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Monaco M, Trebesova H, Grilli M. Muscarinic Receptors and Alzheimer's Disease: New Perspectives and Mechanisms. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:6820-6835. [PMID: 39057049 PMCID: PMC11276210 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070407] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases on a global scale. Historically, this pathology has been linked to cholinergic transmission, and despite the scarcity of effective therapies, numerous alternative processes and targets have been proposed as potential avenues for comprehending this complex illness. Nevertheless, the fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning AD remain largely enigmatic, with a growing body of evidence advocating for the significance of muscarinic receptors in modulating the brain's capacity to adapt and generate new memories. This review summarizes the current state of the art in the field of muscarinic receptors' involvement in AD. A specific key factor was the relationship between comorbidity and the emergence of new mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Monaco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (H.T.)
| | - Hanna Trebesova
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (H.T.)
| | - Massimo Grilli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy; (M.M.); (H.T.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 16148 Genoa, Italy
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Leong VS, Yu J, Castor K, Al-Ezzi A, Arakaki X, Fonteh AN. Associations of Plasma Glutamatergic Metabolites with Alpha Desynchronization during Cognitive Interference and Working Memory Tasks in Asymptomatic Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2024; 13:970. [PMID: 38891102 PMCID: PMC11171970 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110970] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Electroencephalogram (EEG) studies have suggested compensatory brain overactivation in cognitively healthy (CH) older adults with pathological beta-amyloid(Aβ42)/tau ratios during working memory and interference processing. However, the association between glutamatergic metabolites and brain activation proxied by EEG signals has not been thoroughly investigated. We aim to determine the involvement of these metabolites in EEG signaling. We focused on CH older adults classified under (1) normal CSF Aβ42/tau ratios (CH-NATs) and (2) pathological Aβ42/tau ratios (CH-PATs). We measured plasma glutamine, glutamate, pyroglutamate, and γ-aminobutyric acid concentrations using tandem mass spectrometry and conducted a correlational analysis with alpha frequency event-related desynchronization (ERD). Under the N-back working memory paradigm, CH-NATs presented negative correlations (r = ~-0.74--0.96, p = 0.0001-0.0414) between pyroglutamate and alpha ERD but positive correlations (r = ~0.82-0.95, p = 0.0003-0.0119) between glutamine and alpha ERD. Under Stroop interference testing, CH-NATs generated negative correlations between glutamine and left temporal alpha ERD (r = -0.96, p = 0.037 and r = -0.97, p = 0.027). Our study demonstrated that glutamine and pyroglutamate levels were associated with EEG activity only in CH-NATs. These results suggest cognitively healthy adults with amyloid/tau pathology experience subtle metabolic dysfunction that may influence EEG signaling during cognitive challenge. A longitudinal follow-up study with a larger sample size is needed to validate these pilot studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Sonny Leong
- Cognition and Brain Integration Laboratory, Neurosciences Department, Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA (X.A.)
| | - Jiaquan Yu
- Biomarker and Neuro-Disease Mechanism Laboratory, Neurosciences Department, Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA
| | - Katherine Castor
- Biomarker and Neuro-Disease Mechanism Laboratory, Neurosciences Department, Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA
| | - Abdulhakim Al-Ezzi
- Cognition and Brain Integration Laboratory, Neurosciences Department, Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA (X.A.)
| | - Xianghong Arakaki
- Cognition and Brain Integration Laboratory, Neurosciences Department, Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA (X.A.)
| | - Alfred Nji Fonteh
- Biomarker and Neuro-Disease Mechanism Laboratory, Neurosciences Department, Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA
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Wiesman AI, Gallego-Rudolf J, Villeneuve S, Baillet S, Wilson TW. Alignments between cortical neurochemical systems, proteinopathy and neurophysiological alterations along the Alzheimer's disease continuum. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.04.13.24305551. [PMID: 38645027 PMCID: PMC11030470 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.13.24305551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Two neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) proteins and alterations in cortical neurophysiological signaling. Despite parallel research indicating disruption of multiple neurotransmitter systems in AD, it has been unclear whether these two phenomena are related to the neurochemical organization of the cortex. We leveraged task-free magnetoencephalography and positron emission tomography, with a cortical atlas of 19 neurotransmitters to study the alignment and interactions between alterations of neurophysiological signaling, Aβ deposition, and the neurochemical gradients of the human cortex. In patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (N = 18) and probable AD (N = 20), we found that changes in rhythmic, but not arrhythmic, cortical neurophysiological signaling relative to healthy controls (N = 20) are topographically aligned with cholinergic, serotonergic, and dopaminergic neurochemical systems. These neuro-physio-chemical alignments are related to the severity of cognitive and behavioral impairments. We also found that cortical Aβ plaques are preferentially deposited along neurochemical boundaries, and mediate how beta-band rhythmic cortical activity maps align with muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Finally, we show in an independent dataset that many of these alignments manifest in the asymptomatic stages of cortical Aβ accumulation (N = 33; N = 71 healthy controls), particularly the Aβ-neurochemical alignments (57.1%) and neuro-physio-chemical alignments in the alpha frequency band (62.5%). Overall, the present study demonstrates that the expression of pathology in pre-clinical and clinical AD aligns topographically with the cortical distribution of chemical neuromodulator systems, scaling with clinical severity and with implications for potential pharmacotherapeutic pathways.
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Montejo-López W, Sampieri-Cabrera R, Nicolás-Vázquez MI, Aceves-Hernández JM, Razo-Hernández RS. Analysing the effect caused by increasing the molecular volume in M1-AChR receptor agonists and antagonists: a structural and computational study. RSC Adv 2024; 14:8615-8640. [PMID: 38495977 PMCID: PMC10938299 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07380g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1-AChR), a member of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) family, plays a crucial role in learning and memory, making it an important drug target for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and schizophrenia. M1-AChR activation and deactivation have shown modifying effects in AD and PD preclinical models, respectively. However, understanding the pharmacology associated with M1-AChR activation or deactivation is complex, because of the low selectivity among muscarinic subtypes, hampering their therapeutic applications. In this regard, we constructed two quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models, one for M1-AChR agonists (total and partial), and the other for the antagonists. The binding mode of 59 structurally different compounds, including agonists and antagonists with experimental binding affinity values (pKi), were analyzed employing computational molecular docking over different structures of M1-AChR. Furthermore, we considered the interaction energy (Einter), the number of rotatable bonds (NRB), and lipophilicity (ilogP) for the construction of the QSAR model for agonists (R2 = 89.64, QLMO2 = 78, and Qext2 = 79.1). For the QSAR model of antagonists (R2 = 88.44, QLMO2 = 82, and Qext2 = 78.1) we considered the Einter, the fraction of sp3 carbons fCsp3, and lipophilicity (MlogP). Our results suggest that the ligand volume is a determinant to establish its biological activity (agonist or antagonist), causing changes in binding energy, and determining the affinity for M1-AChR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilber Montejo-López
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán Campo 1, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Avenida 1o de Mayo s/n, Colonia Santa María las Torres Cuautitlán Izcalli Estado de Mexico 54740 Mexico
| | - Raúl Sampieri-Cabrera
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Centro de Ciencias de Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Mexico
| | - María Inés Nicolás-Vázquez
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán Campo 1, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Avenida 1o de Mayo s/n, Colonia Santa María las Torres Cuautitlán Izcalli Estado de Mexico 54740 Mexico
| | - Juan Manuel Aceves-Hernández
- Unidad de Investigación Multidisciplinaria L14 (Alimentos, Micotoxinas, y Micotoxicosis), Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Cuautitlán Izcalli Estado de Mexico 54714 Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Said Razo-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos Av. Universidad 1001 Cuernavaca 62209 Mexico
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Sabbir MG. Cholinergic Receptor Muscarinic 1 Co-Localized with Mitochondria in Cultured Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons, and Its Deletion Disrupted Mitochondrial Ultrastructure in Peripheral Neurons: Implications in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:247-264. [PMID: 38427478 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230883] [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] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Background Loss of Cholinergic Receptor Muscarinic 1 (CHRM1) has been linked to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our recent study found significantly lower CHRM1 protein levels in AD patient cortices, linked to reduced survival. Furthermore, using knockout mice (Chrm1-/-) we demonstrated that deletion of Chrm1 alters cortical mitochondrial structure and function, directly establishing a connection between its loss and mitochondrial dysfunction in the context of AD. While CHRM1's role in the brain has been extensively investigated, its impact on peripheral neurons in AD remains a crucial area of research, especially considering reported declines in peripheral nerve conduction among AD patients. Objective The objective was to characterize Chrm1 localization and mitochondrial deficits in Chrm1-/- dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Methods Recombinant proteins tagged with Green or Red Fluorescent Protein (GFP/RFP) were transiently expressed to investigate the localization of Chrm1 and mitochondria, as well as mitochondrial movement in the neurites of cultured primary mouse DRG neurons, using confocal time-lapse live cell imaging. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to examine the ultrastructure of mitochondria in both wild-type and Chrm1-/- DRGs. Results Fluorescence imaging revealed colocalization and comigration of N-terminal GFP-tagged Chrm1 and mitochondrial localization signal peptide-tagged RFP-labelled mitochondria in the DRGs neurons. A spectrum of mitochondrial structural abnormalities, including disruption and loss of cristae was observed in 87% neurons in Chrm1-/- DRGs. Conclusions This study suggests that Chrm1 may be localized in the neuronal mitochondria and loss of Chrm1 in peripheral neurons causes sever mitochondrial structural aberrations resembling AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Golam Sabbir
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Collegeof Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
- Alzo Biosciences Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
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Chda A, Bencheikh R. Flavonoids as G Protein-coupled Receptors Ligands: New Potential Therapeutic Natural Drugs. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:1346-1363. [PMID: 38037994 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501268871231127105219] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are among the largest family of cell surface receptors found in the human genome. They govern a wide range of physiological responses in both health and diseases, making them one of the potential targeted surface receptors for pharmaceuticals. Flavonoids can modulate GPCRs activity by acting as allosteric ligands. They can either enhance or reduce the GPCR's effect. Emerging research shows that individual flavonoids or mixtures of flavonoids from plant extracts can have relevant pharmacological effects against a number of diseases, particularly by influencing GPCRs. In the present review, we are considering to give a comprehensive overview of flavonoids and related compounds that exhibit GPCRs activity and to further explore which beneficial structural features. Molecular docking was used to strengthen experimental evidence and describe flavonoid-GPCRs interactions at molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alae Chda
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules (LM2BM), Faculty of Science and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Road of Immouzer, PO Box 2202, Fez, Morocco
- Higher Institute of Nursing and Health Techniques - Fez. Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Fez, Morocco
| | - Rachid Bencheikh
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and Bioactive Molecules (LM2BM), Faculty of Science and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Road of Immouzer, PO Box 2202, Fez, Morocco
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Alan E, Kerry Z, Sevin G. Molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease: From therapeutic targets to promising drugs. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2022; 37:397-427. [PMID: 36576325 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive impairment so widespread that it interferes with a person's ability to complete daily activities. AD is becoming increasingly common, and it is estimated that the number of patients will reach 152 million by 2050. Current treatment options for AD are symptomatic and have modest benefits. Therefore, considering the human, social, and economic burden of the disease, the development of drugs with the potential to alter disease progression has become a global priority. In this review, the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathology of AD were evaluated as therapeutic targets. The main aim of the review is to focus on new knowledge about mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuronal transmission in AD, as well as a range of cellular signaling mechanisms and associated treatments. Important molecular interactions leading to AD were described in amyloid cascade and in tau protein function, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, cholinergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, cAMP-regulatory element-binding protein (CREB), the silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT-1), neuroinflammation (glial cells), and synaptic alterations. This review summarizes recent experimental and clinical research in AD pathology and analyzes the potential of therapeutic applications based on molecular disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Alan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zeliha Kerry
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulnur Sevin
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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Premkumar T, Sajitha Lulu S. Molecular Mechanisms of Emerging Therapeutic Targets in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review. NEUROCHEM J+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712422040183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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9
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Nascimento LA, Nascimento ÉCM, Martins JBL. In silico study of tacrine and acetylcholine binding profile with human acetylcholinesterase: docking and electronic structure. J Mol Model 2022; 28:252. [PMID: 35947248 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-022-05252-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative process, one of the most common and incident dementia in the population over 60 years. AD manifests the presence of complex biochemical processes involved in neuronal degeneration, such as the formation of senile plaques containing amyloid-β peptides, the development of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, and the suppression of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter. In this way, we performed a set of theoretical tests of tacrine ligand and acetylcholine neurotransmitter against the human acetylcholinesterase enzyme. Molecular docking was used to understand the most important interactions of these molecules with the enzyme. Computational chemistry calculation was carried out using MP2, DFT, and semi-empirical methods, starting from molecular docking structures. We have also performed studies regarding the non-covalent interactions, electron localization function, molecular electrostatic potential and explicit water molecule influence. For Trp86 residue, we show two main interactions in accordance to the results of the literature for TcAChE. First, intermolecular interactions of the cation-π and sigma-π type were found. Second, close stacking interactions were stablished between THA+ and Trp86 residue on one side and with Tyr337 residue on the other side.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia A Nascimento
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Érica C M Nascimento
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - João B L Martins
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasilia, Brasilia, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
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Budgett RF, Bakker G, Sergeev E, Bennett KA, Bradley SJ. Targeting the Type 5 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor: A Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Neurodegenerative Diseases? Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:893422. [PMID: 35645791 PMCID: PMC9130574 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.893422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptor, mGlu5, has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of several neurodegenerative diseases. In preclinical neurodegenerative disease models, novel allosteric modulators have been shown to improve cognitive performance and reduce disease-related pathology. A common pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases is a chronic neuroinflammatory response, involving glial cells such as astrocytes and microglia. Since mGlu5 is expressed in astrocytes, targeting this receptor could provide a potential mechanism by which neuroinflammatory processes in neurodegenerative disease may be modulated. This review will discuss current evidence that highlights the potential of mGlu5 allosteric modulators to treat neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Furthermore, this review will explore the role of mGlu5 in neuroinflammatory responses, and the potential for this G protein-coupled receptor to modulate neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca F Budgett
- The Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Sophie J Bradley
- The Centre for Translational Pharmacology, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Sosei Heptares, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Tiepolt S, Meyer PM, Patt M, Deuther-Conrad W, Hesse S, Barthel H, Sabri O. PET Imaging of Cholinergic Neurotransmission in Neurodegenerative Disorders. J Nucl Med 2022; 63:33S-44S. [PMID: 35649648 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.121.263198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a neuromodulator, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine plays an important role in cognitive, mood, locomotor, sleep/wake, and olfactory functions. In the pathophysiology of most neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease (AD) or Lewy body disorder (LBD), cholinergic receptors, transporters, or enzymes are involved and relevant as imaging targets. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on PET imaging of cholinergic neurotransmission in neurodegenerative diseases. For PET imaging of presynaptic vesicular acetylcholine transporters (VAChT), (-)-18F-fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol (18F-FEOBV) was the first PET ligand that could be successfully translated to clinical application. Since then, the number of 18F-FEOBV PET investigations on patients with AD or LBD has grown rapidly and provided novel, important findings concerning the pathophysiology of AD and LBD. Regarding the α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), various second-generation PET ligands, such as 18F-nifene, 18F-AZAN, 18F-XTRA, (-)-18F-flubatine, and (+)-18F-flubatine, were developed and successfully translated to human application. In neurodegenerative diseases such as AD and LBD, PET imaging of α4β2 nAChRs is of special value for monitoring disease progression and drugs directed to α4β2 nAChRs. For PET of α7 nAChR, 18F-ASEM and 11C-MeQAA were successfully applied in mild cognitive impairment and AD, respectively. The highest potential for α7 nAChR PET is seen in staging, in evaluating disease progression, and in therapy monitoring. PET of selective muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) is still in an early stage, as the development of subtype-selective radioligands is complicated. Promising radioligands to image mAChR subtypes M1 (11C-LSN3172176), M2 (18F-FP-TZTP), and M4 (11C-MK-6884) were developed and successfully translated to humans. PET imaging of mAChRs is relevant for the assessment and monitoring of therapies in AD and LBD. PET of acetylcholine esterase activity has been investigated since the 1990s. Many PET studies with 11C-PMP and 11C-MP4A demonstrated cortical cholinergic dysfunction in dementia associated with AD and LBD. Recent studies indicated a solid relationship between subcortical and cortical cholinergic dysfunction and noncognitive dysfunctions such as balance and gait in LBD. Taken together, PET of distinct components of cholinergic neurotransmission is of great interest for diagnosis, disease monitoring, and therapy monitoring and to gain insight into the pathophysiology of different neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solveig Tiepolt
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; and
| | - Philipp M Meyer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; and
| | - Marianne Patt
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; and
| | | | - Swen Hesse
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; and
| | - Henryk Barthel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; and
| | - Osama Sabri
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; and
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Chen B, Marquez-Nostra B, Belitzky E, Toyonaga T, Tong J, Huang Y, Cai Z. PET Imaging in Animal Models of Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:872509. [PMID: 35685772 PMCID: PMC9171374 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.872509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The successful development and translation of PET imaging agents targeting β-amyloid plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau tangles have allowed for in vivo detection of these hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) antemortem. Amyloid and tau PET have been incorporated into the A/T/N scheme for AD characterization and have become an integral part of ongoing clinical trials to screen patients for enrollment, prove drug action mechanisms, and monitor therapeutic effects. Meanwhile, preclinical PET imaging in animal models of AD can provide supportive information for mechanistic studies. With the recent advancement of gene editing technologies and AD animal model development, preclinical PET imaging in AD models will further facilitate our understanding of AD pathogenesis/progression and the development of novel treatments. In this study, we review the current state-of-the-art in preclinical PET imaging using animal models of AD and suggest future research directions.
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13
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Sun YY, Wang Z, Zhou HY, Huang HC. Sleep-Wake Disorders in Alzheimer's Disease: A Review. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1467-1478. [PMID: 35507669 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial disease, and it has become a serious health problem in the world. Senile plaques (SPs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are two main pathological characters of AD. SP mainly consists of aggregated β-amyloid (Aβ), and NFT is formed by hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Sleep-wake disorders are prevalent in AD patients; however, the links and mechanisms of sleep-wake disorders on the AD pathogenesis remain to be investigated. Here, we referred to the sleep-wake disorders and reviewed some evidence to demonstrate the relationship between sleep-wake disorders and the pathogenesis of AD. On one hand, the sleep-wake disorders may lead to the increase of Aβ production and the decrease of Aβ clearance, the spreading of tau pathology, as well as oxidative stress and inflammation. On the other hand, the ApoE4 allele, a risk gene for AD, was reported to participate in sleep-wake disorders. Furthermore, some neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, glutamate, serotonin, melatonin, and orexins, and their receptors were suggested to be involved in AD development and sleep-wake disorders. We discussed and suggested some possible therapeutic strategies for AD treatment based on the view of sleep regulation. In general, this review explored different views to find novel targets of diagnosis and therapy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ying Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Foods, Beijing Union University, , Beijing 100191, China
- Research Institute of Functional Factors and Brain Science, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China
| | - Zhun Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Foods, Beijing Union University, , Beijing 100191, China
- Research Institute of Functional Factors and Brain Science, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China
| | - He-Yan Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Foods, Beijing Union University, , Beijing 100191, China
- Research Institute of Functional Factors and Brain Science, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China
| | - Han-Chang Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functional Foods, Beijing Union University, , Beijing 100191, China
- Research Institute of Functional Factors and Brain Science, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100023, China
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Lin M, Li P, Liu W, Niu T, Huang L. Germacrone alleviates okadaic acid-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells via M1 muscarinic receptor-mediated Galphaq (Gq)/phospholipase C beta (PLCβ)/ protein kinase C (PKC) signaling. Bioengineered 2022; 13:4898-4910. [PMID: 35156515 PMCID: PMC8974147 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2036918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with prominent individual morbidity and mortality among elderly people. Germacrone (Germ) has been reported to exert dominant protective roles in multiple human diseases, and neurological diseases are also included. The intention of this paper is to determine the impacts of Germ on okadaic acid (OA)-treated PC12 cells and confirm the hidden regulatory mechanism. First, PC12 cells were induced by OA in the absence or presence of Germ. Cell counting kit-8 assay was to monitor cell proliferation. Western blot was to test the protein levels of cholinergic muscarinic M1 receptor (CHRM1), Galphaq (Gq), phospholipase C beta (PLCβ) and protein kinase C (PKC). The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other oxidative stress markers were evaluated using corresponding kits. ELISA was used to estimate the levels of AD markers. RT-qPCR was used to examine the mRNA levels of beta-site amyloid-precursor-protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1) and apolipoprotein E (APOE). The results uncovered that Germ enhanced the proliferation of OA-insulted PC12 cells, elevated the protein level of CHRM1 and activated the Gq/PLCβ/PKC signaling. Moreover, after OA-induced PC12 cells were administered with Germ, insufficiency of CHRM1 impeded cell proliferation, enhanced oxidative stress and neuron injury and inactivated the Gq/PLCβ/PKC signaling. Furthermore, the addition of Gq inhibitor UBO-QIC, PLCβ inhibitor U73122 or PKC inhibitor Go6983 reversed the enhanced proliferation, the reduced oxidative stress and neuron injury in OA-treated PC12 cells caused by Germ. Collectively, Germ modulated M1 muscarinic receptor-mediated Gq/PLCβ/PKC signaling, thereby alleviating OA-induced PC12 cell injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqin Lin
- School of Basic Medicine and Life Science, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Peiqiong Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Life Science, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Basic Medicine and Life Science, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Tianqi Niu
- School of Basic Medicine and Life Science, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Liping Huang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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15
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OUP accepted manuscript. Brain 2022; 145:2250-2275. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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16
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Ni R. Positron Emission Tomography in Animal Models of Alzheimer's Disease Amyloidosis: Translational Implications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1179. [PMID: 34832961 PMCID: PMC8623863 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models of Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis that recapitulate cerebral amyloid-beta pathology have been widely used in preclinical research and have greatly enabled the mechanistic understanding of Alzheimer's disease and the development of therapeutics. Comprehensive deep phenotyping of the pathophysiological and biochemical features in these animal models is essential. Recent advances in positron emission tomography have allowed the non-invasive visualization of the alterations in the brain of animal models and in patients with Alzheimer's disease. These tools have facilitated our understanding of disease mechanisms and provided longitudinal monitoring of treatment effects in animal models of Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis. In this review, we focus on recent positron emission tomography studies of cerebral amyloid-beta accumulation, hypoglucose metabolism, synaptic and neurotransmitter receptor deficits (cholinergic and glutamatergic system), blood-brain barrier impairment, and neuroinflammation (microgliosis and astrocytosis) in animal models of Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis. We further propose the emerging targets and tracers for reflecting the pathophysiological changes and discuss outstanding challenges in disease animal models and future outlook in the on-chip characterization of imaging biomarkers towards clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqing Ni
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering, ETH & University of Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Zurich, Switzerland
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Geula C, Dunlop SR, Ayala I, Kawles AS, Flanagan ME, Gefen T, Mesulam MM. Basal forebrain cholinergic system in the dementias: Vulnerability, resilience, and resistance. J Neurochem 2021; 158:1394-1411. [PMID: 34272732 PMCID: PMC8458251 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN) provide the primary source of cholinergic innervation of the human cerebral cortex. They are involved in the cognitive processes of learning, memory, and attention. These neurons are differentially vulnerable in various neuropathologic entities that cause dementia. This review summarizes the relevance to BFCN of neuropathologic markers associated with dementias, including the plaques and tangles of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the Lewy bodies of diffuse Lewy body disease, the tauopathy of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TAU) and the TDP-43 proteinopathy of FTLD-TDP. Each of these proteinopathies has a different relationship to BFCN and their corticofugal axons. Available evidence points to early and substantial degeneration of the BFCN in AD and diffuse Lewy body disease. In AD, the major neurodegenerative correlate is accumulation of phosphotau in neurofibrillary tangles. However, these neurons are less vulnerable to the tauopathy of FTLD. An intriguing finding is that the intracellular tau of AD causes destruction of the BFCN, whereas that of FTLD does not. This observation has profound implications for exploring the impact of different species of tauopathy on neuronal survival. The proteinopathy of FTLD-TDP shows virtually no abnormal inclusions within the BFCN. Thus, the BFCN are highly vulnerable to the neurodegenerative effects of tauopathy in AD, resilient to the neurodegenerative effect of tauopathy in FTLD and apparently resistant to the emergence of proteinopathy in FTLD-TDP and perhaps also in Pick's disease. Investigations are beginning to shed light on the potential mechanisms of this differential vulnerability and their implications for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changiz Geula
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sara R Dunlop
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ivan Ayala
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Allegra S Kawles
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Margaret E Flanagan
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tamar Gefen
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Marek-Marsel Mesulam
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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