Transcriptional downregulation of FAM3C/ILEI in the Alzheimer's brain

EBF1 is a potential biomarker for predicting progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease: an in silico study

Introduction

The prediction of progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an important clinical challenge. This study aimed to identify the independent risk factors and develop a nomogram model that can predict progression from MCI to AD.

Methods

Data of 141 patients with MCI were obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. We set a follow-up time of 72 months and defined patients as stable MCI (sMCI) or progressive MCI (pMCI) according to whether or not the progression of MCI to AD occurred. We identified and screened independent risk factors by utilizing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), where we obtained 14,893 genes after data preprocessing and selected the soft threshold β = 7 at an R 2 of 0.85 to achieve a scale-free network. A total of 14 modules were discovered, with the midnightblue module having a strong association with the prognosis of MCI. Using machine learning strategies, which included the least absolute selection and shrinkage operator and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination; and the Cox proportional-hazards model, which included univariate and multivariable analyses, we identified and screened independent risk factors. Subsequently, we developed a nomogram model for predicting the progression from MCI to AD. The performance of our nomogram was evaluated by the C-index, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Bioinformatics analysis and immune infiltration analysis were conducted to clarify the function of early B cell factor 1 (EBF1).

Results

First, the results showed that 40 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the prognosis of MCI were generated by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Second, five hub variables were obtained through the abovementioned machine learning strategies. Third, a low Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score [hazard ratio (HR): 4.258, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.994-9.091] and low EBF1 expression (hazard ratio: 3.454, 95% confidence interval: 1.813-6.579) were identified as the independent risk factors through the Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis. Finally, we developed a nomogram model including the MoCA score, EBF1, and potential confounders (age and gender). By evaluating our nomogram model and validating it in both internal and external validation sets, we demonstrated that our nomogram model exhibits excellent predictive performance. Through the Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis, and immune infiltration analysis, we found that the role of EBF1 in MCI was closely related to B cells.

Conclusion

EBF1, as a B cell-specific transcription factor, may be a key target for predicting progression from MCI to AD. Our nomogram model was able to provide personalized risk factors for the progression from MCI to AD after evaluation and validation.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation induces BACE1 transcription via the phosphorylation and stabilization of nuclear SP1

Epidemiological studies have shown that cigarette smoking increases the risk of Alzheimer disease. However, inconsistent results have been reported regarding the effects of smoking or nicotine on brain amyloid β (Aβ) deposition. In this study, we found that stimulation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) increased Aβ production in mouse brains and cultured neuronal cells. nAChR activation triggered the MEK/ERK pathway, which then phosphorylated and stabilized nuclear SP1. Upregulated SP1 acted on two recognition motifs in the BACE1 gene to induce its transcription, resulting in enhanced Aβ production. Mouse brain microdialysis revealed that nAChR agonists increased Aβ levels in the interstitial fluid of the cerebral cortex but caused no delay of Aβ clearance. In vitro assays indicated that nicotine inhibited Aβ aggregation. We also found that nicotine modified the immunoreactivity of anti-Aβ antibodies, possibly through competitive inhibition and Aβ conformation changes. Using anti-Aβ antibody that was carefully selected to avoid these effects, we found that chronic nicotine treatment in Aβ precursor protein knockin mice increased the Aβ content but did not visibly change the aggregated Aβ deposition in the brain. Thus, nicotine influences brain Aβ deposition in the opposite direction, thereby increasing Aβ production and inhibiting Aβ aggregation.

Targeting the High-Density Lipoprotein Proteome for the Treatment of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2

Here, we target the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) proteome in a case series of 16 patients with post-COVID-19 symptoms treated with HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitors (statin) plus angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) for 6 weeks. Patients suffering from persistent symptoms (post-acute sequelae) after serologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (post-COVID-19 syndrome, PCS, n = 8) or following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (PVS, n = 8) were included. Asymptomatic subjects with corresponding serological findings served as healthy controls (n = 8/8). HDL was isolated using dextran sulfate precipitation and the HDL proteome of all study participants was analyzed quantitatively by mass spectrometry. Clinical symptoms were assessed using questionnaires before and after therapy. The inflammatory potential of the patients' HDL proteome was addressed in human endothelial cells. The HDL proteome of patients with PCS and PVS showed no significant differences; however, compared to controls, the HDL from PVS/PCS patients displayed significant alterations involving hemoglobin, cytoskeletal proteins (MYL6, TLN1, PARVB, TPM4, FLNA), and amyloid precursor protein. Gene Ontology Biological Process (GOBP) enrichment analysis identified hemostasis, peptidase, and lipoprotein regulation pathways to be involved. Treatment of PVS/PCS patients with statins plus ARBs improved the patients' clinical symptoms. After therapy, three proteins were significantly increased (FAM3C, AT6AP2, ADAM10; FDR < 0.05) in the HDL proteome from patients with PVS/PCS. Exposure of human endothelial cells with the HDL proteome from treated PVS/PCS patients revealed reduced inflammatory cytokine and adhesion molecule expression. Thus, HDL proteome analysis from PVS/PCS patients enables a deeper insight into the underlying disease mechanisms, pointing to significant involvement in metabolic and signaling disturbances. Treatment with statins plus ARBs improved clinical symptoms and reduced the inflammatory potential of the HDL proteome. These observations may guide future therapeutic strategies for PVS/PCS patients.

Personalized, Precision Medicine to Cure Alzheimer's Dementia: Approach #1

The goal of the treatment for Alzheimer's dementia (AD) is the cure of dementia. A literature review revealed 18 major elements causing AD and 29 separate medications that address them. For any individual with AD, one is unlikely to discern which major causal elements produced dementia. Thus, for personalized, precision medicine, all causal elements must be treated so that each individual patient will have her or his causal elements addressed. Twenty-nine drugs cannot concomitantly be administered, so triple combinations of drugs taken from that list are suggested, and each triple combination can be administered sequentially, in any order. Ten combinations given over 13 weeks require 2.5 years, or if given over 26 weeks, they require 5.0 years. Such sequential treatment addresses all 18 elements and should cure dementia. In addition, any comorbid risk factors for AD whose first presence or worsening was within ±1 year of when AD first appeared should receive appropriate, standard treatment together with the sequential combinations. The article outlines a randomized clinical trial that is necessary to assess the safety and efficacy of the proposed treatments; it includes a triple-drug Rx for equipoise. Clinical trials should have durations of both 2.5 and 5.0 years unless the data safety monitoring board (DSMB) determines earlier success or futility since it is uncertain whether three or six months of treatment will be curative in humans, although studies in animals suggest that the briefer duration of treatment might be effective and restore defective neural tracts.

Reduction of Amyloid-β Production without Inhibiting Secretase Activity by MS-275

Brain amyloid-β (Aβ) governs the pathogenic process of Alzheimer's disease. Clinical trials to assess the disease-modifying effects of inhibitors or modulators of β- and γ-secretases have not shown clinical benefit and can cause serious adverse events. Previously, we found that the interleukin-like epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition inducer (ILEI, also known as FAM3C) negatively regulates the Aβ production through a decrease in Aβ immediate precursor, without the inhibition of β- and γ-secretase activity. Herein, we found that MS-275, a benzamide derivative that is known to inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs), exhibits ILEI-like activity to reduce Aβ production independent of HDAC inhibition. Chronic MS-275 treatment decreased Aβ deposition in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Overall, our results indicate that MS-275 is a potential therapeutic candidate for efficiently reducing brain Aβ accumulation.

Mitochondrial Stress and Mitokines: Therapeutic Perspectives for the Treatment of Metabolic Diseases

Mitochondrial stress and the dysregulated mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) are linked to various diseases, including metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Mitokines, signaling molecules released by mitochondrial stress response and UPRmt, are crucial mediators of inter-organ communication and influence systemic metabolic and physiological processes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of mitokines, including their regulation by exercise and lifestyle interventions and their implications for various diseases. The endocrine actions of mitokines related to mitochondrial stress and adaptations are highlighted, specifically the broad functions of fibroblast growth factor 21 and growth differentiation factor 15, as well as their specific actions in regulating inter-tissue communication and metabolic homeostasis. Finally, we discuss the potential of physiological and genetic interventions to reduce the hazards associated with dysregulated mitokine signaling and preserve an equilibrium in mitochondrial stress-induced responses. This review provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial regulation of health and disease by exploring mitokine interactions and their regulation, which will facilitate the development of targeted therapies and personalized interventions to improve health outcomes and quality of life.

The several ways to authentically cure Alzheimer's dementia

Although drugs may slow its progression, authentic cure of AD has never been accomplished. Here, six approaches are suggested that might achieve genuine cure. The six therapies include: 1) treatments addressing levels of TGF-β and Wnt/β-catenin, that become significantly reduced after MCI transitions to AD, and addressing also the impaired epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in AD's pathogenesis; 2) and 3) are two formulations that address the inadequate counter-responses to initial loss of cognition; 4) treatments addressing the brain cells whose impaired functions result in MCI and dementia; 5) the need for using partner drugs even when a particular drug addresses a single pathogenetic cause such as amyloid deposition; 6) enhancing the likelihood of genuine cure by using combinations of approaches chosen from the foregoing. Briefly, genuine cure of AD is possible; however, since AD denotes not one but multiple, phenotypically similar conditions, no one therapy can be generalized to all cases.

Inducible overexpression of a FAM3C/ILEI transgene has pleiotropic effects with shortened life span, liver fibrosis and anemia in mice

FAM3C/ILEI is an important factor in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction, tumor progression and metastasis. Overexpressed in many cancers, elevated ILEI levels and secretion correlate with poor patient survival. Although ILEI's causative role in invasive tumor growth and metastasis has been demonstrated in several cellular tumor models, there are no available transgenic mice to study these effects in the context of a complex organism. Here, we describe the generation and initial characterization of a Tet-ON inducible Fam3c/ILEI transgenic mouse strain. We find that ubiquitous induction of ILEI overexpression (R26-ILEIind) at weaning age leads to a shortened lifespan, reduced body weight and microcytic hypochromic anemia. The anemia was reversible at a young age within a week upon withdrawal of ILEI induction. Vav1-driven overexpression of the ILEIind transgene in all hematopoietic cells (Vav-ILEIind) did not render mice anemic or lower overall fitness, demonstrating that no intrinsic mechanisms of erythroid development were dysregulated by ILEI and that hematopoietic ILEI hyperfunction did not contribute to death. Reduced serum iron levels of R26-ILEIind mice were indicative for a malfunction in iron uptake or homeostasis. Accordingly, the liver, the main organ of iron metabolism, was severely affected in moribund ILEI overexpressing mice: increased alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase levels indicated liver dysfunction, the liver was reduced in size, showed increased apoptosis, reduced cellular iron content, and had a fibrotic phenotype. These data indicate that high ILEI expression in the liver might reduce hepatoprotection and induce liver fibrosis, which leads to liver dysfunction, disturbed iron metabolism and eventually to death. Overall, we show here that the novel Tet-ON inducible Fam3c/ILEI transgenic mouse strain allows tissue specific timely controlled overexpression of ILEI and thus, will serve as a versatile tool to model the effect of elevated ILEI expression in diverse tissue entities and disease conditions, including cancer.

Analysis of Why Alzheimer's Dementia Never Spontaneously Reverses, Suggests the Basis for Curative Treatment

A paradox regarding Alzheimer's dementia (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is thats spontaneous cure of AD has never been reported, whereas spontaneous cure for MCI occurs fequently. This article analyzes what accounts for this difference. It holds that it is not merely because, for any condition, a stage is reached beyond which it cannot be reversed, since even widely metastatic cancer would be curable were there effective chemotherapy and rheumatoid arthritis became controllable when immune-suppressant treatment was introduced; thus, so could AD be reversible via effective therapy. The analysis presented leads to an explanation of the paradox that is in four categories: (1) levels of transforming growth factor-β are significantly reduced after the transition from MCI to AD; (2) levels of Wnt/β-catenin are significantly reduced after the transition; (3) there is altered epidermal-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in neurons after the transition; (4) there may be risk factors that are either newly operative or pre-existing but worsened at the time of transition, that are particular to individual patients. It is suggested that addressing and ameliorating all of those four categories might cure AD. Medications to address and ameliorate each of the four categories are described.

Structural analysis of factors related to FAM3C/ILEI dimerization and identification of inhibitor candidates targeting cancer treatment

FAM3 is a superfamily of four cytokines that maintain a single globular structure β -β -α of three classes: FAM3A, B, C and D. FAM3C was the first member of this family related to cancer and is functionally characterized as an essential factor for the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), leading to late delays in tumor progression. Due to its crucial role in EMT and metastasis, FAM3C has been termed an interleukin-like EMT (ILEI) inducer. There are several studies on the part of FAM3C in the progression of cancer and other diseases. However, little is known about its cellular receptors and possible inhibitors. In this study, based on in silico approaches, we performed structural analyses of factors related to FAM3C/ILEI dimerization. We also identified four possible inhibitor candidates, expected to be exciting prototypes and could be submitted to future biological tests targeting cancer treatment.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Markers Indicate Neuro-Damage in SARS-CoV-2-Infected Nonhuman Primates

Neurologic manifestations are among the most frequently reported complications of COVID-19. However, given the paucity of tissue samples and the highly infectious nature of the etiologic agent of COVID-19, we have limited information to understand the neuropathogenesis of COVID-19. Therefore, to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the brain, we used mass-spectrometry-based proteomics with a data-independent acquisition mode to investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins collected from two different nonhuman primates, Rhesus Macaque and African Green Monkeys, for the neurologic effects of the infection. These monkeys exhibited minimal to mild pulmonary pathology but moderate to severe central nervous system (CNS) pathology. Our results indicated that CSF proteome changes after infection resolution corresponded with bronchial virus abundance during early infection and revealed substantial differences between the infected nonhuman primates and their age-matched uninfected controls, suggesting these differences could reflect altered secretion of CNS factors in response to SARS-CoV-2-induced neuropathology. We also observed the infected animals exhibited highly scattered data distributions compared to their corresponding controls indicating the heterogeneity of the CSF proteome change and the host response to the viral infection. Dysregulated CSF proteins were preferentially enriched in functional pathways associated with progressive neurodegenerative disorders, hemostasis, and innate immune responses that could influence neuroinflammatory responses following COVID-19. Mapping these dysregulated proteins to the Human Brain Protein Atlas found that they tended to be enriched in brain regions that exhibit more frequent injury following COVID-19. It, therefore, appears reasonable to speculate that such CSF protein changes could serve as signatures for neurologic injury, identify important regulatory pathways in this process, and potentially reveal therapeutic targets to prevent or attenuate the development of neurologic injuries following COVID-19.

Human FAM3C restores memory-based thermotaxis of Caenorhabditis elegans famp-1/m70.4 loss-of-function mutants

The family with sequence similarity 3 (FAM3) superfamily represents a distinct class of signaling molecules that share a characteristic structural feature. Mammalian FAM3 member C (FAM3C) is abundantly expressed in neuronal cells and released from the synaptic vesicle to the extracellular milieu in an activity-dependent manner. However, the neural function of FAM3C has yet to be fully clarified. We found that the protein sequence of human FAM3C is similar to that of the N-terminal tandem domains of Caenorhabditis elegans FAMP-1 (formerly named M70.4), which has been recognized as a tentative ortholog of mammalian FAM3 members or protein-O-mannose β-1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1 (POMGnT1). Missense mutations in the N-terminal domain, named Fam3L2, caused defects in memory-based thermotaxis but not in chemotaxis behaviors; these defects could be restored by AFD neuron-specific exogenous expression of a polypeptide corresponding to the Fam3L2 domain but not that corresponding to the Fam3L1. Moreover, human FAM3C could also rescue defective thermotaxis behavior in famp-1 mutant worms. An in vitro assay revealed that the Fam3L2 and FAM3C can bind with carbohydrates, similar to the stem domain of POMGnT1. The athermotactic mutations in the Fam3L2 domain caused a partial loss-of-function of FAMP-1, whereas the C-terminal truncation mutations led to more severe neural dysfunction that reduced locomotor activity. Overall, we show that the Fam3L2 domain-dependent function of FAMP-1 in AFD neurons is required for the thermotaxis migration of C. elegans and that human FAM3C can act as a substitute for the Fam3L2 domain in thermotaxis behaviors.

Nonylphenol induces anxiety-like behavior in rats by regulating BDNF/TrkB/CREB signal network

This study aimed to verify whether chronic exposure to nonylphenol (NP) induces anxiety behavior in rats and explored NP's regulatory effect on the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signal network in vitro. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed by elevated plus-maze and light-dark box tests. The residence time in the closed arm increased with NP dose (4, 40 mg/kg) and exposure time (3 and 6 months) (P < 0.05). The hippocampal neurons in the medium dose (M-NP, 4 mg/kg) and high dose (H-NP, 40 mg/kg) groups showed disorderly arrangement, cell swelling, and nuclear pyknosis/necrosis. The protein/mRNA expressions of BDNF/TrkB/CREB in the H-NP group decreased, and the decrease was more significant at 6 months (P < 0.05). Both, NP exposure and BDNF knockdown, increase the number of apoptotic cells (P ＜0.001). NP downregulated the proteins/mRNA expressions of BDNF/TrkB/CREB, and the trend was consistent with the BDNF silence group. Chronic exposure to NP could induce anxiety-like behavior in rats and reduce the expression of key proteins/genes in the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling network.

Physical Activity Rewires the Human Brain against Neurodegeneration

Physical activity may offset cognitive decline and dementia, but the molecular mechanisms by which it promotes neuroprotection remain elusive. In the absence of disease-modifying therapies, understanding the molecular effects of physical activity in the brain may be useful for identifying novel targets for disease management. Here we employed several bioinformatic methods to dissect the molecular underpinnings of physical activity in brain health. Network analysis identified 'switch genes' associated with drastic hippocampal transcriptional changes in aged cognitively intact individuals. Switch genes are key genes associated with dramatic transcriptional changes and thus may play a fundamental role in disease pathogenesis. Switch genes are associated with protein processing pathways and the metabolic control of glucose, lipids, and fatty acids. Correlation analysis showed that transcriptional patterns associated with physical activity significantly overlapped and negatively correlated with those of neurodegenerative diseases. Functional analysis revealed that physical activity might confer neuroprotection in Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson's (PD), and Huntington's (HD) diseases via the upregulation of synaptic signaling pathways. In contrast, in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) its effects are mediated by restoring mitochondrial function and energy precursors. Additionally, physical activity is associated with the downregulation of genes involved in inflammation in AD, neurogenesis in FTD, regulation of growth and transcriptional repression in PD, and glial cell differentiation in HD. Collectively, these findings suggest that physical activity directs transcriptional changes in the brain through different pathways across the broad spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases. These results provide new evidence on the unique and shared mechanisms between physical activity and neurodegenerative diseases.

Multiple Roles of Paeoniflorin in Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a geriatric disease with the morbidity and mortality continuing to grow, partly due to the aging of the world population. As one of the most common types of primary neurodegenerative dementia, it is mainly due to environmental, epigenetic, immunological, and genetic factors. Paeoniflorin (PF), the main component of paeony extract, plays a more and more important role in the prevention and treatment of AD, including regulating protein, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and antiapoptosis, protecting glial cells, regulating neurotransmitters and related enzymes and receptors, and inhibiting or activating related signal pathways. This article summarizes the latest researches on the multiple effects and the mechanisms of PF in the treatment to cure AD, providing new insights and research basis for further clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of AD.

The ILEI/LIFR complex induces EMT via the Akt and ERK pathways in renal interstitial fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality and is difficult to cure. Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a major determinant of, and commonly occurs within, CKD progression. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been identified as a crucial process in triggering renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF). Interleukin-like EMT inducer (ILEI) is an important promotor of EMT; this study aims to elucidate the mechanisms involved.

METHODS

Male C57BL6/J mouse were randomly divided into 6 groups: sham (n = 10), sham with negative control (NC) shRNA (sham + NC, n = 10), sham with ILEI shRNA (sham + shILEI, n = 10), unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO, n = 10), UUO with NC (UUO + NC, n = 10) and UUO with ILEI shRNA (UUO + shILEI, n = 10). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and western blotting (WB) were performed on murine kidney tissue to identify the function and mechanism of ILEI in RIF. In vitro, ILEI was overexpressed to induce EMT in HK2 cells and analyzed via transwell, WB, real-time PCR, and co-immunoprecipitation. Finally, tissue from 12 pediatric CKD patients (seven with RIF and five without RIF) were studied with H&E, Masson, and IHC staining.

RESULTS

Our in vitro model revealed that ILEI facilitates RIF in the UUO model via the Akt and ERK pathways. Further experiments in vivo and in vitro revealed that ILEI promotes renal tubular EMT by binding and activating leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR), in which phosphorylation of Akt and ERK is involved. We further find markedly increased expression levels of ILEI and LIFR in kidneys from pediatric CKD patients with RIF.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that ILEI may be a useful biomarker for renal fibrosis and a potential therapeutic target for modulating RIF.