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Aljoudi S, Hamdan H, Abd-Elrahman KS. Sexual dimorphism of G protein-coupled receptor signaling in the brain. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1635-1636. [PMID: 38103217 PMCID: PMC10960278 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.389637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Aljoudi
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamdan Hamdan
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khaled S. Abd-Elrahman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Nguyen HTM, van der Westhuizen ET, Langmead CJ, Tobin AB, Sexton PM, Christopoulos A, Valant C. Opportunities and challenges for the development of M 1 muscarinic receptor positive allosteric modulators in the treatment for neurocognitive deficits. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2114-2142. [PMID: 36355830 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting allosteric sites of M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1 receptors) is a promising strategy to treat neurocognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Indeed, the last two decades have seen an impressive body of work focussing on the design and development of positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) for the M1 receptor. This has led to the identification of a structurally diverse range of highly selective M1 PAMs. In preclinical models, M1 PAMs have shown rescue of cognitive deficits and improvement of endpoints predictive of symptom domains of schizophrenia. Yet, to date only a few M1 PAMs have reached early-stage clinical trials, with many of them failing to progress further due to on-target mediated cholinergic adverse effects that have plagued the development of this class of ligand. This review covers the recent preclinical and clinical studies in the field of M1 receptor drug discovery for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, with a specific focus on M1 PAM, highlighting both the undoubted potential but also key challenges for the successful translation of M1 PAMs from bench-side to bedside. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong T M Nguyen
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Christopher J Langmead
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Neuromedicines Discovery Centre, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew B Tobin
- Centre for Translational Pharmacology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Patrick M Sexton
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Neuromedicines Discovery Centre, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Celine Valant
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Neuromedicines Discovery Centre, Monash University, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Dong HW, Weiss K, Baugh K, Meadows MJ, Niswender CM, Neul JL. Potentiation of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 1 modulates neurophysiological features in a mouse model of Rett syndrome. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00384. [PMID: 38880672 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00384] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder primarily caused by mutations in the X chromosome-linked gene Methyl-CpG Binding Protein 2 (MECP2). Restoring MeCP2 expression after disease onset in a mouse model of RTT reverses phenotypes, providing hope for development of treatments for RTT. Translatable biomarkers of improvement and treatment responses have the potential to accelerate both preclinical and clinical evaluation of targeted therapies in RTT. Studies in people with and mouse models of RTT have identified neurophysiological features, such as auditory event-related potentials, that correlate with disease severity, suggesting that they could be useful as biomarkers of disease improvement or early treatment response. We recently demonstrated that treatment of RTT mice with a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of muscarinic acetylcholine subtype 1 receptor (M1) improved phenotypes, suggesting that modulation of M1 activity is a potential therapy in RTT. To evaluate whether neurophysiological features could be useful biomarkers to assess the effects of M1 PAM treatment, we acutely administered the M1 PAM VU0486846 (VU846) at doses of 1, 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg in wildtype and RTT mice. This resulted in an inverted U-shaped dose response with maximal improvement of AEP features at 3 mg/kg but with no marked effect on basal EEG power or epileptiform discharges in RTT mice and no significant changes in wildtype mice. These findings suggest that M1 potentiation can improve neural circuit synchrony to auditory stimuli in RTT mice and that neurophysiological features have potential as pharmacodynamic or treatment-responsive biomarkers for preclinical and clinical evaluation of putative therapies in RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Wei Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA; Vanderbilt University Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kelly Weiss
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kathryn Baugh
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA
| | - Mac J Meadows
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Colleen M Niswender
- Vanderbilt University Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Institute for Chemical Biology, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Jeffrey L Neul
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA; Vanderbilt University Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Tang R, Franz CE, Hauger RL, Dale AM, Dorros SM, Eyler LT, Fennema-Notestine C, Hagler DJ, Lyons MJ, Panizzon MS, Puckett OK, Williams ME, Elman JA, Kremen WS. Early Cortical Microstructural Changes in Aging Are Linked to Vulnerability to Alzheimer's Disease Pathology. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2024:S2451-9022(24)00158-7. [PMID: 38878863 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early identification of Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk is critical for improving treatment success. Cortical thickness is a macrostructural measure used to assess neurodegeneration in AD. However, cortical microstructural changes appear to precede macrostructural atrophy and may improve early risk identification. Currently, whether cortical microstructural changes in aging are linked to vulnerability to AD pathophysiology remains unclear in nonclinical populations, who are precisely the target for early risk identification. METHODS In 194 adults, we calculated magnetic resonance imaging-derived maps of changes in cortical mean diffusivity (microstructure) and cortical thickness (macrostructure) over 5 to 6 years (mean age: time 1 = 61.82 years; time 2 = 67.48 years). Episodic memory was assessed using 3 well-established tests. We obtained positron emission tomography-derived maps of AD pathology deposition (amyloid-β, tau) and neurotransmitter receptors (cholinergic, glutamatergic) implicated in AD pathophysiology. Spatial correlational analyses were used to compare pattern similarity among maps. RESULTS Spatial patterns of cortical macrostructural changes resembled patterns of cortical organization sensitive to age-related processes (r = -0.31, p < .05), whereas microstructural changes resembled the patterns of tau deposition in AD (r = 0.39, p = .038). Individuals with patterns of microstructural changes that more closely resembled stereotypical tau deposition exhibited greater memory decline (β = 0.22, p = .029). Microstructural changes and AD pathology deposition were enriched in areas with greater densities of cholinergic and glutamatergic receptors (ps < .05). CONCLUSIONS Patterns of cortical microstructural changes were more AD-like than patterns of macrostructural changes, which appeared to reflect more general aging processes. Microstructural changes may better inform early risk prediction efforts as a sensitive measure of vulnerability to pathological processes prior to overt atrophy and cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongxiang Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
| | - Carol E Franz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Richard L Hauger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Anders M Dale
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Stephen M Dorros
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Lisa T Eyler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | - Christine Fennema-Notestine
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Donald J Hagler
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Michael J Lyons
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew S Panizzon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Olivia K Puckett
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - McKenna E Williams
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Jeremy A Elman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - William S Kremen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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Abd-Elrahman KS, Colson TLL, Sarasija S, Ferguson SSG. A M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-specific positive allosteric modulator VU0486846 reduces neurogliosis in female Alzheimer's mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116388. [PMID: 38460371 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116388] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia, disproportionately affecting females, who make up nearly 60% of diagnosed cases. In AD patients, the accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain triggers a neuroinflammatory response driven by neuroglia, worsening the condition. We have previously demonstrated that VU0486846, an orally available positive allosteric modulator (PAM) targeting M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, enhances cognitive function and reduces Aβ pathology in female APPswe/PSEN1ΔE9 (APP/PS1) mice. However, it remained unclear whether these improvements were linked to a decrease in neuroglial activation. To investigate, we treated nine-month-old APP/PS1 and wildtype mice with VU0486846 for 8 weeks and analyzed brain slices for markers of microglial activation (ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1, Iba1) and astrocyte activation (Glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP). We find that VU0486846 reduces the presence of Iba1-positive microglia and GFAP-positive astrocytes in the hippocampus of female APP/PS1 mice and limits the recruitment of these cells to remaining Aβ plaques. This study sheds light on an additional mechanism through which novel M1 mAChR PAMs exhibit disease-modifying effects by reducing neuroglial activation and underscore the potential of these ligands for the treatment of AD, especially in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled S Abd-Elrahman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt.
| | - Tash-Lynn L Colson
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Shaarika Sarasija
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Stephen S G Ferguson
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada.
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Ji Y, Ma Y, Ma Y, Wang Y, Zhao X, Jin D, Xu L, Ge S. Rutin prevents pyroptosis and M1 microglia via Nrf2/Mac-1/caspase-1-mediated inflammasome axis to improve POCD. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111290. [PMID: 38064815 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111290] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinflammation following peripheral surgery plays a key role in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) development and there is no effective therapy to inflammation-mediated cognitive impairment. Recent studies showed that rutin, a natural flavonoid compound, conferred neuroprotection. However, the effects and mechanisms of rutin on cognition of surgical and aged mice and LPS-induced BV2 need deeper exploration. METHODS The effect of rutin in vivo and vitro were evaluated by Morris water maze test, HE stainin, Golgi-Cox staining, IF, IHC, RT-PCR, Flow Cytometer and Western blotting. In vivo, aged mice were treated with rutin and surgery. In vitro, rutin, Nrf2 knockdown, MAC-1 overexpression and VX765, a caspase-1 inhibitor, were administration on BV2 microglial cells. RESULTS Surgery led to compensatory increase in nuclear Nrf2 and rutin could further increase it. Neural damage was accompanied with high level in MAC-1, caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis and M1 microglia, while rutin recovered the process. Nrf2 inhibition abolished the effect of rutin with the increase of MAC-1, caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis and M1 microglia. Activation of MAC-1 abrogated protection of rutin by increase in pyroptosis and M1 microglia. Finally, we found that treatment with VX765 improved injury and increased M2 microglia against overexpression of MAC-1. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicated that rutin may be a potential therapy in POCD and exerted neural protection via Nrf2/ Mac-1/ caspase-1-mediated inflammasome axis to regulate pyroptosis and microglial polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelong Ji
- Department of Anaesthesia, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Yuanyuan Ma
- Department of Anaesthesia, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Yimei Ma
- Department of Anaesthesia, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Anaesthesia, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Xining Zhao
- Department of Anaesthesia, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Danfeng Jin
- Department of Anaesthesia, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Anaesthesia, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Shengjin Ge
- Department of Anaesthesia, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032 China.
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Li SH, Colson TLL, Chen J, Abd-Elrahman KS, Ferguson SSG. Comparison of Huntington's disease phenotype progression in male and female heterozygous FDNQ175 mice. Mol Brain 2023; 16:67. [PMID: 37726802 PMCID: PMC10508000 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-023-01054-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's Disease (HD) is an inherited autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that leads to progressive motor and cognitive impairment due to the expansion of a polyglutamine (CAG) repeat in the N-terminal region of the huntingtin (Htt) protein. The creation of HD mouse models represents a critical step in the research for HD treatment. Among the currently available HD mouse models, the zQ175 knock-in mouse line is the first to display robust disease phenotype on a heterozygous background. The newer FDNQ175 mouse model is derived from the zQ175 mouse line and presents a more aggressive phenotype. Moreover, increasing evidence has implicated sex as a contributing factor in the progression of HD symptoms. Here, we compared the progression of HD phenotypes in male and female heterozygous FDNQ175 mice. We found that both male and female heterozygous mice showed deficits in forelimb grip strength and cognition as early as 6 months of age. However, female FDNQ175 mice were less vulnerable to HD-associated decline in limb coordination and movement. Neither male nor female FDNQ175 mice exhibited reduced locomotor activity in the open field or exhibit consistent differences in anxiety at 6-12 months of age. Both male and female FDNQ175 mice exhibited increased numbers of huntingtin aggregates with age and 8-month-old female FDNQ175 mice had significantly more aggregates than their male counterparts. Taken together, our results provide further evidence that sex can influence the progression of HD phenotype in preclinical animal models and must be taken into consideration for future HD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Han Li
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Tash-Lynn L Colson
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Jingwei Chen
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Khaled S Abd-Elrahman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
| | - Stephen S G Ferguson
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
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Wang H, Yamahashi Y, Riedl M, Amano M, Kaibuchi K. The Evaluation of Rac1 Signaling as a Potential Therapeutic Target of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11880. [PMID: 37569255 PMCID: PMC10418761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Small GTPase Rac1 is critical for various fundamental cellular processes, including cognitive functions. The cyclical activation and inactivation of Rac1, mediated by Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RacGEFs) and Rac GTPase-activating proteins (RacGAPs), respectively, are essential for activating intracellular signaling pathways and controlling cellular processes. We have recently shown that the Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapeutic drug donepezil activates the Rac1-PAK pathway in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) for enhanced aversive learning. Also, PAK activation itself in the NAc enhances aversive learning. As aversive learning allows short-term preliminary AD drug screening, here we tested whether sustained Rac1 activation by RacGAP inhibition can be used as an AD therapeutic strategy for improving AD-learning deficits based on aversive learning. We found that the RacGAP domain of breakpoint cluster region protein (Bcr) (Bcr-GAP) efficiently inhibited Rac1 activity in a membrane ruffling assay. We also found that, in striatal/accumbal primary neurons, Bcr knockdown by microRNA mimic-expressing adeno-associated virus (AAV-miRNA mimic) activated Rac1-PAK signaling, while Bcr-GAP-expressing AAV inactivated it. Furthermore, conditional knockdown of Bcr in the NAc of wild-type adult mice enhanced aversive learning, while Bcr-GAP expression in the NAc inhibited it. The findings indicate that Rac1 activation by RacGAP inhibition enhances aversive learning, implying the AD therapeutic potential of Rac1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Wang
- Department of Cell Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (H.W.); (M.A.)
| | - Yukie Yamahashi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (Y.Y.); (M.R.)
| | - Marcel Riedl
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (Y.Y.); (M.R.)
| | - Mutsuki Amano
- Department of Cell Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (H.W.); (M.A.)
| | - Kozo Kaibuchi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (Y.Y.); (M.R.)
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Dean B. Muscarinic M1 and M4 receptor agonists for schizophrenia: promising candidates for the therapeutic arsenal. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:1113-1121. [PMID: 37994870 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2288074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Successful phase 3 trials of KarXT in people with schizophrenia herald a new era of treating the disorder with drugs that do not target the dopamine D2 receptor. The active component of KarXT is xanomeline, a muscarinic (CHRM) M1 and M4 agonist, making muscarinic receptors a viable target for treating schizophrenia. AREAS COVERED This review covers the process of taking drugs that activate the muscarinic M1 and M4 receptors from conceptualization to the clinic and details the mechanisms by which activating the CHRM1 and 4 can affect the broad spectrum of symptoms experienced by people with schizophrenia. EXPERT OPINION Schizophrenia is a syndrome which means drugs that activate muscarinic M1 and M4 receptors, as was the case for antipsychotic drugs acting on the dopamine D2 receptor, will not give optimal outcomes in everyone within the syndrome. Thus, it would be ideal to identify people who are responsive to drugs activating the CHRM1 and 4. Given knowledge of the actions of these receptors, it is possible treatment non-response could be restricted to sub-groups within the syndrome who have deficits in cortical CHRM1 or those with one of the cognitive endophenotypes that may be identifiable by changes in the blood transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Dean
- The Synaptic Biology and Cognition Laboratory, The Florey, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Yamahashi Y, Tsuboi D, Funahashi Y, Kaibuchi K. Neuroproteomic mapping of kinases and their substrates downstream of acetylcholine: finding and implications. Expert Rev Proteomics 2023; 20:291-298. [PMID: 37787112 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2023.2265067] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the emergence of the cholinergic hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), acetylcholine has been viewed as a mediator of learning and memory. Donepezil improves AD-associated learning deficits and memory loss by recovering brain acetylcholine levels. However, it is associated with side effects due to global activation of acetylcholine receptors. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 (M1R), a key mediator of learning and memory, has been an alternative target. The importance of targeting a specific pathway downstream of M1R has recently been recognized. Elucidating signaling pathways beyond M1R that lead to learning and memory holds important clues for AD therapeutic strategies. AREAS COVERED This review first summarizes the role of acetylcholine in aversive learning, one of the outputs used for preliminary AD drug screening. It then describes the phosphoproteomic approach focused on identifying acetylcholine intracellular signaling pathways leading to aversive learning. Finally, the intracellular mechanism of donepezil and its effect on learning and memory is discussed. EXPERT OPINION The elucidation of signaling pathways beyond M1R by phosphoproteomic approach offers a platform for understanding the intracellular mechanism of AD drugs and for developing AD therapeutic strategies. Clarifying the molecular mechanism that links the identified acetylcholine signaling to AD pathophysiology will advance the development of AD therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukie Yamahashi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Daisuke Tsuboi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Funahashi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kozo Kaibuchi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
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Sanfilippo C, Giuliano L, Castrogiovanni P, Imbesi R, Ulivieri M, Fazio F, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Di Rosa M. Sex, Age, and Regional Differences in CHRM1 and CHRM3 Genes Expression Levels in the Human Brain Biopsies: Potential Targets for Alzheimer's Disease-related Sleep Disturbances. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:740-760. [PMID: 36475335 PMCID: PMC10207911 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666221207091209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholinergic hypofunction and sleep disturbance are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive disorder leading to neuronal deterioration. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1-5 or mAChRs), expressed in hippocampus and cerebral cortex, play a pivotal role in the aberrant alterations of cognitive processing, memory, and learning, observed in AD. Recent evidence shows that two mAChRs, M1 and M3, encoded by CHRM1 and CHRM3 genes, respectively, are involved in sleep functions and, peculiarly, in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. METHODS We used twenty microarray datasets extrapolated from post-mortem brain tissue of nondemented healthy controls (NDHC) and AD patients to examine the expression profile of CHRM1 and CHRM3 genes. Samples were from eight brain regions and stratified according to age and sex. RESULTS CHRM1 and CHRM3 expression levels were significantly reduced in AD compared with ageand sex-matched NDHC brains. A negative correlation with age emerged for both CHRM1 and CHRM3 in NDHC but not in AD brains. Notably, a marked positive correlation was also revealed between the neurogranin (NRGN) and both CHRM1 and CHRM3 genes. These associations were modulated by sex. Accordingly, in the temporal and occipital regions of NDHC subjects, males expressed higher levels of CHRM1 and CHRM3, respectively, than females. In AD patients, males expressed higher levels of CHRM1 and CHRM3 in the temporal and frontal regions, respectively, than females. CONCLUSION Thus, substantial differences, all strictly linked to the brain region analyzed, age, and sex, exist in CHRM1 and CHRM3 brain levels both in NDHC subjects and in AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Sanfilippo
- Department G.F. Ingrassia, Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Loretta Giuliano
- Department G.F. Ingrassia, Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Castrogiovanni
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Rosa Imbesi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Martina Ulivieri
- Department of Psychiatry, Health Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Francesco Fazio
- Department of Psychiatry, Health Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
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12
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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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13
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Zong B, Yu F, Zhang X, Zhao W, Sun P, Li S, Li L. Understanding How Physical Exercise Improves Alzheimer’s Disease: Cholinergic and Monoaminergic Systems. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:869507. [PMID: 35663578 PMCID: PMC9158463 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.869507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the accumulation of proteinaceous aggregates and neurofibrillary lesions composed of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide and hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated protein tau, respectively. It has long been known that dysregulation of cholinergic and monoaminergic (i.e., dopaminergic, serotoninergic, and noradrenergic) systems is involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Abnormalities in neuronal activity, neurotransmitter signaling input, and receptor function exaggerate Aβ deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation. Maintenance of normal neurotransmission is essential to halt AD progression. Most neurotransmitters and neurotransmitter-related drugs modulate the pathology of AD and improve cognitive function through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Exercise therapies provide an important alternative or adjunctive intervention for AD. Cumulative evidence indicates that exercise can prevent multiple pathological features found in AD and improve cognitive function through delaying the degeneration of cholinergic and monoaminergic neurons; increasing levels of acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine; and modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitter-related GPCRs. Emerging insights into the mechanistic links among exercise, the neurotransmitter system, and AD highlight the potential of this intervention as a therapeutic approach for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyi Zong
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengzhi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyou Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenrui Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shichang Li
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lin Li,
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14
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Dwomoh L, Tejeda G, Tobin A. Targeting the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor in Alzheimer's disease. Neuronal Signal 2022; 6:NS20210004. [PMID: 35571495 PMCID: PMC9069568 DOI: 10.1042/ns20210004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and despite extensive research, only a few drugs are available for management of the disease. One strategy has been to up-regulate cholinergic neurotransmission to improve cognitive function, but this approach has dose-limiting adverse effects. To avoid these adverse effects, new drugs that target specific receptor subtypes of the cholinergic system are needed, and the M1 subtype of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1-mAChR) has been shown to be a good target for this approach. By using several strategies, M1-mAChR ligands have been developed and trialled in preclinical animal models and in human studies, with varying degrees of success. This article reviews the different approaches to targeting the M1-mAChR in AD and discusses the advantages and limitations of these strategies. The factors to consider in targeting the M1-mAChR in AD are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Dwomoh
- 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
| | - Gonzalo S. Tejeda
- 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
| | - Andrew B. Tobin
- 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
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15
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Li SH, Colson TLL, Abd-Elrahman KS, Ferguson SSG. Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 Antagonism Reduces Pathology and Differentially Improves Symptoms in Male and Female Heterozygous zQ175 Huntington’s Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:801757. [PMID: 35185467 PMCID: PMC8847794 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.801757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that leads to progressive motor and cognitive impairment. There are currently no available disease modifying treatments for HD patients. We have previously shown that pharmacological blockade of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) signaling rescues motor deficits, improves cognitive impairments and mitigates HD neuropathology in male zQ175 HD mice. Mounting evidence indicates that sex may influence HD progression and we have recently reported a sex-specific pathological mGluR5 signaling in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mice. Here, we compared the outcomes of treatment with the mGluR5 negative allosteric modulator CTEP (2-chloro-4-[2-[2,5-dimethyl-1-[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]imidazol-4-yl]ethynyl]pyridine) in both male and female symptomatic zQ175 mice. We found that female zQ175 mice required a longer treatment duration with CTEP than male mice to show improvement in their rotarod performance. Unlike males, chronic CTEP treatment did not improve the grip strength nor reverse the cognitive decline of female zQ175 mice. However, CTEP reduced the number of huntingtin aggregates, improved neuronal survival and decreased microglia activation in the striatum of both male and female zQ175 mice. Together, our results indicate that mGluR5 antagonism can reduce HD neuropathology in both male and female zQ175 HD mice, but sex has a clear impact on the efficacy of the treatment and must be taken into consideration for future HD drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Han Li
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tash-Lynn L. Colson
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Khaled S. Abd-Elrahman
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Stephen S. G. Ferguson
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Stephen S. G. Ferguson,
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