, Budde J, Perlmutter JS, Morris JC, Cruchaga C, Botia JA, Ibanez L. Cell-free RNA signatures predict Alzheimer's disease. iScience 2023; 26:108534. [PMID: 38089583 PMCID: PMC10711471 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a need for affordable, scalable, and specific blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease that can be applied to a population level. We have developed and validated disease-specific cell-free transcriptomic blood-based biomarkers composed by a scalable number of transcripts that capture AD pathobiology even in the presymptomatic stages of the disease. Accuracies are in the range of the current CSF and plasma biomarkers, and specificities are high against other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cisterna-García
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Departamento de Ingeniería de la Información y las Comunicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Aleksandra Beric
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jose Adrian Pardo
- Departamento de Ingeniería de la Información y las Comunicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Hsiang-Han Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Maria Victoria Fernandez
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joanne Norton
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- The Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jen Gentsch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- The Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kristy Bergmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - John Budde
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joel S. Perlmutter
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Radiology, Neuroscience, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - John C. Morris
- The Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Carlos Cruchaga
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- The Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Juan A. Botia
- Departamento de Ingeniería de la Información y las Comunicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Laura Ibanez
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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50
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Galgani A, Giorgi FS. Exploring the Role of Locus Coeruleus in Alzheimer's Disease: a Comprehensive Update on MRI Studies and Implications. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2023; 23:925-936. [PMID: 38064152 PMCID: PMC10724305 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01324-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Performing a thorough review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies assessing locus coeruleus (LC) integrity in ageing and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and contextualizing them with current preclinical and neuropathological literature. RECENT FINDINGS MRI successfully detected LC alterations in ageing and AD, identifying degenerative phenomena involving this nucleus even in the prodromal stages of the disorder. The degree of LC disruption was also associated with the severity of AD cortical pathology, cognitive and behavioral impairment, and the risk of clinical progression. Locus coeruleus-MRI has proved to be a useful tool to assess the integrity of the central noradrenergic system in vivo in humans. It allowed to test in patients preclinical and experimental hypothesis, thus confirming the specific and marked involvement of the LC in AD and its key pathogenetic role. Locus coeruleus-MRI-related data might represent the theoretical basis on which to start developing noradrenergic drugs to target AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Galgani
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies School of Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Sean Giorgi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies School of Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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