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Pourahmad R, saleki K, Zare Gholinejad M, Aram C, Soltani Farsani A, Banazadeh M, Tafakhori A. Exploring the effect of gut microbiome on Alzheimer's disease. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 39:101776. [PMID: 39099604 PMCID: PMC11296257 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most widespread and irreversible form of dementia and accounts for more than half of dementia cases. The most significant risk factors for AD are aging-related exacerbations, degradation of anatomical pathways, environmental variables and mitochondrial dysfunction. Finding a decisive therapeutic solution is a major current issue. Nuanced interactions between major neuropathological mechanisms in AD in patients and microbiome have recently gained rising attention. The presence of bacterial amyloid in the gut triggers the immune system, resulting in increased immune feedbacks and endogenous neuronal amyloid within the CNS. Also, early clinical research revealed that changing the microbiome with beneficial bacteria or probiotics could affect brain function in AD. New approaches focus on the possible neuroprotective action of disease-modifying medications in AD. In the present review, we discuss the impact of the gut microbiota on the brain and review emerging research that suggests a disruption in the microbiota-brain axis can affect AD by mediating neuroinflammation. Such novel methods could help the development of novel therapeutics for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramtin Pourahmad
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiarash saleki
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Department of E-Learning in Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Education and Learning Technologies, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Cena Aram
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Banazadeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Abbas Tafakhori
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Wu M, Cheng Y, Zhang R, Han W, Jiang H, Bi C, Zhang Z, Ye M, Lin X, Liu Z. Molecular mechanism and therapeutic strategy of bile acids in Alzheimer's disease from the emerging perspective of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 178:117228. [PMID: 39088965 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117228] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β outside neurons and Tau protein inside neurons. Various pathological mechanisms are implicated in AD, including brain insulin resistance, neuroinflammation, and endocrinal dysregulation of adrenal corticosteroids. These factors collectively contribute to neuronal damage and destruction. Recently, bile acids (BAs), which are metabolites of cholesterol, have shown neuroprotective potential against AD by targeting the above pathological changes. BAs can enter the systematic circulation and cross the blood-brain barrier, subsequently exerting neuroprotective effects by targeting several endogenous receptors. Additionally, BAs interact with the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis to improve immune and neuroendocrine function during AD episodes. Gut microbes impact BA signaling in the brain through their involvement in BA biotransformation. In this review, we summarize the role and molecular mechanisms of BAs in AD while considering the MGB axis and propose novel strategies for preventing the onset and progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglu Wu
- Clinical Laboratory, Shaoxing Seventh People's Hospital (Affiliated Mental Health Center, Medical College of Shaoxing University), Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China; Department of Behavioral Neurosciences, Science Research Center of Medical School, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongyi Cheng
- Department of Behavioral Neurosciences, Science Research Center of Medical School, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruolin Zhang
- Department of Behavioral Neurosciences, Science Research Center of Medical School, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenwen Han
- Department of Behavioral Neurosciences, Science Research Center of Medical School, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hanqi Jiang
- Department of Behavioral Neurosciences, Science Research Center of Medical School, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenchen Bi
- Department of Behavioral Neurosciences, Science Research Center of Medical School, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ziyi Zhang
- Department of Behavioral Neurosciences, Science Research Center of Medical School, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengfei Ye
- Department of Psychiatry, Shaoxing Seventh People's Hospital (Affiliated Mental Health Center, Medical College of Shaoxing University), Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiuqin Lin
- Clinical Laboratory, Shaoxing Seventh People's Hospital (Affiliated Mental Health Center, Medical College of Shaoxing University), Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Behavioral Neurosciences, Science Research Center of Medical School, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China.
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Micocci S, Stefania R, Garello F, Fasoglio U, Hawala I, Tei L, Geninatti Crich S, Digilio G. Synthesis of fluorinated curcumin derivatives for detecting amyloid plaques by 19F-MRI. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:5948-5959. [PMID: 38979663 DOI: 10.1039/d4ob00730a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The most prominent pathophysiological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease is the aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides into senile plaques. Curcumin and its derivatives exhibit a high affinity for binding to Aβ fibrils, effectively inhibiting their growth. This property holds promise for both therapeutic applications and diagnostic molecular imaging. In this study, curcumin was functionalized with perfluoro-tert-butyl groups to create candidate molecular probes specifically targeted to Aβ fibrils for use in 19F-magnetic resonance imaging. Two types of fluorinated derivatives were considered: mono-substituted (containing nine fluorine atoms per molecule) and disubstituted (containing eighteen fluorine atoms). The linker connecting the perfluoro moiety with the curcumin scaffold was evaluated for its impact on binding affinity and water solubility. All mono-substituted compounds and one disubstituted compound exhibited a binding affinity toward Aβ fibrils on the same order of magnitude as reference curcumin. The insertion of a charged carboxylate group into the linker enhanced the water solubility of the probes. Compound Curc-Glu-F9 (with one L-glutamyl moiety and a perfluoro-tert-butyl group), showed the best properties in terms of binding affinity towards Aβ fibrils, water solubility, and intensity of the 19F-NMR signal in the Aβ oligomer bound form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Micocci
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Rachele Stefania
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont "Amedeo Avogadro", Viale Teresa Michel 11, 15120, Alessandria, Italy.
| | - Francesca Garello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Umberto Fasoglio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Ivan Hawala
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tei
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont "Amedeo Avogadro", Viale Teresa Michel 11, 15120, Alessandria, Italy.
| | - Simonetta Geninatti Crich
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Digilio
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont "Amedeo Avogadro", Viale Teresa Michel 11, 15120, Alessandria, Italy.
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Rao S, Madhu LN, Babu RS, Nagarajan A, Upadhya R, Narvekar E, Shetty AK. Extracellular Vesicles from hiPSC-derived NSCs Protect Human Neurons against Aβ-42 Oligomers Induced Neurodegeneration, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Tau Phosphorylation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.11.603159. [PMID: 39071270 PMCID: PMC11275725 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.11.603159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Background One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the buildup of amyloid beta-42 (Aβ-42) in the brain, which leads to various adverse effects. Therefore, therapeutic interventions proficient in reducing Aβ-42-induced toxicity in AD are of great interest. One promising approach is to use extracellular vesicles from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells (hiPSC-NSC-EVs) because they carry multiple therapeutic miRNAs and proteins capable of protecting neurons against Aβ-42-induced pathological changes. Therefore, this in vitro study investigated the proficiency of hiPSC-NSC-EVs to protect human neurons derived from two distinct hiPSC lines from Aβ-42o-induced neurodegeneration. Methods We isolated hiPSC-NSC-EVs using chromatographic methods and characterized their size, ultrastructure, expression of EV-specific markers and proficiency in getting incorporated into mature human neurons. Next, mature human neurons differentiated from two different hiPSC lines were exposed to 1 µM Aβ-42 oligomers (Aβ-42o) alone or with varying concentrations of hiPSC-NSC-EVs. The protective effects of hiPSC-NSC-EVs against Aβ-42o-induced neurodegeneration, increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired autophagy, and tau phosphorylation were ascertained using multiple measures and one-way ANOVA with Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons post hoc tests. Results Significant neurodegeneration was observed when human neurons were exposed to Aβ-42o alone. Notably, neurodegeneration was associated with elevated levels of oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PCs), increased expression of proapoptotic Bax and Bad genes and proteins, reduced expression of the antiapoptotic gene and protein Bcl-2, increased expression of genes encoding mitochondrial complex proteins, decreased expression of autophagy-related proteins Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B, and increased phosphorylation of tau. However, the addition of an optimal dose of hiPSC-NSC-EVs (6 x 10 9 EVs) to human neuronal cultures exposed to Aβ-42o significantly reduced the extent of neurodegeneration, along with diminished levels of MDA and PCs, normalized expressions of Bax, Bad, and Bcl-2, and genes linked to mitochondrial complex proteins, and reduced tau phosphorylation. Conclusions The findings demonstrate that an optimal dose of hiPSC-NSC-EVs could significantly decrease the degeneration of human neurons induced by Aβ-42o. The results also support further research into the effectiveness of hiPSC-NSC-EVs in AD, particularly their proficiency in preserving neurons and slowing disease progression.
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Gardner RS, Kyle M, Hughes K, Zhao LR. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Immunomodulatory Effects of Stem Cell Factor and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Treatment in the Brains of Aged APP/PS1 Mice. Biomolecules 2024; 14:827. [PMID: 39062541 PMCID: PMC11275138 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) leads to progressive neurodegeneration and dementia. AD primarily affects older adults with neuropathological changes including amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. We have previously demonstrated that systemic treatment with combined stem cell factor (SCF) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (SCF+G-CSF) reduces the Aβ load, increases Aβ uptake by activated microglia and macrophages, reduces neuroinflammation, and restores dendrites and synapses in the brains of aged APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice. However, the mechanisms underlying SCF+G-CSF-enhanced brain repair in aged APP/PS1 mice remain unclear. This study used a transcriptomic approach to identify the potential mechanisms by which SCF+G-CSF treatment modulates microglia and peripheral myeloid cells to mitigate AD pathology in the aged brain. After injections of SCF+G-CSF for 5 consecutive days, single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on CD11b+ cells isolated from the brains of 28-month-old APP/PS1 mice. The vast majority of cell clusters aligned with transcriptional profiles of microglia in various activation states. However, SCF+G-CSF treatment dramatically increased a cell population showing upregulation of marker genes related to peripheral myeloid cells. Flow cytometry data also revealed an SCF+G-CSF-induced increase of cerebral CD45high/CD11b+ active phagocytes. SCF+G-CSF treatment robustly increased the transcription of genes implicated in immune cell activation, including gene sets that regulate inflammatory processes and cell migration. The expression of S100a8 and S100a9 was robustly enhanced following SCF+G-CSF treatment in all CD11b+ cell clusters. Moreover, the topmost genes differentially expressed with SCF+G-CSF treatment were largely upregulated in S100a8/9-positive cells, suggesting a well-conserved transcriptional profile related to SCF+G-CSF treatment in resident and peripherally derived CD11b+ immune cells. This S100a8/9-associated transcriptional profile contained notable genes related to pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, neuroprotection, and Aβ plaque inhibition or clearance. Altogether, this study reveals the immunomodulatory effects of SCF+G-CSF treatment in the aged brain with AD pathology, which will guide future studies to further uncover the therapeutic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Li-Ru Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 E. Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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Gardner R, Kyle M, Hughes K, Zhao LR. Single cell RNA sequencing reveals immunomodulatory effects of stem cell factor and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment in the brains of aged APP/PS1 mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.09.593359. [PMID: 38766064 PMCID: PMC11100789 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.09.593359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimers disease leads to progressive neurodegeneration and dementia. Alzheimers disease primarily affects older adults with neuropathological changes including amyloid beta deposition, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. We have previously demonstrated that systemic treatment with combined stem cell factor, SCF, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor, GCSF, reduces amyloid beta load, increases amyloid beta uptake by activated microglia and macrophages, reduces neuroinflammation, and restores dendrites and synapses in the brains of aged APP-PS1 mice. However, the mechanisms underlying SCF-GCSF-enhanced brain repair in aged APP-PS1 mice remain unclear. This study used a transcriptomic approach to identify potential mechanisms by which SCF-GCSF treatment modulates microglia and peripheral myeloid cells to mitigate Alzheimers disease pathology in the aged brain. After injections of SCF-GCSF for 5 consecutive days, single cell RNA sequencing was performed on CD11b positive cells isolated from the brains of 28-month-old APP-PS1 mice. The vast majority of cell clusters aligned with transcriptional profiles of microglia in various activation states. However, SCF-GCSF treatment dramatically increased a cell population showing upregulation of marker genes related to peripheral myeloid cells. Flow cytometry data also revealed an SCF-GCSF-induced increase of cerebral CD45high-CD11b positive active phagocytes. SCF-GCSF treatment robustly increased the transcription of genes implicated in immune cell activation, including gene sets that regulate inflammatory processes and cell migration. Expression of S100a8 and S100a9 were robustly enhanced following SCF-GCSF treatment in all CD11b positive cell clusters. Moreover, the topmost genes differentially expressed with SCF-GCSF treatment were largely upregulated in S100a8-S100a9 positive cells, suggesting a well-conserved transcriptional profile related to SCF-GCSF treatment in resident and peripherally derived CD11b positive immune cells. This S100a8-S100a9-associated transcriptional profile contained notable genes related to proinflammatory and antiinflammatory responses, neuroprotection, and amyloid beta plaque inhibition or clearance. Altogether, this study reveals immunomodulatory effects of SCF-GCSF treatment in the aged brain with Alzheimers disease pathology, which will guide future studies to further uncover the therapeutic mechanisms.
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Pereira MF, Shyti R, Testa G. In and out: Benchmarking in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and xenografting approaches for an integrative brain disease modeling pipeline. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:767-795. [PMID: 38865969 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cellular models and their neuronal derivatives have afforded unprecedented advances in elucidating pathogenic mechanisms of neuropsychiatric diseases. Notwithstanding their indispensable contribution, animal models remain the benchmark in neurobiological research. In an attempt to harness the best of both worlds, researchers have increasingly relied on human/animal chimeras by xenografting human cells into the animal brain. Despite the unparalleled potential of xenografting approaches in the study of the human brain, literature resources that systematically examine their significance and advantages are surprisingly lacking. We fill this gap by providing a comprehensive account of brain diseases that were thus far subjected to all three modeling approaches (transgenic rodents, in vitro human lineages, human-animal xenografting) and provide a critical appraisal of the impact of xenografting approaches for advancing our understanding of those diseases and brain development. Next, we give our perspective on integrating xenografting modeling pipeline with recent cutting-edge technological advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene F Pereira
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; Neurogenomics Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Reinald Shyti
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Neurogenomics Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Santa Sofia 9, 20122 Milan, Italy; Neurogenomics Centre, Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi-Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy.
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Balusu S, De Strooper B. The necroptosis cell death pathway drives neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:96. [PMID: 38852117 PMCID: PMC11162975 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02747-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Although apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis have been implicated in AD, none fully explains the extensive neuronal loss observed in AD brains. Recent evidence shows that necroptosis is abundant in AD, that necroptosis is closely linked to the appearance of Tau pathology, and that necroptosis markers accumulate in granulovacuolar neurodegeneration vesicles (GVD). We review here the neuron-specific activation of the granulovacuolar mediated neuronal-necroptosis pathway, the potential AD-relevant triggers upstream of this pathway, and the interaction of the necrosome with the endo-lysosomal pathway, possibly providing links to Tau pathology. In addition, we underscore the therapeutic potential of inhibiting necroptosis in neurodegenerative diseases such as AD, as this presents a novel avenue for drug development targeting neuronal loss to preserve cognitive abilities. Such an approach seems particularly relevant when combined with amyloid-lowering drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Balusu
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Bart De Strooper
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Collins HM, Greenfield S. Rodent Models of Alzheimer's Disease: Past Misconceptions and Future Prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6222. [PMID: 38892408 PMCID: PMC11172947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116222] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no effective treatments, not least due to the lack of authentic animal models. Typically, rodent models recapitulate the effects but not causes of AD, such as cholinergic neuron loss: lesioning of cholinergic neurons mimics the cognitive decline reminiscent of AD but not its neuropathology. Alternative models rely on the overexpression of genes associated with familial AD, such as amyloid precursor protein, or have genetically amplified expression of mutant tau. Yet transgenic rodent models poorly replicate the neuropathogenesis and protein overexpression patterns of sporadic AD. Seeding rodents with amyloid or tau facilitates the formation of these pathologies but cannot account for their initial accumulation. Intracerebral infusion of proinflammatory agents offer an alternative model, but these fail to replicate the cause of AD. A novel model is therefore needed, perhaps similar to those used for Parkinson's disease, namely adult wildtype rodents with neuron-specific (dopaminergic) lesions within the same vulnerable brainstem nuclei, 'the isodendritic core', which are the first to degenerate in AD. Site-selective targeting of these nuclei in adult rodents may recapitulate the initial neurodegenerative processes in AD to faithfully mimic its pathogenesis and progression, ultimately leading to presymptomatic biomarkers and preventative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M. Collins
- Neuro-Bio Ltd., Building F5 The Culham Campus, Abingdon OX14 3DB, UK;
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10
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Im D, Choi TS. Distinctive contribution of two additional residues in protein aggregation of Aβ42 and Aβ40 isoforms. BMB Rep 2024; 57:263-272. [PMID: 38835114 PMCID: PMC11214890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) is one of the amyloidogenic intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) that self-assemble to protein aggregates, incurring cell malfunction and cytotoxicity. While Aβ has been known to regulate multiple physiological functions, such as enhancing synaptic functions, aiding in the recovery of the blood-brain barrier/brain injury, and exhibiting tumor suppression/antimicrobial activities, the hydrophobicity of the primary structure promotes pathological aggregations that are closely associated with the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ proteins consist of multiple isoforms with 37-43 amino acid residues that are produced by the cleavage of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP). The hydrolytic products of APP are secreted to the extracellular regions of neuronal cells. Aβ 1-42 (Aβ42) and Aβ 1-40 (Aβ40) are dominant isoforms whose significance in AD pathogenesis has been highlighted in numerous studies to understand the molecular mechanism and develop AD diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. In this review, we focus on the differences between Aβ42 and Aβ40 in the molecular mechanism of amyloid aggregations mediated by the two additional residues (Ile41 and Ala42) of Aβ42. The current comprehension of Aβ42 and Aβ40 in AD progression is outlined, together with the structural features of Aβ42/Aβ40 amyloid fibrils, and the aggregation mechanisms of Aβ42/Aβ40. Furthermore, the impact of the heterogeneous distribution of Aβ isoforms during amyloid aggregations is discussed in the system mimicking the coexistence of Aβ42 and Aβ40 in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(6): 263-272].
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjoon Im
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Tae Su Choi
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
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Meur S, Mukherjee S, Roy S, Karati D. Role of PIM Kinase Inhibitor in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04257-7. [PMID: 38816674 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04257-7] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is the most prevalent form of senile dementia, causing progressive deterioration of cognition, behavior, and rational skills. Neuropathologically, AD is characterized by two hallmark proteinaceous aggregates: amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formed of hyperphosphorylated tau. A significant study has been done to understand how Aβ and/or tau accumulation can alter signaling pathways that affect neuronal function. A conserved protein kinase known as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is essential for maintaining the proper balance between protein synthesis and degradation. Overwhelming evidence shows mTOR signaling's primary role in age-dependent cognitive decline and the pathogenesis of AD. Postmortem human AD brains consistently show an upregulation of mTOR signaling. Confocal microscopy findings demonstrated a direct connection between mTOR and intraneuronal Aβ42 through molecular processes of PRAS40 phosphorylation. By attaching to the mTORC1 complex, PRAS40 inhibits the activity of mTOR. Furthermore, inhibiting PRAS40 phosphorylation can stop the Aβ-mediated increase in mTOR activity, indicating that the accumulation of Aβ may aid in PRAS40 phosphorylation. Physiologically, PRAS40 is phosphorylated by PIM1 which is a serine/threonine kinase of proto-oncogene PIM kinase family. Pharmacological inhibition of PIM1 activity prevents the Aβ-induced mTOR hyperactivity in vivo by blocking PRAS40 phosphorylation and restores cognitive impairments by enhancing proteasome function. Recently identified small-molecule PIM1 inhibitors have been developed as potential therapeutic to reduce AD-neuropathology. This comprehensive study aims to address the activity of PIM1 inhibitor that has been tested for the treatment of AD, in addition to the pharmacological and structural aspects of PIM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyasi Meur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Techno India University, Kolkata, 700091, West Bengal, India
| | - Swarupananda Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, 124, B.L Saha Road, Kolkata, 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Souvik Roy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, 124, B.L Saha Road, Kolkata, 700053, West Bengal, India
| | - Dipanjan Karati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Techno India University, Kolkata, 700091, West Bengal, India.
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12
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Kim Y, Yun B, Ye BS, Kim BY. Generation of Alzheimer's Disease Model Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells with APP Gene Mutation. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1193. [PMID: 38927400 PMCID: PMC11201172 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is characterized by disruptions in memory, cognition, and personality, significantly impacting morbidity and mortality rates among older adults. However, the exact pathophysiological mechanism of AD remains unknown, and effective treatment options for AD are still lacking. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are emerging as promising platforms for disease research, offering the ability to model the genetic mutations associated with various conditions. Patient-derived iPSCs are useful for modeling neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. In this study, we generated AD iPSCs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from a 65-year-old patient with AD carrying the E682K mutation in the gene encoding the amyloid precursor protein. Cerebral organoids derived from AD iPSCs recapitulated the AD phenotype, exhibiting significantly increased levels of tau protein. Our analysis revealed that an iPSC disease model of AD is a valuable assessment tool for pathophysiological research and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yena Kim
- Division of Intractable Disease Research, Department of Chronic Disease Convergence Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea; (Y.K.); (B.Y.)
- Korea National Stem Cell Bank, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Binna Yun
- Division of Intractable Disease Research, Department of Chronic Disease Convergence Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea; (Y.K.); (B.Y.)
- Korea National Stem Cell Bank, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Seok Ye
- Department of Neurology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
| | - Bo-Young Kim
- Division of Intractable Disease Research, Department of Chronic Disease Convergence Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea; (Y.K.); (B.Y.)
- Korea National Stem Cell Bank, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea
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Wongchitrat P, Chanmee T, Govitrapong P. Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Neurodegeneration of Neurotropic Viral Infection. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2881-2903. [PMID: 37946006 PMCID: PMC11043213 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03761-6] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) cause variable outcomes from acute to severe neurological sequelae with increased morbidity and mortality. Viral neuroinvasion directly or indirectly induces encephalitis via dysregulation of the immune response and contributes to the alteration of neuronal function and the degeneration of neuronal cells. This review provides an overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of virus-induced neurodegeneration. Neurotropic viral infections influence many aspects of neuronal dysfunction, including promoting chronic inflammation, inducing cellular oxidative stress, impairing mitophagy, encountering mitochondrial dynamics, enhancing metabolic rewiring, altering neurotransmitter systems, and inducing misfolded and aggregated pathological proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. These pathogenetic mechanisms create a multidimensional injury of the brain that leads to specific neuronal and brain dysfunction. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the neurophathogenesis associated with neurodegeneration of viral infection may emphasize the strategies for prevention, protection, and treatment of virus infection of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prapimpun Wongchitrat
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, 999 Phutthamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.
| | - Theerawut Chanmee
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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14
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Finneran DJ, Desjarlais T, Henry A, Jackman BM, Gordon MN, Morgan D. Induction of tauopathy in a mouse model of amyloidosis using intravenous administration of adeno-associated virus vectors expressing human P301L tau. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2024; 10:e12470. [PMID: 38689599 PMCID: PMC11058624 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease in which extracellular aggregates of the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide precede widespread intracellular inclusions of the microtubule-associated protein tau. The autosomal dominant form of AD requires mutations that increase production or aggregation of the Aβ peptide. This has led to the hypothesis that amyloid deposition initiates downstream responses that lead to the hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of tau. METHODS Here we use a novel approach, somatic gene transfer via intravenous adeno-associated virus (AAV), to further explore the effects of pre-existing amyloid deposits on tauopathy. APP+PS1 mice, which develop amyloid deposits at 3 to 6 months of age, and non-transgenic littermates were injected at 8 months of age intravenously with AAV-PHP.eB encoding P301L human tau. Tissue was collected at 13 months and tauopathy was assessed. RESULTS Total human tau expression was observed to be relatively uniform throughout the brain, reflecting the vascular route of AAV administration. Phospho-tau deposition was not equal across brain regions and significantly increased in APP+PS1 mice compared to non-transgenic controls. Interestingly, the rank order of phospho-tau deposition of affected brain regions in both genotypes paralleled the rank order of amyloid plaque deposits in APP+PS1 mice. We also observed significantly increased MAPT RNA expression in APP+PS1 mice compared to non-transgenic despite equal AAV transduction efficiency between groups. DISCUSSION This model has advantages over prior approaches with widespread uniform human tau expression throughout the brain and the ability to specify the stage of amyloidosis when the tau pathology is initiated. These data add further support to the amyloid cascade hypothesis and suggest RNA metabolism as a potential mechanism for amyloid-induced tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan J. Finneran
- Department of Translational Neuroscience and the Alzheimer's AllianceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Taylor Desjarlais
- Department of Translational Neuroscience and the Alzheimer's AllianceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Alayna Henry
- Department of Translational Neuroscience and the Alzheimer's AllianceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Brianna M. Jackman
- Department of Translational Neuroscience and the Alzheimer's AllianceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - Marcia N. Gordon
- Department of Translational Neuroscience and the Alzheimer's AllianceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
| | - David Morgan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience and the Alzheimer's AllianceMichigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMichiganUSA
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15
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He S, Shi J, Chai H, Ma L, Pei H, Zhang P, Shi D, Li H. Mechanisms with network pharmacology approach of Ginsenosides in Alzheimer's disease. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26642. [PMID: 38434355 PMCID: PMC10906400 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss, cognitive disorder, language dysfunction, and mental disability. The main neuropathological changes in AD mainly include amyloid plaque deposition, neurofibrillary tangles, synapse loss, and neuron reduction. However, the current anti-AD drugs do not demonstrate a favorable effect in altering the pathological course of AD. Moreover, long-term use of these drugs is usually accompanied with various side effects. Ginsenosides are the major active constituents of ginseng and have protective effects on AD through various mechanisms in both in vivo and in vitro studies. In this review, we focused on discussing the therapeutic potential effects and the mechanisms of pharmacological activities of ginsenosides in AD, to provide new insight for further research and clinical application of ginsenosides in the future. Recent studies on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of ginsenosides were retrieved from Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, National Science and Technology Library, Wanfang Data, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, and the Web of Science database up to April 2023 using relevant keywords. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis were used to predict the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of ginsenosides against AD. Ginsenosides presented a wide range of therapeutic and biological activities, including alleviating Aβ deposition, decreasing tau hyperphosphorylation, regulating the cholinergic system, resisting oxidative stress, modulating Ca2+ homeostasis, as well as anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis in neurons, respectively. For further developing the therapeutic potential as well as clinical applications, the network pharmacology approach was combined with a summary of published studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan He
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junhe Shi
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Chai
- Hepingli Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Ma
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Pei
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dazhuo Shi
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Li
- Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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16
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Pádua MS, Guil-Guerrero JL, Prates JAM, Lopes PA. Insights on the Use of Transgenic Mice Models in Alzheimer's Disease Research. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2805. [PMID: 38474051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, presents a significant global health challenge with no known cure to date. Central to our understanding of AD pathogenesis is the β-amyloid cascade hypothesis, which underlies drug research and discovery efforts. Despite extensive studies, no animal models of AD have completely validated this hypothesis. Effective AD models are essential for accurately replicating key pathological features of the disease, notably the formation of β-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. These pathological markers are primarily driven by mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin 1 (PS1) genes in familial AD (FAD) and by tau protein mutations for the tangle pathology. Transgenic mice models have been instrumental in AD research, heavily relying on the overexpression of mutated APP genes to simulate disease conditions. However, these models do not entirely replicate the human condition of AD. This review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the historical and ongoing research efforts in AD, particularly through the use of transgenic mice models. It is focused on the benefits gathered from these transgenic mice models in understanding β-amyloid toxicity and the broader biological underpinnings of AD. Additionally, the review critically assesses the application of these models in the preclinical testing of new therapeutic interventions, highlighting the gap between animal models and human clinical realities. This analysis underscores the need for refinement in AD research methodologies to bridge this gap and enhance the translational value of preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mafalda Soares Pádua
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para Ciência Animal e Veterinária (AL4AnimalS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José L Guil-Guerrero
- Departamento de Tecnología de Alimentos, Universidad de Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - José A M Prates
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para Ciência Animal e Veterinária (AL4AnimalS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paula Alexandra Lopes
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para Ciência Animal e Veterinária (AL4AnimalS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
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17
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Marshall J, Huynh K, Lancaster G, Ng J, Collins J, Pernes G, Liang A, Featherby T, Mellet N, Drew B, Calkin A, King A, Meikle P, Febbraio M, Adlard P, Henstridge D. Behavioral, metabolic, and lipidomic characterization of the 5xFADxTg30 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. iScience 2024; 27:108800. [PMID: 38292430 PMCID: PMC10826307 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with both extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). We characterized the behavioral, metabolic and lipidomic phenotype of the 5xFADxTg30 mouse model which contains overexpression of both Aβ and tau. Our results independently reproduce several phenotypic traits described previously for this model, while providing additional characterization. This model develops many aspects associated with AD including frailty, decreased survival, initiation of aspects of cognitive decline and alterations to specific lipid classes and molecular lipid species in the plasma and brain. Notably, some sex-specific differences exist in this model and motor impairment with aging in this model does compromise the utility of the model for some movement-based behavioral assessments of cognitive function. These findings provide a reference for individuals interested in using this model to understand the pathology associated with elevated Aβ and tau or for testing potential therapeutics for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- J.P.S. Marshall
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - K. Huynh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - G.I. Lancaster
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - J. Ng
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
| | - J.M. Collins
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - G. Pernes
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - A. Liang
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - T. Featherby
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - N.A. Mellet
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - B.G. Drew
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - A.C. Calkin
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - A.E. King
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - P.J. Meikle
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - M.A. Febbraio
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - P.A. Adlard
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - D.C. Henstridge
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia
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18
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Kim CM, Diez I, Bueichekú E, Ahn S, Montal V, Sepulcre J. Spatiotemporal Correlation between Amyloid and Tau Accumulations Underlies Cognitive Changes in Aging. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0488232023. [PMID: 38123362 PMCID: PMC10869152 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0488-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
It is poorly known how Aβ and tau accumulations associate at the spatiotemporal level in the in vivo human brain to impact cognitive changes in older adults prior to AD symptoms onset. In this study, we used a graph theory-based spatiotemporal analysis to characterize the cortical patterns of Aβ and tau deposits and their relationship with cognitive changes in the Harvard Aging Brain Study (HABS) cohort. We found that the temporal accumulations of interlinked Aβ and tau pathology display distinctive spatiotemporal correlations associated with early cognitive decline. Notably, we observed that baseline Aβ deposits-Thal amyloid phase Ⅱ-related to future increase of tau deposits, Braak stages Ⅰ-Ⅳ, both displaying linkage to the decline in multi-domain cognitive scores. We also found unimodal tau-to-tau and cognitive impairment associations in broad areas of Braak stages Ⅰ-Ⅳ. The unimodal Aβ-to-Aβ progressions were not associated with cognitive changes. Our results revealed a multifaceted correlation of the spatiotemporal Aβ and tau associations with cognitive decline over time, in which tau-to-tau and tau-Aβ interactions, and not Aβ independently, might be critical contributors to clinical trajectories toward AD in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Mi Kim
- Department of Radiology, Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, Massachusetts
| | - Ibai Diez
- Department of Radiology, Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, Massachusetts
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown 02129, Massachusetts
| | - Elisenda Bueichekú
- Department of Radiology, Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, Massachusetts
| | - Sung Ahn
- Department of Radiology, Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, Massachusetts
| | - Victor Montal
- Department of Radiology, Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, Massachusetts
- Memory Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08041, Spain
- Center of Biomedical Investigation Network for Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Jorge Sepulcre
- Department of Radiology, Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, Massachusetts
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown 02129, Massachusetts
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19
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Bukhari H, Nithianandam V, Battaglia RA, Cicalo A, Sarkar S, Comjean A, Hu Y, Leventhal MJ, Dong X, Feany MB. Transcriptional programs mediating neuronal toxicity and altered glial-neuronal signaling in a Drosophila knock-in tauopathy model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.02.578624. [PMID: 38352559 PMCID: PMC10862891 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.02.578624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Missense mutations in the gene encoding the microtubule-associated protein tau cause autosomal dominant forms of frontotemporal dementia. Multiple models of frontotemporal dementia based on transgenic expression of human tau in experimental model organisms, including Drosophila, have been described. These models replicate key features of the human disease, but do not faithfully recreate the genetic context of the human disorder. Here we use CRISPR-Cas mediated gene editing to model frontotemporal dementia caused by the tau P301L mutation by creating the orthologous mutation, P251L, in the endogenous Drosophila tau gene. Flies heterozygous or homozygous for tau P251L display age-dependent neurodegeneration, metabolic defects and accumulate DNA damage in affected neurons. To understand the molecular events promoting neuronal dysfunction and death in knock-in flies we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on approximately 130,000 cells from brains of tau P251L mutant and control flies. We found that expression of disease-associated mutant tau altered gene expression cell autonomously in all neuronal cell types identified and non-cell autonomously in glial cells. Cell signaling pathways, including glial-neuronal signaling, were broadly dysregulated as were brain region and cell-type specific protein interaction networks and gene regulatory programs. In summary, we present here a genetic model of tauopathy, which faithfully recapitulates the genetic context and phenotypic features of the human disease and use the results of comprehensive single cell sequencing analysis to outline pathways of neurotoxicity and highlight the role of non-cell autonomous changes in glia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Bukhari
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
| | - Vanitha Nithianandam
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
| | - Rachel A. Battaglia
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
| | - Anthony Cicalo
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Hub, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Souvarish Sarkar
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Aram Comjean
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Matthew J. Leventhal
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
- MIT Ph.D. Program in Computational and Systems Biology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Xianjun Dong
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Hub, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Mel B. Feany
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
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20
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Martin SP, Leeman-Markowski BA. Proposed mechanisms of tau: relationships to traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1287545. [PMID: 38249745 PMCID: PMC10797726 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1287545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and epilepsy share proposed mechanisms of injury, including neuronal excitotoxicity, cascade signaling, and activation of protein biomarkers such as tau. Although tau is typically present intracellularly, in tauopathies, phosphorylated (p-) and hyper-phosphorylated (hp-) tau are released extracellularly, the latter leading to decreased neuronal stability and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Tau cleavage at particular sites increases susceptibility to hyper-phosphorylation, NFT formation, and eventual cell death. The relationship between tau and inflammation, however, is unknown. In this review, we present evidence for an imbalanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and inflammatory signaling pathways resulting in atypical p-tau, hp-tau and NFT formation. Further, we propose tau as a biomarker for neuronal injury severity in TBI, AD, and epilepsy. We present a hypothesis of tau phosphorylation as an initial acute neuroprotective response to seizures/TBI. However, if the underlying seizure pathology or TBI recurrence is not effectively treated, and the pathway becomes chronically activated, we propose a "tipping point" hypothesis that identifies a transition of tau phosphorylation from neuroprotective to injurious. We outline the role of amyloid beta (Aβ) as a "last ditch effort" to revert the cell to programmed death signaling, that, when fails, transitions the mechanism from injurious to neurodegenerative. Lastly, we discuss targets along these pathways for therapeutic intervention in AD, TBI, and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha P. Martin
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY, United States
| | - Beth A. Leeman-Markowski
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Neurology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
- VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY, United States
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21
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Li X, Chen Y, Yang Z, Zhang S, Wei G, Zhang L. Structural insights into the co-aggregation of Aβ and tau amyloid core peptides: Revealing potential pathological heterooligomers by simulations. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127841. [PMID: 37924907 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
The self-aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau proteins are closely implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent evidence indicates that Aβ and tau proteins can cross-interact to form co-aggregates, which aggravates the development of AD. However, their transient heterooligomer conformations and co-aggregation molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Herein, we utilize replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the conformational ensembles formed by the central hydrophobic core of Aβ (Aβ16-22) and each of two fibril-nucleating core segments of tau (PHF6* and PHF6). Both PHF6 and PHF6* are found to co-aggregate with Aβ16-22 into β-sheet-rich heterooligomers. Intriguingly, PHF6 and Aβ16-22 peptides formed closed β-barrels, while PHF6* and Aβ16-22 formed open β-barrels, implying their distinct co-aggregation property. Compared to Aβ16-22-PHF6*, Aβ16-22-PHF6 heterooligomers have higher β-sheet content, and contain longer β-strands and larger β-sheets, indicative of stronger co-aggregation ability of PHF6 with Aβ16-22. Further analyses reveal that hydrophobic and π-π stacking interactions between Y310 of PHF6 and Aβ16-22 are crucial for the closed β-barrel/larger β-sheet formation in Aβ16-22-PHF6 heterooligomers. These results highlight the paramount importance of PHF6 fragment, particularly Y310 residue, as a potential target for inhibiting Aβ-tau co-aggregation, which could help for effective therapeutic design in mitigating Aβ-tau co-aggregation related amyloidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhua Li
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 West Xianning Road, Xi'an 710049, China; State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (Ministry of Education), Department of Physics, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (Ministry of Education), Department of Physics, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Zhiwei Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 West Xianning Road, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Shengli Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 West Xianning Road, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Guanghong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (Ministry of Education), Department of Physics, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Shanghai 200438, China..
| | - Lei Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Nonequilibrium Synthesis and Modulation of Condensed Matter, School of Physics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 West Xianning Road, Xi'an 710049, China.
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22
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Cruz E, Nisbet RM, Götz J. Break and accelerator-The mechanics of Tau (and amyloid) toxicity. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:24-29. [PMID: 37632370 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21781] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Aggregates of the microtubule-associated protein Tau define more than a dozen primary tauopathies, and together with amyloid-β, the secondary tauopathy Alzheimer's disease (AD). Historically, Tau has been viewed as executor of amyloid-β toxicity, with the two molecules working together as "trigger and bullet." Given the two protein's opposing roles in protein translation, we wish to introduce another metaphor, borrowing from the mechanics of a car, with amyloid-β boosting Tau translation, whereas Tau puts a break on global translation. The underlying studies entail an alternative hypothesis regarding Tau's subcellular accumulation in AD, namely its de novo synthesis in the somatodendritic domain rather than the relocalization from the axon upon dissociation from microtubules. We contest that it may be worth (given Tau's 50th birthday) to revisit some entrenched dogmas about Tau's pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Cruz
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebecca M Nisbet
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jürgen Götz
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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23
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Bloom GS, Baas PW. A half-century of tau. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:7-9. [PMID: 37638689 PMCID: PMC10840720 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- George S. Bloom
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Peter W. Baas
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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24
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Li X, Quan M, Wei Y, Wang W, Xu L, Wang Q, Jia J. Critical thinking of Alzheimer's transgenic mouse model: current research and future perspective. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:2711-2754. [PMID: 37480469 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2357-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic models are useful tools for studying the pathogenesis of and drug development for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). AD models are constructed usually using overexpression or knock-in of multiple pathogenic gene mutations from familial AD. Each transgenic model has its unique behavioral and pathological features. This review summarizes the research progress of transgenic mouse models, and their progress in the unique mechanism of amyloid-β oligomers, including the first transgenic mouse model built in China based on a single gene mutation (PSEN1 V97L) found in Chinese familial AD. We further summarized the preclinical findings of drugs using the models, and their future application in exploring the upstream mechanisms and multitarget drug development in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Li
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Meina Quan
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- National Medical Center for Neurological Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Yiping Wei
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- National Medical Center for Neurological Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Lingzhi Xu
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
- National Medical Center for Neurological Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Jianping Jia
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
- National Medical Center for Neurological Diseases and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Clinical Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Memory Impairment, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Center of Alzheimer's Disease, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100053, China.
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25
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Rivera J, Sharma B, Torres MM, Kumar S. Factors affecting the GABAergic synapse function in Alzheimer's disease: Focus on microRNAs. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102123. [PMID: 37967653 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disease characterized by the loss of cognitive function, confusion, and memory deficit. Accumulation of abnormal proteins, amyloid beta (Aß), and phosphorylated Tau (p-tau) forms plaques and tangles that deteriorate synapse function, resulting in neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in AD. The human brain is composed of different types of neurons and/or synapses that are functionally defective in AD. The GABAergic synapse, the most abundant inhibitory neuron in the human brain was found to be dysfunctional in AD and contributes to disrupting neurological function. This study explored the types of GABA receptors associated with neurological dysfunction and various biological and environmental factors that cause GABAergic neuron dysfunction in AD, such as Aβ, p-tau, aging, sex, astrocytes, microglia, APOE, mental disorder, diet, physical activity, and sleep. Furthermore, we explored the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of GABAergic synapse function in neurological disorders and AD states. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying GABAergic synapse dysfunction with a focus on miR-27b, miR-30a, miR-190a/b, miR-33, miR-51, miR-129-5p, miR-376-3p, miR-376c, miR-30b and miR-502-3p. The purpose of our article is to highlight the recent research on miRNAs affecting the regulation of GABAergic synapse function and factors that contribute to the progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jazmin Rivera
- Center of Emphasis in Neuroscience, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Bhupender Sharma
- Center of Emphasis in Neuroscience, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Melissa M Torres
- Center of Emphasis in Neuroscience, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Subodh Kumar
- Center of Emphasis in Neuroscience, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA; L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA.
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26
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Abo-Zaid OA, Moawed FS, Taha EF, Ahmed ESA, Kawara RS. Melissa officinalis extract suppresses endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in the brain of hypothyroidism-induced rats exposed to γ-radiation. Cell Stress Chaperones 2023; 28:709-720. [PMID: 37368180 PMCID: PMC10746611 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-023-01363-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the neuroprotective effect of Melissa officinalis extract (MEE) against brain damage associated with hypothyroidism induced by propylthiouracil (PTU) and/or γ-radiation (IR) in rats. Hypothyroidism induction and/or exposure to IR resulted in a significant decrease in the serum levels of T3 and T4 associated with increased levels of lipid peroxidation end product, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrites (NO) in the brain tissue homogenate. Also, hypothyroidism and /or exposure to IR markedly enhance the endoplasmic reticulum stress by upregulating the gene expressions of the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), activated transcription factor 6 (ATF6), endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD), and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) in the brain tissue homogenate associated with a proapoptotic state which indicated by the overexpression of Bax, BCl2, and caspase-12 that culminates in brain damage. Meanwhile, the PTU and /or IR-exposed rats treated with MEE reduced oxidative stress and ERAD through ATF6. Also, the MEE treatment prevented the Bax and caspase-12 gene expression from increasing. This treatment in hypothyroid animals was associated with neuronal protection as indicated by the downregulation in the gene expressions of the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) and amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the brain tissue. Furthermore, the administration of MEE ameliorates the histological structure of brain tissue. In conclusion, MEE might prevent hypothyroidism-induced brain damage associated with oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omayma Ar Abo-Zaid
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Vet. Med, Benha University, Moshtohor, Banha, Egypt
| | - Fatma Sm Moawed
- Health Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
- Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Nasr City, Cairo, 11787, Egypt.
| | - Eman Fs Taha
- Health Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Esraa S A Ahmed
- Radiation Biology Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ragaa Sm Kawara
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Vet. Med, Benha University, Moshtohor, Banha, Egypt
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27
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Fedele E. Anti-Amyloid Therapies for Alzheimer's Disease and the Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14499. [PMID: 37833948 PMCID: PMC10578107 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914499] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 30 years, the majority of (pre)clinical efforts to find an effective therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) focused on clearing the β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) from the brain since, according to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, the peptide was (and it is still considered by many) the pathogenic determinant of this neurodegenerative disorder. However, as reviewed in this article, results from the numerous clinical trials that have tested anti-Aβ therapies to date indicate that this peptide plays a minor role in the pathogenesis of AD. Indeed, even Aducanumab and Lecanemab, the two antibodies recently approved by the FDA for AD therapy, as well as Donanemab showed limited efficacy on cognitive parameters in phase III clinical trials, despite their capability of markedly lowering Aβ brain load. Furthermore, preclinical evidence demonstrates that Aβ possesses several physiological functions, including memory formation, suggesting that AD may in part be due to a loss of function of this peptide. Finally, it is generally accepted that AD could be the result of many molecular dysfunctions, and therefore, if we keep chasing only Aβ, it means that we cannot see the forest for the trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Fedele
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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28
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Kulichikhin KY, Malikova OA, Zobnina AE, Zalutskaya NM, Rubel AA. Interaction of Proteins Involved in Neuronal Proteinopathies. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1954. [PMID: 37895336 PMCID: PMC10608209 DOI: 10.3390/life13101954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteinopathy is characterized by the accumulation of aggregates of a specific protein in a target organ, tissue, or cell. The aggregation of the same protein can cause different pathologies as single protein can adopt various amyloidogenic, disease-specific conformations. The conformation governs the interaction of amyloid aggregates with other proteins that are prone to misfolding and, thus, determines disease-specific spectrum of concomitant pathologies. In this regard, a detailed description of amyloid protein conformation as well as spectrum of its interaction with other proteins become a key point for drafting of precise description of the disease. The majority of clinical cases of neuronal proteinopathies is caused by the aggregation of rather limited range of amyloidogenic proteins. Here, we provided the characterization of pathologies, related to the aggregation of amyloid β peptide, tau protein, α-synuclein, TDP-43, and amylin, giving a short description of pathologies themselves, recent advances in elucidation of misfolded protein conformation, with emphasis on those protein aggregates extracted from biological samples, what is known about the interaction of this proteins, and the influence of this interaction on the progression of underlying disease and comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Y. Kulichikhin
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (O.A.M.); (A.E.Z.)
| | - Oksana A. Malikova
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (O.A.M.); (A.E.Z.)
| | - Anastasia E. Zobnina
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (O.A.M.); (A.E.Z.)
| | - Natalia M. Zalutskaya
- V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Neurology, 192019 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Aleksandr A. Rubel
- Laboratory of Amyloid Biology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia; (O.A.M.); (A.E.Z.)
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29
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Buccellato FR, D’Anca M, Tartaglia GM, Del Fabbro M, Scarpini E, Galimberti D. Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: Beyond Symptomatic Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13900. [PMID: 37762203 PMCID: PMC10531090 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813900] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In an ever-increasing aged world, Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents the first cause of dementia and one of the first chronic diseases in elderly people. With 55 million people affected, the WHO considers AD to be a disease with public priority. Unfortunately, there are no final cures for this pathology. Treatment strategies are aimed to mitigate symptoms, i.e., acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) and the N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist Memantine. At present, the best approaches for managing the disease seem to combine pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies to stimulate cognitive reserve. Over the last twenty years, a number of drugs have been discovered acting on the well-established biological hallmarks of AD, deposition of β-amyloid aggregates and accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in cells. Although previous efforts disappointed expectations, a new era in treating AD has been working its way recently. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave conditional approval of the first disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for the treatment of AD, aducanumab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) designed against Aβ plaques and oligomers in 2021, and in January 2023, the FDA granted accelerated approval for a second monoclonal antibody, Lecanemab. This review describes ongoing clinical trials with DMTs and non-pharmacological therapies. We will also present a future scenario based on new biomarkers that can detect AD in preclinical or prodromal stages, identify people at risk of developing AD, and allow an early and curative treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca R. Buccellato
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Marianna D’Anca
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Martino Tartaglia
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Del Fabbro
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elio Scarpini
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Galimberti
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
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30
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Piotrowski SL, Tucker A, Jacobson S. The elusive role of herpesviruses in Alzheimer's disease: current evidence and future directions. NEUROIMMUNE PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS 2023; 2:253-266. [PMID: 38013835 PMCID: PMC10474380 DOI: 10.1515/nipt-2023-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. While pathologic hallmarks, such as extracellular beta-amyloid plaques, are well-characterized in affected individuals, the pathogenesis that causes plaque formation and eventual cognitive decline is not well understood. A recent resurgence of the decades-old "infectious hypothesis" has garnered increased attention on the potential role that microbes may play in AD. In this theory, it is thought that pathogens such as viruses may act as seeds for beta-amyloid aggregation, ultimately leading to plaques. Interest in the infectious hypothesis has also spurred further investigation into additional characteristics of viral infection that may play a role in AD progression, such as neuroinflammation, latency, and viral DNA integration. While a flurry of research in this area has been recently published, with herpesviruses being of particular interest, the role of pathogens in AD remains controversial. In this review, the insights gained thus far into the possible role of herpesviruses in AD are summarized. The challenges and potential future directions of herpesvirus research in AD and dementia are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L. Piotrowski
- Viral Immunology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Comparative Biomedical Scientist Training Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Allison Tucker
- Viral Immunology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Steven Jacobson
- Viral Immunology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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31
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Bertsch M, Franchi B, Tesi MC, Tora V. The role of A[Formula: see text] and Tau proteins in Alzheimer's disease: a mathematical model on graphs. J Math Biol 2023; 87:49. [PMID: 37646953 PMCID: PMC10468937 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-023-01985-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
In this Note we study a mathematical model for the progression of Alzheimer's Disease in the human brain. The novelty of our approach consists in the representation of the brain as two superposed graphs where toxic proteins diffuse, the connectivity graph which represents the neural network, and the proximity graph which takes into account the extracellular space. Toxic proteins such as [Formula: see text] amyloid and Tau play in fact a crucial role in the development of Alzheimer's disease and, separately, have been targets of medical treatments. Recent biomedical literature stresses the potential impact of the synergetic action of these proteins. We numerically test various modelling hypotheses which confirm the relevance of this synergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel Bertsch
- Department of Mathematics, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Istituto per le Applicazioni del Calcolo “M. Picone”, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Franchi
- Department of Mathematics, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Carla Tesi
- Department of Mathematics, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Tora
- Department of Mathematics, University of Roma “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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32
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Warfield AE, Gupta P, Ruhmann MM, Jeffs QL, Guidone GC, Rhymes HW, Thompson MI, Todd WD. A brainstem to circadian system circuit links Tau pathology to sundowning-related disturbances in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5027. [PMID: 37596279 PMCID: PMC10439113 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40546-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients exhibit progressive disruption of entrained circadian rhythms and an aberrant circadian input pathway may underlie such dysfunction. Here we examine AD-related pathology and circadian dysfunction in the APPSwe-Tau (TAPP) model of AD. We show these mice exhibit phase delayed body temperature and locomotor activity with increases around the active-to-rest phase transition. Similar AD-related disruptions are associated with sundowning, characterized by late afternoon and early evening agitation and aggression, and we show TAPP mice exhibit increased aggression around this transition. We show such circadian dysfunction and aggression coincide with hyperphosphorylated Tau (pTau) development in lateral parabrachial (LPB) neurons, with these disturbances appearing earlier in females. Finally, we show LPB neurons, including those expressing dynorphin (LPBdyn), project to circadian structures and are affected by pTau, and LPBdyn ablations partially recapitulate the hyperthermia of TAPP mice. Altogether we link pTau in a brainstem circadian input pathway to AD-related disturbances relevant to sundowning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Warfield
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Pooja Gupta
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Madison M Ruhmann
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Quiana L Jeffs
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Genevieve C Guidone
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Hannah W Rhymes
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - McKenzi I Thompson
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William D Todd
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA.
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33
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Davidowitz EJ, Lopez P, Jimenez H, Adrien L, Davies P, Moe JG. Small molecule inhibitor of tau self-association in a mouse model of tauopathy: A preventive study in P301L tau JNPL3 mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286523. [PMID: 37556474 PMCID: PMC10411817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in tau biology and the difficulties of amyloid-directed immunotherapeutics have heightened interest in tau as a target for small molecule drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we evaluated OLX-07010, a small molecule inhibitor of tau self-association, for the prevention of tau aggregation. The primary endpoint of the study was statistically significant reduction of insoluble tau aggregates in treated JNPL3 mice compared with Vehicle-control mice. Secondary endpoints were dose-dependent reduction of insoluble tau aggregates, reduction of phosphorylated tau, and reduction of soluble tau. This study was performed in JNPL3 mice, which are representative of inherited forms of 4-repeat tauopathies with the P301L tau mutation (e.g., progressive supranuclear palsy and frontotemporal dementia). The P301L mutation makes tau prone to aggregation; therefore, JNPL3 mice present a more challenging target than mouse models of human tau without mutations. JNPL3 mice were treated from 3 to 7 months of age with Vehicle, 30 mg/kg compound dose, or 40 mg/kg compound dose. Biochemical methods were used to evaluate self-associated tau, insoluble tau aggregates, total tau, and phosphorylated tau in the hindbrain, cortex, and hippocampus. The Vehicle group had higher levels of insoluble tau in the hindbrain than the Baseline group; treatment with 40 mg/kg compound dose prevented this increase. In the cortex, the levels of insoluble tau were similar in the Baseline and Vehicle groups, indicating that the pathological phenotype of these mice was beginning to emerge at the study endpoint and that there was a delay in the development of the phenotype of the model as originally characterized. No drug-related adverse effects were observed during the 4-month treatment period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliot J. Davidowitz
- Oligomerix, Inc., White Plains, NY, United States of America
- Oligomerix, Inc., Bronx, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Heidy Jimenez
- The Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Leslie Adrien
- The Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Peter Davies
- The Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer’s Disease, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - James G. Moe
- Oligomerix, Inc., White Plains, NY, United States of America
- Oligomerix, Inc., Bronx, NY, United States of America
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34
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Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are reversible compartments that form through a process called phase separation. Post-translational modifications like ADP-ribosylation can nucleate the formation of these condensates by accelerating the self-association of proteins. Poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) chains are remarkably transient modifications with turnover rates on the order of minutes, yet they can be required for the formation of granules in response to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and other stimuli. Moreover, accumulation of PAR is linked with adverse phase transitions in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this review, we provide a primer on how PAR is synthesized and regulated, the diverse structures and chemistries of ADP-ribosylation modifications, and protein-PAR interactions. We review substantial progress in recent efforts to determine the molecular mechanism of PAR-mediated phase separation, and we further delineate how inhibitors of PAR polymerases may be effective treatments for neurodegenerative pathologies. Finally, we highlight the need for rigorous biochemical interrogation of ADP-ribosylation in vivo and in vitro to clarify the exact pathway from PARylation to condensate formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Rhine
- Program in Cell, Molecular, Developmental Biology, and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Hana M Odeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Sua Myong
- Program in Cell, Molecular, Developmental Biology, and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Physics Frontier Center (Center for the Physics of Living Cells), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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Rollo J, Crawford J, Hardy J. A dynamical systems approach for multiscale synthesis of Alzheimer's pathogenesis. Neuron 2023; 111:2126-2139. [PMID: 37172582 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.04.018] [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: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a spatially dynamic pathology that implicates a growing volume of multiscale data spanning genetic, cellular, tissue, and organ levels of the organization. These data and bioinformatics analyses provide clear evidence for the interactions within and between these levels. The resulting heterarchy precludes a linear neuron-centric approach and necessitates that the numerous interactions are measured in a way that predicts their impact on the emergent dynamics of the disease. This level of complexity confounds intuition, and we propose a new methodology that uses non-linear dynamical systems modeling to augment intuition and that links with a community-wide participatory platform to co-create and test system-level hypotheses and interventions. In addition to enabling the integration of multiscale knowledge, key benefits include a more rapid innovation cycle and a rational process for prioritization of data campaigns. We argue that such an approach is essential to support the discovery of multilevel-coordinated polypharmaceutical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Rollo
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - John Crawford
- Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - John Hardy
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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Hardy J. Anti-amyloid therapies work for Alzheimer's disease. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad204. [PMID: 37492486 PMCID: PMC10365829 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John Hardy
- Correspondence to: John Hardy, Reta Lilla Weston Research Laboratories and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and Dementia Research Institute, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK E-mail:
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Abbate C. The Adult Neurogenesis Theory of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023:JAD221279. [PMID: 37182879 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease starts in neural stem cells (NSCs) in the niches of adult neurogenesis. All primary factors responsible for pathological tau hyperphosphorylation are inherent to adult neurogenesis and migration. However, when amyloid pathology is present, it strongly amplifies tau pathogenesis. Indeed, the progressive accumulation of extracellular amyloid-β deposits in the brain triggers a state of chronic inflammation by microglia. Microglial activation has a significant pro-neurogenic effect that fosters the process of adult neurogenesis and supports neuronal migration. Unfortunately, this "reactive" pro-neurogenic activity ultimately perturbs homeostatic equilibrium in the niches of adult neurogenesis by amplifying tau pathogenesis in AD. This scenario involves NSCs in the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus in late-onset AD (LOAD) and NSCs in the ventricular-subventricular zone along the lateral ventricles in early-onset AD (EOAD), including familial AD (FAD). Neuroblasts carrying the initial seed of tau pathology travel throughout the brain via neuronal migration driven by complex signals and convey the disease from the niches of adult neurogenesis to near (LOAD) or distant (EOAD) brain regions. In these locations, or in close proximity, a focus of degeneration begins to develop. Then, tau pathology spreads from the initial foci to large neuronal networks along neural connections through neuron-to-neuron transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Abbate
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milan, Italy
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Kong C, Ahn JW, Kim S, Park JY, Na YC, Chang JW, Chung S, Chang WS. Long-lasting restoration of memory function and hippocampal synaptic plasticity by focused ultrasound in Alzheimer's disease. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:857-866. [PMID: 37211337 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a medical technology that non-invasively stimulates the brain and has been applied in thermal ablation, blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening, and neuromodulation. In recent years, numerous experiences and indications for the use of FUS in clinical and preclinical studies have rapidly expanded. Focused ultrasound-mediated BBB opening induces cognitive enhancement and neurogenesis; however, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. METHODS Here, we investigate the effects of FUS-mediated BBB opening on hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and cognitive function in a 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We applied FUS with microbubble to the hippocampus and LTP was measured 6 weeks after BBB opening using FUS. Field recordings were made with a concentric bipolar electrode positioned in the CA1 region using an extracellular glass pipette filled with artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Morris water maze and Y-maze was performed to test cognitive function. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that FUS-mediated BBB opening has a significant impact on increasing LTP at Schaffer collateral - CA1 synapses and rescues cognitive dysfunction and working memory. These effects persisted for up to 7 weeks post-treatment. Also, FUS-mediated BBB opening in the hippocampus increased PKA phosphorylation. CONCLUSION Therefore, it could be a promising treatment for neurodegenerative diseases as it remarkably increases LTP, thereby improving working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanho Kong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Woong Ahn
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohyun Kim
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Young Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Cheol Na
- Department of Neurosurgery, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, International St Mary's Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungsoo Chung
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Won Seok Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Guo MH, Vaishnavi SN. Clinical Management in Alzheimer’s Disease in the Era of Disease-Modifying Therapies. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11940-023-00750-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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40
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Gray ALH, Norman V, Oluwatoba DS, Prosser RA, Do TD. Potential Protective Function of Aβ 42 Monomer on Tauopathies. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2023; 34:472-483. [PMID: 36693165 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.2c00343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
While soluble forms of amyloid-β (Aβ) and Tau work together to drive healthy neurons into a disease state, how their interaction may control the prion-like propagation and neurotoxicity of Tau is not fully understood. The cross-linking via disulfide bond formation is crucial for Tau oligomers to obtain stable conformers and spread between cells. This work thus focuses on how Aβ42 regulates this critical process. By studying the interactions between Aβ42 and TauPHF43, a construct that mimics the Tau R3 isoform, has a similar length to Aβ42, and contains one cysteine (Cys-322), we discovered that fresh Aβ42 could protect Tau against the formation of disulfide cross-linked dimers. We showed that the monomeric and small Aβ oligomers (the "nonamyloidogenic Aβ") efficiently disassembled tau dimers and heparin-induced Tau oligomers to recover Tau monomers. Interestingly, Aβ serves the role of an antioxidant to prevent disulfide bond formation, as supported by the experiments of Aβ with cystine. Furthermore, using cyclosporine A (CycA), a macrocyclic β-sheet disruptor, we demonstrated that targeting amyloidogenic Aβ with CycA does not affect the TauPHF43 disassembly driven by Aβ42. Separately, we assessed the initial toxicity of Aβ42 and TauPHF43 in acute brain slices and found that Aβ42 is more toxic than TauPHF43 or the two peptides combined. Our work highlights a potential protective role of Aβ42 monomers in AD that was previously overlooked while focusing on the mechanism behind Aβ42 aggregation leading to tau dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber L H Gray
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Victoria Norman
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Damilola S Oluwatoba
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Rebecca A Prosser
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Thanh D Do
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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Moonen S, Koper MJ, Van Schoor E, Schaeverbeke JM, Vandenberghe R, von Arnim CAF, Tousseyn T, De Strooper B, Thal DR. Pyroptosis in Alzheimer's disease: cell type-specific activation in microglia, astrocytes and neurons. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 145:175-195. [PMID: 36481964 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-022-02528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The major neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), accompanied by neuroinflammation and neuronal loss. Increasing evidence is emerging for the activation of the canonical NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in AD. However, the mechanisms leading to neuronal loss in AD and the involvement of glial cells in these processes are still not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of pyroptosis, a pro-inflammatory mechanism of cell death downstream of the inflammasome, to neurodegeneration in AD. Immunohistochemistry and biochemical analysis of protein levels were performed on human post-mortem brain tissue. We investigated the presence of cleaved gasdermin D (GSDMD), the pyroptosis effector protein, as well as the NLRP3 inflammasome-forming proteins, in the medial temporal lobe of 23 symptomatic AD, 25 pathologically defined preclinical AD (p-preAD) and 21 non-demented control cases. Cleaved GSDMD was detected in microglia, but also in astrocytes and in few pyramidal neurons in the first sector of the cornu ammonis (CA1) of the hippocampus and the temporal cortex of Brodmann area 36. Only microglia expressed all NLRP3 inflammasome-forming proteins (i.e., ASC, NLRP3, caspase-1). Cleaved GSDMD-positive astrocytes and neurons exhibited caspase-8 and non-canonical inflammasome protein caspase-4, respectively, potentially indicating alternative pathways for GSDMD cleavage. Brains of AD patients exhibited increased numbers of cleaved GSDMD-positive cells. Cleaved GSDMD-positive microglia and astrocytes were found in close proximity to Aβ plaques, while cleaved GSDMD-positive neurons were devoid of NFTs. In CA1, NLRP3-positive microglia and cleaved GSDMD-positive neurons were associated with local neuronal loss, indicating a possible contribution of NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis activation to AD-related neurodegeneration. Taken together, our results suggest cell type-specific activation of pyroptosis in AD and extend the current knowledge about the contribution of neuroinflammation to the neurodegenerative process in AD via a direct link to neuron death by pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiaan Moonen
- Laboratory for Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), O&N IV Herestraat 49, Bus 1032, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium. .,Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Marta J Koper
- Laboratory for Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), O&N IV Herestraat 49, Bus 1032, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.,Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evelien Van Schoor
- Laboratory for Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), O&N IV Herestraat 49, Bus 1032, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for Neurobiology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jolien M Schaeverbeke
- Laboratory for Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), O&N IV Herestraat 49, Bus 1032, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Vandenberghe
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christine A F von Arnim
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Geriatrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Tousseyn
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.,Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,UK Dementia Research Institute, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dietmar Rudolf Thal
- Laboratory for Neuropathology, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven (University of Leuven), O&N IV Herestraat 49, Bus 1032, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,Department of Pathology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Zhang E, Dai F, Chen T, Liu S, Xiao C, Shen X. Diagnostic models and predictive drugs associated with cuproptosis hub genes in Alzheimer's disease. Front Neurol 2023; 13:1064639. [PMID: 36776574 PMCID: PMC9909238 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1064639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease, and its underlying genes and treatments are unclear. Abnormalities in copper metabolism can prevent the clearance of β-amyloid peptides and promote the progression of AD pathogenesis. Therefore, the present study used a bioinformatics approach to perform an integrated analysis of the hub gene based on cuproptosis that can influence the diagnosis and treatment of AD. The gene expression profiles were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, including non-demented (ND) and AD samples. A total of 2,977 cuproptosis genes were retrieved from published articles. The seven hub genes associated with cuproptosis and AD were obtained from the differentially expressed genes and WGCNA in brain tissue from GSE33000. The GO analysis demonstrated that these genes were involved in phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate, lipid, and glucose metabolism. By stepwise regression and logistic regression analysis, we screened four of the seven cuproptosis genes to construct a diagnostic model for AD, which was validated by GES15222, GS48350, and GSE5281. In addition, immune cell infiltration of samples was investigated for correlation with these hub genes. We identified six drugs targeting these seven cuproptosis genes in DrugBank. Hence, these cuproptosis gene signatures may be an important prognostic indicator for AD and may offer new insights into treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China,Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicinal Resources, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China,*Correspondence: Erdong Zhang ✉
| | - Fengqiu Dai
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- Guiyang Maternal and Child Health-Care Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shanhui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, Gansu Nephro-Urological Clinical Center, Institute of Urology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chaolun Xiao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiangchun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China,Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicinal Resources, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China,Xiangchun Shen ✉
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Condello C, Merz GE, Aoyagi A, DeGrado WF, Prusiner SB. Aβ and Tau Prions Causing Alzheimer's Disease. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2561:293-337. [PMID: 36399277 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2655-9_16] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Studies show that patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have both Aβ and tau prions, and thus, AD is a double-prion disease. AD patients with the greatest longevity exhibited low levels of both Aβ and tau prions; tau prions were nearly absent in the brains of almost half of the patients who lived beyond 80 years of age. Using cellular bioassays for prions in postmortem samples, we found that both Aβ and tau proteins misfold into prions leading to AD, which is either a sporadic or familial dementing disorder. Although AD is transmissible experimentally, there is no evidence that AD is either communicable or contagious. Since the progression of AD correlates poorly with insoluble Aβ in the central nervous system (CNS), it was difficult to distinguish between inert amyloids and Aβ prions. To measure the progression of AD, we devised rapid bioassays to measure the abundance of isoform-specific Aβ prions in the brains of transgenic (Tg) mice and in postmortem human CNS samples from AD victims and people who died of other neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). We found significant correlations between the longevity of individuals with AD, sex, and genetic background, despite the fact that all postmortem brain tissue had essentially the same confirmed neuropathology.Although brains from all AD patients had measurable levels of Aβ prions at death, the oldest individuals had lower Aβ prion levels than the younger ones. Additionally, the long-lived individuals had low tau prion levels that correlated with the extent of phosphorylated tau (p-tau). Unexpectedly, a longevity-dependent decrease in tau prions was found in spite of increasing amounts of total insoluble tau. When corrected for the abundance of insoluble tau, the tau prion levels decreased exponentially with respect to the age at death with a half-time of approximately one decade, and this correlated with the abundance of phosphorylated tau.Even though our findings with tau prions were not unexpected, they were counterintuitive; thus, tau phosphorylation and tau prion activity decreased exponentially with longevity in patients with AD ranging from ages 37 to 99 years. Our findings demonstrated an inverse correlation between longevity in AD patients and the abundance of neurotoxic tau prions. Moreover, our discovery may have profound implications for the selection of phenotypically distinct patient populations and the development of diagnostics and effective therapeutics for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Condello
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Gregory E Merz
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Atsushi Aoyagi
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - William F DeGrado
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stanley B Prusiner
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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de Lima IB, Ribeiro FM. The Implication of Glial Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:164-182. [PMID: 34951388 PMCID: PMC10190153 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666211223140303] [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: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) was first identified more than 100 years ago, yet aspects pertaining to its origin and the mechanisms underlying disease progression are not well known. To this date, there is no therapeutic approach or disease-modifying drug that could halt or at least delay disease progression. Until recently, glial cells were seen as secondary actors in brain homeostasis. Although this view was gradually refuted and the relevance of glial cells for the most diverse brain functions such as synaptic plasticity and neurotransmission was vastly proved, many aspects of its functioning, as well as its role in pathological conditions, remain poorly understood. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in glial cells were shown to be involved in neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity. Besides its relevance for glial function, glutamatergic receptors are also central in the pathology of AD, and recent studies have shown that glial mGluRs play a role in the establishment and progression of AD. AD-related alterations in Ca2+ signalling, APP processing, and Aβ load, as well as AD-related neurodegeneration, are influenced by glial mGluRs. However, different types of mGluRs play different roles, depending on the cell type and brain region that is being analysed. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the current understanding of glial mGluRs and their implication in AD, providing an insight for future therapeutics and identifying existing research gaps worth investigating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella B.Q. de Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabíola M. Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Increase in Tau Pathology in P290S Mapt Knock-In Mice Crossed with App NL-G-F Mice. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0247-22.2022. [PMID: 36635241 PMCID: PMC9770019 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0247-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is characterized by the pathologic assembly of amyloid β (Aβ) peptide, which deposits into extracellular plaques, and tau, which accumulates in intraneuronal inclusions. To investigate the link between Aβ and tau pathologies, experimental models featuring both pathologies are needed. We developed a mouse model featuring both tau and Aβ pathologies by knocking the P290S mutation into murine Mapt and crossing these Mapt P290S knock-in (KI) mice with the App NL-G-F KI line. Mapt P290S KI mice developed a small number of tau inclusions, which increased with age. The amount of tau pathology was significantly larger in App NL-G-F xMapt P290S KI mice from 18 months of age onward. Tau pathology was higher in limbic areas, including hippocampus, amygdala, and piriform/entorhinal cortex. We also observed AT100-positive and Gallyas-Braak-silver-positive dystrophic neurites containing assembled filamentous tau, as visualized by in situ electron microscopy. Using a cell-based tau seeding assay, we showed that Sarkosyl-insoluble brain extracts from both 18-month-old Mapt P290S KI and App NL-G-F xMapt P290S KI mice were seed competent, with brain extracts from double-KI mice seeding significantly more than those from the Mapt P290S KI mice. Finally, we showed that App NL-G-F xMapt P290S KI mice had neurodegeneration in the piriform cortex from 18 months of age. We suggest that App NL-G-F xMapt P290S KI mice provide a good model for studying the interactions of aggregation-prone tau, Aβ, neuritic plaques, neurodegeneration, and aging.
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Jorge-Oliva M, Smits JFM, Wiersma VI, Hoozemans JJM, Scheper W. Granulovacuolar degeneration bodies are independently induced by tau and α-synuclein pathology. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:187. [PMID: 36517915 PMCID: PMC9749177 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01128-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Granulovacuolar degeneration bodies (GVBs) are intracellular vesicular structures that commonly accompany pathological tau accumulations in neurons of patients with tauopathies. Recently, we developed the first model for GVBs in primary neurons, that requires exogenous tau seeds to elicit tau aggregation. This model allowed the identification of GVBs as proteolytically active lysosomes induced by tau pathology. GVBs selectively accumulate cargo in a dense core, that shows differential and inconsistent immunopositivity for (phosphorylated) tau epitopes. Despite the strong evidence connecting GVBs to tau pathology, these structures have been reported in neurons without apparent pathology in brain tissue of tauopathy patients. Additionally, GVBs and putative GVBs have also been reported in the brain of patients with non-tau proteinopathies. Here, we investigated the connection between pathological protein assemblies and GVBs in more detail. METHODS This study combined newly developed primary neuron models for tau and α-synuclein pathology with observations in human brain tissue from tauopathy and Parkinson's disease patients. Immunolabeling and imaging techniques were employed for extensive characterisation of pathological proteins and GVBs. Quantitative data were obtained by high-content automated microscopy as well as single-cell analysis of confocal images. RESULTS Employing a novel seed-independent neuronal tau/GVB model, we show that in the context of tauopathy, GVBs are inseparably associated with the presence of cytosolic pathological tau and that intracellular tau aggregation precedes GVB formation, strengthening the causal relationship between pathological accumulation of tau and GVBs. We also report that GVBs are inseparably associated with pathological tau at the single-cell level in the hippocampus of tauopathy patients. Paradoxically, we demonstrate the presence of GVBs in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease patients and in a primary neuron model for α-synuclein pathology. GVBs in this newly developed α-synuclein/GVB model are induced in the absence of cytosolic pathological tau accumulations. GVBs in the context of tau or α-synuclein pathology showed similar immunoreactivity for different phosphorylated tau epitopes. The phosphorylated tau immunoreactivity signature of GVBs is therefore independent of the presence of cytosolic tau pathology. CONCLUSION Our data identify the emergence of GVBs as a more generalised response to cytosolic protein pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Jorge-Oliva
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit (VU), De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jasper F. M. Smits
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit (VU), De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vera I. Wiersma
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit (VU), De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands ,grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen J. M. Hoozemans
- grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands ,grid.484519.5Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wiep Scheper
- grid.12380.380000 0004 1754 9227Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit (VU), De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands ,grid.509540.d0000 0004 6880 3010Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands ,grid.484519.5Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Chandler H, Wise R, Linden D, Williams J, Murphy K, Lancaster TM. Alzheimer's genetic risk effects on cerebral blood flow across the lifespan are proximal to gene expression. Neurobiol Aging 2022; 120:1-9. [PMID: 36070676 PMCID: PMC7615143 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Cerebrovascular dysregulation such as altered cerebral blood flow (CBF) can be observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may precede symptom onset. Genome wide association studies show that AD has a polygenic aetiology, providing a tool for studying AD susceptibility across the lifespan. Here, we ascertain whether the AD genetic risk effects on CBF previously observed (Chandler et al., 2019) are also present in later life. Consistent with our prior observations, AD genetic risk score (AD-GRS) was associated with reduced CBF in the ADNI sample. The regional association between AD-GRS and CBF were also spatially similar. Furthermore, CBF was related to the regional mRNA transcript expression of AD risk genes proximal to AD-GRS risk loci. These observations suggest that AD risk alleles may reduce neurovascular process such as CBF, potentially via mechanisms such as regional expression of proximal AD risk genes as an antecedent AD pathophysiology. Our observations help establish processes that underpin AD genetic risk-related reductions in CBF as a therapeutic target prior to the onset of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Chandler
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Richard Wise
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. D'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - David Linden
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Julie Williams
- UK Dementia Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UK
| | - Kevin Murphy
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Thomas Matthew Lancaster
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
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Alraawi Z, Banerjee N, Mohanty S, Kumar TKS. Amyloidogenesis: What Do We Know So Far? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213970. [PMID: 36430450 PMCID: PMC9695042 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of protein aggregation, and amyloidosis in particular, has gained considerable interest in recent times. Several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) show a characteristic buildup of proteinaceous aggregates in several organs, especially the brain. Despite the enormous upsurge in research articles in this arena, it would not be incorrect to say that we still lack a crystal-clear idea surrounding these notorious aggregates. In this review, we attempt to present a holistic picture on protein aggregation and amyloids in particular. Using a chronological order of discoveries, we present the case of amyloids right from the onset of their discovery, various biophysical techniques, including analysis of the structure, the mechanisms and kinetics of the formation of amyloids. We have discussed important questions on whether aggregation and amyloidosis are restricted to a subset of specific proteins or more broadly influenced by the biophysiochemical and cellular environment. The therapeutic strategies and the significant failure rate of drugs in clinical trials pertaining to these neurodegenerative diseases have been also discussed at length. At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the globe hard, the review also discusses the plausibility of the far-reaching consequences posed by the virus, such as triggering early onset of amyloidosis. Finally, the application(s) of amyloids as useful biomaterials has also been discussed briefly in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeina Alraawi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Fulbright College of Art and Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Nayan Banerjee
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Srujana Mohanty
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata 741246, India
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Paramanick D, Singh VD, Singh VK. Neuroprotective effect of phytoconstituents via nanotechnology for treatment of Alzheimer diseases. J Control Release 2022; 351:638-655. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.09.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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The central role of tau in Alzheimer’s disease: From neurofibrillary tangle maturation to the induction of cell death. Brain Res Bull 2022; 190:204-217. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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