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Olloquequi J, Ettcheto M, Cano A, Fortuna A, Bicker J, Sánchez-Lopez E, Paz C, Ureña J, Verdaguer E, Auladell C, Camins A. Licochalcone A: A Potential Multitarget Drug for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14177. [PMID: 37762479 PMCID: PMC10531537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814177] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Licochalcone A (Lico-A) is a flavonoid compound derived from the root of the Glycyrrhiza species, a plant commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. While the Glycyrrhiza species has shown promise in treating various diseases such as cancer, obesity, and skin diseases due to its active compounds, the investigation of Licochalcone A's effects on the central nervous system and its potential application in Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatment have garnered significant interest. Studies have reported the neuroprotective effects of Lico-A, suggesting its potential as a multitarget compound. Lico-A acts as a PTP1B inhibitor, enhancing cognitive activity through the BDNF-TrkB pathway and exhibiting inhibitory effects on microglia activation, which enables mitigation of neuroinflammation. Moreover, Lico-A inhibits c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1, a key enzyme involved in tau phosphorylation, and modulates the brain insulin receptor, which plays a role in cognitive processes. Lico-A also acts as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, leading to increased levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (Ach) in the brain. This mechanism enhances cognitive capacity in individuals with AD. Finally, Lico-A has shown the ability to reduce amyloid plaques, a hallmark of AD, and exhibits antioxidant properties by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a key regulator of antioxidant defense mechanisms. In the present review, we discuss the available findings analyzing the potential of Lico-A as a neuroprotective agent. Continued research on Lico-A holds promise for the development of novel treatments for cognitive disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. Further investigations into its multitarget action and elucidation of underlying mechanisms will contribute to our understanding of its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Olloquequi
- Departament of Biochemistry and Physiology, Physiology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27/31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Miren Ettcheto
- Departament of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (M.E.); (A.C.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (E.S.-L.); (J.U.); (E.V.); (C.A.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43005 Reus, Spain
| | - Amanda Cano
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (E.S.-L.); (J.U.); (E.V.); (C.A.)
- Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona, International University of Catalunya (UIC), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Fortuna
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.); (J.B.)
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Bicker
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.); (J.B.)
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elena Sánchez-Lopez
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (E.S.-L.); (J.U.); (E.V.); (C.A.)
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Unit of Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of Peptides, IQAC-CSIC, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristian Paz
- Laboratory of Natural Products & Drug Discovery, Center CEBIM, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile;
| | - Jesús Ureña
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (E.S.-L.); (J.U.); (E.V.); (C.A.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Verdaguer
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (E.S.-L.); (J.U.); (E.V.); (C.A.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Auladell
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (E.S.-L.); (J.U.); (E.V.); (C.A.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Camins
- Departament of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (M.E.); (A.C.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain; (A.C.); (E.S.-L.); (J.U.); (E.V.); (C.A.)
- Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), 43005 Reus, Spain
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Weng ZK, Lin TH, Chang KH, Chiu YJ, Lin CH, Tseng PH, Sun YC, Lin W, Lee-Chen GJ, Chen CM. Using ΔK280 Tau RD Folding Reporter Cells to Screen TRKB Agonists as Alzheimer's Disease Treatment Strategy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020219. [PMID: 36830589 PMCID: PMC9953660 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Misfolded aggregation of the hyperphosphorylated microtubule binding protein Tau in the brain is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Tau aggregation downregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomycin receptor kinase B (TRKB) signaling and leads to neurotoxicity. Therefore, enhancement of BDNF/TRKB signaling could be a strategy to alleviate Tau neurotoxicity. In this study, eight compounds were evaluated for the potential of inhibiting Tau misfolding in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells expressing the pro-aggregator Tau folding reporter (ΔK280 TauRD-DsRed). Among them, coumarin derivative ZN-015 and quinoline derivatives VB-030 and VB-037 displayed chemical chaperone activity to reduce ΔK280 TauRD aggregation and promote neurite outgrowth. Studies of TRKB signaling revealed that ZN-015, VB-030 and VB-037 treatments significantly increased phosphorylation of TRKB and downstream Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK) and AKT serine/threonine kinase (AKT), to activate ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Subsequently, p-CREB enhanced the transcription of pro-survival BDNF and BCL2 apoptosis regulator (BCL2), accompanied with reduced expression of anti-survival BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) in ΔK280 TauRD-DsRed-expressing cells. The neurite outgrowth promotion effect of ZN-015, VB-030 and VB-037 was counteracted by a RNA interference-mediated knockdown of TRKB, suggesting the role of these compounds acting as TRKB agonists. Tryptophan fluorescence quenching analysis showed that ZN-015, VB-030 and VB-037 interacted directly with a Pichia pastoris-expressed TRKB extracellular domain, indirectly supporting the role through TRKB signaling. The results of up-regulation in TRKB signaling open up the therapeutic potentials of ZN-015, VB-030 and VB-037 for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Kui Weng
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Te-Hsien Lin
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, School of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, School of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Jen Chiu
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsin Lin
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, School of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsuan Tseng
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chieh Sun
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Wenwei Lin
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Guey-Jen Lee-Chen
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (G.-J.L.-C.); (C.-M.C.)
| | - Chiung-Mei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, School of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (G.-J.L.-C.); (C.-M.C.)
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Neuroprotective Action of Coumarin Derivatives through Activation of TRKB-CREB-BDNF Pathway and Reduction of Caspase Activity in Neuronal Cells Expressing Pro-Aggregated Tau Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112734. [PMID: 36361524 PMCID: PMC9654711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of the microtubule binding protein tau is a neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease/tauopathies. Tau neurotoxicity provokes alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomycin receptor kinase B (TRKB)/cAMP-response-element binding protein (CREB) signaling to contribute to neurodegeneration. Compounds activating TRKB may therefore provide beneficial effects in tauopathies. LM-031, a coumarin derivative, has demonstrated the potential to improve BDNF signaling in neuronal cells expressing pro-aggregated ΔK280 tau mutant. In this study, we investigated if LM-031 analogous compounds provide neuroprotection effects through interaction with TRKB in SH-SY5Y cells expressing ΔK280 tauRD-DsRed folding reporter. All four LMDS compounds reduced tau aggregation and reactive oxygen species. Among them, LMDS-1 and -2 reduced caspase-1, caspase-6 and caspase-3 activities and promoted neurite outgrowth, and the effect was significantly reversed by knockdown of TRKB. Treatment of ERK inhibitor U0126 or PI3K inhibitor wortmannin decreased p-CREB, BDNF and BCL2 in these cells, implying that the neuroprotective effects of LMDS-1/2 are via activating TRKB downstream ERK, PI3K-AKT and CREB signaling. Furthermore, LMDS-1/2 demonstrated their ability to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of tryptophan residues within the extracellular domain of TRKB, thereby consolidating their interaction with TRKB. Our results suggest that LMDS-1/2 exert neuroprotection through activating TRKB signaling, and shed light on their potential application in therapeutics of Alzheimer’s disease/tauopathies.
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Chiu YJ, Lin TH, Chang KH, Lin W, Hsieh-Li HM, Su MT, Chen CM, Sun YC, Lee-Chen GJ. Novel TRKB agonists activate TRKB and downstream ERK and AKT signaling to protect Aβ-GFP SH-SY5Y cells against Aβ toxicity. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:7568-7586. [PMID: 36170028 PMCID: PMC9550238 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204306] [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: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Decreased BDNF and impaired TRKB signaling contribute to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We have shown previously that coumarin derivative LM-031 enhanced CREB/BDNF/BCL2 pathway. In this study we explored if LM-031 analogs LMDS-1 to -4 may act as TRKB agonists to protect SH-SY5Y cells against Aβ toxicity. By docking computation for binding with TRKB using 7,8-DHF as a control, all four LMDS compounds displayed potential of binding to domain d5 of TRKB. In addition, all four LMDS compounds exhibited anti-aggregation and neuroprotective efficacy on SH-SY5Y cells with induced Aβ-GFP expression. Knock-down of TRKB significantly attenuated TRKB downstream signaling and the neurite outgrowth-promoting effects of these LMDS compounds. Among them, LMDS-1 and -2 were further examined for TRKB signaling. Treatment of ERK inhibitor U0126 or PI3K inhibitor wortmannin decreased p-CREB, BDNF and BCL2 in Aβ-GFP cells, implicating the neuroprotective effects are via activating TRKB downstream ERK, PI3K-AKT and CREB signaling. LMDS-1 and -2 are blood–brain barrier permeable as shown by parallel artificial membrane permeability assay. Our results demonstrate how LMDS-1 and -2 are likely to work as TRKB agonists to exert neuroprotection in Aβ cells, which may shed light on the potential application in therapeutics of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jen Chiu
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Te-Hsien Lin
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Wenwei Lin
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu Mei Hsieh-Li
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tsan Su
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Mei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chieh Sun
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Guey-Jen Lee-Chen
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
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Chiang NN, Lin TH, Teng YS, Sun YC, Chang KH, Lin CY, Hsieh-Li HM, Su MT, Chen CM, Lee-Chen GJ. Flavones 7,8-DHF, Quercetin, and Apigenin Against Tau Toxicity via Activation of TRKB Signaling in ΔK280 Tau RD-DsRed SH-SY5Y Cells. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 13:758895. [PMID: 34975454 PMCID: PMC8714935 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.758895] [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] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with memory loss and cognitive decline. Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formed by hyperphosphorylated Tau protein are one of the pathological hallmarks of several neurodegenerative diseases including AD. Heat shock protein family B (small) member 1 (HSPB1) is a molecular chaperone that promotes the correct folding of other proteins in response to environmental stress. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NRF2), a redox-regulated transcription factor, is the master regulator of the cellular response to excess reactive oxygen species. Tropomyosin-related kinase B (TRKB) is a membrane-bound receptor that, upon binding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylates itself to initiate downstream signaling for neuronal survival and axonal growth. In this study, four natural flavones such as 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), wogonin, quercetin, and apigenin were evaluated for Tau aggregation inhibitory activity and neuroprotection in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma. Among the tested flavones, 7,8-DHF, quercetin, and apigenin reduced Tau aggregation, oxidative stress, and caspase-1 activity as well as improved neurite outgrowth in SH-SY5Y cells expressing ΔK280 TauRD-DsRed folding reporter. Treatments with 7,8-DHF, quercetin, and apigenin rescued the reduced HSPB1 and NRF2 and activated TRKB-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling to upregulate cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and its downstream antiapoptotic BCL2 apoptosis regulator (BCL2). Knockdown of TRKB attenuated the neuroprotective effects of these three flavones. Our results suggest 7,8-DHF, quercetin, and apigenin targeting HSPB1, NRF2, and TRKB to reduce Tau aggregation and protect cells against Tau neurotoxicity and may provide new treatment strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni-Ni Chiang
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Te-Hsien Lin
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Teng
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chieh Sun
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yin Lin
- Medical Imaging Research Center, Institute for Radiological Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu Mei Hsieh-Li
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tsan Su
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Mei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University School of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Guey-Jen Lee-Chen
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Novel Synthetic Coumarin-Chalcone Derivative (E)-3-(3-(4-(Dimethylamino)Phenyl)Acryloyl)-4-Hydroxy-2 H-Chromen-2-One Activates CREB-Mediated Neuroprotection in A β and Tau Cell Models of Alzheimer's Disease. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:3058861. [PMID: 34812274 PMCID: PMC8605905 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3058861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal accumulations of misfolded Aβ and tau proteins are major components of the hallmark plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. These abnormal protein deposits cause neurodegeneration through a number of proposed mechanisms, including downregulation of the cAMP-response-element (CRE) binding protein 1 (CREB) signaling pathway. Using CRE-GFP reporter cells, we investigated the effects of three coumarin-chalcone derivatives synthesized in our lab on CREB-mediated gene expression. Aβ-GFP- and ΔK280 tauRD-DsRed-expressing SH-SY5Y cells were used to evaluate these agents for possible antiaggregative, antioxidative, and neuroprotective effects. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration was assessed by pharmacokinetic studies in mice. Of the three tested compounds, (E)-3-(3-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)acryloyl)-4-hydroxy-2H-chromen-2-one (LM-021) was observed to increase CREB-mediated gene expression through protein kinase A (PKA), Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in CRE-GFP reporter cells. LM-021 exhibited antiaggregative, antioxidative, and neuroprotective effects mediated by the upregulation of CREB phosphorylation and its downstream brain-derived neurotrophic factor and BCL2 apoptosis regulator genes in Aβ-GFP- and ΔK280 tauRD-DsRed-expressing SH-SY5Y cells. Blockage of the PKA, CaMKII, or ERK pathway counteracted the beneficial effects of LM-021. LM-021 also exhibited good BBB penetration ability, with brain to plasma ratio of 5.3%, in in vivo pharmacokinetic assessment. Our results indicate that LM-021 works as a CREB enhancer to reduce Aβ and tau aggregation and provide neuroprotection. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of LM-021 in treating AD.
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Multi-Target Effects of Novel Synthetic Coumarin Derivatives Protecting Aβ-GFP SH-SY5Y Cells against Aβ Toxicity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113095. [PMID: 34831318 PMCID: PMC8619673 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease presenting with progressive memory and cognitive impairments. One of the pathogenic mechanisms of AD is attributed to the aggregation of misfolded amyloid β (Aβ), which induces neurotoxicity by reducing the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high-affinity receptor tropomyosin-related kinase B (TRKB) and increasing oxidative stress, caspase-1, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities. Here, we have found the potential of two novel synthetic coumarin derivatives, ZN014 and ZN015, for the inhibition of Aβ and neuroprotection in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell models for AD. In SH-SY5Y cells expressing the GFP-tagged Aβ-folding reporter, both ZN compounds reduced Aβ aggregation, oxidative stress, activities of caspase-1 and AChE, as well as increased neurite outgrowth. By activating TRKB-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT) signaling, these two ZN compounds also upregulated the cAMP-response-element binding protein (CREB) and its downstream BDNF and anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2). Knockdown of TRKB attenuated the neuroprotective effects of ZN014 and ZN015. A parallel artificial membrane permeability assay showed that ZN014 and ZN015 could be characterized as blood-brain barrier permeable. Our results suggest ZN014 and ZN015 as novel therapeutic candidates for AD and demonstrate that ZN014 and ZN015 reduce Aβ neurotoxicity via pleiotropic mechanisms.
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Ikeda Y, Taniguchi K, Nagase N, Tsuji A, Kitagishi Y, Matsuda S. Reactive oxygen species may influence on the crossroads of stemness, senescence, and carcinogenesis in a cell via the roles of APRO family proteins. EXPLORATION OF MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.37349/emed.2021.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) may cause oxidative stress which is involved in aging and in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. Whereas unregulated levels of the ROS may be harmful, regulated basal level of ROS are even necessary to support cellular functions as a second messenger for homeostasis under physiological conditions. Therefore, redox medicine could develop as a new therapeutic concept for human health-benefits. Here, we introduce the involvement of ROS on the crossroads of stemness, senescence, and carcinogenesis in a stem cell and cancer cell biology. Amazingly, the anti-proliferative (APRO) family anti-proliferative proteins characterized by immediate early growth responsive genes may also be involved in the crossroads machinery. The biological functions of APRO proteins (APROs) seem to be quite intricate, however, which might be a key modulator of microRNAs (miRNAs). Given the crucial roles of ROS and APROs for pathophysiological functions, upcoming novel therapeutics should include vigilant modulation of the redox state. Next generation of medicine including regenerative medicine and/or cancer therapy will likely comprise strategies for altering the redox environment with the APROs via the modulation of miRNAs as well as with the regulation of ROS of cells in a sustainable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Ikeda
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Kurumi Taniguchi
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Nozomi Nagase
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Ai Tsuji
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Yasuko Kitagishi
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Satoru Matsuda
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
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Pinzi L, Tinivella A, Rastelli G. Chemoinformatics Analyses of Tau Ligands Reveal Key Molecular Requirements for the Identification of Potential Drug Candidates against Tauopathies. Molecules 2021; 26:5039. [PMID: 34443629 PMCID: PMC8400687 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26165039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tau is a highly soluble protein mainly localized at a cytoplasmic level in the neuronal cells, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of microtubule dynamic stability. Recent studies have demonstrated that several factors, such as hyperphosphorylation or alterations of Tau metabolism, may contribute to the pathological accumulation of protein aggregates, which can result in neuronal death and the onset of a number of neurological disorders called Tauopathies. At present, there are no available therapeutic remedies able to reduce Tau aggregation, nor are there any structural clues or guidelines for the rational identification of compounds preventing the accumulation of protein aggregates. To help identify the structural properties required for anti-Tau aggregation activity, we performed extensive chemoinformatics analyses on a dataset of Tau ligands reported in ChEMBL. The performed analyses allowed us to identify a set of molecular properties that are in common between known active ligands. Moreover, extensive analyses of the fragment composition of reported ligands led to the identification of chemical moieties and fragment combinations prevalent in the more active compounds. Interestingly, many of these fragments were arranged in recurring frameworks, some of which were clearly present in compounds currently under clinical investigation. This work represents the first in-depth chemoinformatics study of the molecular properties, constituting fragments and similarity profiles, of known Tau aggregation inhibitors. The datasets of compounds employed for the analyses, the identified molecular fragments and their combinations are made publicly available as supplementary material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pinzi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103/287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Annachiara Tinivella
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103/287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.P.); (A.T.)
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulio Rastelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 103/287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (L.P.); (A.T.)
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Thapa P, Upadhyay SP, Suo WZ, Singh V, Gurung P, Lee ES, Sharma R, Sharma M. Chalcone and its analogs: Therapeutic and diagnostic applications in Alzheimer's disease. Bioorg Chem 2021; 108:104681. [PMID: 33571811 PMCID: PMC7928223 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Chalcone [(E)-1,3-diphenyl-2-propene-1-one], a small molecule with α, β unsaturated carbonyl group is a precursor or component of many natural flavonoids and isoflavonoids. It is one of the privileged structures in medicinal chemistry. It possesses a wide range of biological activities encouraging many medicinal chemists to study this scaffold for its usefulness to oncology, infectious diseases, virology and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Small molecular size, convenient and cost-effective synthesis, and flexibility for modifications to modulate lipophilicity suitable for blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability make chalcones a preferred candidate for their therapeutic and diagnostic potential in AD. This review summarizes and highlights the importance of chalcone and its analogs as single target small therapeutic agents, multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs) as well as molecular imaging agents for AD. The information summarized here will guide many medicinal chemist and researchers involved in drug discovery to consider chalcone as a potential scaffold for the development of anti-AD agents including theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritam Thapa
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans' Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA.
| | - Sunil P Upadhyay
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans' Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
| | - William Z Suo
- Laboratory for Alzheimer's Disease & Aging Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
| | - Vikas Singh
- Division of Neurology, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Prajwal Gurung
- Inflammation Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Eung Seok Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 712-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Ram Sharma
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans' Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
| | - Mukut Sharma
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans' Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
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11
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Chiu YJ, Lin SA, Chen WL, Lin TH, Lin CH, Yao CF, Lin W, Wu YR, Chang KH, Lee-Chen GJ, Chen CM. Pathomechanism characterization and potential therapeutics identification for SCA3 targeting neuroinflammation. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:23619-23646. [PMID: 33196459 PMCID: PMC7762503 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ)-mediated spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) are caused by mutant genes with expanded CAG repeats encoding polyQ tracts. The misfolding and aggregation of polyQ proteins result in increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular toxicity. Inflammation is a common manifestation of oxidative stress and inflammatory process further reduces cellular antioxidant capacity. Increase of activated microglia in the pons of SCA type 3 (SCA3) patients suggests the involvement of neuroinflammation in the disease pathogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory potentials of indole compound NC009-1, 4-aminophenol-arachidonic acid derivative AM404, quinoline compound VB-037 and chalcone-coumarin derivative LM-031 using human HMC3 microglia and SCA3 ATXN3/Q75-GFP SH-SY5Y cells. The four tested compounds displayed anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing NO, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 production and CD68 expression of IFN-γ-activated HMC3 microglia. In retinoic acid-differentiated ATXN3/Q75-GFP SH-SY5Y cells inflamed with IFN-γ-primed HMC3 conditioned medium, treatment with the tested compounds mitigated the increased caspase 1 activity and lactate dehydrogenase release, reduced polyQ aggregation and ROS and/or promoted neurite outgrowth. Examination of IL-1β- and TNF-α-mediated signaling pathways revealed that the tested compounds decreased IκBα/P65, JNK/JUN and/or P38/STAT1 signaling. The study results suggest the potential of NC009-1, AM404, VB-037 and LM-031 in treating SCA3 and probable other polyQ diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jen Chiu
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Shu-An Lin
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ling Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Te-Hsien Lin
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsin Lin
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Fa Yao
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Wenwei Lin
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Ru Wu
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Guey-Jen Lee-Chen
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 11677, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Mei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
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12
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Wang L, Bharti, Kumar R, Pavlov PF, Winblad B. Small molecule therapeutics for tauopathy in Alzheimer's disease: Walking on the path of most resistance. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112915. [PMID: 33139110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia characterized by presence of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. Currently there are close to 50 million people living with dementia and this figure is expected to increase to 75 million by 2030 putting a huge burden on the economy due to the health care cost. Considering the effects on quality of life of patients and the increasing burden on the economy, there is an enormous need of new disease modifying therapies to tackle this disease. The current therapies are dominated by only symptomatic treatments including cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor blockers but no disease modifying treatments exist so far. After several failed attempts to develop drugs against amyloidopathy, tau targeting approaches have been in the main focus of drug development against AD. After an overview of the tauopathy in AD, this review summarizes recent findings on the development of small molecules as therapeutics targeting tau modification, aggregation, and degradation, and tau-oriented multi-target directed ligands. Overall, this work aims to provide a comprehensive and critical overview of small molecules which are being explored as a lead candidate for discovering drugs against tauopathy in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Wang
- Dept. of Neuroscience Care and Society, Div. of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 17164, Solna, Sweden
| | - Bharti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Dept. of Neuroscience Care and Society, Div. of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 17164, Solna, Sweden; Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Pavel F Pavlov
- Dept. of Neuroscience Care and Society, Div. of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 17164, Solna, Sweden; Memory Clinic, Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, 14186, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Bengt Winblad
- Dept. of Neuroscience Care and Society, Div. of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 17164, Solna, Sweden; Memory Clinic, Theme Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, 14186, Huddinge, Sweden.
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Lin T, Chiu Y, Lin C, Lin C, Chao C, Chen Y, Yang S, Lin W, Mei Hsieh‐Li H, Wu Y, Chang K, Lee‐Chen G, Chen C. Exploration of multi-target effects of 3-benzoyl-5-hydroxychromen-2-one in Alzheimer's disease cell and mouse models. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13169. [PMID: 32496635 PMCID: PMC7433010 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated protein Tau, abundant in the central nervous system (CNS), plays crucial roles in microtubule assembly and stabilization. Abnormal Tau phosphorylation and aggregation are a common pathogenic hallmark in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Hyperphosphorylation of Tau could change its conformation and result in self-aggregation, increased oxidative stress, and neuronal death. In this study, we examined the potential of licochalcone A (a natural chalcone) and five synthetic derivatives (LM compounds) for inhibiting Tau misfolding, scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and providing neuroprotection in human cells expressing proaggregant ΔK280 TauRD -DsRed. All test compounds were soluble up to 100 μM in cell culture media and predicted to be orally bioavailable and CNS-active. Among them, licochalcone A and LM-031 markedly reduced Tau misfolding and associated ROS, promoted neurite outgrowth, and inhibited caspase 3 activity in ΔK280 TauRD -DsRed 293 and SH-SY5Y cells. Mechanistic studies showed that LM-031 upregulates HSPB1 chaperone, NRF2/NQO1/GCLC pathway, and CREB-dependent BDNF/AKT/ERK/BCL2 pathway in ΔK280 TauRD -DsRed SH-SY5Y cells. Decreased neurite outgrowth upon induction of ΔK280 TauRD -DsRed was rescued by LM-031, which was counteracted by knockdown of NRF2 or CREB. LM-031 further rescued the downregulated NRF2 and pCREB, reduced Aβ and Tau levels in hippocampus and cortex, and ameliorated cognitive deficits in streptozocin-induced hyperglycemic 3 × Tg-AD mice. Our findings strongly indicate the potential of LM-031 for modifying AD progression by targeting HSPB1 to reduce Tau misfolding and activating NRF2 and CREB pathways to suppress apoptosis and promote neuron survival, thereby offering a new drug development avenue for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te‐Hsien Lin
- Department of Life Science National Taiwan Normal University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Ya‐Jen Chiu
- Department of Life Science National Taiwan Normal University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Chih‐Hsin Lin
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Chang Gung University College of Medicine Taoyuan Taiwan
| | - Chung‐Yin Lin
- Medical Imaging Research Center, Institute for Radiological Research Chang Gung University/Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Taoyuan Taiwan
| | - Chih‐Ying Chao
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Chang Gung University College of Medicine Taoyuan Taiwan
| | - Yu‐Chieh Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Chang Gung University College of Medicine Taoyuan Taiwan
| | - Shu‐Mei Yang
- Department of Chemistry National Taiwan Normal University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Wenwei Lin
- Department of Chemistry National Taiwan Normal University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Hsiu Mei Hsieh‐Li
- Department of Life Science National Taiwan Normal University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Yih‐Ru Wu
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Chang Gung University College of Medicine Taoyuan Taiwan
| | - Kuo‐Hsuan Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Chang Gung University College of Medicine Taoyuan Taiwan
| | - Guey‐Jen Lee‐Chen
- Department of Life Science National Taiwan Normal University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Chiung‐Mei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Chang Gung University College of Medicine Taoyuan Taiwan
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